10 Halloween Events in Florida for a Scary Good Time

From horrifying haunted houses to kid-friendly events, here is a wholly incomplete list of events happening through the month of October for Halloween.

Florida does not take All Hallows’ Eve lightly! Here are some events celebrated around the state that will scare you silly. And in case some of these attractions are a little too intense, we’ve included some child-friendly options as well. 

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Resort, Orlando  

Famous for its dark and grotesque haunted houses and scare zones, this is the most popular event in Orlando. Because that, dear mortal, is when the streets of Universal Studios become alive (or… perhaps undead would be a better word?) with bone-chilling creatures designed to scare the daylights out of you. This year there are many haunted houses to explore, each themed with special effects, like the spooky mansion from Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, and the seriously terrifying Texas Chainsaw Massacre house.                                                                           

The event runs through Oct. 31. Visit their website HERE.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, Tampa

Hailed as Tampa’s “premier Halloween event,” this year the spook fest takes over the entire park with haunted houses, sinister shows, and more. And let us not forget Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides that will make your hair stand on end, especially when riding a roller coaster in the dark.

This year the event features three new houses, plus chilling interactive entertainment and scare zones that truly live up to their name. Not for the faint of heart, this event features unexpected terrors around every corner. Runs through Oct. 31. Visit their website HERE.  

Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing, Jacksonville

In this intense, bone-chilling spook fest, everyone’s nightmare comes true as the maid, butler (it’s always the butler!), and groundsmen at Payn (get it?) Manor seek revenge on you, the guest of honor. 

If that doesn’t sate your taste for horror, there’s always Dark Fables 3D, the largest attraction of its kind in the area. This dark, twisted fantasy takes visitors through narrow passageways filled with truly creepy characters. Just be warned: fairy tales are not what they seem… And this year the mayhem is bigger than ever, with more than 40 actors ready to creep you out. 

Runs through Oct. 31. Visit their website HERE.  

House of Horror Haunted Carnival, Miami

Attention shopaholics! This horror-filled event will cure you of your spending habits faster than you can say “Get me outta here!” House of Horror Haunted Carnival, the largest Halloween experience in South Florida, returns to Miami International Mall where you’ll experience a giant abandoned department store that has been overtaken and claimed by… something or things you don’t want to encounter in aisle 13. 

There are four experiences that will make your blood run cold. Just don’t trigger Misshhhell as you walk through, and unleash her wrath. Do you have the nerve to check-in to “Insanitorium where the patients oversee the delivery of nervous breakdowns.” After this shopping ordeal you can enjoy unlimited carnival rides, among other attractions. 

Runs through Oct. 31. Visit their website HERE. 

A Petrified Forest, Altamonte Springs

One of the highest-rated Halloween events in Central Florida, this event is sure to curdle the blood and weaken the knees. Before ye enter the maze, we have some questions for you: Do you dare trek your way through the haunted outdoor scare trails? Will you faint at the prospect of facing various alien races, some vicious, that have descended to our planet? Can your poor nerves handle the Total Eclipse Night, accosted by strange creatures? Be aware that you will be given one glow stick, and if a creature steals it along the way…  you won’t be given a second chance. 

For the younger crowd there’s a designated Kids Day with trick-or-treating, arts and crafts and a bounce house.

Runs through Oct. 29, visit their website HERE.

For the Kids

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, Orlando   

Kids love trick-or-treating (with purchase of reusable bags) during this daytime event as they explore a decorated trail and meet colorful characters. But there’s more! This year’s immersive family Spooktacular Festivities include Halloween Storytime with Big Bird, when—at select times throughout the day—kids can gather around this beloved character to hear some of their favorite Halloween stories. They can also join scarecrows for a kid-friendly Halloween dance party, meet a mermaid, visit a pumpkin patch and participate in a costume contest, among other spooktacular attractions.

SeaWorld Spooktacular runs select days through Oct. 31, and is included with park admission.  Visit their website HERE. 

Brick or Treat at Legoland Florida, Tampa 

Join the Monster Party on Select weekends this fall, when the party kicks off and Monsters take over LEGOLAND®. This year’s Halloween party features live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, a costume,  and, of course, trick-or-treating! 

Runs Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. Admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes. Visit their website HERE. 

Halloween Haunted Trails and Kids’ Zone, Miami

Do you dare encounter a parade of scary creatures at the city of North Miami’s annual haunted trail event? This fun-for-all-ages event is filled with activities kids can enjoy, like scary hayrides, haunted trails, a Family Fun Zone featuring a costume parade, and more. Visitors are  encouraged to come dressed up in their best Halloween costumes.

North Miami’s Enchanted Forest Park event takes place on Oct. 28, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Visit their website HERE. 

Spooktacular Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville 

In this enchanting place to celebrate the scariest night of the year, visitors hear mysterious noises coming from… “somewhere” and find eyes lurking around, following their every move. Families will enjoy exploring the winding pathways of themed decorations, coming face to face with mythical beings, and delight with some sweet treats. Spooktacular features activities for all ages from trick-or-treating to scare zones, and guests are encouraged to dress up in family-friendly costumes.

Runs Oct. 14-16, 20-23, 27-31 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Visit their website HERE.  

Halloween in Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

This fun door-to-door trick-or-treat alternative for kids features local businesses sponsoring booths to hand out candy and fun trinkets to an estimated 15,000 kids. The event kicks off with trick-or-treating around Cranes Roost Lake and features live entertainment, followed by costume contests, games, and many surprises.Oct. 31, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Visit their website HERE.