Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

Halloween isn't until next Friday, but there are plenty of awesome Halloween activities happening both this weekend and next weekend in the Philadelphia area. Here is my top ten list of fun things to do with your kids--and get more than one day's use out of their costumes.

1. If your kid is brave--and perhaps a bit older than preschool age (actually must be over 7)--you don't want to miss Terror Behind The Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary. This spooky old prison is tarted up for the holiday and filled with actors in terrifying costumes. Serious fun.

2. For a much tamer event, enjoy the Pumpkin Carving Weekend at the Chadds Ford Historical Society. Artists from all over the Delaware Valley come here to carve huge pumpkins into amazing works of art. Pumpkins are available for your kiddos to carve too.

3. If your kid loves critters and being spooked, you'll want to check out Nightmare at Elmwood Park Zoo. A fun event that isn't going to terrify the youngest kids, this event is perfect for tots.

4. For those that live in South Jersey or feel like taking the ferry across the river, the Camden Children's Garden--always fun--is offering spooking train rides and other fun activities at their Goblins in the Garden Festival. Kids in costume get half off the already cheap admission!

5. If you have both older and younger kids, then Shady Brook Farm's Halloween events might be just right for you. They offer both a Pumpkin Fest for little kids, and a "Horror Fest" for older kids. One stop shopping to make everyone happy!

6. If you want to stay in the city, then Boo at the Zoo might be just right for you. The nation's oldest zoo is hosting a bevy of events all this weekend, perfect for all ages.

7. The fantastic Rosenbach Museum is hosting its annual Dracula Festival, and my favorite part is the amazing Dracula Parade that starts at the Museum and then parades around Rittenhouse Square featuring giant puppets from Spiral Q Puppet Theater! Not to be missed.

8. If you are willing to spend a bit more cash,Sesame Place in Bucks County is offering its annual Count's Halloween Spooktacular. There's a Halloween themed play, trick or treating, and hay rides to a pumpkin patch.

9. Franklin Square at 6th and Race Streets is offering a couple of great Halloween events this year--both a movie night and a trick-and-treat trail. As always, the fabulous carousel and playground will also be available!

10. My final suggestion is actually NOT one for the kids. But if you can get a babysitter, do not miss Henry David's Halloween Ball. This is THE annual Philadelphia event and you will not be disappointed. Costumes are divine, and you're very likely to see many members of City Council and probably the Mayor present. Some years even the Governor comes by.