The Spookiest Places to Visit This Halloween: For Thrill Seekers and Families
- Stacie Zaan
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As a travel advisor, I always say Halloween isn’t just a one-day celebration—it’s a season! Whether you’re a horror fan looking for real chills or a family searching for not-so-scary fun, there’s a destination out there ready to deliver the perfect mix of magic and mystery. Here are some of the spookiest places to visit this Halloween, from ghost tours to glow-in-the-dark pumpkins!
👻 Spine-Chilling Destinations for the Brave
1. Salem, Massachusetts No Halloween list is complete without Salem. This town lives and breathes spooky history, especially in October. Walk the cobblestone streets, tour the Salem Witch Museum, or join a guided ghost tour after dark. The Salem Haunted Happenings festival fills the whole month with parades, costume balls, and more.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana Known for its voodoo roots and rich haunted history, New Orleans is a favorite for grown-up ghost hunters. Take a haunted cemetery tour, stroll the French Quarter with a costumed guide, or stay at one of the many hotels rumored to host friendly spirits.
3. Transylvania, Romania For the ultimate Halloween bucket list experience, visit Bran Castle—often linked to the legend of Dracula. Some tour companies even offer Halloween night parties in the castle. It's spooky, scenic, and full of folklore.
4. Sleepy Hollow, New York The legend of the Headless Horseman lives on here, and the entire town transforms in the fall. Historic lantern tours, haunted hayrides, and dramatic re-tellings of Washington Irving's tale make this one a must-visit for literary horror fans.
🎃 Family-Friendly Frights and Fall Fun
1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Walt Disney World, Florida Perfect for all ages, this after-hours event at Magic Kingdom offers trick-or-treating, themed parades, special character meet-and-greets, and lots of costumes! It's spooky in the most delightful way—nothing too scary here.
2. LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat – Various Locations LEGOLAND parks go all-in on Halloween with their Brick-or-Treat events. Expect LEGO monster meet-ups, scavenger hunts, costume contests, and lots of family-friendly entertainment. It’s ideal for younger kids who want to join the fun without the fright.
3. Universal Studios – Halloween Horror Nights (and Family Alternatives) While Halloween Horror Nights is best for teens and adults who love intense scares, some Universal locations offer daytime kid-friendly experiences like character parades and themed treats—check with your travel advisor to find the best balance.
4. Great Wolf Lodge – Howl-O-Ween Great Wolf Lodge locations across the U.S. turn into spooky but sweet wonderlands with Howl-O-Ween. There are trick-or-treat trails, dance parties, and themed crafts—and of course, the indoor water park is still a huge draw.
✈️ Planning Tips for Halloween Travel
Book early! Halloween events at popular destinations sell out fast—especially those with limited ticketed entry.
Pack costumes. Whether you're headed to a Disney park or a historic town, dressing up adds to the fun.
Mix the spooky with the scenic. Many Halloween destinations also offer stunning fall foliage, seasonal eats, and cozy autumn vibes.
Ask about age guidelines. Some “haunted” attractions have age recommendations or offer “lights-on” tours for younger kids.
Whether you're seeking chills down your spine or just a charming pumpkin-lit path, Halloween is the perfect excuse to plan a magical getaway. As a travel advisor, I’d love to help you find the spooky spot that suits your travel style. Reach out and let’s plan a hauntingly fun trip!
Spooky travels!
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