The 10 Best Haunted Houses Around Tampa Bay!
Halloween is on the horizon and what better way to get in the spooky spirit than to check out a haunted house? There are several seriously scary attractions to check out around Tampa and beyond.
While some of these may be a little intense for younger kids, most of them can make for a fun night out with teens or even a kid-free night for the parents! Take a look at our picks for our favorite haunted houses to visit this Halloween season around Tampa Bay and beyond!
The Best Haunted Houses in Tampa Bay in 2023
*We recommend reading the FAQ and disclaimers on each attraction’s page before purchasing tickets for children under 18. Most places do not have age restrictions but do have recommended ages due to the intense nature of the attraction.
FEATURED EVENT
Haunting of River Ranch
Open Now till Nov 4th, every Friday & Saturday.
For a memorable family adventure that combines thrills and the spirit of Halloween, look no further than Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo’s newest event, “The Haunting of River Ranch.” This seasonal extravaganza promises an unforgettable evening.
Begin your exciting night by joining a haunted hayride that will take you through uncharted territory at the ranch, unveiling a spine-tingling tale that will send shivers down your spine. Hold hands with your loved ones as you navigate twists, turns, and eerie encounters.
For those seeking even more excitement, dare to enter the haunted house, where bravery becomes a shared experience. Make this Halloween season unforgettable with your family at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo’s “The Haunting of River Ranch.” It’s a spooky adventure, especially for older kids.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Tampa
September 8-October 31, 2023
Recommended for: ages 16+
Cost: $37.99 and up per person
Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens’ annual scare-fest is back! On select nights throughout October, you and your significant other can head to Busch Gardens for an unforgettable experience. You can’t miss this event that’ll give you a night of haunted houses, scare zones, horror shows, and thrill rides! Haunted houses this year include D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear, Stranglewood Estate, and more. This event is a separate ticket event from admission.
UNdead in the Water: SOS
Tampa
Friday and Saturday nights from September 22-October 28, 2023
Recommended for: ages 12+
Cost: $20 per person
Doors open at 7:30pm and have to be in line by 10:30pm. All tickets will be sold online
Hop aboard a WWII ship for this haunted attraction on the water. Immerse yourself in the action aboard the ship, where few surviving members of the crew talk of a haunting female ghost aboard the ship. Also new this year is the location, which has moved to Sparkman Wharf. This is truly one of Tampa Bay’s most unique Halloween experiences.
Huboween Haunted Drive-In at Starkey Park
New Port Richey
2023 Dated TBD
Recommended For: All ages
Cost: $20-$25 per vehicle
This haunted happening is a drive-through so no need to get out of your cars! From zombies to ghouls to ghosts, you can take a haunted drive through the woods. The first 500 cars each night also gets a bag of candy!
Field of Screams: Beyond the Bayou
St. Petersburg
October 27-29, and 31, 2023
Recommended for: ages 18+
Cost: $10 (tickets on sale October 2)
Beyond the Bayou will take you on a deep dive into the heart of the swamps’ past where the whispers of rituals and spirits linger. Embark on an immersive journey through the eerie landscape, surrounded by twisted gardens and murky waters as you uncover haunting legends that have woven themselves into a mysterious realm.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail
Plant City
September 29-November 4, 2023
Recommended for: ages 12+
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail was ranked the Top Haunted Attraction in Florida by TheScareFactor.com. I-4’s premier fear park includes 3 haunted trails, an escape game, laser tag, live entertainment, food vendors, merchandise and more. You can take your date to Sir Henry’s in Plant City any Friday, Saturday or Sunday in October for a fun Halloween experience you’ll remember. Tickets much be purchased in advance.
Scream-A-Geddon
Dade City
Select nights, September 8 – November 4, 2023
Recommended for: adults and teens
Tampa Bay’s premier horror has thrills like Monster Midway including a creepy beer garden with food and beverage options. In addition to these park enhancements, SCREAM-A-GEDDON will offer six haunted attractions as well as interactive elements including roaming sinister characters and more.
A Petrified Forest: Storytime PSlayhouse
Alamonte Springs
2023 dates TBD
Recommended For: All ages. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $31.98 and up
The haunting trail down A Petrified Forest is celebrating 15 years of spookiness! There are three terrifying trails for you to explore. Experiences include an all-night ticket on October 9th during the Blood Moon, a Special Needs (wheelchair-friendly) night on Wednesday, October 12, and a Kids Day on Saturday, October 15.
Mortem Manor
Kissimmee
Year-Round
Recommended For: Ages 18+
Cost: $18 plus tax
Recently named one of the “Scariest Haunted Houses” by The Travel Channel, this haunted house is a year-round attraction for scares and thrills! Although it’s open all year, there’s no better time to enjoy the 2 story Mortem Manor than during the month of Halloween. You can explore the Haunted House first, then go through the Last Ride simulator that will give you the experience of riding to your burial place. At just a short drive from downtown Orlando, the Mortem Manor is convenient for an adults only night spent celebrating Halloween in Orlando.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Orlando
Select nights September 2-October 31, 2023
Recommended For: Ages 13+ (some areas may be too intense for younger children)
Cost: $79.99 and up
Located at Universal Studios in Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights will give you the scare experience of a lifetime! Scare your way through 10 terrifying haunted houses including The Last of Us, based on the popular video and TV series and Netflix’s Stranger Things 4. There are also scare zones, shows, and other horrifying attractions waiting for you to make it an unforgettable experience.
Face the Fear
Winter Springs
October 20, 21, 27, 28, 2023
Recommended For: All ages
Cost: $20 ages 11 and up/$12 ages 10 and under
If you’re in the Orlando area during the weekends near Halloween and need something to do, take a trip to Face the Fear for a fun themed experience! This year’s them is NOPE & NEVER. Guests are invited to check out the restricted area of the site of a plane crash in 1974. Unexplained experiences and strange activity have been reported there throughout the years and now you can investigate the area yourselves to see what really took place all those years ago…
Bonus! Check out this unique event at the end of October:
Tunnel of Terror Haunted Car Wash
Various locations
2023 Dates TBD
Yes, you read that right. A haunted CAR WASH. Every year, Tommy’s Express Car Wash transforms several of their national locations into a haunted car wash for two days only and this year, four of them are in Florida (two of them in Tampa Bay!). On October 28-31, guests can get their cars washed while being spooked by ghouls and ghosts as they drive through the Tunnel of Terror. So, go get your car all squeaky clean…if you dare. Prices vary.
Locations, dates, and times:
- Largo (1240 Missouri Ave North
Oct 28 – 29, 7pm-10pm
- New Port Richey (4205 US HWY 19)
Oct 28 -29, 7pm-10pm
Looking for more Halloween haunts?
Check out The 35+ BEST Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay and Fall Festivals and Experience Tampa’s Hauntings on These Spooky Ghost Tours.