Spooktacular Science Day

Spooktacular Science Day | Family Halloween Event in Philadelphia | The Franklin Institute

Spooktacular Science Day

Family Halloween Activities at Spooktacular Science Day in Philadelphia

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm  

Celebrate Halloween with hands-on science, live demonstrations, festive photo opportunities, and family-friendly activities at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Spooktacular Science Day takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and is free with general admission. 

Event Details: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11:00 am–3:00 pm | The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia | Free with general admission | Best for families, kids, and Halloween fans of all ages. 

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Featured Halloween Science Programming 

Guests can explore a full day of Halloween-themed science programming, including live demonstrations, hands-on activities, seasonal shows, and a trick-or-treat experience throughout the museum. 

  • Trick-or-Treat: Visit themed doors throughout the museum to meet witches, mummies, and other frightful friends while collecting sweet treats. Bring your own bag!  
  • Squid Dissection: What has large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles? Take a closer look at these deep-sea creatures and discover the real science behind some legendary sea monsters. 
  • Costume Parade: Show off your Halloween spirit and join fellow guests for a festive parade down the Atrium ramp. All ages welcome. 
  • That’s Gross! Live Science Show: Explore, test, and dive deep into some of the grossest facts about the human body in this live science show. 11 am and 2 pm, PECO Demonstration Theater. 
  • How NOT to Carve a Pumpkin Show: Pumpkin carving gets messy in this live science demonstration exploring the chemistry and physics behind an over-the-top Halloween experiment. 1 pm, PECO Demonstration Theater. 
  • The Electricity Show: It’s alive! Explore the powerful forces that bring light and energy to the world around us, from lightning storms to glowing bulbs and all the shocking science in between. 12 pm and 3 pm, PECO Demonstration Theater.  
  • Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Slime Drop: Watch different types of slime take the plunge and discover how chemistry affects viscosity, then explore hands-on slime demonstrations and activities. 
  • Hands-On Play: Shrinky Dinks, Pepper’s Ghost illusions, and electrifying Jacob’s Ladder demonstrations – oh my! Hands-on play with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania. 
kids trick or treat at The Franklin Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Spooktacular Science Day at The Franklin Institute?

Spooktacular Science Day is Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Is Spooktacular Science Day a family-friendly Halloween event?

Yes. This family-friendly Halloween event features trick-or-treating, a costume parade, hands-on science activities, live science shows, and spooky fun for all ages. 

Does The Franklin Institute have trick-or-treating for Halloween?

Yes. Guests can visit themed doors throughout the museum to meet witches, mummies, and other frightful friends while collecting sweet treats.

How much does Spooktacular Science Day cost?

Spooktacular Science Day programming is free with general admission to The Franklin Institute. Guests should purchase general admission tickets, and members can reserve member tickets in advance.

Can guests wear costumes to Spooktacular Science Day?

Yes. Guests are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and can join the costume parade during Spooktacular Science Day at The Franklin Institute.

Do I need tickets for Spooktacular Science Day?

Yes. Spooktacular Science Day is free with general admission, so guests should buy general admission tickets before visiting. Members can reserve member tickets in advance.

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