Spooky Season Travel Ideas for Families

As September rolls in, it’s time to embrace Spooky Season and all the family-friendly adventures it brings! Whether you’re looking for kid-approved haunts or eerie evening thrills, there’s a perfect destination for every family. From coast-to-coast theme park events to charming local fall festivals, here’s your guide to the best spooky fun. Complete with mouth-watering seasonal treats and can’t-miss activities.

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

For a not-so-scary adventure, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is a magical treat for families. The event features a delightful Boo-to-You Parade, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, and the thrilling “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.”

Pro-Tip: Lines for popular characters, especially Jack and Sally, get extremely long. Line up early and watch the late parade.  A good viewing spot for the parade is near Town Square Theater where you can meet Mickey in costume.

Foodies will love the exclusive Spooky Season themed treats like the Pumpkin Spice Milkshake and candy corn ice cream (my favorite). Trick-or-treating throughout the park adds to the excitement. This makes it a night full of sweet and spooky memories for all ages. Be sure and use the planning guide in the app before you go and pick up a map for the treat trail.

Halloween Horror Nights – Universal Studios, Orlando, FL

For families with teens craving more intense thrills, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate scare fest. With Hollywood-quality haunted houses based on popular horror films, pulse-pounding scare zones, and live entertainment, it’s a night of fun and fear.

Between the chills, indulge in specialty food and drink offerings like the popular Pizza Fries and twisted-themed cocktails. These are perfect for Spooky Season. While this event is more intense, it’s perfect for older kids and parents who love a good scare!

Pro-Tip: Universal Studios Park closes early on HHN nights so go to this park first if you are not staying for the event. You can also purchase a Stay N Scream pass that will allow you to stay in a designated holding area for the event inside the park so you can be the first to your favorite houses and beat the opening crowds.

SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream – Various Locations

If you’re looking for spooky thrills with a splash of marine life, SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream delivers a perfect mix of eerie attractions and aquatic fun. By day, families can enjoy the park’s marine animal shows and rides, but when the sun goes down, the real scares begin with haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and live horror-themed performances. Indulge in themed food and drinks, like the “Ghoulish Grub” menu, which includes devilishly good eats such as monster pretzels and blood-red cupcakes. A fantastic choice for a unique blend of sea and scares!

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular – Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages

If you’re seeking a more light-hearted Halloween experience, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is perfect for families with younger children. This daytime event offers an ocean of not-so-spooky fun, including trick-or-treating along the park’s candy-filled pathway, whimsical sea creature encounters, and live shows designed to entertain kids of all ages.

The highlight is the interactive Sesame Street Halloween Parade, where beloved characters march in festive costumes. Kids can also participate in dance parties, craft stations, and themed activities, all set in a vibrant undersea world. With fun seasonal treats like pumpkin-flavored goodies and candy apples, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular creates magical Halloween memories in a playful and safe environment.

One of our favorite parts of this event was seeing the Pumpkin Garden. There are so many different types to see here.

Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas – Disney Cruise Line

For families looking to set sail into the spooky season, Disney’s Halloween on the High Seas offers a unique blend of Halloween magic and oceanic adventure. Aboard select Disney Cruise Line sailings, guests can enjoy enchanting festivities like Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a deck celebration featuring costumed characters, dancing, and trick-or-treating.

The ship transforms with spooky décor, including the magical Pumpkin Tree, which grows more eerie throughout the cruise. Families can indulge in themed treats like spider cupcakes and Halloween-themed desserts at the onboard restaurants. With special Halloween movie screenings, costume contests, and a haunted celebration at sea, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween while exploring exotic destinations.

Local Fall Festivals

For families who prefer a laid-back autumn adventure, local fall festivals offer a cozy alternative. These festivals celebrate the season with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes. Don’t miss out on seasonal goodies like fresh apple cider, pumpkin donuts, and caramel apples.

These events are perfect for a weekend getaway with the family, where you can enjoy arts and crafts, live music, and a taste of local culture. Check out your nearby farms and small towns to discover hidden gems of autumnal fun.

We love to support local businesses and one of our favorite places to go is the War Eagle Craft Fair. It’s packed full of local vendors with hand-made craft items, soaps, clothing, and don’t forget the food trucks!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving magical fun, spine-tingling thrills, or a cozy fall weekend, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you this Spooky Season. So pack your bags, grab your costumes, and get ready for unforgettable family memories. Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!

Ready to start planning your own Dream Vacation? Contact me today: amberh@destinationsinflorida.com. I understand that each family is unique and offer individualized family vacation planning to help you tailor your vacation to fit your family.