Haunted History Center Halloween
Step inside the History Center for a spooktacular day of tricks, treats, and ghoulishly grand fun!
On Sunday, Oct. 26, the museum will transform into a Halloween wonderland packed with family-friendly festivities.
The sweetest treat of all – kids ages 17 and under always receive FREE admission to the History Center, supported by the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative.
Little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts can embark on a haunted scavenger hunt that leads them to trick-or-treat stations across all six floors of exhibitions. While collecting candy and clues, families can explore the Scary Pittsburgh section of Pittsburgh’s Hidden History and cross paths with costumed spirits roaming the galleries. Afterwards, kids can create their own creepy mask inspired by the exhibit.
At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., gather for Spooky Storytime with folklorist Thomas White, who will share eerie tales and legends from Pittsburgh’s past. Perfect for kids ages 6 to12, these sessions will bring local folklore to life in a fun, not-too-scary way.
Throughout the program, families can also enjoy nonstop Halloween activities. Kids can show off their monster side with freaky face painting and temporary tattoos, strike a pose in the photo booth to capture the day’s memories, and collect a free, special edition orange pickle pin!
Plus, don’t forget to step outside for a chillingly fun sip from The Coffin Bean & Co., a mobile coffee bar pulled by a hearse that will be serving themed drinks.
With candy, crafts, costumes, and surprises around every corner, frightful fun awaits on every floor. Don’t ghost us — reserve your tickets today!
Spooktacular Schedule
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Museum Activities
- Halloween Mask-Making – Create your own creepy-cool mask inspired by Pittsburgh’s Hidden History.
- Fang-tastic Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos – Transform into a monster, ghoul, or ghost with a frightful new look.
- Oh Snap! Photo Booth – Say BOO and snap a photo with your costumed crew!
- Ghostly Encounters – Meet spirits of Pittsburgh’s past as they roam the museum.
- Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt – Follow the clues and collect treats at stations throughout six floors of exhibits.
- Wicked Artifacts & Archival Materials – Peek inside the Detre Library & Archives to see historic cemetery maps, “Night of the Living Dead” materials, and family photos from Halloweens past in Pittsburgh.
- The Coffin Bean & Co Truck – Grab a bone-chilling sip from The Coffin Bean & Co, a mobile coffee bar pulled by a hearse, outside the museum.
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | Spooky Storytime (Multipurpose Room, 3rd floor)
- Spooky Storytime – Gather ‘round for chilling tales and eerie legends from Pittsburgh’s past, designed for kids ages 6–12.
Admission
Regular admission rates apply for adults. Kids ages 17 and under always receive free admission at the History Center through the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative. Please note that tickets are still required for all guests, and we strongly recommend reserving in advance online.
Costumes are encouraged, but for everyone’s safety, please leave masks and toy weapons at home.
Questions creeping up? Send them to [email protected] … if you dare!