Halloween For Tweens and Teens: Teen-Approved Frights and Fun

Halloween is a tricky holiday to manage when the kids get a little older. Older kids end up tagging along as helpers for younger siblings, but they desperately want to do the bigger kid things. Trick-or-treat debate aside, teens really want to partake in some Halloween fun with their friends.

And why not? They are still kids, and even as young adults, Halloween can be celebrated in a fun and safe environment where they can enjoy the holiday in all its fright.

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It might take some planning and collaboration from other parents too, but it will be so worth it! Here are a few ideas for Halloween for teens this October:

Halloween for Teens and Tweens in Tampa Bay

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Plan a night in advance and take advantage of group pricing for your teen group.

Last year, we gathered a bunch of parents and kids and made it a night out for everyone. Once we got into the event, we went our separate ways, but the kids knew we were there in case anyone needed anything.

Busch Gardens is so big that we never even ran into them! As teens get older and gain more freedom, it is nice to be in the background in case you are needed, and it is nice for them to know if they need you, you aren’t far away.

Nightmare on Franklin Street at Tampa Theater: With classic horror films, creepy cult favorites, “Mummy & Me” family-friendly films and even ghost tours, this is the place for the teen who loves scary Halloween movies!

Have dinner at Ulele, and then head over to the historic theater for a movie, tour or just the perfect vibe.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World: It’s a blast for teens because it combines the magic of Disney with Halloween thrills in a family-friendly atmosphere.

With special after-hours access to the park, teens can enjoy their favorite rides with shorter lines and experience unique, spooky twists on classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion.

The party features fun activities like trick-or-treating, where teens can collect candy, and exclusive entertainment, including the “Boo-to-You” parade and “Hocus Pocus” stage show.

Host a Halloween party: Offer to host an epic Halloween party with dry ice, spooky music, a scary movie marathon or spooky game night, and themed food (the more food, the better when teens are concerned!). Giving them the space to hang out is important; it’s what teens really want (that means no pictures, Mom!).

Trick-or-treating can still be an option, too, so have them all bring a costume. Pro-Parent Tip: Find parents to cohost with to make it more fun for everyone!

Haunted Nights on the Farm: On Saturday nights in October, prepare for a night of frights at HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown. It is fun for groups of teens who want to be scared, but it is also entertaining for parents to make a night of it together.

The festivities start at 7 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are recommended. And don’t forget your flashlight!

Tour UNDead in the Water on the American Victory Ship in Tampa: This haunted ship experience is geared for people ages 11 and older and is probably one of our area’s most unique haunted house experiences…or should we say haunted SHIP experiences.

Here’s the cool part: All event proceeds support the restoration and operation of the American Victory Ship and Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving history and serving the community.

Although teens may think they are ready for all the scary things, knowing your child well will help guide them in what they can handle for the night of Halloween. The key is balancing their growing independence with safe and enjoyable choices where everyone has fun!

Originally published in the October 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.