Parks & Rec sites are celebrating both Halloween and Day of the Dead with a variety of hauntingly fun events!
1. Halloween Hike to the Lost Cave of the Wissahickon
When: October 27, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Valley Park — Meet at Hermitage Mansion, 700 Hermit Lane, 19128
Join the Wild Women of the Wissahickon on this Twilight adventure to “The Lost Cave.” Learn about America’s first doomsday cult. Will the Wizard Kelpius return to his cave to fulfill his prophecy?
Costumes are highly suggested. Be prepared to walk over uneven terrain in low light. Bring a camera to see if you can catch the likenesses of any apparitions on film! Suitable for children over 12 years old with a responsible adult. No pets please. Register for the event (requied).
2. Halloween Campfire at Pennypack Environmental Center
When: October 29, 2021 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Pennypack Environmental Center — 8600a Verree Road, 19115
Children ages six and up are welcome to participate in spooky stories by the campfire and other Halloween fun! Registration required. Register for the event (required).
3. Healthy Halloween at Smith Memorial Playground
When: October 30, 2021 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse—3500 Reservoir Dr., 19121
Come in costume and enjoy an afternoon of messy arts and crafts, healthy treats, giveaways, and music. Tickets are $10 per child. Adults, members, and Access card holders enter for free. Purchase tickets for the event. Raindate is Sunday, October 31.
4. Trick or Treat Trails at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center
When: October 30, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center — 700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 19143
Join us for a story-book trail from the Cobb’s Creek Recreation Center to the Environmental Center. Halloween-centered activities include scary storytelling at the campfire, archery, and apple cider pressing.
The start of the trail will feature “Room on the Broom” storybook. Costumes optional. Candy abundant! Learn more about this event.
5. Day of the Dead Bike Ride to LOVE Park
Where: Meet at the Indego bicycle station at 1001 Washington Ave., 19147 (next to CVS).
Bike to LOVE Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 19102
Join this 3.5-mile bike ride from South Philadelphia to LOVE Park. Participants are encouraged to:
- Bring their own bikes or use an Indego.
- Dress up as Catrinas or Calaveras.
- Decorate their bikes with Day of the Dead accessories.
- Visit the Día de los Muertos altar at LOVE Park.
- Discover the true meaning the Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico through the eyes of writer José Carlos Pérez Sámano.
Space is limited. Register for the event.
Sponsored by Parks & Rec, the Mexican Consulate, and the Mexican Cultural Center.
