Ready for a fright? 6 must-visit Halloween theme park events

The spooky season is here, and everyone is ready for a fright. These six must-visit Halloween theme park events could make you afraid of the dark.

From Yetis and vampires to ghosts and goblins, frights await around every corner at these seven must-visit Halloween theme park events. While theme parks often put a little magic in a regular day, these annual Halloween events offer a darker turn. Could you want an escort to the parking lot after walking through these turnstiles of terror?

Halloween celebrations and theme parks are becoming a huge draw. It is an opportunity to bring both new guests and annual passholders back to the park for a new experience. Since the spooky themes change year after year, there is always something new to see.

Some theme parks tone down the scary levels and make the event family friendly. From Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights, those events are great for families who want the fun not the fright. For this list, the Halloween events are scary and probably aren’t for the under 13 crowd.

Looking at the bolder, older crowd, these theme park guests want total fear and authenticity. Whether it is the detailed representation of their favorite story or the scare actor who will haunt your nightmares, every exacting details makes these experiences top on the list.

Here are Culturess’ six must-visit Halloween theme park events.

Six Flags Fright Fest – Jackson, NJ

Many Six Flags locations offer a Fright Fest experience. In some cases, the daytime hours offer a less scary experience, but once night falls, the gloves are off.

Some people like the Fright Fest events because the attractions become haunted. While a zombie might not be riding beside you, that zombie might be stalking you when you exit to the right. The haunted houses at these events are well done. The storylines target universal fears. From disease to zombies, all the major topics are covered.

The biggest draw is the scare zones. Since Six Flags has lots of places for the scare actors to hide, they can really creep you out.

King’s Island Haunt – Cincinnati, OH

While you might scream as you ride the King’s Island roller coasters, this year’s King’s Island Haunt could leave a permanent fright mark. One of this year’s haunted mazes definitely requires a steel will.

Blackout takes the fear of claustrophobia to extreme heights. Whether it is the enclosure or the darkness, you might want to reach for the panic button.

Cedar Point Halloweekends – Sandusky, OH,

Everyone knows that Cedar Point is one of the best theme parks in the world, but Halloweekends at the destination are another reason to visit. Don’t let those fun pumpkin displays fool you. The frights are just around the corner.

One attraction that will get your heart beating is The Trail of the Forsaken. This trail might not be the best path to avoid phobias. Also, the Cornstalkers 2.0 is definitely not that family-friendly corn maze from your childhood. These pumpkinheads don’t want you to make it out alive.

Kennywood Amusement Park, “Phantom Fright Nights” – Pittsburgh, PA

Consistently named one of the top theme park Halloween events, Kennywood combines haunted houses, scare zones, and even an escape room into this annual experience. While some people might be content to watch a 4D IT movie experience, outside the theater there are tons of haunts to be had.

While the escape room is definitely a must-see, the new Shady Grove Memorial Hospital builds on the classic hospital feat. The evil doctor is looking for new patients. Hopefully, you aren’t on his list.

Busch Gardens Tampa, Howl-O-Scream – Tampa, FL

Each year, Busch Gardens Tampa seems to up the ante on its Halloween experience. With the park celebrating its 20th season, this year’s experience will definitely cause some people to run and hide. These experiences are original themes that amp up the disturbing fear factor.

One of the reasons this Halloween experience ranks so high is the horde of scare actors looking to make you jump. These characters are looking to get you around every corner. Never let your guard down.

Also, the rides are open all night long. If you have never ridden some of Busch Gardens Tampa rides at night, this event is the perfect opportunity. Roller coasters at night are definitely scarier.

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando – Orlando, FL

Consistently ranked the top Halloween theme park event, Halloween Horror Nights Orlando has been around for 29 seasons. Each year the event grows in length due to its popularity.
From original property haunted attractions to experiences based on popular movies, there is something for everyone at HHN. While the scare factor might have be toned down a little this year, the details in each and every experience make it a must visit.

More importantly, going to HHN is like having a full immersive experience. From the food to the scare zones, it makes the evening turn into a Halloween party. Even if you never step into a haunted house, the people watching makes this event totally worth the price of admission.

What are your must-visit Halloween theme park events? Where should we plan to visit next year?