Franklin Square and the Betsy Ross House are Bringing Back Spooky Mini Golf and Spooky Twilight Tours
The official last day of Summer is approaching but if you’re a fan of the fall season and all things spooky season, you’ll be happy to know that two popular local attractions have you covered.
The popular Spooky Twilight Tours are the highlight of the season at the Betsy Ross House. On Friday and Saturday evenings from October 1-29, take a trip back in time to Philadelphia in the 1700s to learn about the city’s gruesome history of infection and inoculation. Hear true, macabre tales about bloodletting, smallpox, yellow fever, and other gross experiences. Find out what it was like to live in the ghastly 18th century and discover why Philadelphia was an infectious place to be. Then, head into the House for a spooky, shadowy tour. Tours run every half hour from 6 to 9 p.m. Timed tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance at Official Betsy Ross House – Tour, Tickets & Programs (Historic Philadelphia. The tours are sponsored in part by a patriotic friend of the Betsy Ross House).
Over at Franklin Square, Spooky Mini Golf kicks off October 1 at Franklin Square and continues nightly, 6 to 9 p.m., through October 31. If you dare, grab a date, some friends or the whole family and play Philly Mini Golf, all decked out in Halloween finery. Spooky music, lights, smoke and special effects will have guests shivering while they’re putting. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 3-12 and can be purchased on-site or in advance at Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
On Fridays and Saturdays, make a night of it by purchasing a Spooky Twosome, which includes a Spooky Twilight Tour for two and a round of Spooky Mini Golf for just $25.
Daytime special events are also on the calendar on weekends in September and October. At the Betsy Ross House visitors can Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia. Stop in the courtyard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays to interact with History Makers, who represent the racial, religious, social and political diversity of the city in the 1700s, including chocolate and mustard maker, Mary Crathorne; socialite, Peggy Chew; cake baker Margaret Woodby; and Susanna Cook, a washerwoman. This program is interactive. Guests will hear these women’s stories and have the opportunity to try their hands at their trades. Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia is a free program funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
On Sunday, October 9, the Betsy Ross House’s courtyard will be alive with activity as part of Old City Fest, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The annual event celebrates the art and design, fashion and food, creativity and culture on the streets of America’s most historic square mile. Stop at the House for chocolate making, storytelling, and more.
Fall in Franklin SquareIn Franklin Square, there’s more fall-themed fun for the family with a Pumpkin Patch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 and everyone’s favorite, Trick-or-Treat Trail 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. Children 10 and under are invited to pick their favorite pumpkin from the Franklin Square patch and use the craft supplies provided to give it a scary or a silly face. Come back the next week in costume to collect yummy treats at stops throughout the Square.
Both events are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Visit Upcoming Events in Franklin Square | Historic Philadelphia to register.
The Betsy Ross House is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Admission to the House is just $8 for adults and $6 for children. An optional audio guide is offered for just $2 more. Franklin Square is open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in September and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in October.
