Top US Theme Parks With the Best Halloween Events
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When it comes to Halloween, theme parks don’t mess around. Across the US, they transform into spooky playgrounds filled with haunted houses, costumed characters, trick-or-treat trails, and seriously impressive decor. Some parks go full horror movie mode with fog-filled scare zones and terrifying mazes; others keep it cute with pumpkins, candy, and friendly frights perfect for little ones.
Whether you’re looking to scream your head off or just score a few Reese’s while admiring glowing jack-o’-lanterns, these Halloween events bring out the best (and creepiest) in America’s theme parks. Costumes? Highly encouraged. Candy? Absolutely. Ghosts and ghouls? Well… that depends on the park.
Universal Studios – Halloween Horror Nights
Orlando, FL & Hollywood, CA
This is the Halloween event for horror fans. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is famous for its movie-quality haunted houses, live scare zones, and terrifying atmosphere that turns the park into a full-blown nightmare (in the best way). Each year features new haunted house themes—from classic slashers to cult horror films and original stories—all with Hollywood-level sets and makeup.
This event is geared toward teens and adults, with no kid-friendly zones once the sun goes down. Fog machines, strobe lights, and chainsaw-wielding creepers? Oh yes. If you’re looking for a high-thrill Halloween experience, this one absolutely delivers.
Disneyland Resort – Oogie Boogie Bash
Anaheim, CA
This after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure is festive, not frightening—perfect for families who want a little spook without the scare. The park transforms with Halloween-themed decor, treat trails, and rare character appearances (including villains like Maleficent and, of course, Oogie Boogie himself).
Kids can trick-or-treat in costume, watch the Frightfully Fun Parade, and explore immersive, lightly eerie walk-through zones designed with young guests in mind. It’s all wrapped in that signature Disney magic, making it one of the best Halloween events for families on the West Coast.
Walt Disney World – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Orlando, FL
As the name promises, this beloved after-hours event at Magic Kingdom is all about fun over fright. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, themed fireworks (Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular), a Halloween parade, and plenty of character meet-and-greets—with villains and rarely seen favorites making special appearances.
The whole park gets a fall makeover with glowing pumpkins, spooky music, and Halloween overlays on select rides (yes, Space Mountain in the dark is a thing). Costumes are welcome, even for adults, and the atmosphere stays light, whimsical, and perfectly kid-friendly. If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween event for little ones, this is it.
Knott’s Scary Farm – Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
Knott’s Scary Farm is the OG of theme park Halloween events, running strong since the 1970s—and it shows no signs of slowing down. This fright-filled transformation of Knott’s Berry Farm features haunted mazes, creepy live shows, and roaming scare zones with some seriously committed monsters.
It’s intense, theatrical, and absolutely geared toward teens and adults—no sugar-coating here. However, for families with younger kids, Knott’s offers “Spooky Farm” during the daytime, with costume contests, crafts, and trick-or-treating through Ghost Town—minus the blood and screams.
Whether you’re chasing thrills or hanging with the little ones, Knott’s does Halloween right on both ends of the spooky spectrum.
Six Flags Fright Fest – Various Locations Nationwide
Six Flags knows how to do adrenaline, and Fright Fest adds a sinister twist to the usual thrills. By day, it’s all pumpkins and costumes, with kid-friendly activities, trick-or-treat zones, and family entertainment. But when night falls? The ghouls come out—literally.
Expect haunted mazes, scare zones, and fog-covered coasters roaring through the dark. Each park puts its own spin on the fear factor, so some are gorier than others, but all include a solid mix of high-energy scares and classic Halloween fun. Perfect for families with older kids or parents looking to sneak in a scream or two.
Busch Gardens – Howl-O-Scream
Tampa, FL & Williamsburg, VA
Don’t let the picturesque setting fool you—when Halloween rolls around, Busch Gardens goes full nightmare mode. Howl-O-Scream is a mature, scare-heavy event with elaborately themed haunted houses, live scare zones, and intense shows that keep the screams coming all night long.
The parks’ dark, wooded landscapes add a naturally eerie vibe, and with thrill rides running after dark, even the coasters feel a little scarier. This is definitely not for little kids, but it’s perfect for Halloween lovers who want a haunted house and a high-speed drop.
Note: Both parks sometimes offer a separate kid-friendly Halloween experience during the day, so check the schedule if you’re traveling with kids.
Dollywood – Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Pigeon Forge, TN
If your idea of Halloween leans more cozy than creepy, Dollywood’s fall celebration is a dream. The Harvest Festival fills the park with Appalachian crafts, live bluegrass music, seasonal treats, and thousands of pumpkins—and when the sun sets, Great Pumpkin LumiNights steals the show.
Glowing pumpkin sculptures, whimsical displays, and kid-friendly activities light up the park in the evenings, creating a magical (and scare-free) Halloween experience. It’s all treats, no tricks, and perfect for families or anyone who prefers twinkle lights to jump scares.
Hersheypark – Dark Nights & Howl-O-Ween
Hershey, PA
Hersheypark serves up Halloween with a side of chocolate—what’s not to love? During the day, Howl-O-Ween offers classic fall fun with trick-or-treat trails, costume-friendly rides, and just-spooky-enough decor that’s perfect for younger kids.
But when night falls, the vibe shifts with Dark Nights, a newer addition featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and creepy entertainment for braver souls. It’s a clever split: sweet and silly for families during the day, with something darker (and optional) for teens and grownups after dark. Basically, Halloween for everyone—with candy guaranteed.
Silver Dollar City – Harvest Festival & Pumpkins in the City
Branson, MO
Silver Dollar City turns into a glowing fall fairy tale during its Harvest Festival, with artisan demonstrations, seasonal foods, and more than 10,000 illuminated pumpkins spread across the park. It’s all about classic autumn charm—no jump scares or horror here, just wholesome fun in an Ozark mountain setting.
The star of the show is Pumpkins in the City, a family-friendly nighttime experience filled with whimsical pumpkin sculptures, glowing photo ops, and festive music. There are plenty of rides open after dark and kid-approved activities during the day, making this a can’t-miss for parents who want the magic of Halloween without the mayhem.
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