By Carrie McLaren

Halloween in Florida is so much more than just one night of trick-or-treating. Celebrations begin in September and don’t end until in November. We’re talking serious family fun, with events made for kids and things to do on Halloween.

Whether you’re looking to have a not-so-scary time with Mickey Mouse, an autumn celebration at SeaWorld, or something higher-on-the-spooky-scale-- like Universal's Halloween Horror Nights-- you’ll have a great Sunshine State Halloween experience.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Select nights in September through October 
Suitable for all ages, kids and adults dress in costumes and trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom Park in the evening. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is not included in regular park admission and requires a separate ticket. However, fewer people means shorter lines for even the most popular rides and enough candy for all. Don’t miss the Boo To You Halloween Parade and the night’s finale -- the Happy HalloWishes fireworks display. Lake Buena Vista, Fla 32830  (407) 939-5277.

SeaWorld’s Orlando Halloween Spooktacular

Select weekends in October
This one is a SEA-sonal favorite with all the fun included in your regular admission. SeaWorld Orlando kicks off the fun with 14 trick-or-treat stations and costumed characters such as Gummy Worm Wanda. Be sure to join Princess Penelope and friends at the Spooktacular Dance Party each night and dance along with the interactive DJ. 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Fla 32821 (888) 800-5447.

 Universal Orlando Resort unleashes the horror of some of the most terrifying names in entertainment with Halloween Horror Nights.
-Universal Orlando Resort

 

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights

Select nights in September, November
Looking for things to do on Halloween that embrace the spooky side? This is a favorite with the adult crowd and is not recommended for kids. For more than 23 years, Universal Orlando Resort has brought to life guests' most horrifying fears in a way no one else can. At Halloween Horror Nights, you’ll encounter hundreds of "scareactors" roaming throughout 10 haunted houses, scare zones and shows that are sure to give you nightmares for years to come. Be sure to check out the on-site resort vacation packages. 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Fla 32819 (407)363-8000.

 Ghouls, ghosts and goblins descend on LEGOLAND as Halloween draws near, transforming it into a haunted adventure that's perfect for kids.
-LEGOLAND Florida Resort

 

LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat

Select weekends in October
Halloween is about giggles, not screams at LEGOLAND, with an event that's sure to leave the kids smiling. Ghouls, ghosts and goblins descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a haunted adventure with a scavenger hunt in search for scary creatures that have invaded our famous cities. This spooky event takes place weekends in October, and features trick-or-treating along the brick or treat trail, super brick build activities, the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world, Halloween entertainment and an all-kids costume contest with brick-tastic prizes. One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, Fla 33884 (877)350-5346.

Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream

Select weekends in September and October
Howl-O-Scream will leave you begging for mercy... and screaming for more. With gore, blood and violence, this is one for adults only. There are scare zones, live shows, roaming hoards of creatures and haunted houses. Be sure to ride the park’s top thrill rides too – in the dark – for the loudest screams and fun. 10001 N. Malcolm McKinley Dr., Tampa, Fla 33612 (888) 800-5447.

The Pumpkin Patch at Little Farm, Redland

October
The pumpkin patch at Little Farm is rated E for everyone. Take a drive into the country and discover this gem -- a real 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. Be sure to get a scarecrow kit and harvest décor to decorate when you get home, too. 13401 SW 224 St., Goulds, Fla 33170 (305) 258-3186.

Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular

Weekends in mid-October, early November
Explore the night and its lively inhabitants at the Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular. Along the way, trick or treat, and enjoy music, dancing, food, bounce houses, and a giant slide. Jack-o-lanterns light the paths to special animal exhibits and candy stations. 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, Fla 32218 (904) 757-4463.

Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash

OctoberA favorite Halloween event for families, Central Florida Zoo invites you to bring your kids in costume along with a bag to fill up with goodies as you trick-or-treat around the wildest neighborhood at the Central Florida Zoo Boo Bash. You’ll find haunted hayrides, a pumpkin patch for family photos, face-painting and a daily costume contest. This event is included with zoo admission. 3755 NW Highway 17-92, Sanford, Fla (407) 323-4450.

Amazing Grace Crop Maze

Select Fridays and Saturdays in October, November
This family-owned farm welcomes families each Fall to experience a crop maze, hay rides, a plentiful pumpkin patch and games. Located in Green Cove Springs, just south of Jacksonville, the Amazing Grace Crop Maze offers plenty of fun and is a great educational experience for families. 2899 Wisteria Farms Rd., Green Cove Springs, Fla 32043 (904) 284-2949.

World Equestrian Center Halloween Celebration and
Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest, Ocala

Late October
Ocala’s premier equestrian venue invites you to bring your whole gang for an afternoon trick-or-treating adventure on the Grand Plaza, an aptly-named space that encompasses a luxury hotel, specialty shops like Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, and eateries that include Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, all centered around an enormous, state of the art equestrian arena. Dress up as your favorite character while you gather goodies; take part in cookie and pumpkin decorating; memorialize family memories in the photo booth; and enjoy spirited entertainment courtesy of the oh-so-skilled balloon artist. 
Don’t miss the Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest the day before, where your pup can parade in their Halloween best and compete for cash prizes, dog swag, and WEC merchandise. Both events are free.

ARC’s Owl at the Moon, The Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey, Apopka

Late October
Dedicated to raptor conservation, education, rehabilitation, and falconry, the ARC welcomes kids and their parents to celebrate the spooky season with arts and craft projects, flight demonstrations, and birds of prey that include peregrine falcons, vultures and majestic bald eagles. Families have the option to choose from different packages with items such as paper owl masks, art projects, owl pellets, photo portraits, and event t-shirts.

Catskill Haunts Scream Farm, Royal Palm Beach

Throughout October
There's something for everyone in the tribe at the Scream Farm. Adults and older teens can brave haunted attractions that invite nightmares, include the Haunted Mansion, Spooky Graveyard, Zombie Attack, and Creepy Carnival.
Want a bloody scar or special makeup to complete your look? Make sure to drop into the interactive Make-Up Trailer. You can even try your hand at ax throwing and dare to take pictures with a hearse.
It’s more about giggles than gasps in the expansive Halloween inflatable area, where little ones can pose for photos with friendly ghouls and goblins. Three different Halloween-themed bounce houses provide an ideal place for kids to burn off steam. An expedition through The Pumpkin Patch, where you can search for the perfect specimen to turn into a Jack-O-Lantern, is the ultimate way to banish the fright from the night.

This is just a sampling of the Halloween hotspots your and your family can enjoy in Florida. So put on those costumes, grab your camera (and a sack for treats) and go have some great fall fun with your family! 

PLACES TO REMEMBER