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If visiting area haunted houses isn’t your thing and you’re overwhelmed by the crowds at Kennywood’s Fall Phantom Fest, there are other places around town to enjoy spooky season. Here are several fun and scary activities that you can attend to get in the Halloween spirit. 

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is holding its first Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, which will run from Oct. 3- Nov. 3. At the event, thousands of carved pumpkins will glow during the walk-through of the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza. The carvings will feature beloved zoo animals and familiar characters from pop culture, sports, and more. Special tickets are needed to attend. Also, on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 19-27, ZooBoo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. This offers daytime trick or treating throughout the zoo and a visit to a family-friendly haunted house. ZooBoo is included in the regular admission.

For all “The Silence of The Lamb” fans, on Friday, Oct. 11, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum will be screening this 1991 film at their The Silence of the Lambs Cage Night. “The Silence of The Lambs” was filmed in the Pittsburgh area, and the cage scene was filmed at Soldiers and Sailors in Oakland. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will start at 7:30 p. m. Before the movie starts, fans can get a selfie with Hannibal and Clarice reenactors and a cage replica in the grand ballroom where the iconic escape was filmed. What’s believed to be the original cage rug from the movie will also be on display, courtesy of Ruth Frantz. Advanced tickets are is strongly encouraged since space is limited. 

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is throwing a costume party called Haunted Museum After Dark. Those who attend will get to explore the museum’s haunted halls after hours and see frightening specimens. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. This is available for those who are 21 and older. 

Do you like putting on a costume and drinking coffee? If yes, Cafe Phipps After Dark: House of Haunts will offer this opportunity on Friday, Oct.11 from 7-10 p.m. at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, grab a drink at Cafe Phipps, and visit Palm Court to strike a pose with a fun photo booth from Pittsburgh Paparazzi. Duquesne University’s theater group will entertain guests with ghost-filled performances. 

Have you ever wanted to hear the “true” haunted tales of Pittsburgh? Haunted Three Rivers Cruise on the Gateway Clipper will tell you all about them when you book a Haunted Three Rivers Cruise trip and learn about the rich collection of ghost tales that center around historical areas and landmarks along the Three Rivers as well as under the waters. The first cruise sets sail on Saturday, Sept. 27 with two time slots at 6:30 and 8 p.m. It will run for one month from Sept. 27-Oct. 27. 

Idlewild’s Hallowboo in Ligonier is offering more than 30 rides and attractions, special events and more this October at Hallowboo. Some of these attractions are the Trick or Treat Trail, the new Sasquatchanna Railroad, and the new Mystic Wilds Jungle Maze. It runs Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27.

Pittsburgh Playhouse is hosting Boo’s Halloween House Party in the Highmark Theatre, Downtown. These performances feature a spellbinding array of classic Halloween musical hits performed by a cast of whimsical characters that will delight children and adults of all ages. The event is conceived and directed by Point Park University alumnus Ahmad Simmons and written by Simmons and Lazlo Graves. These productions will be held at various times between Thursday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 27.