Halloween Events In Boston

Halloween isn’t just trick or treating and bobbing for apples. From Boston’s grizzly history to an animal costume contest, the city celebrates in various ways. Here are a few of the many Halloween events taking place this month, most of which are family-friendly.

• Boston Ghost Cruise
  Oct. 24-Oct. 31, 2009, $32
  Climb aboard for a frightening journey along Boston Harbor and learn about some of the city’s scariest history. For a tamer version, hop aboard on Oct. 31, when Boston Harbor Cruises will present two family sailings.
• Halloween Town
  Oct. 24-25, 2009, $14-$19
  Boston’s largest Halloween celebration returns to the Seaport World Trade Center for the fifth year in a row with family-friendly entertainment including jugglers, dancers, and musicians. Grammy-award winning musical guests Dan Zanes and Friends will perform multiple concerts throughout the weekend.
• Fish, Fun, and Fright
  Oct. 23, 2009, 6-9 p.m.
  The New England Aquarium’s annual Halloween-themed bash includes a meal and a kids' goodie bag in the price of admission. For members only. For information on how to become a member, click here.
• Halloween With Mass. Audubon
  
  The nature conservancy group hosts a number of Halloween-themed events, including pumpkin carving, a Halloween hike at Boo Meadow Brook, and a hayride at Wachusett Meadow. See web site for details.
• Zoo Howl at the Franklin Park Zoo
  Oct. 24-25, 2009, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,
  Bring the kids to the Franklin Park Zoo’s Halloween celebration, featuring “creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games and a trick-or-treat trail.”
• Halloween Dinner Cruise
  Oct. 31, 2009, 6:30-10 p.m., Starting at $83.90
  Board the Spirit of Boston and enjoy cocktails, a buffet, entertainment, and an optional costume contest. The ship will also host a Halloween Family Fun Lunch Cruise earlier in the day, starting at $42.90 per adult, $15.90 per child.
• Halloween Parade
  Oct. 30, 2009, 3 p.m.
  Grab a costume and head to the Connolly Library for Halloween activities and a parade through Hyde Square to Mozart Park.
• Beacon Hill with a Boo
  Oct. 31, 2009, 5:30 p.m., $15
  Hear the stories of ghosts, murders, and mayhem that haunt one of Boston’s most desirable neighborhoods with this 90-minute walking tour.
• Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
  Oct. 31, 2009, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Dress up your pet and get him or her ready for the Halloween season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.