7 Hair-Raising Halloween Theme Park Experiences

Looking for some fang-tastic fun this Halloween season? The leaves are falling, the weather is chilling and your favorite resorts and theme parks are ready to celebrate. Whether you’re in search of a seriously haunting scare or looking for something to entertain your little ghouls, these spine-tingling attractions are a screaming good time.

1. Universal Studios Florida

Each fall, Universal Studios Florida transforms into a fright with sinister scare zones, outrageous live shows and thrilling attractions. Test your bravery at one of the park’s elaborate haunted houses including sets based on pop culture greats such as Stranger Things, Jordan Peele’s Us, Ghostbusters, House of 1000 Corpses and more.

2. Universal Studios Hollywood

Similar to its sister park, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood loves a good scare. Enter the ghoulish world of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights to see if you have what it takes to escape one of their 10 bone-chilling elaborately themed mazes where you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most epic monsters and creeps in the history of film. Attractions change each year, but to give you a taste of what to expect, Universal Hollywood has fantastically brought to life haunting scenes from your favorite movies and shows including Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Creepshow and the Walking Dead universe.

Warning – Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights aims to terrify and may not be suitable for visitors under the age of 13.

3. Disneyland

Visit Disneyland Park from September 6 to October 31 and look on in awe as the famous park grounds are transformed into a harvest wonderland filled with pumpkins, dark décor, themed rides and special appearances from everyone’s favorite Disney villains and foes. Mouseketeers can encounter Halloweentown’s Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, at the Haunted Mansion Holiday; snap a pic with their favorite costumed characters; marvel upon the hundreds of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns lined along Main Street; and attend the Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party.

4. Walt Disney World

For a family-friendly fright, boo-k your ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World from August 16 to November 1. Perfect for Disney fanatics looking for a friendly scare, Disney World’s most popular Halloween attractions include the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and Not-So-Scary Fun for Little Ones at the Storybook Circus.

5. SeaWorld San Antonio

For Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy, head to SeaWorld San Antonio where kiddos can hang with their friends at Sesame Street Bay of Play for trick-or-treating and a festive parade featuring 10 screaming-good floats that celebrate everything that’s great about this time of year. To be awed by creatures that go bump in the night (aka animals that go “meow” and “woof” in the night), don’t miss SeaWorld’s Halloween-themed Pets Ahoy show where your favorite furry friends are sure to amaze with their daring stunts and tricks.

6. SeaWorld Orlando

Half woman, half fish, mythical mermaids come to life on SeaWorld Orlando’s Trick-or-Treat Trail. Speaking of the Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Halloween adventure at SeaWorld Orlando means no shortage of sweets as candy stations are set up periodically throughout the park offering Swedish Fish, Smarties, Airheads and more to costumed youngsters along the way.

7. SeaWorld San Diego

One of San Diego’s largest fall festivals, SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular is sure to get you in the spirit with its popular events and attractions like Clyde & Seamore’s Big Halloween Bash, a section of the park decorated to honor Dia de los Muertos and Manta Madness - the park’s double-launch roller coaster that gets a freaky makeover for the occasion.