Philadelphia families have a delightfully spooky new reason to head downtown: Franklin Square has dressed up Center City’s only 18-hole miniature golf course for Halloween. Spooky Mini Golf runs daily through November 1, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the beloved park at Sixth and Race streets in the Historic District, presented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
The Philadelphia-themed course — where every hole celebrates a city landmark — now weaves through spooky decor, eerie fog, music and playful lighting on the way to a tricky final green. Families with younger children can choose the fright-free daytime putting, while older kids can brave the fuller Halloween atmosphere as the day goes on. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12, and the park itself is free to enter.
The fun peaks on two special Saturdays. On Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the free Pumpkin Patch supplies pumpkins and decorations so children 10 and under can design their own one-of-a-kind Halloween pumpkin — reservations are strongly recommended. Then, on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Trick-or-Treat Street invites the 10-and-under crowd to follow the pumpkin trail and gather sweet treats along the way; the daytime event is free, with advance tickets recommended.
Between rounds, families can ride the Parx Liberty Carousel, watch the Franklin Square Fountain Show and refuel at SquareBurger. It is an easy, happy fall outing — costumes welcome, candy bags encouraged, and plenty of Philadelphia pride at every hole.
Photo: Bruce Andersen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
