Events: the week ahead

HALLOWEEN TALES In preparation for Halloween, Minute Man National Park rangers and volunteers will put visitors of all ages in a spooky mood when they tell traditional New England ghost stories in a candlelit setting. Oct. 16, 4:45-5:45 p.m. (young children) and 7-9 p.m. Free. Barn behind Hartwell Tavern, Route 2A, Lincoln. Park on Route 2A. 978-369-6993. www.nps.gov/mima

BOO AT THE ZOO The Trick-or-Treat Trail with thrills, chills, and animals awaits young visitors who are welcome to bring trick-or-treat bags or get one at the zoo. There will be creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling costume contests, and a haunted maze. Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $11, $9 seniors, $7 ages 2-12. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 781-438-5100. www.zoonewengland.org

THREE LITTLE PIGS The pork trio will huff, puff, and blow in this 45-minute operatic version based on an adaptation by John Davies with music by Mozart. Performers are students at the Boston Conservatory. Oct. 17 at noon and 2 p.m. Free. Recommended for grades K-6. The Boston Conservatory’s Seully Hall, 8 The Fenway, Boston. 617-912-9240. www.bostonconservatory.edu

WITCH’S WOODS More than 100 characters await your arrival in Westford, where you will encounter Nightmare Mansion, Castle Morbid, Keeper’s Crypt, Horrorwood Chamber of Chills, the Freak Out, Haunted Hayride, and much more spookiness. Thurs-Sun in October, 6:30-10:30 p.m. $27, $25 under age 12. Nashoba Valley Ski Area, 79 Powers Road, Westford. 978-692-3033. www.witchswoods.com

TOUR OF WELLESLEY MANSION Make yourself at home at this $2.195 million home with four fireplaces, a wine cellar and tasting room, and a theater. Special events include book signings, a wine tasting, music, and afternoon teas. Proceeds benefit the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (through Nov. 1). $15, $20 at the door. Home of Distinction, 169 Grove St., Wellesley. 617-227-4183. www.rfkchildren.org

MAUDSLAY IS HAUNTED This outdoor walk along a haunted trail is full of creatures and skits by an all-ages cast from Theater in the Open. Not all skits are recommended for the very young. Oct. 17 and 18, 2-4 p.m. (rain dates Oct. 24 and 25). $5. Maudslay State Park, 1 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. 978-465-2572. www.theaterintheopen.org

NORTH END EXPOSURE Pace yourself for this progressive dinner at four North End restaurants. Prezza, Taranta, Tresca, and Panza are preparing special dishes for you. Oct. 20, 6:30-9 p.m. $50, $60 with wine pairings. Reservations are recommended. Maps are at Prezza, 24 Fleet St., Boston. 617-227-1577.