Join the Central Florida Zoo Earth Day celebration with interactive activities, crafts, and games. Photo by the author
Earth Day Events, Spring Festivals, and More Fun Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids
Winter Garden's annual Spring Fever in the Garden festival celebrates the season of gardening. Photo courtesy of the event
Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids April 2024
Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Drives near Orlando
A kids Gym Gymnastic Academy Summer Camp
GUIDE
Orlando Summer Camp Guide
Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can
Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!
Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs
Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids
Go beyond the ordinary with virtual reality (VR) games at Dezerland Park Orlando.
Dezerland Park Orlando: Florida's Largest Indoor Attraction for Thrills & Fun
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
20 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
These gentle giants love the warm waters at Blue Springs in Central Florida. Photo by the author
Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida
Kids can pick their own strawberries at Oak Haven Farms & Winery.
Where to Pick Strawberries Near Orlando: 8 Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms
The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
Best Budget Weekend Trips for Orlando Families
Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love this Legoland Attraction
You don't have to go far to find the beach in St. Augustine. Photo courtesy of St. Augustine
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
Splash, climb, tinker, and explore your way through Orlando Science Center's family-favorite exhibit, KidsTown. Photo by the author
Best Museums for Kids in Orlando: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in Orlando
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Splitsville, located at Disney Springs. Photo courtesy of Splitsville Orlando
Best Orlando Bowling for Kids of All Ages
Anclote Key, made up of four islands off the Gulf Coast's Tarpon Springs, is a popular gathering place for boaters. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Best Sandbars Near Orlando and Central Florida for Families Interested in Adventure
The YMCA of Central Florida provides beforecare and afterschool programs at select Orange County elementary schools.
Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs for Orlando Kids
Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
35 Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando Before They Turn 5
The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Explore the incredible Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park.
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida Is Free Outdoor Fun
Dr. Seuss and all the characters from his beloved stories welcome families of all ages at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo by author
Universal Orlando with Kids: Everything You Need to Know for a 2-Day Visit
The Yardley is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Use our visitors guide to navigate The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Tips for a Magical Experience in Orlando
Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Encounters in Orlando and Central Florida
See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
Florida's Kennedy Space Center: A Kid-Friendly Visitors Guide
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Get ready to pack your five-day Disney World itinerary full of fun!
Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
Giraffe got your tongue? Nah, it's just another fun day at the Central Florida Zoo!
Visiting Central Florida Zoo Like a Local: Top Things To Do and See With Kids
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park: Photo courtesy of Legoland
30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn 1
Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!
Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

Best Halloween Events in Orlando for Kids and Families: Theme Park Fun, Haunted Houses, and More

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is back with fun surprises, candy, costumes and more! Photo courtesy of SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is back with fun surprises, candy, costumes and more! Photo courtesy of SeaWorld
9/24/23 - By Charlotte B

Get ready for spooky fun! Halloween events in Orlando are approaching and festivities are gearing up throughout Central Florida. Theme parks, seasonal attractions, local municipalities, and other organizations are hosting all sorts of frightfully-fun Halloween events. Read on for our top picks for Halloween happenings in and around Orlando. And for those looking for the ultimate fright, we've included haunted house experiences to visit this season.

For more fall fun, visit an Orlando fall festival and plan a trip to a local corn maze or pumpkin patch. Better yet, get all the details about seasonal fun in our Orlando Fall Fun Guide! And don't forget to sign up for our FREE Orlando newsletter for more fun events delivered straight to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Meet LEGO Halloween characters, partake in a Monster Party costume parade, and enjoy boo-tastic Halloween shows. Photo by the author
Meet LEGO Halloween characters, partake in a Monster Party costume parade, and enjoy boo-tastic Halloween shows. Photo by the author

2023 Orlando Halloween Events: Theme Parks & Attractions

Goblins & Giggles at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee - Select dates through October 28, 2023
Halloween activities at Gaylord Palms include Monster Mash Bash, Pirate's Treasure escape room, trick or treat expedition, Spookley the Square Pumpkin meet & greet and dive-in movie, Phantom of the Atrium Light Display, and a Jack-O-Lantern Walk. READ MORE

Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida Resort

Winter Haven - Weekends through October 29, 2023
Each weekend from September 16 through October 29, Legoland Florida celebrates Halloween with its annual Brick-or-Treat event.  Kids can visit Brick-or-Treat stations for candy and goodies, meet LEGO Halloween characters, partake in a Monster Party with costume parade, and enjoy Boo-tastic Halloween shows. READ MORE

Happy Frights at Leu Gardens

Orlando - Select dates, September 29-October 31, 2023
Happy Frights is a family-friendly Halloween adventure featuring live characters, trick-or-treating, and immersive worlds. Guests can explore a neon-light maze, meet a dancing bridge-troll, climb a giant hay-pyramid, venture through a ghost-pirate zone, and more. READ MORE

Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience

Orlando - Through October 31, 2023
This annual event at Crayola Experience Orlando includes monster-ific crafts, a themed scavenger hunt, characters photo-ops, and more. Trick or treating and live entertainment will take place on the weekends. READ MORE

SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular

Orlando - Select days through October 31, 2023
At SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, kids can grab candy and other goodies along the trick-or-treat trail, participate in a Halloween dance party, stroll through a pumpkin garden, and meet a mermaid. READ MORE

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Lake Buena Vista - Select nights through November 1, 2023
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back at Magic Kingdom! Event includes trick-or-treat trails, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a Not-So-Spooky Fireworks Spectacular, and more. READ MORE

Boo at the Zoo

Melbourne - Weekends in October 2023
At Brevard Zoo's annual Halloween event, guests can participate in themed activities, photo-ops, and trick or treating at the zoo. READ MORE

Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts and Goblins

Kissimmee - Weekends, October 14-29, 2023
Gatorland's Halloween event returns for its 5th year with the famous Skunk Ape, Swamp Ghost's Monster Museum, new haunt zones, photo opportunities, and a kids' costume parade with treat bags for all who participate. READ MORE

Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford - Weekends, October 14-29, 2023
Bring your little trick-or-treaters to the Central Florida Zoo's annual Zoo Boo Bash, where they can show off their costumes and get treats throughout the zoo. There will also be decorations and activities. READ MORE
Universal Orlando has been serving up scares for over 30 years with Halloween Horror Nights. Photo courtesy of Universal
Universal Orlando has been serving up scares for over 30 years with Halloween Horror Nights. Photo courtesy of Universal

2023 Orlando Halloween Events: Haunted Houses & Horror

SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream

Orlando - Select nights through October 31, 2023
Recommended for ages 13+
Howl-O-Scream is back at SeaWorld, with haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and nighttime coaster rides. READ MORE

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights

Orlando - Select nights through October 31, 2023
Recommended for ages 13+
Universal Orlando has been serving up scares for over 30 years with its Halloween Horror Nights event, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and attractions. READ MORE

A Petrified Forest

Altamonte Springs - Select nights, September 29 - October 28, 2023
Under age 16 must be accompanied by adult
There are three scare trails at this annual Central Florida haunted attraction. Guests can also enjoy laser tag or book a backstage tour where guests can participate in the scaring. READ MORE

Haunted Halloween Maze at Lake Catherine Farms

Groveland - Fridays & Saturdays, September 29 - October 28, 2023
Under age 16 must be accompanied by adult
Travel through the haunted maze to experience the tale of "Catherine's Escape," about a little girl who disappeared from the farm a century ago. READ MORE

Dark Forest Trail of Terror at Lake Catherine Farms

Groveland - Fridays & Saturdays, September 29 - October 28, 2023
Under age 16 must be accompanied by adult
Those wanting a little more of a scare than the haunted maze can venture through the Trail of Terror in the dark forest.  Prepare to be scared with crawlers and monsters lurking in the woods. READ MORE

Haunting Nights at Leu Gardens

Orlando - Select nights, September 29 - October 31, 2023
Recommended for ages 13+
At Haunting Nights, explore immersive worlds, complete with a few jump-scares. Guests are welcomed by a 10-foot tall jack-o-lantern and journey through a neon-light maze, a forest of eyes, and more frightfully fun Halloween experiences. READ MORE

Fear Reach Scream Park

Tavares - Select nights, September 29 - November 4, 2023
Under age 12 must be accompanied by adult
Fear Reach Scream Park is a brand new scare experience featuring three haunted houses, food, a full bar, a Halloween band, carnival games, and more. READ MORE

Nightmare on Donnelly Street

Mount Dora - Select nights September 29 - November 4, 2023
Under age 13 must be accompanied by adult
This 20-minute haunted house experience takes guests through a 130 year old haunted house. READ MORE

Dr. Grimley’s Haunted Trail

Umatilla - Select nights, September 30 - October 31, 2023
This year, Dr. Grimley’s Haunted Trail features four total haunt experiences. This includes two outdoor walk-through haunted trails featuring lighting, audio, and visual effects rivaling top ranked indoor haunts. After 9:30pm, the trails turn into "lights off" events with amped up scares. READ MORE

Fields of Fright Haunted House and Hayride

Deland - Fridays & Saturdays, October 13-28, 2023
Under age 10 must be accompanied by adult
If you dare, take a hayride through acres of haunted trails starting at dusk, then brave your way through a haunted house and haunted cornfield. READ MORE

City of St. Cloud Trail of Terror

St. Cloud - Fridays & Saturdays, October 20-28, 2023
If you dare, venture through the haunted trail at Peghorn Nature Park. The theme this year is "13 Years of Fear." READ MORE

Face the Fear Haunted Experience

Winter Springs - October 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2023
The theme of this annual haunted experience is Double the Trouble. Double the scares, double the terror, and double the fear with two experiences to choose from (or brave both). READ MORE

Bahia's Haunted Shrine Scare House

Apopka - October 20, 21 and 26-29, 2023
The theme of this year's Haunted Shrine is Alien Invasion, featuring an indoor corn maze with out-of-this-world frights. READ MORE

Mortem Manor

Kissimmee - Open Wednesday-Sunday, year-round
This year-round haunted attraction features two floors of scares and thrills complete with live actors, animatronics, and special effects. READ MORE
The Kids Halloween Party at Enzian Theater features a parade, buffet, and screening of Hotel Transylvania 2. Photo courtesy of the theater
The Kids Halloween Party at Enzian Theater features a parade, buffet, and screening of Hotel Transylvania 2. Photo courtesy of the theater

More 2023 Halloween Events Around Orlando

Sanford Ghost Tours

Sanford - Fridays & Saturdays through October 28, 2023
Learn about the spooky history of downtown Sanford in this 90-minute walking tour led by an expert guide. READ MORE

Thriller Nights at Old Town

Kissimmee - Fridays & Saturdays in October 2023
Zombies invade Old Town each Friday and Saturday evening in October, with 3 nightly performances of the Halloween favorite "Thriller." READ MORE

Click, Clack, BOO! A Tricky Treat

Orlando - Weekends, October 7-29, 2023
Based on the popular book, join Duck, Pig, Cow, and Hen (the barnyard crew) as they throw a Halloween party, against Farmer Brown's wishes. Kids can partake in a costume parade as part of each show. READ MORE

Kids Day at A Petrified Forest

Altamonte Springs - Saturday, October 14, 2023
Kids are invited to trick or treat along the haunted outdoor trail at A Petrified Forest (don't worry - characters will not be dressed as they are at night so as to not scare the little ones). READ MORE

Rocktoberfest featuring Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In

Tavares - Saturday, October 14, 2023
Join the City of Tavares for its annual Rocktoberfest featuring the Monster Splash Seaplane fly-in with a crowd favorite "pumpkin drop" contest, a live rock show, food trucks, vendors, contests, and more. READ MORE

Owl Prowl: Witches and Wizards

Maitland - Friday, October 20, 2023
Visit the Audubon Center for an evening full of owl themed games, crafts, a presentation with live owl ambassadors, and a moonlit walk around the Center to view owls and observe their nighttime activities. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween themed event. READ MORE

Ghoulish Grooves

Orlando - October 20 & 21, 2023
Central Florida Community Arts Big Band presents Ghoulish Grooves, a not-so-scary concert with frightfully fun tunes from Ghostbusters, Thriller, and the Addams Family. READ MORE

Winter Garden Halloween Experience

Winter Garden - October 20-31, 2023
The City of Winter Garden is hosting several Halloween experiences this month, including a hay maze, seasonal decorations, Halloween photo stations, and more. A Halloween light show will also take place on select nights at City Hall. READ MORE

City of Longwood's Truck or Treat

Longwood - Saturday, October 21, 2023
The City of Longwood presents lots of Halloween fun for kids and families. Activities include bounce houses, games, food vendors, costume contests, and of course, "truck or treat" for candy! READ MORE

Zombietoberfest Night Market

Orlando - Saturday, October 21, 2023
This family friendly Halloween festival includes a costume contest, free outdoor movie, night market, live music, craft beer gardens, and more. READ MORE

Spooky Serenades

Orlando - October 21-22, 2023
Enjoy Halloween sounds from the Woodwind Quintet, along with festive stories to get you in the mood for the Fall season. READ MORE

Kids Halloween Party at Enzian Theater

Maitland - Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Kids Halloween Party at Enzian includes spooktacular activities, lunch buffet, spooky parade and costume contest, and an indoor movie featuring Hotel Transylvania 2. READ MORE

Trinity Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

Apopka - Sunday, October 22, 2023
Join Trinity Baptist Church for a trunk or treat event complete with fun activities such as bounce houses and a hayride. Food will be available for purchase. READ MORE

Trick or Treat Trail in the Biergarten

Winter Garden - Thursday, October 26, 2023
Bring the kids to Home State Brewing Co. for a spooky good time on the trick or treat trail in the biergarten. Along with trick or treating with local vendors and businesses, there will be a kids costume contest, dog costume contest, Halloween jukebox bingo, games, and a themed photo op.   READ MORE

BOO! on Broadway

Kissimmee - Friday, October 27, 2023
Bring the kids to this free family event, where they can trick or treat, enjoy themed entertainment, activities, and more. READ MORE

Family-Friendly Halloween Party at Propagate Social House

Apopka - Friday, October 27, 2023
This annual Halloween Party features a costume contest, live music, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, food truck, and more. New this year, trick-or-treaters vote for their favorite table via a table decorating contest. READ MORE

Tavares BOO! Festival

Tavares - Friday, October 27, 2023
Visit the City of Tavares for the 8th annual BOO! Festival at Wooton Park, featuring trunk-or-treat, games, music, vendors, performers, and more. READ MORE

Pumpkin Glow at Oakland Nature Preserve

Oakland - October 27 & 28, 2023
Bring the family to this nighttime jack-o'-lantern trail. Guests are welcome to wear costumes. There will be candy bags for the kids. Some of the preserve's resident critters will be available to visit as well. READ MORE

ARC's Owl At The Moon

Apopka - Saturday, October 28, 2023
The Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey is hosting an Owl at the Moon event featuring arts and crafts, flight demonstrations, and meet and greets with the resident birds. READ MORE

Camp Winona's Halloween Harvest

DeLeon Springs - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Camp Winona's Halloween Harvest features tractor rides, pumpkin patch, trick or treating through the cabins, Monster Mash dance, zombie paintball, hall of horrors games, and haunted trails. READ MORE

City of Apopka Halloween in the Park

Apopka - Saturday, October 28, 2023
The City of Apopka's Annual Halloween in the Park is back with local businesses and organizations teaming up to provide trick or treating for the kids, plus fun activities. READ MORE

City of Lake Mary Halloween Spooktacular

Lake Mary - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Lake Mary's Halloween Spooktacular features safe trick or treating around the park, along with a DJ and costume contests. READ MORE

Longwood Monster Dash 5K

Longwood - Saturday, October 28, 2023
This Halloween themed race includes a 5K event and a free kid's dash. Runners are invited to wear costumes. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. READ MORE

Maitland Fall-O-Ween

Maitland - Saturday, October 28, 2023
The City of Maitland is hosting a Falloween festival, combining seasonal fun with Halloween festivities. Activities include a kids costume contest, carnival games, candy, train rides, face painting, and more. READ MORE

Spooktacular at Avalon Park

Orlando - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Kids can trick-or-treat at this downtown Avalon Park event, which will also have bounce houses, community performances, vendors, food trucks, and a costume contest. READ MORE

Spooky Skate at Orlando Ice Den

Maitland - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Wear your costumes to Orlando Ice Den for a spooky ice skating session, complete with costume contest, spooky music, candy and family fun. READ MORE

Trick or Treat Safe Zone

Orlando - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Dress up and trick or treat at Orlando Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center. Create creepy crafts and complete a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Trunk or Treat Car Show

Kissimmee - Saturday, October 28, 2023
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for its 4th annual Halloween Kids’ Trick-or-Treating and Car & Truck Show, featuring live music, street performers, over two dozen candy locations and 24 restaurants and shops. READ MORE

A Haunting Weekend at Seminole Towne Center

Sanford - October 28 & 29, 2023
The Special Needs Advocacy Program presents this fun event featuring ghost tours, trick or treat, vendors, cars, zombies, ghosts, and a kids zone with indoor movies, bounce houses, and kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Ghost Files Live at Hard Rock Cafe

Orlando - Sunday, October 29, 2023
Experience the excitement of ghost hunting and enjoy a special screening of a never-before-seen episode of Ghost Files followed by a Q&A session with the hosts of the show, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej. READ MORE

Blue Spring State Park Trunk or Treat

Orange City - Monday, October 30, 2023
Visit Blue Spring State Park for a family-friendly trunk or treat with candy, games, best trunk contest, costume contest, food, prizes, and more. READ MORE

Halloween at Cranes Roost Park

Altamonte Springs - Tuesday, October 31, 2023
The Altamonte Springs Police Department is hosting this FREE event as a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. The event includes games, activities, live music and entertainment, costume contests, and of course, trick-or-treating around the lake. READ MORE

Halloween at Old Town

Kissimmee - Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Bring the family to Old Town this Halloween for trick or treating, a costume contest, and thriller dancers. Local merchants will have candy stations for the little ones to trick or treat safely. READ MORE

Spooky Caboose at the Winter Garden History Center

Winter Garden - Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Visit the Spooky Caboose outside of the History Center, with spooky decorations and fun frights for all ages. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Audubon Park Garden District
Kissimmee Main Street
Propagate Social House
Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey
Longwood Historic District
Winter Garden History Center