Halloween in Florida was one of those experiences that quietly stay with you. I’ve always liked this time of year — the decorations, the soft sense of excitement, the small rituals that make it feel different from any other month. So when my friend Olivia suggested we spend October in Florida, I agreed without thinking much about it. What I didn’t expect was how well Florida fits Halloween — a place where palm trees and pumpkins somehow get along just fine.
After a day filled with Halloween excitement, you’ll definitely want a cozy place to unwind. I’ll also guide you to the best accommodations in Florida. Despite the busy tourism season, the area offers a wide range of excellent vacation rentals to consider. Even if you’re looking for luxury vacation rentals, home rentals, hotel stays, resort accommodations, beach rentals, or cabin retreats, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your needs.
Before I dive deeper, here’s a sneak peek of the spooky things to do in Florida for Halloween that we covered –
- Pumpkin Patch Picking
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- ZooBoo at ZooTampa
- Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
Table of Content
Spooky Things to Do in Florida For Halloween
Last October, Olivia and I decided to explore as much of Halloween in Florida as we could. We didn’t plan much, just followed what sounded fun. What we found was a mix of laughter, light scares, and the kind of memories that only happen when you stop overthinking and let the day unfold.
If you’re looking for what things to do in Florida for Halloween, this is what I’d recommend.
1. Pumpkin Patch Picking
Pumpkin patch picking is a popular activity in Florida during the Halloween season. Visitors can explore fields filled with pumpkins of various shapes and sizes, offering a hands-on experience to select the perfect pumpkin. Many pumpkin patches also feature small attractions such as hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal food stands, making it a well-rounded stop for families and groups. The environment is designed to be safe and easy to navigate, ensuring an enjoyable visit for people of all ages.
Highlights:
- Wide selection of pumpkins for picking
- Hayrides and small corn mazes for added activity
- Seasonal food and drinks available on-site
- Family-friendly environment with clear paths
- Photo opportunities and shared group experiences
- Easy parking and convenient access
- Reasonable entry fees with value for the overall experience
Pro tip: pumpkin patches in Florida are a bit warmer than those up north, so dress comfortably and bring water!
2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is a seasonal event designed for guests of all ages. The park is decorated with Halloween-themed displays, and costumed characters are present throughout the area. Visitors can participate in trick-or-treating at multiple stations, watch parades, and enjoy themed fireworks shows. The event is organized to allow easy movement through the park, with clearly marked paths and crowd management measures. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for everyone.
Highlights:
- Trick-or-treating stations across the park
- Parades and fireworks for entertainment
- Halloween-themed decorations and costumed characters
- Organized layout for smooth crowd movement
- Opportunities for photos and social interaction
- Convenient access to park amenities Tickets priced according to the event experience
3. ZooBoo at ZooTampa
ZooBoo at ZooTampa combines a traditional zoo visit with Halloween-themed activities. Visitors can walk along themed paths that include small haunted areas and light surprises. Costumed actors appear at various points, adding seasonal excitement, while animal exhibits remain open for observation throughout the day. The park is designed for easy navigation, making it suitable for families and groups.
One of our favorite parts was the “Scare Zones,” where costumed actors jump out and surprise you as you make your way through the zoo. But don’t worry, it’s not too intense—more fun than fright. We also got to see the animals during the day, which was a nice break from the haunted excitement.
Highlights:
- Themed walking paths and interactive areas
- Costumed actors creating seasonal surprises
- Opportunities to see animals in their exhibits
- Safe and clearly marked routes
- Family- and group-friendly environment
- Photo opportunities throughout the park
- Entry fees reflect the full experience
4. Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
I’ve always been fascinated by history, and Olivia is a sucker for anything supernatural, so we couldn’t pass up a ghost tour in St. Augustine. As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is packed with eerie tales, and the city itself has a spooky vibe, especially at night.
We booked a night tour that took us through old cemeteries, haunted inns, and even the famous Castillo de San Marcos. Our guide told us chilling stories about past residents whose spirits are said to still wander the streets. The atmosphere was surreal – lanterns flickered in the distance as the guide whispered about ghost sightings. It was easily one of the best ghost tours I’ve ever been on, and it’s a must if you’re looking for spooky things to do for Halloween.
Highlights:
- Lantern-lit streets and historic sites
- Stories and legends related to the city
- Organized tour paths for safety
- Opportunities for photography
- Group-friendly with social interaction
- Clear start and end points for convenience
- Ticket pricing based on tour length and content
5. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
To wrap up our Halloween adventure, Olivia and I headed to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa. This is NOT for the faint-hearted! While the daytime at Busch Gardens is full of roller coasters and animal exhibits, nighttime turns it into a terrifying theme park experience with haunted houses, scare zones, and actors lurking in the shadows.
We went through several haunted houses, each one scarier than the last. The best (or worst, depending on your scare tolerance) part? There’s no escaping the actors who chase you, scream, and even jump out when you least expect it. By the end of the night, Olivia and I were clinging to each other, both laughing and screaming. If you love an adrenaline rush, Howl-O-Scream is one of the top Halloween events in Florida.
Highlights:
- Multiple haunted houses and scare zones
- Live actors creating seasonal experiences
- Safe and navigable park layout
- Family and group-friendly areas
- Photo opportunities and shareable moments
- Convenient parking and access to facilities
- Tickets reflect the value of the overall event
Accommodation Options in Florida
Florida has a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Even if you’re seeking luxury, budget-friendly, or unique stays, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy your Florida adventure. Here is a list of the best accommodation options in Florida –
- Quality Inn – Nestled just minutes from historic St. Augustine, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and essential amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for families and travelers looking to explore the nation’s oldest city.
- Hyatt Place – This modern hotel features spacious rooms with separate living areas and stunning views of Vilano Beach. Guests can savor a complimentary breakfast, unwind by the outdoor pool, or take advantage of the hotel’s convenient location near historic attractions and waterfront dining.
- Spark by Hilton – A smart, budget-friendly option, this hotel provides contemporary rooms and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Its easy access to I-95 makes it a convenient stop for travelers on the go.
- Hilton Garden Inn – Ideal for family vacations, this hotel is situated near major attractions like Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a full-service restaurant, and amenities like an outdoor pool and fitness center, ensuring a comfortable and fun stay.
- Hilton Orlando – This elegant hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers. With upscale accommodations, a full-service restaurant, and an outdoor pool, guests can relax and unwind. Its central location provides easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions in the greater Orlando area.
Essential Tips for Halloween in Florida
Visiting Florida during Halloween can be a fun and well-organized experience with a few simple preparations. Many events, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, can sell out quickly, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Florida’s weather in October is often warm, so wearing light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes is advised. Carrying a small bag for candy or treats can be helpful for trick-or-treating, and keeping a water bottle on hand ensures you stay hydrated while walking between attractions.
Planning the day in advance and checking park schedules or event times can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Book tickets in advance for popular events
- Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes Carry a small bag for treats if trick-or-treating
- Keep a water bottle for hydration
- Check park schedules and event times for smooth planning
- Plan transportation and parking in advance
- Consider grouping activities by location for efficiency
Conclusion
Florida is hands down one of the best places to celebrate Halloween, offering a wide variety of events that cater to all ages and thrill levels. Olivia and I had an incredible time exploring these spooky spots, and I can’t recommend them enough to fellow Halloween enthusiasts. Plus, ending each day at one of the vacation rentals in Florida made our trip even more relaxing. So, if you’re planning your Halloween getaway, be sure to add these places to your list – they’ll create memories you won’t forget!
FAQs
Yes! Florida offers a range of Halloween events, from family-friendly to downright terrifying, making it one of the best states to celebrate Halloween.
Absolutely. From theme park haunted houses at Busch Gardens to independent haunts around the state, Florida has plenty to offer for scare-seekers.
St. Augustine is known as one of the most haunted cities in Florida, with ghost tours taking visitors through cemeteries and haunted buildings.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is considered one of the scariest Halloween events in Florida due to its intense haunted houses and scare zones.
Some of the most popular activities include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, pumpkin patch picking, Howl-O-Scream, ZooBoo, and ghost tours in St. Augustine.
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