Halloween has always been a favorite holiday for kids but now more major theme parks have extended their summer season with Halloween events that attract kids, teens and adults. A poll conducted on ThemeParkInsider.com gave the editors from DestinationVillas.com insight into why these spooktaculars are so popular. 61% of respondents cited haunted houses and mazes as the reason for attending. 15% of park visitors attended the parks to see the shows and concerts and and additional 15% came for he scary actors who roam the grounds. But beware, not all Halloween events are family-friendly. Let DestinationVillas.com guide you through the Halloween maze of theme park attractions, as we rate them for each age group.
Best Halloween Theme Parks for Young Children
The Count’s Spooktacular Halloween
Sesame Place: Langhorne, PA
Age range: 2 to 10 with special events for adults too
Halloween Activities: Children can go trick-or-treating in their
costumes, take a hayride, walk through Count von Count’s castle, see a Halloween musical featuring their favorite
characters. Parking is $15 and up. Grownups can also try Celebrate Midnight With Poe, with entertainment and midnight reception. Weekends only, September 29 to October 27.
Accomodations: Oxford Valley Sheraton
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney World, FL
Age range: 3 to 11
Halloween Activities: Children can go trick-or-treating in their
costumes with
your favorite Disney characters wearing their Halloween costumes, and don’t miss the Halloween Parade, featuring the new “Goofy’s Candy Factory” finale, and fireworks show. September 5 to October 31.
Accomodations: Orlando vacation rentals and Kissimmee vacation rentals
Brick-or-Treat Trail
LEGOLAND: Carlsbad, CA
Age range: 3 to 12
What to expect: Festivities include a
LEGO candy corn scavenger hunt at the haunted hideaways. A free
souvenir bag includes collectible commemorative LEGO bricks and other
surprises Worth the trip! Weekends only, October 4-26.
Accomodations: California vacation rentals
Best Halloween Theme Parks for Teens and Adults
Hersheypark in the Dark
Age range: 6 to 12
What to expect: Leave it to Hersheypark for exciting rides, entertainment, favorite fall foods, concerts and scary storytelling. There's also a "Creatures of the Night" at ZooAmerica, where visitors
can get a glimpse into the nighttime habits of more than 200 native
animals.
Weekends only, October 17 to November 2.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Theme Parks: Nationwide
Age range: 12 or older
What to expect: Be horrified by creepy
scenes and fright fest actors that lurk in the shadows. Rides are spookier
thanks to special effects in the darkness. Weekends in October.
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando, FL
Age range: 16 and up
What to expect: Seven chilling haunted houses, three scare zones with
no escape, and a host of demented ghouls that lurk the grounds. September 26 to November 1.
Accomodations: Orlando vacation rentals and Kissimmee vacation rentals
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios: Universal City, CA
Age range: 16 and up
What to expect: Haunted walk-through attractions, roaming fright inducing actors, and nightmarish rides, shows and attractions, plus
live music performances. This venue is not for the faint of heart. Leave the kids at home. No costumes permitted. October 3 to November 1.
Accomodations: Hollywood vacation rentals