Halloween is a time when people of all ages get to dress up in costumes, indulge in sweets, and embrace their spooky side. Florida is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, but it’s also a hub for Halloween festivities. From haunted houses to ghost tours, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Florida during the scary time of year.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Florida for Halloween. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events or something a bit more terrifying, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.
Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando is one of the most popular Halloween events in Florida. The event takes place at Universal Studios Florida and features haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows based on some of the most terrifying movies and TV shows.
Known for its high-quality special effects and intense scares, Halloween Horror Nights is a must-visit destination for horror fans. The event typically runs from September through November and is a separately ticketed event that takes place in Universal Studios Florida theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.
The 2023 event includes 10 haunted houses themed for the Stranger Things 4, The Last of Us, The Exorcist, Chucky and Dr. Oddfellow. Not to be missed is that Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream show which takes place four times a night.
Click here to see our Complete Guide to Halloween Horror Nights.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event held at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. The amazing event takes place on select nights from August to October and is a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween.
The party features trick-or-treating, exclusive character meet-and-greets, a Halloween-themed parade (featuring the Headless Horseman) and a special fireworks show. One of the highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, which features Disney characters in Halloween costumes, as well as spooky floats and music.
Whether you’re a Disney fan or just looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must-visit event in Florida.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is a very popular Halloween event that takes place at SeaWorld Orlando. This separately ticketed event features haunted houses, scare zones and live shows including Monster Stomp.
For 2023, visitors can explore the five (5) haunted houses Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown, Blood Beckoning and Dead Vines: Nawlins Nightmare. The seven scare zones include the Blood Light District, Toxic Turmoil, Witchcraft Bayou and CarnEvil Pier.
Click here to see our Complete Guide to Howl-O-Scream SeaWorld Orlando.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is another popular Halloween themed event that takes place at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in central / western Florida. The event features terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows, making it a great destination for horror fans.
Howl-O-Scream typically takes place on select nights from September through October and offers a variety of ticket options, including single-night tickets and multi-night passes. There are five (5) haunted houses which include Circus Fear, Stranglewood Estate and the Witch of the Woods. Scare zones include Big Ed’s Demolition Derby, Sin City Zombies and Raven’s Mil.
For 2023 there are three themed shows including Cirque X-Scream, Rolling Bones and Scare-E-Oke.
Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds is a popular Halloween event in West Palm Beach, Florida that features four haunted houses, carnival rides, live music, food and entertainment. Fright Nights has been a staple of the Halloween season in South Florida for over two decades and is known for its high-quality haunted houses and spooky atmosphere.
The event typically takes place on weekends in October and offers a variety of ticket options, including general admission and VIP passes. Visitors can explore haunted houses with themes such as a zombie apocalypse, a haunted hotel, and a creepy circus. The carnival rides and games provide a fun break from the scares, and the live music and entertainment add to the festive atmosphere.
Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds is a must-visit Halloween destination for anyone looking for a fun and spooky night out.
Scream-A-Geddon
Scream-A-Geddon is a popular horror park located in Dade City, Florida which is abnpit 40 miles north of Tampa. The park features a variety of Halloween-themed attractions, including haunted houses, escape rooms, and a zombie paintball experience.
This horrific venue is known for its high-quality special effects and intense scares, making it a favorite destination for horror fans from all over the state. The park has six different haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and storyline, ranging from a haunted asylum to a cursed swamp.
The escape rooms challenge visitors to solve puzzles and clues to escape a variety of terrifying scenarios, such as a serial killer’s lair or a zombie apocalypse. The zombie paintball experience allows visitors to take aim at hordes of zombies as they ride through a post-apocalyptic wasteland on a military-style vehicle.
Scream-A-Geddon is open during the Halloween season, typically from September through November and offers a variety of ticket options to fit every budget.
St. Augustine Ghosts and Gravestones
St. Augustine Ghosts and Gravstones is a popular ghost tour in St. Augustine, Florida that takes visitors on a spooky journey through the city’s haunted past. Taking place aboard a trolley that travels through the historic district of St. Augustine, this tour stops at various haunted locations throughout the area.
Led by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories of the city’s ghosts and legends, the tour features the story of the infamous pirate Captain Kidd, who is said to have buried treasure in the area. Additionally, the tour takes guests inside the Old Jail, which is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in St. Augustine. Visitors can explore the jail cells and learn about the harsh conditions that prisoners faced in the 19th century.
The St. Augustine Ghosts and Gravestones tour is a fun and spooky way to learn about the city’s history and legends, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the paranormal or the supernatural.
Vacation Homes in Florida
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape the cold winter months or a property to rent out for extra income, Florida might just be the place for that vacation home. With warm weather, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, this Sunshine State is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
When considering buying a vacation home in Florida, it’s important to research the different areas and neighborhoods to find the one that best fits your needs and budget. Some of the most popular areas for vacation homes in Florida include Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and the Gulf Coast.
Hiring an experienced real estate agent can be helpful in finding the perfect property, negotiating the best price and navigating the buying process. Overall, buying a vacation home in Florida can be a rewarding investment that provides you with a place to relax and enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer.
Click here to learn more about vacation homes in Florida.
