With October finally upon us, there’s no better place to scare up some festive fun than at one of the South’s many major theme parks. These venues are pulling out all the stops with over-the-top attractions, entertainment, themed menus, and more for guests of all ages. Happy haunting!
Disney World | Orlando, FL
More Info: disneyworld.disney.go.com
The happiest place on earth becomes the “hauntiest” during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. On select nights from now through October 31, the magical park is filled with the eerie sights and sounds of the season. Highlights include a spooktacular fireworks and laser light show, a “Boo to You” Halloween Parade, and plenty of opportunities for trick-or-treating.
Refuel with themed sips and snacks at one of the park’s many food haunts before taking in the wickedly fun “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” featuring the bewitching Sanderson Sisters.
It’s the perfect time of year to take a trip through the creepy corridors of Haunted Mansion, or go hurtling through the dark on Space Mountain with a Halloween twist. In addition to these old favorites, the 2025 offerings include a new ZOM-BEATZ BASH to “BOOgie” the night away. It’s fall family fun at its finest! For ticket information, click here.
Universal Studios | Orlando, FL
More Info: halloweenhorrornights.com
Clowns, vampires, and zombies, oh my! These are just a few of the creatures that await guests on the grounds of Universal Studios during Halloween Horror Nights, now through November 2. Terror lies around every turn in 10 haunted houses scattered throughout the popular park. These haunted hot spots are based on some of Hollywood’s most horrifying films, including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Terrifier, and Jason Universe.
Live entertainment, frighteningly good food, and an all-night dance party round out the fun, keeping the thrills going strong all night long. Beware: Halloween Horror Nights is not for the faint of heart and is strongly discouraged for anyone under 13. Costumes and masks are not allowed. For ticket info, here.
SB Tip: Universal Studios just launched its very own horror-inspired world in the new Epic Universe park. It’s a combination of gothic and sci-fi adventures you can experience year-round — not just during Halloween season.
Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, TN
More Info: dollywood.com
Once voted the number one Fall Family event by USA Today, Dollywood‘s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, is taking place now through October 27 and features the show-stopping Great Pumpkin Luminights. As the sun sets over the Great Smoky Mountains, the park lights up with more than 12,000 creatively carved glowing gourds, including a giant 40-foot pumpkin tree.
The spellbinding glow sets the stage for guests to meander through Hoot Owl Hollow or explore the sweet surprises that await in the new Candy Corn Country. Plenty of music, food, and rides round out the family-friendly experience that is big on fun — not on frights. For ticket information, click here.
Six Flags Fright Fest | Multiple Locations
More Info: Six Flags Over Georgia (Atlanta, GA); Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX); Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX)
Six Flags Fright Fest presented by Snickers® — taking place at several Six Flags parks across the South — offers an aMAZEing experience for anyone brave enough to take on the challenge. From now through November 2, the parks are home to pay-to-panic labyrinths based on some of the most bone-chilling films in cinema history. Fans of Saw and The Conjuring will meet their worst nightmares around every dead-end turn as they try to escape the murderous mayhem.
But the chills don’t stop there! You never know what lurks in the dark as you walk through the park’s scare zones on the way to catch a live show or grab snacks.
The events and attractions are designed to appeal to true horror fans and are strongly discouraged for anyone under 13. Families with younger children are invited to check out the Kids Boo Fest, a daytime Halloween event that is all fun, no fear. Not in the Georgia Area? No problem! Attractions may vary from park to park.
Carowinds | Charlotte, NC
More Info: carowinds.com
Celebrating 25 years of fear, Carowinds is giving guests something to scream about at Scarowinds on select nights between now and November 2. Only the bravest souls will navigate the park, which is filled with hair-raising scare zones, spooktacularly good shows, and terrifyingly twisted mazes that promise a panic-filled adventure.
Don’t forget to check out thrill rides like the popular Fury 325, which becomes even more harrowing in the dark. These intensely frightening nights are not recommended for anyone under 13, but little ghosts and goblins can scare up their own fun at Tricks and Treats, where more age-appropriate fall fun awaits. For ticket information, click here.
Morgan’s Wonderland | San Antonio, TX
More Info: morganswonderland.org
For a celebration that’s more delightful than frightful, Morgan’s Wonderland Halloween Bash is the place to be. Every Saturday from now through October 31, this unique theme park offers children of all ages and abilities a place to take part in Halloween fun and festivities.
From costume contests to themed photo stations, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, and more, Morgan’s is designed to ensure that all children and families feel special in a safe and accommodating environment.
In keeping with the inclusive atmosphere, only family-friendly masks are permitted, with no real or prop weapons allowed. To purchase tickets, click here.
Busch Gardens | Williamsburg, VA and Tampa, FL
For Info: buschgardens.com
There’s nowhere to hide during Busch Gardens’ annual Howl-O-Scream event, happening on select evenings at both the Tampa Bay and Williamsburg parks from now through November 1. The parks are transformed into a realm of terror, complete with multiple scare zones, haunted houses, and horror shows that bring guests face-to-face with fear.
Bites and booze at themed bars await those who survive long enough to scare up an appetite. Once voted the Best Theme Park Halloween Event by USA Today readers, this event is intended for mature audiences only, and costumes are not permitted. Tickets can be purchased here for Tampa Bay and here for Williamsburg.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park | Hot Springs, AR
For Info: magicsprings.com
Imagine playing laser tag with zombies, or watching contestants compete to see how long they can stay in a closed casket. These are just a few of the harrowing happenings at Magic Screams at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park on Saturdays and Sundays from now through November 2. The month-long celebration lineup also includes the new Piccolo Zoppe, a magically thrilling and entertaining circus show on October 18-19 and 25-26.
No Halloween party is complete without trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and seasonal snacks and drinks. Magic Scream delivers on all that and more, with frightful fun throughout the park that keeps guests of all ages screaming with delight. Tickets are available here.
Magic Screams delivers plenty of fun and frights. Image: Magic Springs
Kentucky Kingdom | Louisville, KY
More Info: kentuckykingdom.com
Kentucky Kingdom gets a glow-up every Friday through Sunday until October 6 with Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom presented by Humana. Over 1,000 illuminated pumpkins light the way for guests to enjoy rides, games, music, and trick-or-treating throughout the park.
Highlights include larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, a winding hay maze, a dance party for all ages, and a brand-new 60-foot tunnel of lights. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged, but no masks for ages 12 and up. To purchase tickets, click here.
Happy Halloween!
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