Top 7 Family Destinations for the Halloween Season

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re a family that loves travel, it’s the perfect time to embark on a spooky adventure! Across the U.S., some of the most iconic amusement parks and resorts are transformed into thrilling Halloween wonderlands. Whether you’re after trick-or-treating fun, costumed character meet-and-greets, or Halloween-themed attractions, these destinations offer something special for families looking to celebrate in style.

This list highlights the Top 7 Family Halloween Destinations, perfect for families with kids of all ages. Ready to explore the best spooky spots? Let’s dive into these magical and not-so-scary Halloween events.

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Walt Disney World, Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic family-friendly Halloween events. Running on select nights from August through October, the event transforms the park into a playful spooky wonderland.

What to Expect:

• Costume Fun: Families are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Trick-or-Treating: Trick-or-treat stations scattered around the park let kids load up on their favorite sweets.
• Parades & Fireworks: The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is a can’t-miss spectacle featuring Disney characters in their best spooky attire, while the Happy HalloWishes fireworks light up the sky with Halloween magic.
• Special Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet rare Disney characters like Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and don’t miss the infamous Haunted Mansion’s Ghost Host!
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to early November.

The party is fun without being frightening, so it’s ideal for families with young children or anyone looking for a lighthearted Halloween experience. And remember—tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sell out fast, so make sure you plan ahead!

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Find the best hotel and flight deals with Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com.
• Park Tickets: Purchase discounted Disney World tickets through Viator or book a local tour at Tours4Fun.

2. Oogie Boogie Bash – Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California

Location: Anaheim, California

Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure offers a Halloween experience that’s just as magical and slightly more mischievous. Hosted by the iconic villain Oogie Boogie, this after-hours event is perfect for families with a taste for light-hearted thrills.

What to Expect:

• Villains Grove: One of the highlights of Oogie Boogie Bash, this immersive walkthrough experience features Disney villains like Maleficent and the Evil Queen in an eerie but beautiful setting.
• Themed Trick-or-Treat Trails: Trick-or-treat stations are set up throughout the park, with appearances by Disney villains along the way.
• Frightfully Fun Parade: This parade showcases beloved Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and the gang, all dressed up for Halloween.
• Villainous Stage Shows: Kids will love the shows centered around Disney’s most notorious baddies, with plenty of singing, dancing, and spell-casting!
• Best Time to Visit: October.

It’s a fun and enchanting way to celebrate Halloween without too many scares, making it a great option for families with kids of all ages.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Use Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com for nearby hotels and travel.
• Get Tickets: Book your tickets in advance via Viator to avoid long lines or book a local tour with Tours4Fun.

3. Knott’s Spooky Farm – Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California

Location: Buena Park, California

For families with younger children, Knott’s Spooky Farm is the perfect Halloween celebration. This daytime event at Knott’s Berry Farm offers a delightful Halloween experience with just enough spookiness to get into the holiday spirit—without being too frightening.

What to Expect:

• Trick-or-Treating: Kids can collect candy throughout Ghost Town, where friendly cowboys and miners hand out sweet treats.
• Themed Rides & Attractions: Classic rides like the Timber Mountain Log Ride get a festive Halloween overlay, perfect for young adventurers.
• Costume Contest: Children can show off their best Halloween attire in the daily costume contest, with prizes awarded for creativity and cuteness.
• Spooky Shows: Enjoy family-friendly shows featuring costumed Peanuts characters like Snoopy and Woodstock, all decked out for Halloween.
• Best Time to Visit: Early October to Halloween.

Knott’s Spooky Farm is a wonderful destination for families looking for an affordable, low-fright Halloween experience in Southern California.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Secure a family-friendly room and travel with Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com
• Get Your Tickets: Save on park tickets by booking through Knotts.com or book a local tour with Tours4Fun.

4. LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat – Carlsbad, California & Winter Haven, Florida

Locations: Carlsbad, CA & Winter Haven, FL

LEGOLAND goes all out for Halloween with its annual Brick-or-Treat event, held at both its California and Florida locations. This festive celebration is ideal for families with young children who love LEGO and Halloween in equal measure.

What to Expect:

• Themed Rides & Attractions: LEGOLAND’s iconic rides get a spooky makeover, offering Halloween thrills at just the right level for little ones.
• LEGO Pumpkin Patch: Giant LEGO pumpkins and other spooky builds can be found throughout the park, providing perfect photo ops.
• Trick-or-Treating: Kids can trick-or-treat around the park, collecting candy at designated stations crewed by friendly LEGO characters.
• Costumed Characters: Meet Halloween-themed LEGO figures like vampires, ghosts, and witches, all roaming the park for some spooky fun.
• Best Time to Visit: October weekends.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Book your hotel and travel through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com
• Tickets: Get discounted tickets through Viator or book a local tour with Tours4Fun.

5. Hersheypark in the Dark – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hersheypark, the sweetest place on earth, turns spooky every Halloween with its Hersheypark in the Dark event. It’s an ideal destination for families who love chocolate and Halloween fun!

What to Expect:

• Treats & Sweets: As you might expect from Hersheypark, there’s no shortage of chocolate treats. Trick-or-treat through the park’s designated trail to stock up on candy.
• Themed Rides: Experience some of Hersheypark’s most popular rides after dark, with Halloween-themed music and lighting.
• Creatures of the Night: Families can explore ZooAmerica after dark, where they’ll encounter nocturnal animals in a unique and spooky setting.
• Costumed Characters: Meet and take photos with Hershey’s iconic candy characters, all dressed up for Halloween!
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to early November.

Hersheypark in the Dark is a deliciously fun way to spend Halloween with the family, combining classic theme park thrills with the magic of chocolate.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Check Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com for accommodations and travel.
• Get Tickets: Book park tickets through Viator or book a local tour with Tours4Fun.

6. SeaWorld Spooktacular – SeaWorld Orlando & San Diego

Locations: Orlando, FL & San Diego, CA

SeaWorld Spooktacular combines the wonder of marine life with the fun of Halloween, creating a magical experience for families with younger children. Held during the day on select weekends leading up to Halloween, this event provides a blend of festive fun and educational experiences.

What to Expect:

• Trick-or-Treating: SeaWorld offers an expansive trick-or-treat trail where kids can collect candy at various stations, all while wandering through ocean-themed decorations.
• Underwater Fantasy: Meet mermaids and other mythical sea creatures as they roam the park, ready for photos and magical encounters.
• Halloween Dance Party: Kids will love the family-friendly dance party where they can boogie down with their favorite SeaWorld characters dressed up for the season.
• Animal Encounters: Don’t miss SeaWorld’s signature animal shows, with a spooky twist for Halloween. Shows featuring dolphins, orcas, and sea lions add to the fun of your visit.
• Best Time to Visit: September through October.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Stay & Flights: Find family-friendly hotels and flights via Expedia, Hotels.com, or Trip.com.
• Park Tickets: Book your tickets through Viator or book a local tour through Tours4Fun.

7. Great Wolf Lodge Howl-O-Ween – Multiple Locations

Locations: Various U.S. Locations

Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween is the ultimate indoor Halloween celebration, combining spooky decorations, fun activities, and the lodge’s signature waterpark experience. With resorts located throughout the U.S. and Canada, this family-friendly event is perfect for those looking for an all-in-one Halloween getaway.

What to Expect:

• Trick-or-Treat Trail: Kids can embark on a Trick-or-Treat Trail throughout the lodge, collecting goodies at each stop while exploring the themed decor.
• Costume Parades: Families are invited to join in on the daily costume parades, where kids (and adults!) can show off their Halloween costumes and win fun prizes.
• Spooky Story Time: Cozy up in the lodge’s Grand Lobby for a nightly spooky (but not too scary) story time, perfect for winding down after a fun day of waterpark adventures.
• Waterpark Fun: In addition to the Halloween festivities, families can enjoy Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark, complete with slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
• Best Time to Visit: October.

Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge is a fantastic option for families who want to enjoy Halloween in a fun, climate-controlled environment with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained all weekend long.

Plan Your Visit!

• Book Your Flights: Compare flight deals on Expedia or Trip.com.
• Book Directly: You can book directly at their resort website at greatwolf.com

Halloween is a magical time for families to create lasting memories, and these top destinations offer a mix of spooky fun, kid-friendly attractions, and unique holiday experiences. Whether you’re seeking the thrills of theme park adventures or the cozy comforts of a resort, these Halloween getaways have something for everyone.

From Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat, each destination offers a blend of fun activities, creative costumes, and plenty of treats (with just the right amount of tricks). So start planning your family’s perfect Halloween adventure and make this spooky season one to remember!

Plan Your Halloween Adventure: Be sure to explore accommodations, flights, and tickets early to ensure availability at these top destinations. Whether you’re booking a cozy stay at Great Wolf Lodge or securing tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, use trusted travel sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Trip.com to plan your ultimate family Halloween getaway. Also, if you’re looking for local experiences or tours, we highly recommend checking out Tours4Fun and Viator for great discounts!