The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!

Spooky SZN is nearly here which means it’s time for us to share our annual list of our favorite Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay!! Get ready to round up your little ghouls and goblins for a spooktacular day or night out in Tampa Bay at one of these awesome Halloween events. And, don’t forget — we’ve curated a list of awesome pumpkin patches in Tampa Bay including fall festivals.

*We’ll continue to update this post as events are announced.

The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay 

Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

• Dates: Saturdays and Sundays September 9-October 29, and October 30-31, 2023 from noon-4 pm.
• Cost: Included with theme park admission
• Includes trick-or-treating.

Spooktacular returns this year after it debuted at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay last year. It’s such a great addition to the park’s Halloween-themed offerings. Kids can meet Kandy, the witch-in-training who is still learning her magic. She might even indulge you in her stories of turning her pals into frogs—oops!  

If you arrive at noon, you can take part in a short opening ceremony and be among the first to trick-or-treat your way through the event. We recommend bringing your own bag for the candy and prizes. 

 Once you’ve wrapped up trick-or-treating, be sure to snap some photos at the photo ops and with Kandy and her friends, snuggle up on the bench for a “Room on the Broom” storytime, and kids 13 and younger can even take part in the Spooktacular Costume Parade—this is an adorable opportunity to let your child shine and show off their costumes.  We’ve got even MORE details about Spookacular at Busch Gardens here.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids Weekends Halloween Celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Dates: Weekends September 30 through October 29 and then Monday, October 30, and Tuesday, October 31, 2023
• Cost: Included with theme park admission.

Once kids have experienced Spooktacular, they can head on over to Sesame Street Safari of Fun for a Halloween-themed adventure featuring a sing-along show, Count von Count’s Not-too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show, a Dance Party with their favorite characters, and more!

Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Florida

• Dates: Weekends September 16-October 29, 2023 (September – Saturdays only)
• Cost: Included with daily admission
• Includes trick-or-treating

Don’t miss this Halloween party built just for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Kids can enjoy spooky LEGO building activities (they might even learn some cool LEGO building tricks from the pros!), trick-or-treating in the new candy zones, event-exclusive character meet-and-greets, along with the V.I.M. (Very Important Monster) Dance Party, and more! You can even climb aboard The Disco Dragon coaster for a groovy Halloween monster jam. 

 What’s NEW in 2023: 

• ALL-NEW fireworks show, “Spellbound” hosted by LEGO Lord Vampyre featuring 3-D LEGO bricks. 
• ALL-NEW Zombie Pep Rally led by LEGO Zombie Cheerleader and her crew. 
• Experience completely transformed candy zones with more candy and trick-or-treating than ever before like Wicked Street Way, Shipwreck Alley, and more. 
• Be on the lookout for a new LEGO character meet-and-greet: LEGO Square Foot (Big Foot, but LEGO-style!) along with returning favorites.  

We’re dishing on all the details here: Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida: Here’s what to expect in 2023  

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

• Dates: Select Nights from September 29-October 29, 2023
• Cost: $5 reservation fee for Zoo Members and “Pay for a Day” ticket holders which you’ll get back as a voucher and it’s $35.95-$45.95 for general admission tickets

Tampa Bay’s number-one family Halloween event returns this October! Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa is full of eerie family fun for everyone! Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, mischievous characters, creepy culinary treats, and much more! NEW this year: The Vampire Ball with hosts Count Chirop and Countess Tera. There will also be a new Vikings Victory Party, Troll Cave, Howliday House Light Show, and Spider Queen Dining Hall Oasis. Head on over here to see what it was like at ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night in 2022.

Spooky Train Rides and Scary Trail at the Concourse in Shady Hills

• Dates: October 6-29, 2023, select days between 6:15 pm–9:45 pm
• Location: Convention Center/ Marriott Water Street (Stop 7 location)
• Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for children ages 2-12 (includes all-day hop on/hop off)

Join Pirate Water Taxi’s crew for an entertaining evening with tales of ghosts along the Hillsborough River. Each tour will be led by two dead-lightful docents who will tell eerie stories of Tampa’s past. Admission is included with a regular daily hop-on, hop-off pass. Haunted River Tours are family-friendly, and all ages are welcome! Tours last 45-50 minutes.  

 

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park

• Dates: October 20-21, 2023 from 6 pm-10 pm
• Location: Hillsborough River State Park
• Cost: $10 for ages 13 and older

The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is hosting a haunted trail at the park along with a costume contest, live music, and treats as an alternative to trick-or-treating! Learn more about the Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park here.

Tampa Bay History Center’s A Night at the Museum

• Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 4 pm-7 pm
• Location: 801 Water Street, Tampa
• Cost: Ticket prices: $16.95 for adults; $14.95 for college students; $14.95 for seniors (60+); $12.95 for children and youth (4-17); free for children ages 0-3. History Center members receive a 15% discount.  
• *Includes trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treat your way through the Tampa Bay History Center galleries in search of sweet rewards on Sunday, Oct. 22. Plan for an evening of games, crafts, costume characters, and more! Timed tickets are available now and children age 3 and younger are free.

Pied Piper’s 2nd Annual Haunted Carnival at Armature Works in Tampa

October 26-29, 2023 at various times 1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa 
The Haunted Carnival will host a costume contest, where the winner will be awarded $10,000 in cash and prizes. Participants can enter to win on Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. or Sunday from 4-8 p.m. And a dog costume contest on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Haunted Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa

• Dates: October 27 and 28, 2023 from 5:30 pm-10 pm
• 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Cost: FREE

A haunted pirate shipwreck is heading to Sparkman Wharf with an evening of plenty of photos, live music, silly spooks for the kids, festive food and drinks, and MORE! This is a free community event. Some of the cool photo opportunities include a pirate jail, a siren’s sea swing, and the TAMPA sign will be decked out for the holidays too! 

Spooky Season Theme Day at Great Explorations Children’s Museum

• Friday, October 27, 2023, from 10:30 am-4:00 pm
• Location: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
• Cost: Museum admission, $12 for adults and $15 for kids ages 1-17

Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete is hosting a day filled with Halloween-themed activities for kids including games, arts, and crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but make sure kids can see out of face masks so they can enjoy all the fun!

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Largo Central Park

• Date: October 27, 2023, 5:30 pm 
• Location: 201 Highland Ave, Largo, FL
• Cost: Free

Bring your kiddos dressed in their Halloween costumes for a night of trick-or-treating around Largo City Hall. Bags and candy will be provided. This is an outdoor event. Adults can also take home a Trick-or-Tree at the end of the event to plant at home. Learn more at playlargo.com.

Owl-O-Ween at McGough Nature Park 

• October 27, 2023, from 5:30 pm-9 pm
• Location: 11901 146th St., Largo, FL 33774
• Cost: $5 for ages 4 and up. Kids 3 and younger are free.

For a spooky good time, bring the family out to McGough Nature Park for a night to explore a spooky nature trail, candy scavenger hunt, animal shows, and more! Tickets are $5 per person. You can learn more and book your tickets by visiting playlargo.com.

MOSI’s Spooktacular Science: A Halloween Extravaganza! 

• October 27 from 6 pm-8 pm
  
• Location: 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa
• Cost: FREE

Gather your costumes and head to MOSI for this members-only eerie event! MOSI will be transformed into a haunted wonderland where science meets supernatural. There will be interactive experiments, spooky exhibits, and trick-or-treat adventures.  

Fright Nights at Folly Farm in Safety Harbor

• October 27 & 28, 2023 from 6 pm-10 pm 
• 1538 Dr. MLK North, Safety Harbor
• Cost: $7 for haunted trail

The city of Safety Harbor has scheduled two nights of frightful fun at Folly Farm Nature Preserve. There will be a haunted trail you can explore, fall-themed activities, a campfire, children’s activities, and more!

7th Annual Trick or Treat on the Riverwalk in Tampa and Lighted Boat Parade

• October 28, 2023, from 4 pm-7 pm
• Downtown Tampa Riverwalk
• Cost: FREE

Trick or treating on the Riverwalk is back where kids and their families can visit more than 50 different treat stations while enjoying other fun activities including the annual Halloween Lighted Boat Parade which starts at 6:30pm, benefiting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Zephyrhills Halloween Howl

• Date: October 28, 2023 from 5 pm-9 pm
• Location: Zephyr Park: 38116 5th Ave. in Zephyrhills
• Cost: Free to attend

Head to Zephry Park for an evening of spooktacular activities and treats, a haunted house and haunted forest, games, live entertainment, and more. You can start the celebration early over at Wizard Fest in Downtown Zephyrhills at the Clock Plaza from 11 am -3 pm on the same day for vendors, scavenger hunt, raffles, and more.

4th Annual Spooky Stroll with TRIBE Seminole Heights

• October 28, 2023, from 6 pm-9 pm
• Seminole Heights Garden Center, Tampa
• Cost: $1 per person 

This beloved annual event will sell out fast, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot. TRIBE Seminole Heights’ Spooky Stroll features tons of family-friendly fun including costumed characters, trick-or-treat stations, a pumpkin patch, a creepy house tour, fun games, and MORE! In the past, it has taken about 60-90 minutes to complete the stroll.

Boo Brunch on Yacht Starship in Tampa

• October 29, 2023, from 12 pm-2:30 pm
• 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Cost: Tickets start at $34.95 for kids and $54.95 for adults

This Halloween-themed Boo Brunch cruise is a family-friendly adventure with fun costume contests, tricks and treats, a brunch buffet, and more. Each child will receive a complimentary pumpkin at the end of the cruise along with a cute photo opportunity before boarding.

Halloween on Central in St Pete 2023

• October 30, 2023 from noon-5:00 pm
• Central Ave in St. Pete between MLK and 31st St S
• Cost: Free

22 blocks are closed to cars and motor vehicles from noon-5pm for this this family event will be filled with a parade of costumes, street performers, entertainment, and tons of Halloween fun! 

Halloween Spooktacular at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

• October 31, 2023, from 3 pm-7 pm 
• Location: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
• Cost: Included with daily admission

Families can experience this CMA-themed Halloween event with trick-or-treat stations, spooky decorations, and more! This is a great alternative to Halloween night trick-or-treating in a neighborhood.

2023 Dates TBA:

MOSI Monster Mash 

2023 Dates TBD
MOSI’s Monster Mash is back with mad science and indoor trick-or-treating! There will be plenty of Hall-o-STEAM activities throughout the museum and even a Halloween-themed astronomy show at the Saunders Planetarium.

Guppyween at the Florida Aquarium

2023 Dates TBD
Dust off your spooky-spirited outfits and join us for Guppyween on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30! This Halloween-themed event will take place between 10 am and 3 pm and will feature complimentary trick or treating, animal encounters, character appearances and more. Admission is free for members and for children in costume accompanied by a paid adult. A Sensory-Friendly Guppyween will be held on October 29 from 8:00 am-9:30 am. Tickets for the Sensory-Friendly event are $10 per person.

Dairy Joy Halloween Party in Tampa

October 29, 2022 from 1 pm-3 pm 3813 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa Cost: Free to attend, but you will need to buy your own ice-cream Join Tampa’s iconic ice-cream shop, Dairy Joy, for an afternoon of thrilling fun! In fact, it’s going to be so spooky good that even the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus are flying in for a meet-and-greet. There will also be a costume and more fun to be had!

Howl-O-Ween at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Saturday, October 29 from 11 am-3 pm 3607 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL  Head to Humane Society of Tampa Bay for some spooky games and prizes, trick-or-treating, crafts, and costume contests for both kids and pets!

Haunted Halls Halloween Concert with the Florida Orchestra

October 30, 2022 at 2 p.m. Cost: Tickets range from $10-$20, Kids 3 and younger are free Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete  Gather up your ghouls and goblins and have them wear their favorite costumes to the the Haunted Halls Halloween-themed concert! You’ll hear songs from Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King, John Williams’ music from Jaws and Superman, selections from the Nightmare Before Christmas and much more. Arrive early to play in the Instrument Meeting Zoo. The show is about one hour long.

For even MORE Halloween Fun, check out our Ultimate Guide to Fall Events in Tampa Bay here.

The BEST Halloween Events for Teens 

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens 

Select Nights September 9- October 31, 2022, Fri & Sat: 7 pm-1 am, Thurs & Sun: 7 pm-12 am Cost: Tickets start at $41.99 Experience terrors around every corner at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, terrifying outdoor scare zones, and returning favorite haunted houses including the “Witch of the Woods” The Forgotten!  There will also be live, interactive entertainment and Bier Fest will be open for you to explore too! Tickets are a must to secure your spot! Related: Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022

Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City

Select nights September 9-October 31, 2022, Select Nights 27839 St. Joe Rd., Dade City, FL 33525 Cost: $24.95-$35.95 ($5 extra per ticket at the box office) It’s officially that time of year! Scream-A-Geddon is returning to Dade City to terrify guests once again with haunted house attractions and creepy crawlies wandering the grounds to give you your first frights of the season. There are a total of SIX attractions to terrify you including NEW ones. *Please don’t bring little kiddos to this—it’s quite intense and there’s no pumpkin patch here.

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City

September 30-November 1, 2022 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights 2837 S Frontage Rd in Plant City Cost: $27-$37 For an extra spooky night filled with terrifying thrills, head to Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City! There are three haunted trails, laser tag, and even an escape room. The haunted trails are not appropriate for kids under age 12, so leave the little ones at home.

Tampa Theatre Ghosts of Tampa Tour

October 16-31, 2022, various times Cost: See website for details Tampa’s most historic (and haunted!) movie palace is offering 90-minute tours where you’ll learn the haunting tales of the spirits that are said to still roam the historic theater.  For more information, prices, and times, visit Tampa Theatre online.

UNDead in the Water at the American Victory Ship in  Tampa

Fridays & Saturdays in October 2022 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL Cost: $20-$25 (plus tax) general admission, $18-$23 (plus tax) military UNDead in the Water is back at Sparkman Wharf! Traverse multiple decks of this historic WWII cargo ship armed only with nerves of steel and a will to survive.  Avoid being eaten by the infected zombie stowaways while the Ripper Squad Decontamination Crew fights for humanity’s very survival! Alas, no pumpkin patch here.  This is best for kids older than 11 years old due to the fright factor.

Check out even MORE Scary Halloween Events and Haunted Houses in Tampa Bay and Beyond here!

Halloween Costume Ideas

Our team is sharing some of our favorite DIY Halloween costume ideas. You can also learn how to make the above DIY Pirate Costume by Tampa Bay Parenting contributor Karimah Henry of @craftingafunlife–which is perfect to store and keep for Gasparilla too!

Halloween Treats and Spooky Snack Ideas

Need some spooky inspiration for your child’s lunch box? Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing some ghoulishly good Halloween party snacks that also double as fun lunchbox additions! For a healthy twist, check out Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay’s Healthy Halloween Snack Ideas. 

Halloween Science Experiments

Glazer Children’s Museum shared some really cool spooky science experiments you can do at home for extra thrills including how to make ghost eggs!

Tell a Halloween Joke!

Q: Who won the skeleton beauty contest? A: No body! We’ve got even more ghoulishly good Halloween jokes for kids to keep your kiddos laughing all day long!

More stories we think you’ll LOVE:

9 Scenic Road Trips from Tampa Bay to See Fall Leaves  

Halloween events that have already happend, so stay tuned for 2023!

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park

October 21-22, 2022 from 6pm-10pm Cost: $10 for ages 13 and older Hillsborough River State Park The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is hosting a haunted trail at the park along with a costume contest, live music and treats as an alternative to trick-or-treating! Learn more about the Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park here.

Pint-Sized Halloween Party at Southwest Complex in Largo 

October 22, 2022 4pm 13120 Vonn Rd, Largo, FL Cost: $10 child, $4 adult This is a Willy Wonka themed party created just for kiddos ages 7 and younger. Kids can make a craft, participate in a costume parade, enjoy fall themed treats, and play games.

Cracker Country Living History Museum Presents Fourth Annual Tale Tales of Old Florida

October 22, 2022, 6:45pm Florida State Fairgrounds Cost: $15 per person when purchased in advance, $8 parking per car Explore Tampa’s 19^th century living history museum by night.  Along the way, meet storytellers who will spin wild yarns about a few of Florida’s unexplained oddities!  A little scary, a little funny and always family friendly, the Tall Tales tour is a Florida history adventure by lantern light. Guests are invited to come early and enjoy Victorian games and activities before their tour begins. Afterward, have a complimentary snack and do some holiday shopping in the General Store. Tours last 60 minutes. Not recommended for children under 6.   

• Dates: Select nights September 29-October 28, 2023, from 7 pm-10 pm
• Location: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd, Shady Hills
• Cost: $8 each or $15 for both

Come out to the Concourse forger Spooky Train Rides and Scary Trail! The train is now DOUBLE the length of years past! There will be many activities for the kids so come out and have a spooky time!  

Hocus Focus at Fairgrounds St. Pete 

• Dates: October 5- November 6, 2023, regular business hours
• Location: 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Pete
• Cost: $35 for Florida residents, $32 for kids ages 4-12

Fairgrounds St. Pete is launching an all-new Halloween event, ‘Hocos Focus’, a limited-time activation that includes an eyeball-themed scavenger hunt, Halloween activations in every exhibit, wearable glowing goodies, games, and more! You can take advantage of $3 off ticket prices during the Hocus Focus Early Bird sale through September 30.

Haunted River Tours with Pirate Water Taxi

• Dates: October 6-29, 2023, select days between 6:15 pm–9:45 pm
• Location: Convention Center/ Marriott Water Street (Stop 7 location)
• Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for children ages 2-12 (includes all-day hop on/hop off)

Join Pirate Water Taxi’s crew for an entertaining evening with tales of ghosts along the Hillsborough River. Each tour will be led by two dead-lightful docents who will tell eerie stories of Tampa’s past. Admission is included with a regular daily hop-on, hop-off pass. Haunted River Tours are family-friendly, and all ages are welcome! Tours last 45-50 minutes.  

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park

• Dates: October 20-21, 2023 from 6 pm-10 pm
• Location: Hillsborough River State Park
• Cost: $10 for ages 13 and older

The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is hosting a haunted trail at the park along with a costume contest, live music, and treats as an alternative to trick-or-treating! Learn more about the Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park here.

Tampa Bay History Center’s A Night at the Museum

• Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 4 pm-7 pm
• Location: 801 Water Street, Tampa
• Cost: Ticket prices: $16.95 for adults; $14.95 for college students; $14.95 for seniors (60+); $12.95 for children and youth (4-17); free for children ages 0-3. History Center members receive a 15% discount.  
• *Includes trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treat your way through the Tampa Bay History Center galleries in search of sweet rewards on Sunday, Oct. 22. Plan for an evening of games, crafts, costume characters, and more! Timed tickets are available now and children age 3 and younger are free.

Pied Piper’s 2nd Annual Haunted Carnival at Armature Works in Tampa

October 26-29, 2023 at various times 1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa 
The Haunted Carnival will host a costume contest, where the winner will be awarded $10,000 in cash and prizes. Participants can enter to win on Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. or Sunday from 4-8 p.m. And a dog costume contest on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Haunted Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa

• Dates: October 27 and 28, 2023 from 5:30 pm-10 pm
• 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Cost: FREE

A haunted pirate shipwreck is heading to Sparkman Wharf with an evening of plenty of photos, live music, silly spooks for the kids, festive food and drinks, and MORE! This is a free community event. Some of the cool photo opportunities include a pirate jail, a siren’s sea swing, and the TAMPA sign will be decked out for the holidays too! 

Spooky Season Theme Day at Great Explorations Children’s Museum

• Friday, October 27, 2023, from 10:30 am-4:00 pm
• Location: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
• Cost: Museum admission, $12 for adults and $15 for kids ages 1-17

Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete is hosting a day filled with Halloween-themed activities for kids including games, arts, and crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but make sure kids can see out of face masks so they can enjoy all the fun!

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Largo Central Park

• Date: October 27, 2023, 5:30 pm 
• Location: 201 Highland Ave, Largo, FL
• Cost: Free

Bring your kiddos dressed in their Halloween costumes for a night of trick-or-treating around Largo City Hall. Bags and candy will be provided. This is an outdoor event. Adults can also take home a Trick-or-Tree at the end of the event to plant at home. Learn more at playlargo.com.

Owl-O-Ween at McGough Nature Park 

• October 27, 2023, from 5:30 pm-9 pm
• Location: 11901 146th St., Largo, FL 33774
• Cost: $5 for ages 4 and up. Kids 3 and younger are free.

For a spooky good time, bring the family out to McGough Nature Park for a night to explore a spooky nature trail, candy scavenger hunt, animal shows, and more! Tickets are $5 per person. You can learn more and book your tickets by visiting playlargo.com.

MOSI’s Spooktacular Science: A Halloween Extravaganza! 

• October 27 from 6 pm-8 pm
  
• Location: 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa
• Cost: FREE

Gather your costumes and head to MOSI for this members-only eerie event! MOSI will be transformed into a haunted wonderland where science meets supernatural. There will be interactive experiments, spooky exhibits, and trick-or-treat adventures.  

Fright Nights at Folly Farm in Safety Harbor

• October 27 & 28, 2023 from 6 pm-10 pm 
• 1538 Dr. MLK North, Safety Harbor
• Cost: $7 for haunted trail

The city of Safety Harbor has scheduled two nights of frightful fun at Folly Farm Nature Preserve. There will be a haunted trail you can explore, fall-themed activities, a campfire, children’s activities, and more!

7th Annual Trick or Treat on the Riverwalk in Tampa and Lighted Boat Parade

• October 28, 2023, from 4 pm-7 pm
• Downtown Tampa Riverwalk
• Cost: FREE

Trick or treating on the Riverwalk is back where kids and their families can visit more than 50 different treat stations while enjoying other fun activities including the annual Halloween Lighted Boat Parade which starts at 6:30pm, benefiting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Zephyrhills Halloween Howl

• Date: October 28, 2023 from 5 pm-9 pm
• Location: Zephyr Park: 38116 5th Ave. in Zephyrhills
• Cost: Free to attend

Head to Zephry Park for an evening of spooktacular activities and treats, a haunted house and haunted forest, games, live entertainment, and more. You can start the celebration early over at Wizard Fest in Downtown Zephyrhills at the Clock Plaza from 11 am -3 pm on the same day for vendors, scavenger hunt, raffles, and more.

4th Annual Spooky Stroll with TRIBE Seminole Heights

• October 28, 2023, from 6 pm-9 pm
• Seminole Heights Garden Center, Tampa
• Cost: $1 per person 

This beloved annual event will sell out fast, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot. TRIBE Seminole Heights’ Spooky Stroll features tons of family-friendly fun including costumed characters, trick-or-treat stations, a pumpkin patch, a creepy house tour, fun games, and MORE! In the past, it has taken about 60-90 minutes to complete the stroll.

Boo Brunch on Yacht Starship in Tampa

• October 29, 2023, from 12 pm-2:30 pm
• 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Cost: Tickets start at $34.95 for kids and $54.95 for adults

This Halloween-themed Boo Brunch cruise is a family-friendly adventure with fun costume contests, tricks and treats, a brunch buffet, and more. Each child will receive a complimentary pumpkin at the end of the cruise along with a cute photo opportunity before boarding.

Halloween on Central in St Pete 2023

• October 30, 2023 from noon-5:00 pm
• Central Ave in St. Pete between MLK and 31st St S
• Cost: Free

22 blocks are closed to cars and motor vehicles from noon-5pm for this this family event will be filled with a parade of costumes, street performers, entertainment, and tons of Halloween fun! 

Halloween Spooktacular at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

• October 31, 2023, from 3 pm-7 pm 
• Location: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
• Cost: Included with daily admission

Families can experience this CMA-themed Halloween event with trick-or-treat stations, spooky decorations, and more! This is a great alternative to Halloween night trick-or-treating in a neighborhood.

2023 Dates TBA:

MOSI Monster Mash 

2023 Dates TBD
MOSI’s Monster Mash is back with mad science and indoor trick-or-treating! There will be plenty of Hall-o-STEAM activities throughout the museum and even a Halloween-themed astronomy show at the Saunders Planetarium.

Guppyween at the Florida Aquarium

2023 Dates TBD
Dust off your spooky-spirited outfits and join us for Guppyween on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30! This Halloween-themed event will take place between 10 am and 3 pm and will feature complimentary trick or treating, animal encounters, character appearances and more. Admission is free for members and for children in costume accompanied by a paid adult. A Sensory-Friendly Guppyween will be held on October 29 from 8:00 am-9:30 am. Tickets for the Sensory-Friendly event are $10 per person.

Dairy Joy Halloween Party in Tampa

October 29, 2022 from 1 pm-3 pm 3813 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa Cost: Free to attend, but you will need to buy your own ice-cream Join Tampa’s iconic ice-cream shop, Dairy Joy, for an afternoon of thrilling fun! In fact, it’s going to be so spooky good that even the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus are flying in for a meet-and-greet. There will also be a costume and more fun to be had!

Howl-O-Ween at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Saturday, October 29 from 11 am-3 pm 3607 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL  Head to Humane Society of Tampa Bay for some spooky games and prizes, trick-or-treating, crafts, and costume contests for both kids and pets!

Haunted Halls Halloween Concert with the Florida Orchestra

October 30, 2022 at 2 p.m. Cost: Tickets range from $10-$20, Kids 3 and younger are free Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete  Gather up your ghouls and goblins and have them wear their favorite costumes to the the Haunted Halls Halloween-themed concert! You’ll hear songs from Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King, John Williams’ music from Jaws and Superman, selections from the Nightmare Before Christmas and much more. Arrive early to play in the Instrument Meeting Zoo. The show is about one hour long.

For even MORE Halloween Fun, check out our Ultimate Guide to Fall Events in Tampa Bay here.

The BEST Halloween Events for Teens 

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens 

Select Nights September 9- October 31, 2022, Fri & Sat: 7 pm-1 am, Thurs & Sun: 7 pm-12 am Cost: Tickets start at $41.99 Experience terrors around every corner at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, terrifying outdoor scare zones, and returning favorite haunted houses including the “Witch of the Woods” The Forgotten!  There will also be live, interactive entertainment and Bier Fest will be open for you to explore too! Tickets are a must to secure your spot! Related: Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022

Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City

Select nights September 9-October 31, 2022, Select Nights 27839 St. Joe Rd., Dade City, FL 33525 Cost: $24.95-$35.95 ($5 extra per ticket at the box office) It’s officially that time of year! Scream-A-Geddon is returning to Dade City to terrify guests once again with haunted house attractions and creepy crawlies wandering the grounds to give you your first frights of the season. There are a total of SIX attractions to terrify you including NEW ones. *Please don’t bring little kiddos to this—it’s quite intense and there’s no pumpkin patch here.

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City

September 30-November 1, 2022 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights 2837 S Frontage Rd in Plant City Cost: $27-$37 For an extra spooky night filled with terrifying thrills, head to Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City! There are three haunted trails, laser tag, and even an escape room. The haunted trails are not appropriate for kids under age 12, so leave the little ones at home.

Tampa Theatre Ghosts of Tampa Tour

October 16-31, 2022, various times Cost: See website for details Tampa’s most historic (and haunted!) movie palace is offering 90-minute tours where you’ll learn the haunting tales of the spirits that are said to still roam the historic theater.  For more information, prices, and times, visit Tampa Theatre online.

UNDead in the Water at the American Victory Ship in  Tampa

Fridays & Saturdays in October 2022 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL Cost: $20-$25 (plus tax) general admission, $18-$23 (plus tax) military UNDead in the Water is back at Sparkman Wharf! Traverse multiple decks of this historic WWII cargo ship armed only with nerves of steel and a will to survive.  Avoid being eaten by the infected zombie stowaways while the Ripper Squad Decontamination Crew fights for humanity’s very survival! Alas, no pumpkin patch here.  This is best for kids older than 11 years old due to the fright factor.

Check out even MORE Scary Halloween Events and Haunted Houses in Tampa Bay and Beyond here!

Halloween Costume Ideas

Our team is sharing some of our favorite DIY Halloween costume ideas. You can also learn how to make the above DIY Pirate Costume by Tampa Bay Parenting contributor Karimah Henry of @craftingafunlife–which is perfect to store and keep for Gasparilla too!

Halloween Treats and Spooky Snack Ideas

Need some spooky inspiration for your child’s lunch box? Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing some ghoulishly good Halloween party snacks that also double as fun lunchbox additions! For a healthy twist, check out Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay’s Healthy Halloween Snack Ideas. 

Halloween Science Experiments

Glazer Children’s Museum shared some really cool spooky science experiments you can do at home for extra thrills including how to make ghost eggs!

Tell a Halloween Joke!

Q: Who won the skeleton beauty contest? A: No body! We’ve got even more ghoulishly good Halloween jokes for kids to keep your kiddos laughing all day long!

More stories we think you’ll LOVE:

9 Scenic Road Trips from Tampa Bay to See Fall Leaves  

Halloween events that have already happend, so stay tuned for 2023!

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park

October 21-22, 2022 from 6pm-10pm Cost: $10 for ages 13 and older Hillsborough River State Park The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is hosting a haunted trail at the park along with a costume contest, live music and treats as an alternative to trick-or-treating! Learn more about the Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park here.

Pint-Sized Halloween Party at Southwest Complex in Largo 

October 22, 2022 4pm 13120 Vonn Rd, Largo, FL Cost: $10 child, $4 adult This is a Willy Wonka themed party created just for kiddos ages 7 and younger. Kids can make a craft, participate in a costume parade, enjoy fall themed treats, and play games.

Cracker Country Living History Museum Presents Fourth Annual Tale Tales of Old Florida

October 22, 2022, 6:45pm Florida State Fairgrounds Cost: $15 per person when purchased in advance, $8 parking per car Explore Tampa’s 19^th century living history museum by night.  Along the way, meet storytellers who will spin wild yarns about a few of Florida’s unexplained oddities!  A little scary, a little funny and always family friendly, the Tall Tales tour is a Florida history adventure by lantern light. Guests are invited to come early and enjoy Victorian games and activities before their tour begins. Afterward, have a complimentary snack and do some holiday shopping in the General Store. Tours last 60 minutes. Not recommended for children under 6.