{"id":422149,"date":"2026-10-08T11:04:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/422149\/"},"modified":"2026-10-08T11:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:04:10","slug":"halloween-in-central-florida-from-theme-parks-to-local-haunts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/422149\/","title":{"rendered":"Halloween in Central Florida: From theme parks to local haunts"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Halloween season gets into full swing, those seeking spirits, spine-tingling experiences and haunted houses can find plenty of options throughout Central Florida.<\/p>\n

From Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream to local attractions, there are plenty of haunts \u2014 and some not-so-scary events \u2014 to explore as Oct. 31 approaches.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a roundup of Halloween happenings in Central Florida this month.<\/p>\n

Theme parks and attractions<\/p>\n

Halloween Horror Nights:\u00a0Universal\u2019s signature autumn event brings 10 haunted houses, scare zones, themed tricks and treats to visitors, recommended for visitors ages 13 and older. Tickets are $94.99+ for a single night on select dates through Nov. 1. More information: universalorlando.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\""Hellraiser"“Hellraiser” and its antagonist, Pinhead, are the main draws of a haunted house based on the films during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Howl-O-Scream:\u00a0Find frights at both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa. Each event includes haunted houses, scare zones and shows. Tickets start at $47.99 for SeaWorld or $48.99 for Busch Gardens with event nights through Oct. 31. SeaWorld Orlando has more mild daytime Halloween Spooktacular<\/a> activities geared toward kids. More information: seaworld.com<\/a> or buschgardens.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:\u00a0The separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom has sold out all of its 2026 event dates. More information: disneyworld.disney.go.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Brick-or-Treat,Brick-or-Treat, the Halloween event at Legoland Florida theme park, will again include meet-and-greets with seasonal characters. (Courtesy Legoland Florida)<\/p>\n

Legoland Florida Brick or Treat:\u00a0Discover the new \u201cBrick or Treat Street\u201d immersive walkthrough experience and enjoy a \u201chands-on Halloween adventure\u201d with Lego monsters, live shows, light trails, nighttime trails and family fun. The event, which occurs on select dates through Nov. 1, is included with general park admission. More information: legoland.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Gatorland\u2019s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins: Back for its eighth year, the family-friendly event includes Swamp Ghost\u2019s Museum, the Skunk Ape and Eddie the Yeti, the Cryptid Express, Frank N\u2019 Steins Oktoberfest, the Gatorland Graveyard, a children\u2019s Halloween costume parade, shows, treats and more. The event goes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Oct. 25; festivities are included with park admission. More information: gatorland.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SkunkSkunk Ape emerges from the swamp at Gatorland\u2019s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event last year. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event features spooky scenes, chilling characters, children\u2019s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Screamin\u2019 Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience:\u00a0The family-friendly festivities include a scavenger hunt, Halloween crafts, photo ops and trick-or-treat stations on weekends. These activities run through Nov. 1 and are included in the admission price. More information: crayolaexperience.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Pirates of the Haunted Seas at Sea Life Orlando:\u00a0This family-friendly pirate quest includes treasure hunts, pirate meet-and-greets, educational talks, interactive games and treats. The event is included with admission and goes on through Nov. 1. More information: visitsealife.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"MadameMadame Tussauds Orlando visitors will be able to use detective skills during the Great Wax Heist, an interactive scavenger hunt, during October. (Courtesy Madame Tussauds Orlando)<\/p>\n

The Great Wax Heist at Madame Tussauds Orlando:\u00a0This scavenger hunt invites guests to solve an attraction-wide mystery while uncovering the story behind the attraction\u2019s wax figures. The hunt is included with regular admission through Oct. 31. More information: madametussauds.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Museum of Illusions Weird Wonders:\u00a0This Icon Park attraction brings Halloween-themed enhancements to illusion experiences. Every Halloween package also includes a complimentary 3D puzzle to take home. Halloween packages start at $55.29 and include a two-ticket minimum. More information: moiorlando.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Zoo Boo Bash at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:\u00a0The zoo invites families and children to arrive in costume to experience decorations, games and trick-or-treat stations. Activities are available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Oct. 31 and are included with admission. More information: centralfloridazoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\""Vampirates"\u201cVampirates\u201d at Pirates Dinner Adventure presents a “feast for the undead” with vampire pirates, stunts, live action and a three-course meal. (Courtesy of Pirates Dinner Adventure)<\/p>\n

Vampirates at Pirates Dinner Adventure:\u00a0The dinner show presents a \u201cfeast for the undead\u201d with vampire pirates, stunts, live action and a three-course meal. The show is on select nights through Oct. 31 and has tickets for $43.95 (children ages 3-11) and $69.95 for adults. More information: piratesdinneradventure.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Scream-A-Geddon:\u00a0Visit this Pasco County attraction, about an hour and a half west of Orlando, to find five haunted houses, a unique Zombie Paintball Assault attraction and a recently upgraded midway. Online advance tickets start at $33.95; the event is on select nights through Nov. 1. More information: screamageddon.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"BloodwaterBloodwater Bayou is full of mystery and Voodoo magic at Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Boo at the Zoo at Brevard Zoo:\u00a0During weekends in October, visitors can trick-or-treat at themed stations, explore special activities, Halloween decorations, festive photos and festive performances, all included with daytime admission. Beware the Night is a family-friendly after-hours event on select nights featuring \u201chauntingly fun surprises.\u201d Every Friday and Saturday, the zoo turns up the scares with the River\u2019s Revenge trail recommended for ages 10 and up. Tickets for the after-hours event start at $33. More information: brevardzoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

The Haunting of River Ranch at Westgate River Ranch:\u00a0Every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 7, guests can experience haunted stables, spooky activities, a scare zone and themed food and beverages. The ranch hosts a special Halloween-themed rodeo on Oct. 31. Stay & Scream packages are available on select weekends. More information: westgateresorts.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Local haunts<\/p>\n

Wekiva Island:\u00a0Longwood\u2019s riverfront hangout has tarot card readings and ghost stories on select dates this month. The main event is a Halloween party and costume contest on Oct. 24. The Tooting Otter Trick or Treat event starts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 24 with trick-or-treating and a costume parade, followed by the adults-only event and costume contest from 7-11 p.m. On Oct. 31, enjoy the annual Halloween costume paddle parade launching at 10:30 a.m. More information: wekivaisland.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Emerald Cut After Dark at King\u2019s Landing:\u00a0Paddle on Rock Springs Run after dark from King\u2019s Landing in clear-bottomed kayaks equipped with underglow LED lights. Prices are $99 for a single kayak or $189 for a tandem kayak. The event is Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. More information: kingslandingfl.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Terror 2 at Boggy Creek:\u00a0This haunted event takes over Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee with a nighttime airboat adventure, a haunted swamp truck ride and a wooded haunted trail with an add-on interactive gel blaster experience. The attraction also features themed food and drinks, event merchandise and a comic book. The event, which takes place on Saturdays in October, offers timed-entry tickets, including a $60 combo ticket for all three primary experiences. Haunted truck tours and airboat tours are available separately. More information: bcairboats.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ShowcaseShowcase of Citrus is a Clermont attraction with Florida fruits and gifts, plus Halloween-themed festivities. (Joe Burbank\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Showcase of Citrus:\u00a0During the Clermont attraction\u2019s fall festivities, board a haunted monster truck to see creepy creatures, unexpected scares and things lurking among the trees. The experience is recommended for guests ages 12 and older. The experience is available on select nights in October, with tickets priced at $19.40 for children ages 4-12 and $29.75 for adults. More information: showcaseofcitrus.com<\/a><\/p>\n

A Petrified Forest:\u00a0\u201cCentral Florida\u2019s premier scream park\u201d is back with three scare trails in Altamonte Springs, plus add-ons: a live-action escape ride and an immersive, full-touch haunt. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cChaos Reigns.\u201d Tickets start at $38 for admission to all three scare trails, with add-ons and upgrades available. More information: apetrifiedforest.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Far Reach Scream Park:\u00a0This Tavares haunt is located on Far Reach Ranch with two haunted trails in Lake County, plus access to the Florida Oddities Market, games, photo ops, drinks, live music, lawn games and more. Tickets start at $20 for spectators or $30 for general admission. The event is Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 24. More information: fearreachscreampark.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr. Grimley\u2019s Haunted Trail:\u00a0Three trails on the Grimley grounds present three \u201cdistinct worlds of fear\u201d after dark at Umatilla\u2019s Sunsational Farms. Tickets cost $30-$100 for the event on Friday and Saturday nights in October. More information: drgrimleyshauntedtrail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\""Silver“Silver Scream \u2014 Cursed” is this year’s movie-inspired theme for the Storyteller of Vennetta haunted house at 13161 Vennetta Way in Windermere. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Storyteller of Vennetta:\u00a0This homegrown haunt takes place in A.J. Martinez\u2019s garage, where he transforms his space each year for neighborhood families to experience scares. The theme is \u201cSilver Scream \u2013 Cursed.\u201d The haunt returns from 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October starting Oct. 10. The haunt is open until 11 p.m. on Halloween \u2014 13161 Vennetta Way in Windermere. The home haunt is free but accepts donations. More information: storytellerhaunt.wixsite.com<\/a> or @storytellerofvennetta<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n

St. Cloud\u2019s Trail of Terror:\u00a0Back for its 16th year, this local haunt is back with an \u201call-new nightmare\u201d celebrating the event\u2019s Sweet 16 at Peghorn Nature Park. Birthday festivities have taken a sinister turn. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. The event is from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 24. More information: stcloudfl.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Tales of Terror Haunted Attraction: Central Floridians looking for a good scare can partake in tales of terror and nightmares at this rural Lake County haunt. This year, experience \u201cCamp Independence: Condemned\u201d and \u201cDeadwater Travel Plaza.\u201d The adventure has three levels of intensity and is open only to guests aged 18 and older. Tickets range from $20-$45 with additional VIP upgrades, packages and add-ons available. The haunt is open select nights in October starting Oct. 17. More information: talesofterrorhaunt.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Girls<\/p>\n

Patrick Connolly \/ Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n

Girls react to Michael Myers at the Orlando Haunted Maze during its opening in Lockhart on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Orlando Haunted Maze:\u00a0This homegrown haunt takes place in the backyard of George Goldstein, whose passion for Halloween transforms his home (3209 Calloway Drive in Orlando) into a haunted house every October. The attraction is open with $10 tickets at the door at 7:45 p.m. Friday-Saturday nights through Oct. 31. More information: facebook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Face the Fear: This Winter Springs haunt presents \u201cThe Legend of GrizGo,\u201d which tells the story of a monster that\u2019s part grizzly and part gorilla. This outdoor haunt is on the campus of The Church @ 434 (817 E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs). Tickets are $13 per adult and $8 per child age 10 and under. Hours are 7:15-10:15 p.m. Oct. 23, 24 and 30. More information: facethefearhouse.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Sir Henry\u2019s Haunted Trail:\u00a0This Plant City haunt is back for its 13th season, featuring three haunted trails, two escape games and a haunted hayride. The trails are \u201cTroupe 13,\u201d \u201cSymphony no. 13\u201d and \u201cThe 13th Blood Rite.\u201d The attraction \u201cmay not be suitable for children under 12,\u201d and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Tickets start at $27 with timed entry. The event starts at 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday through Oct. 31 and Oct. 29, for \u201cFamily Fright Nite.\u201d More information: sirhenryshauntedtrail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Patrick Connolly \/ Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n

The moon rises over the neon sign of the Silver Moon Drive-In near Lakeland. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Silver Moon Drive-In:\u00a0This Lakeland drive-in theater shows \u201cHalloween\u201d and \u201cHalloween II\u201d on screen one (with a special carload ticket) and \u201cMisery\u201d and \u201cNightmare on Elm Street\u201d on screen two on Oct. 9. From Oct. 10-15, the lineup for screen two stays the same, while screen one will show \u201cPoltergeist\u201d and \u201cThe Exorcist.\u201d Standard tickets are $8 for ages 10 and older and $3 for children ages 4-9. Children younger than 4 years old enter for free. On Oct. 30, the drive-in will show a classic monsters marathon at the same time as a Grind House marathon. Tickets for a carload of people cost $39.19 each on Eventbrite. More information: silvermoondrivein.com<\/a> or eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a> or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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