Halloween is a magical time to enjoy some spooky fun with family, and what better way to celebrate than at an amusement park decked out in Halloween style? Many parks transform their rides, shows, and even food to get everyone in the creepy spirit, offering activities that both kids and adults can enjoy. Whether you like gentle frights or just want a cozy fall atmosphere with pumpkins and costumes, there's a Halloween park experience waiting.
Crowds and lines can get busy during this season, but the excitement of seasonal decorations and special events makes it worth the trip. Plus, many parks feature safe, family-friendly zones along with areas for thrill-lovers who want to get their scare on. So pack your costumes, get ready for treats, and check out these six best amusement parks for a Halloween trip full of fun and spookiness.
Disneyland Resort, California: Classic Family Spooks
Disneyland shines during Halloween with festive decorations all over the park, including the iconic Mickey Mouse pumpkin on Main Street. The Haunted Mansion transforms into a "Nightmare Before Christmas" version, a must-see for fans.
Kids can enjoy friendly Halloween overlays like Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween at California Adventure Park. You'll find plenty of photo-ready spots, seasonal snacks, and even a celebration of Día de los Muertos with music and food. It's perfect for families wanting a touch of Halloween magic with a non-scary vibe.
Universal Studios: Scary Thrills for Older Kids and Adults
For families with older kids or thrill-seekers, Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights in both Florida and California packs big scares with haunted houses and intense scare zones based on popular horror movies.
The event runs on select nights through October. It's not recommended for small children, but during the day, Universal offers milder, family-friendly Halloween activities. This park balances fun and fright like no other, making it a popular pick for those wanting a scarier experience.
Six Flags Fright Fest: Fun and Frights Across the Country
Six Flags parks in various locations host Fright Fest, which mixes Halloween scares with the usual roller coaster fun. During the day, the event is family-friendly with activities for kids; after dark, actors in costume create a spooky atmosphere with haunted mazes and shows.
Each park adds its unique twist, so no matter which Six Flags you visit, you'll get a festive Halloween atmosphere with plenty of thrills for all ages.
Cedar Point's HalloWeekends: Roller Coaster Fun with a Spooky Twist
Located in Ohio, Cedar Point is the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" and amps up the excitement with Halloween-themed lights, fog, and decorations. The park offers pumpkin decorating and costume contests for kids by day and spooky mazes for adults by night. It's a great mix of family activities and scary fun, making it a top choice in the Midwest.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream and Spooktacular: Two Events in One Park
SeaWorld parks in Florida, California, and Texas have separate events for families. During the day, the Spooktacular event offers kid-friendly activities like trick-or-treating and crafting, included with admission. At night, Howl-O-Scream turns up the intensity with haunted houses and scare zones for older visitors. This dual approach means everyone in the family can enjoy Halloween at their own comfort level.
Knott's Scary Farm: The Original Halloween Theme Park
Knott's Berry Farm in California is legendary for its Halloween event, offering 40 years of spooky fun with haunted mazes, scare zones, and live shows. While the nighttime events are more intense, the park also offers daytime activities suitable for families with younger children. It's a great option for those who want to dive into Halloween tradition in a family-friendly way.
These six parks offer a range of Halloween fun from gentle spooks to scream-worthy scares. Whether traveling with little ones or teens who want thrills, there's something special waiting to make this Halloween season memorable for the whole family.
