Halloween Hotspots for Families in Florida

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Halloween dolphin at the Miami Seaquarium

Photo Credit: Miami Seaquarium

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Take the family to Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween at Disney World

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World ®

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The Pumpkin Patch at Little Farm in Redland

Photo Credit: Little Farm

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SeaWorld's Spooktacular

Photo Credit: Courtesy of SeaWorld ® Orlando

The top 10 places in Florida to take your kids for Halloween

Halloween is so much more than just one night of trick-or-treating, especially in Florida! There are celebrations that begin in September and don’t end until in November. We’re talking serious family fun! So whether you’re looking to have a not-so-scary time with Mickey, an autumn celebration with Shamu the killer whale, you’ll find it here. But beware! Some of these events will have you running to your mummy!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Select nights from September through October 2011 Suitable for all ages, kids and even adults dress in costumes and trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom in the evening. This event is not included in regular park admission. It’s a separate ticket. Fewer people means no lines for even the most popular rides. Don’t miss the HalloWishes Fireworks Display and Boo To You Halloween Parade.

SeaWorld’s Orlando Spooktacular

Every Saturday and Sunday in October

This one is a SEA-sonal favorite and all this fun is included in your regular admission. The fun starts at noon with 14 trick-or-treat stations and costumed characters like Gummy Worm Wanda. And don't miss the Countdown to Halloween Live Musical Stage Show featuring Count Von Count and Elmo, and a fun-filled area with an interactive DJ!

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

Select night in September and October 2011

This is a favorite among the adult crowd and it’s not recommended for children under 13. This year, you’ll find "scare zones" such as "Zombie Gras" and "The Cult of the Raven. You’ll also find mutant characters that’ll give you nightmares for years to come! Ask about their Gory Getaway Package Deals.

The Pumpkin Patch at Little Farm, Redland

Oct. 8-31, 2011
Little Farm is rated E for everyone. Take a drive into the country and discover this gem -- a real life working farm that your kids will love -- and learn from. Pick out a pumpkin, see farm animals, ride ponies, explore the butterfly garden, and more.

Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular

Oct. 21-24 & 28-31, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Come explore the Land of Enchantment and its lively inhabitants. Along the way, trick or treat, enjoy music, dancing, food, bounce houses, and a giant slide. Jack-o-lanterns light the paths to special animal exhibits, candy stations, an Enchanted Forest and a Pirates Cove.

Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash

Last two weekends in October
Bring your kids in costume and bring a bag to fill up with goodies as you trick-or-treat around the wildest neighborhood in Central Florida! You’ll find haunted hayrides, a pumpkin patch for family photos, face-painting and oodles more.

Uncle Donald’s Farm in Lady Lake

Select nights in October
Enjoy an old fashioned hay ride; walk on the wild side and see nocturnal animals like panthers and owls; meander through the Pumpkin Patch; and meet a bevy of reptiles in the Creepy Crawly Barn. Oh, and don’t forget to get lost in the hay maze.

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Oct. 1-31, 2011, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays
With a warning on their website stating they’ll be gore, blood and violence. This is one for adults only. It’s a ten on the Scream-O-Meter for sure. There are scare zones, horror shops, shows and haunted houses such as the Nightshade Toy Factory.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Dates in October to be determined
Good family fun under the stars is what you’ll find at the 14^th annual Halloween in the Park. They’ll be face painting, games, storytelling, food and fun. For adults and older kids, there’s a scary trail with a haunted house. Bring bug spray, a flashlight and bag for goodies.

Key West Fantasy Fest

Family Day is Oct. 31, 2011
Key West Fantasy Fest is legendary for adults but the day after Halloween is Children's Day featuring food, games, crafts and a children's costume contest. All the fun is at Bayview Park at Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive.

Monster Splash at Miami Seaquarium

Oct. 29-31, 2011 (excluding Oct. 26 & 27)
Everyone’s invited for a day or night of thrills and chills. In addition to scary, creepy stuff for adults (this year’s theme is Buried Alive) there’ll be happy hauntings for the little ones at ‘Frightening Forest.’ Kids 12 and under can trick-or-treat on weekend nights, 5-8:30 p.m.

This is just a sampling of the Halloween Hot Spots to be had in Florida. So put on those costumes, grab your camera (and a sack for treats!), and go have some great fall fun!  

If You Go:

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
The Magic Kingdom
407-W-DISNEY or 407-934-7639
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/

SeaWorld Spooktacular Event
SeaWorld Orlando
http://www.seaworldspooktacular.com/swfspook.html

Universal Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando Resort

http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/eventinfo.html

Little Farm
13401 S.W. 224 St., Goulds

305-258-3186

http://thelittlefarm.us/

Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville

904-757-4463

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/events/event_details/spooktacular

Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash
3755 N.W. Highway 17-92, Sanford

407-323-4450

http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/zooboobash

Uncle Donald’s Farm, Lady Lake
2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake

352-753-2882

http://www.uncledonaldsfarm.com/fall-fun.htm

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
http://www.howloscream.com/tampa/

Honeymoon Island State Park
727-469-5942
http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland/default.cfm

Key West Fantasy Fest Children’s Day
305-292-8912
http://www.fantasyfest.net/schedule.cfm

Monster Splash at Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

305-361-5705

http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/monstersplash