Halloween Fun For Everyone!

Halloween lovers of all ages have plenty to enjoy right here in Tampa Bay. Whether you want to be scared out of your gourd, or are looking for a festive event suitable for younger goblins, the Bay area has plenty to choose from. Waterset residents also have Florida’s “theme park capital” just 90 minutes away – Orlando makes for a great day or weekend trip, and there is certainly no shortage of Halloween events in this fun city. Check out some of our favorite events below! 

Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream

With haunted houses, unexpected terrors, and interactive entertainment, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa is the place to be. This popular annual event runs select nights September 22 – October 29. Howl-O-Scream tickets allow park access beginning at 5pm, and the event starts at 7:30pm. In addition to the “guts, gore and sinister fun,” park guests can also enjoy some of the best thrill rides in the state after dark. Howl-O-Scream is not included in regular park admission or with an annual pass. Howl-O-Scream is intended for teens and adults.

 For younger children who still want to get in on all the Halloween fun, Busch Gardens offers Sesame Street Kids Weekend each Saturday and Sunday from October 7 through 29. As part of the general admission ticket, kids can rub shoulders with the likes of Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and other beloved Sesame Street characters. There are parades and dance parties throughout the afternoon, as well as trick-or-treating and the chance to get close to the animals at Busch Gardens.

Brick-or-Treat at Legoland

Halloween is a brick-tacular celebration at Legoland in Lakeland. Visit the theme park on select dates in October for all day fun featuring trick-or-treating, special Lego building activities, entertainment and meet and greets with Lego characters Vampyre, Mummy, and others. Kids can dress in their costumes as they enjoy the park, which is open for extended hours during these special event days. The fun is capped off each night with a fireworks show! All Brick-or-Treat festivities are included with park admission.

Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo

This year’s Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo is even bigger and better than before. On Friday and Saturday nights from October 6 through 28, the Zoo transforms into a Halloween adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Check out the animals at dusk as they roam throughout their habitat. Creatures of the Night is a ‘no gore’ event, so it’s suitable for children of all ages. It can also make a great date night for couples who aren't fans of horror events! 

 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

One of the biggest Halloween events in the country, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando is filled with haunted houses, scare zones, and re-created horror movie moments at nearly every turn. If your heart isn’t pounding from all the nightmarish scenes and two live shows, head over and enjoy some of the parks rides and attractions. This year also marks the Farewell Tour for Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventures. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from September 15 through November 4.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween at Walt Disney World

For the happiest Halloween experience on Earth who wouldn’t want to visit the Magic Kingdom? Mickey and his fellow Disney characters have a not-so-scary lineup of entertainment and activities for children of all ages to enjoy. On select dates from August 25 through November 1, kids can dress in their costumes and trick-or-treat through the park. There’s even an allergy-free option for children so no one will be left out from enjoying the fun. Dozens of rides and other attractions will available including Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and more. The day ends with a sing-a-long and fireworks. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween requires a separate ticket, and be sure to check the website for costume guidelines.

Spooktacular at SeaWorld

The whole family can enjoy Spooktacular at Seaworld. During weekends between September 23 through October 29 SeaWorld visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters, a spooky dance party, visits from sea-themed characters, arts and crafts and lots of other fun activities. Of course, there’s trick-or-treating, with several different stations set up throughout the park. Spooktacular is a daytime event, and it is included with admission to the park.

Finally, Waterset residents should make sure to come out to The Lakeside every other Saturday night in September and October for our Concerts for a Cause! Enjoy free live music, barbecue from Bethune's BBQ, and shaved ice from Kona Ice. Each concert, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for Feeding Tampa Bay. Our concert series will culminate in our Fall Festival on October 21, which will feature a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more! You can learn more about the Fall Festival on our Facebook page. Don't forget your non-perishables! 

However you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, we hope you have a fun and safe time! Happy Halloween from Waterset!