Best Theme Parks for Spooky Halloween Events in the U.S.
Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, and there’s nothing quite like celebrating it at an amusement park. The combination of thrilling rides, haunted houses, creepy decorations, and spooky experiences creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable Halloween experience. Over the years, I’ve visited some of the best theme parks across the U.S. during the Halloween season, and let me tell you, they go all out. Whether you're a fan of scary thrills or fun family-friendly events, there’s a park for everyone. In this article, I’ll take you through some of the best theme parks for Halloween events in the U.S., where the spooky vibes and thrills are taken to the next level.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USA
1. Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights
If you’re a fan of horror movies and terrifying scares, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is the event you won’t want to miss. I had the chance to visit last year, and I can tell you, it was one of the scariest experiences of my life! The park transforms into a haunted paradise, complete with terrifying mazes, live shows, and creepy characters lurking around every corner.
What sets Halloween Horror Nights apart is its iconic maze experiences, many of which are based on popular horror films like "Stranger Things," "The Walking Dead," and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." As I walked through these mazes, I couldn’t help but feel my heart racing—each turn brought a new surprise and the perfect mix of jump scares and eerie atmosphere. If you’re brave enough, you can even take on the terrifying scare zones, where creatures roam freely and surprise you from all directions.
In addition to the scares, Universal Studios offers a spooky vibe throughout the entire park. The rides are still open, but they take on a whole new level of fun with Halloween-themed overlays, like the “Jurassic World” ride that gets a creepy upgrade for the season. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights throughout September and October, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly!
Fun Spot America Theme Parks — Atlanta
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2. Disneyland Resort – Halloween Time at Disneyland
For those looking for a more family-friendly Halloween experience, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is the place to be. Disneyland’s “Halloween Time” event is an incredible celebration that brings spooky magic to the park while still keeping things fun for guests of all ages. As someone who’s been to Disneyland many times, I can say that Halloween Time is one of the park’s most enchanting seasons.
From the moment you enter, the park is decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, and ghoulish garlands. One of my favorite parts is the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which gets a special overlay during the Halloween season, inspired by "The Nightmare Before Christmas." The entire ride is transformed into a Halloween and Christmas mash-up, which is as spooky as it is whimsical.
Disneyland also features special Halloween events like Mickey’s Halloween Party, where kids (and adults!) can trick-or-treat throughout the park. There are also themed parades and shows, including the “Frightfully Fun Parade” that brings Halloween characters to life. Disneyland is the perfect destination for families who want to experience Halloween magic without too many frightful scares.
3. Knott’s Scary Farm – A Classic Halloween Experience
For those who enjoy a mix of thrills and fright, Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California, is a must-visit during the Halloween season. I’ve attended this event multiple times, and each year, it gets scarier and more intense. Knott’s Scary Farm is known for its incredible haunted mazes, scare zones, and spine-tingling live shows, all set in the eerie atmosphere of Knott’s Berry Farm.
The park offers a wide range of experiences for both thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts. Some of the most popular haunted mazes at Knott’s Scary Farm include “The Depths,” where you encounter terrifying sea creatures, and “Delirium,” a twisted carnival-themed maze that will mess with your mind. The scare zones are also fantastic, where creepy characters jump out at unsuspecting guests. The atmosphere at Knott’s is unlike any other, and the park really knows how to deliver a fright-filled night of fun.
What I love about Knott’s Scary Farm is that the park goes all in with its Halloween themes. The rides are also given spooky overlays, like the “GhostRider” roller coaster, which becomes even more terrifying during the Halloween season. If you're looking for a seriously scary Halloween experience, Knott's Scary Farm is the place to be.
4. Six Flags Magic Mountain – Fright Fest
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, is another excellent destination for thrill-seekers looking for a spooky Halloween event. Fright Fest at Six Flags is an exhilarating combination of thrilling rides, terrifying haunted houses, and creepy live entertainment that creates the perfect Halloween atmosphere.
One of the highlights of Fright Fest is the “Demon’s Lair” haunted maze, which is filled with creepy creatures and dark corners. It’s a true test of bravery, especially if you’re easily startled (like me!). The scare zones are equally terrifying, with monsters and ghouls roaming around the park, ready to jump out at you at any moment. For those who love the rides, the park also adds Halloween-themed elements to some of its most popular roller coasters, including the “Twisted Colossus” and “X2,” making the experience even more thrilling.
Fright Fest runs on select nights in September and October, and if you’re a fan of horror, it’s definitely worth checking out. Six Flags Magic Mountain offers an exciting Halloween celebration for anyone looking to face their fears in a fun, adrenaline-packed way.
5. SeaWorld San Diego – Howl-O-Scream
If you’re looking for a Halloween event that combines spooky scares with amazing animal exhibits, SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream is the perfect choice. As someone who loves both Halloween and marine life, I was thrilled to experience SeaWorld’s take on Halloween, and it didn’t disappoint.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld is filled with haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky live shows. One of my favorite aspects of this event is the way it incorporates the park’s marine animals into the scares. For example, the “Shark Encounter” takes on a whole new level of fright with eerie lighting and a creepy soundtrack. You can also enjoy the haunted mazes, like “The Graveyard,” where you encounter terrifying creatures hidden in dark, foggy paths.
In addition to the scares, SeaWorld also offers Halloween-themed shows and performances, along with delicious seasonal treats that add to the festive spirit. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of marine animals, Howl-O-Scream provides a unique Halloween experience for all.
6. LEGOLAND California – Brick-or-Treat
If you’re visiting California with younger children, LEGOLAND California’s Brick-or-Treat is the perfect Halloween event. This family-friendly event is packed with fun activities, including trick-or-treating, Lego-building contests, and special Halloween-themed shows. While it’s not as scary as some of the other events on this list, LEGOLAND’s Halloween celebration is full of magic and joy for little ones.
During Brick-or-Treat, the park is decorated with festive Lego displays, including giant Lego pumpkins and spooky Lego characters. Kids can go on a trick-or-treating adventure, collecting Lego-themed candies and treats along the way. It’s the perfect event for families with young children who want to experience the excitement of Halloween in a more light-hearted, fun way.
