Connecticut is a spooky state in the best possible way. It is the site of the first American Witch Trials, predating those to occur in Salem by 30 years. The state is home to dozens of purportedly haunted cemeteries and churches and several abandoned hospitals and sanitoriums. Allegedly, these locations are still full of residents who have long since passed.
From ghost tours in CT towns to lighter family fun such as movie screenings and harvest festivals, there is something for every family to enjoy in Connecticut this October. Here are our five top event picks.
Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides at the Connecticut Trolley Museum
The CT Trolley Museum in East Windsor, CT is a fantastic day trip for families in its own right. But each fall, something special happens. Every October, the museum offers a pumpkin patch trolley ride. Weekends through October 30th, guests are invited to ride the trolley out to the pumpkin patch and select their favorite pumpkin.
Upon return to the museum, guests can decorate pumpkins, enjoy face painting, and visit the museum including the additional Fire Truck Museum on-site. Trolley rides are unlimited. Adults are $14, $7 for members. Children 2-11 are $12, $6 for members. Children under 2 are free.
The Ride at Pumpkintown USA – Drive-through
For those who prefer a socially distant Halloween activity, consider the Pumpkintown Drive-through! This one-mile drive in East Hampton allows guests to view the fanciful scenery and inhabitants of “Pumpkintown Forest” from the safety of their vehicles. Delicious Pumpkintown treats are available to purchase for your drive through the Pumpkintown Forest. Snacks available are apple cider donuts, popcorn, and fresh cider.
Be sure to visit Pumpkintown USA’s Harvest Store and Garden Center located across the street for pumpkins, produce, and fall decor to take home with you. Open 10am-5pm daily, weather permitting through Halloween.
Join the Buell Family for their annual Orchard Harvest Festival in Eastford, CT. The festival takes place on October 8th and 10th, 2022 from 10am-4pm. Enjoy hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, and live music.
“Coraline” Outdoor Film Screening in Pitkin Plaza
Parents, what better way to enjoy Halloween than to share a true Halloween classic with them? Pitkin Plaza in New Haven, CT will be offering an outdoor movie screening of Hocus Pocus October 14th at 8pm. This showing is part of the Movies in the Plaza series to occur each Wednesday at 8pm until October 26th from 8-10pm. The screening is free, and registration required upon entry.
West Hartford Hauntings at Old North Cemetery
What could be better than hauntings with a side of history? West Hartford historic district is home to the Noah Webster House and the Old North Cemetery. Join the West Hartford Historical Society for a guided, theatrical, candlelit tour of Old North Cemetary.
West Hartford Hauntings will be held on Oct. 20th-22nd, 28th, and 29th at Old North Cemetery, 80 North Main Street, West Hartford. Tours depart every 15 minutes from 6-8:45pm. The tours run for 45 minutes between the hours of 6-8:45pm. Thursday, October 20th is preview night, and tickets are discounted.
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
Seaside Shadows is hosting a variety of spooky tours in Mystic, Connecticut this Halloween. Haunted Tours include Spirits of Mystic: Whiskey Pub Crawl, Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour, and Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour, to name a few. Several tours span year-round!
