Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt

Chances are, you may have already taken the kids to one of these Pennsylvania theme parks over the years. Now there’s a new reason to visit this fall: Knoebels, Hersheypark and Dorney Park all landed on USA TODAY’s 2026 10BEST Readers’ Choice list of the best theme park for Halloween events in the country.

Hallo-Fun at Knoebels took the No. 1 spot, while Hersheypark Halloween ranked No. 8 and Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park came in at No. 10. Pennsylvania actually had one more park make the list: Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood ranked No. 4, though the Pittsburgh-area park is a much longer drive from New Jersey.

Here’s what to know about each drivable attraction:

Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park
Dorney Park in Allentown’s Halloween Haunt came in at #10 in the country. The attraction has six haunted mazes, five immersive scare zones, four live entertainment experiences, hundreds of roaming monsters and nighttime coaster rides.

New this season is Blair Witch: No Signal, where visitors can make their way through the Black Hills Forest past abandoned camps, eerie sites and the infamous Rustin Parr House.
Also new is The Conductor, a 12-minute production at the McTavish Steel Yard featuring percussion, violin, pyrotechnics and music inspired by the past five decades.

Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt

Tricks and Treats offers a more family-friendly Halloween experience with trick-or-treating, costume contests, live shows and rides for younger kids. Tricks and Treats continues Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, while Halloween Haunt runs on select nights through October 31.

“Being voted one of the 10 best theme park Halloween events in the country is an incredible honor, especially because this recognition comes directly from fans,” said Kim Solis, park manager of Dorney Park. “Our team goes all-in to transform Dorney Park after dark, with hundreds of monsters, immersive haunted mazes, live entertainment and nighttime coaster rides.”

Hersheypark Halloween
Hersheypark Halloween in Hershey came in at #8. By day, you and the kids can ride dozens of attractions, trick-or-treat throughout the park, see Hershey characters in costume and ride select coasters.

Once evening arrives, Dark Nights turns up the fright factor with five haunted houses and five scare zones. You can also head to ZooAmerica for Creatures of the Night, a flashlight experience that gives visitors a chance to see nocturnal animals after dark.

Hersheypark’s Halloween events continue on weekends through November 1.

Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt

Hallo-Fun at Knoebels
Knoebels in Elysburg, PA, took the top spot in the country! Its Halloween attractions have a different vibe from the scary nighttime haunt events. Hallo-Fun is designed for all ages, with games, Halloween-themed rides, and kid-friendly activities.

The Pioneer Train becomes the Halloween Express, and antique cars get a spooky twist after dark. Kids can also take part in a free scavenger hunt, and weekend mornings feature activities such as pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and character visits. Hallo-Fun runs weekends in October.

Read More:
Over-the-Top Halloween Houses in NJ: Find One Near You!
The Best Halloween Events in NJ for Kids and Families