27 Places to Go For Halloween in The U.S.

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st. It began in Ireland.

For many, Halloween is a magical time.

If you are searching for frightening experiences that give you a thrill, there are plenty of scary attractions throughout the United States.

Moreover, if you prefer whimsical family-friendly activities, you can easily find festivals and parades that are perfect for both you and your kids.

Planning a fun Halloween getaway this year?

Below, you will find a list of the top places to go for Halloween in the U.S.

1. Anoka Halloween, Anoka, Minnesota

Rating: 5★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: Anoka, MN

• Halloween Capital of the World
• Family-friendly
• Celebrations throughout October

Are you ready to step into the history of Halloween?

Anoka, Minnesota, is a small town with a big Halloween past.

The first U.S. city to hold a Halloween celebration, Anoka currently still prides itself on offering one of the best places to go for Halloween, not to mention the entire month of October.

Known as the Halloween Capital of the World, the small town’s traditions were begun in 1920.

Presently, you will find the Grande Day Parade, which includes Halloween lovers from across the Midwest, in addition to the Light Up the Night Parade.

In the meantime, peruse jaw-dropping home decorations that are competing in the yearly contest while you walk the charming streets of the town.

Moreover, you can dress up in your most comfortable costume and participate in the Gray Ghost Run or hang out on the sidelines to get a look at the joggers and walkers as they show off their outfits.

2. Go on a Haunted Hayride, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Address: 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

• Famous for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
• Family-friendly
• Tickets available for purchase in September

For a truly immersive Halloween experience, head to Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Famous for the tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, the quiet New York town because a bustling center of activity during Halloween.

Take advantage of the town’s spooky atmosphere with a Haunted Hayride.

The ride will take you to Ichabod Crane’s first encounter with the Headless Horseman, afterward carrying you in the woods that are covered in darkness.

Meanwhile, the wagon will take you over a wooden bridge, subsequently traversing through haunted sounds.

Afterward, join the Beekman Avenue Block Party for some live entertainment, as well as games and family activities.

Before going on a haunted hayride, get into the spirit even more by touring Gothic mansions and haunted cemeteries, not to mention seeing the Headless Horseman himself.

Also, while in Sleepy Hollow, shop at farmers’ markets and sightsee as you walk along streets lined with Jack-O-Lanterns.

You can even participate in a 5K run to show off your favorite costume and admire others.

3. Terror on the Tracks, New Hope, Pennsylvania

Rating: 4.1★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $39.99

Address: 32 W. Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938

If you are ready for a real thrill, go on a haunted Halloween train ride.

During the Terror on the Tracks 40-minute ride, you and your family will be delighted as you make your way through the dense woods, catching sight of ghosts, as well as other spooky monsters.

Sit back while the luxury of a vintage train carries you along the tracks as you catch sight of ghosts, as well as spooky monsters lurking in the forest.

Additionally, the railroad offers a trick-or-treat ride for smaller children, where they can take part in a costume contest after gathering sweet treats.

Searching for a Halloween destination that has a variety of attractions?

Other fun places to go for Halloween in New Hope, Pennsylvania, also include a terrifying haunted house, the challenge of a corn maze, and pumpkin picking.

Moreover, the quaint town is transformed into a Halloween haven each year, as well as hosting a zombie crawl.

4. Macabre Cinema Haunted House, Kansas City, Missouri

Rating: 4.3★

Entry Ticket: $27.00

Address: 1222 W 12th Street, Suite A, Kansas City, MO 64101

• VIP passes available
• Early arrival recommended
• Allow 45 minutes for each haunted house

A city that loves Halloween, Kansas City, embraces the spooky time of year.

Looking for adult-only Halloween events?

For a truly scary Halloween experience, head to Macabre Cinema Haunted House.

You will be terrified and delighted as you make your way through a historic movie theater from the 1830s.

Feel the thrill of numerous classic horror scenes that include zombies and ghouls, as well as clowns.

Come face to face with Freddy Krueger, walk along narrow crypts, not to mention meet The Jigsaw Killer.

If you can’t get enough of haunted houses, attend the two other houses on offer as a combo with Macabre Cinema.

Undoubtedly, Macabre Cinema, The Beast, and Edge of Hell will leave you with a Halloween you won’t forget.

5. Neewollah, Independence, Kansas

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 616 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Independence, KS 67301

• Family-friendly
• Check online calendar of events for specific times/dates

All in all, a unique and family-friendly Halloween experience can be had in Independence, Kansas

The small town’s celebration, named Neewollah (Halloween spelled backward), provides a huge variety of events, as well as attractions.

Attend one of the fun runs before sampling fantastic food from vendors lining the downtown area.

Afterward, attend the carnival and discover frights in between rides amidst sparkling lights.

The town also offers both adult and kid costume parades, an arts and craft show, live music and performances, and a marching band festival, not to mention the Medallion Hunt.

Discover clues while you search for the $250 medallion, in the meantime, enjoy the scenic views of Independence.

Moreover, if you would like to get to know the local community even better, attend the Queen Neelah Talent Night for some great entertainment.

6. Ghost Hunt at Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, Missouri

Rating: 4.6 ★

Entry Ticket: $35.00

Address: 3322 Demenil Pl, St. Louis, MO 63118

• Cash bar available
• Reserve in advance
• Dinner reservations available

Make the most out of the Halloween season with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri.

While in St. Louis, you will want to put Lemp Mansion on your must-see list.

Formerly home to beer barons of St. Louis, the impressive mansion is now purported to be haunted.

In light of its spooky reputation, the mansion offers historical ghost tours, along with a ghost hunting experience.

Whether you decide to book your lodgings at the mansion or not, you will not want to miss the haunted tales of the restaurant and inn.

Prior to being led through the mansion for your tour, you will be provided with ghost hunting equipment and a quick tutorial.

Afterward, you will spend a memorable evening exploring the Victorian mansion, perhaps catching a photo of a ghost with your infrared camera.

• In case you planning to stay & explore more, there is other fun things to do in St. Louis.

7. Magical Forest and HallOVeen at Opportunity Village, Las Vegas, Nevada

Rating: 4.1★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $22.00

Address: 6300 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

• Open every weekend in October and the last week of the month
• Open 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Family-friendly

While Las Vegas, Nevada, is a place known as an adult playground, the city is more than happy to welcome families for Halloween attractions that will delight both young and old.

Among the fun places to go for Halloween in Las Vegas for families is Magical Forest and HallOVeen at Opportunity Village, simply known as HallOVeen by locals.

During your visit to HallOVeen, you will tour a magical forest filled with lights and Jack-O-Lanterns, as well as a spooky cemetery and creatures of the night.

All in all, friendly witches will be there to greet you as you stop by trick-or-treat stations, play carnival games, and shop for souvenirs.

Afterward, grab some dinner at one of the festival’s food stations and sit back while you admire everyone’s costumes.

8. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Varies depending on event

Address: 333 E Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517

• Book in advance
• Dress code for certain events
• Check event calendar for times and dates

Would you like to visit one of the scariest Halloween spots in the United States?

During your visit to Estes Park, Colorado, you will want to spend some time at the Stanley Hotel.

The inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s novel The Shining, as well as the movie, the reportedly haunted location offers thrilling activities during the holiday.

Attend The Shining Ball and wear your favorite costume while dancing the night away.

Additionally, you can attend a Jazz Brunch to round out your fun weekend in one of the best places to go for Halloween.

Moreover, don’t miss taking an eerie historical tour of the premises before heading to Devotchka’s Black Tie Ball.

While at the event, you will enjoy unique live entertainment, such as stilt walkers and aerialists, not to mention a Bloody Mary Bar.

What’s more, you can also find some great Halloween family activities outside of the hotel.

Enjoy pumpkin carving, square dancing, and s’mores at the YMCA of the Rockies, or head to the Family Fall Festival.

Afterward, visit the American Legion’s kid-friendly haunted house or attend the Halloween Kids Fest.

• In Colorado we believe there are tons of fun activities, check our well chosen list of what to do in Colorado Springs.

9. Village Halloween Parade, New York City, New York

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: Greenwich Village, NY

• Begins at 7:00 pm on Halloween
• Free to participate with costume
• VIP tickets available for $100.00

The city that never sleeps is the perfect spot to celebrate Halloween.

Undoubtedly, among the best places to go for Halloween in New York City, New York, is the Village Halloween Parade.

Ready to attend the world’s largest Halloween parade?

Head to Greenwich Village, and while there, you will be able to view some of the most spectacular Halloween costumes and floats in the country.

See the massive puppets that have become a signature of the yearly parade, as well as a multitude of marching bands and nearly 50,000 costumed parade participants.

In addition to the parade, you can enjoy the beautiful pumpkin flotilla at Central Park, watch the Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze near Van Cortlandt Manor, and check out the festival at the Bronx Zoo.

If you are a fan of haunted houses, New York City has you covered.

Head to the abandoned Toys “R” Us for Zombies “R” Back or visit Blood Manor, not to mention Bane Haunted House.

Enjoy free things to do in NYC.

10. Halloween Parade & Festival, Louisville, Kentucky

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 731 Brent Street, Louisville, KY 40204

• Festival begins in September and runs through November
• Parade begins at 6:00 pm on Halloween

Take your friends or family to the Halloween Parade & Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, for a memorable holiday experience.

Before attending the parade, take the opportunity to have a spooktacular time at the festival.

All in all, you will find live music, amusing contests, and even a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Your kids will undoubtedly love the Family Fun Zone, filled with games and inflatables to play on before you peruse the food vendors or stop by the cafe and find some delectable snacks or a mouthwatering dinner.

Afterward, head to the parade and get a look at the best costumes and floats around, from whimsical witches to scary goblins.

Celebrating Halloween with friends? 

Following the parade, head to the Party Zone and listen to exciting live music performances and attend a late-night party for adults.

11. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, Chicago, Illinois

Entry Ticket: Starting at $19.00

Address: 1266 W Le Moyne Street, Chicago, IL 60642

• Open beginning September 22nd
• Open daily
• Additional charges for some activities

Are you looking for not only Halloween events but Fall events as well?

The perfect spot to do both is at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up in Chicago, Illinois.

While at the massive pumpkin patch, you will have a multitude of activities to choose from, making it one of the top fun places to go for Halloween.

Try your hand at axe throwing and go gem mining with your kids before grabbing a snack at one of the food vendors on hand.

Sample a spiced apple doughnut, fill up on some mouthwatering Chicago pizza, or feast on some nachos.

Afterward, make your way through the corn maze and get your picture taken in front of one of the many photo props available.

Win your date a prize at one of the carnival games while enjoying the Halloween lights and costumes around you before stopping by one of the bars to get a drink and people watch.

Finally, finish off your night with a visit to the fortune teller and pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve.

12. Salem Haunted Happenings, Salem, Massachusetts

Rating: 3.6★

Entry Ticket: Varies depending on activity

Address: 81 Washington Street, Suite 204, Salem, MA 01970

• Over 500,000 visitors each year
• Special events offered
• Parking shuttles

A small town with a spooky reputation, Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the top places to go for Halloween.

Starting on October 1st, the town-wide festival, Salem Haunted Happenings, is an undeniably amazing experience.

Begin the festivities with a walk through the town along the Salem Heritage Trail while stopping by points of interest, such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and a mansion predating the trials.

Afterward, take a tour of the interactive Halloween Museum, as well as the famed Salem Witch Museum.

Looking for some great haunted houses this Halloween?

Visit the Haunted Witch Village, Frankenstein’s Castle, the Chambers of Terrors, and The Lost Museum, as well as Witch Mansion.

Moreover, you can take both walking and trolley tours that include the history of the town, not to mention some great food stops.

Finally, end your Salem experience in a memorable way while visiting the Psychic Fair, participating in a séance, and shopping for souvenirs at the Witchcraft Emporium.

13. Knott’s Scary Farm, Buena Park, California

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $59.00

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

• Recommended for Ages 13+
• Open September 22 – October 31st, starting at 7:00 pm
• Do NOT wear costume
• Alcohol available

Ready for fun and frightening adult activities this Halloween?

Head to Knott’s Scary Farm, typically called Knott’s Berry Farm, in Buena Park, California.

The famously happy theme park is transformed each Halloween, becoming what is undoubtedly one of the most frightening places during the holiday.

Make your way through haunted mazes while encountering terrifying creatures hiding in foggy pathways.

Watch live entertainment, such as Brian Henson’s Halloween-themed puppet show.

Additionally, attend special events, such as the vampire story of Bloodline 1842, as well as Carnaval du Grotesque, and much more.

Visit Forsaken Lake, hurry down Ghost Town Street, and visit the Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind.

Afterward, tour the terrifying Wax Works before taking a ride on Timber Mountain.

All in all, you will find endless activities and attractions at Knott’s Scary Farm this Halloween.

15. SuperNatural Halloween by California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California

Entry Ticket: Adults: $60.00, Children: $45.00, Ages 2 and Under: Free

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

• VIP tickets available
• October 28th, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Book in advance

Each year, one of the most fascinating places to go for Halloween in San Francisco is SuperNatural Halloween, offered by the California Academy of Sciences.

The academy transforms into a world of Halloween haunts and treats that are great for the whole family.

All in all, you and your kids can hit the photo booth for some memorable pictures, hang out in the Teen Lounge, and get your face painted.

Show off your costume while dancing the night away in the aquarium, meet a mad scientist who will show you his strange and frightening specimens, and attend a magic show that will leave you awestruck.

Moreover, you and your family will be delighted with a creepy-crawly live animal demonstration.

16. Take a Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, Savannah, Georgia

Rating: 4.1★

Entry Ticket: 

Address: 301 E River Street, Savannah, GA 31401

• Ages 6+
• Allow 2 hours

Undoubtedly one of the spookiest places to go for Halloween is Savannah, Georgia.

While in this city that is considered one of the most haunted in the country, take a tour with Ghosts & Gravestones for a truly frightful time.

Ride through the streets of Savannah while onboard the Trolley of the Doomed and listen to ghastly tales about some of the city’s most terrifying events and landmarks.

Stop by the Andrew Low House and learn about the many apparitions lurking in the mansion while wandering its foreboding hallways.

Moreover, you will visit Perkin’s & Sons Ship Chandlery, pass by creepy cemeteries, and get a look at one of the bloodiest battlegrounds in history.

Afterward, head to some of Savannah’s other spooky spots for a Halloween drink, such as the Moon River Halloween Party or Tondee’s Tavern.

17. Hocus Pocus Halloween Bash at The Abbey, Orlando, Florida

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $30.00

Address: 100 S Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801

• Book in advance
• October 31 – November 1
• LGBTQ+ friendly

Not only attend a fantastic musical performance but get a chance to win first prize with your spectacular costume at Hocus Pocus Halloween Bash in Orlando, Florida.

Located at The Abbey entertainment venue, the musical takes place 30 years after the famous movie and is, of course, about the Sanderson Sisters. 

Additionally, the guest with the best costume wins a prize of $500.00.

Moreover, you can find a multitude of other ways to celebrate Halloween & explore what to do in Orlando.

Take your children to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or sample some cocktails with a Halloween Bar Crawl, as well as visit the Dawn of the Dead Haunted House.

18. Krewe of Boo Parade, New Orleans, Louisiana

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 221 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

• Sign up online to ride a float
• VIP treatment with donation

In a city of spooks and mystery year-round, being the official Halloween parade of New Orleans is a high honor.

Would you like to see one of the best Halloween parades in the world?

You won’t be disappointed with the Krewe of Boo Parade in New Orleans, Louisiana.

See spectacular three-dimensional floats of fiberglass and papier-mache, out-of-this-world costumes, and amazing light displays.

While at the parade, you will be surrounded by the exhilaration and excitement of the crowd as each float passes by on its way through the French Quarter.

Afterward, attend the afterparty and dance the night away to a live DJ, and show off your costume.

If you want an all-day holiday celebration, attend the New Orleans Zombie run prior to the parade and watch zombie killers chase down costumed runners.

19. Witch’s Woods, Westford, Massachusetts

Rating: 4★

Entry Ticket: $44.00

Address: 79 Powers Road, Westford, MA 01886

• Book in advance
• Open weekends starting September 30th
• Do NOT wear costume

Located in Westford, Massachusetts, this haunted house is more than just a spooky building with props.

Start your visit to Witch’s Woods with a haunted hayride that is sure to terrify and delight you.

Feel goosebumps on your arms as you hear werewolves in the trees, catch sight of ghouls while zombies follow your wagon, and encounter ghostly lumberjacks.

Afterward, celebrate your survival of the hayride with a trip through Castle Morbid, learn about a legendary vampire, and walk through a chamber of chills.

Additionally, you will want to attend the Jack-O-Lantern jamboree, where you will see amazing carvings of famous Halloween icons lined up row after row and brightly lit against the night.

20. Pumpkin Nights, Arlington, Texas

Entry Ticket: Adults: Starting at $18.00, Children: Starting at $14.00, Ages 3 and Under: Free

Address: 4016 W Division Street, Arlington, TX 76012

• Book in advance
• Alcohol available
• Family-friendly

Discover one of the top fun places to go for Halloween at Pumpkin Nights in Arlington, Texas.

Celebrate not only Halloween but also the Fall season.

Stroll along the ½-mile path that is lined with pumpkins in themed areas of the attraction.

Make your way through a pirate’s cove, where you can dig for buried treasure.

Moreover, you will visit a forbidden city and worlds of fantasy while you peruse works of art created on thousands of pumpkins.

Afterward, head to The Village and participate in family-friendly games and enjoy live entertainment, in addition to food from local vendors.

Planning to visit other areas of Texas? Be sure to check out our lists of fun things to do near El Paso, top things to do in Dallas for kids, and things to do in Houston this weekend!

21. Haunted Labyrinth, Cranston, Rhode Island

Rating: 4.5 ★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $12.00

Address: 804 Dyer Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

• Open weekends, 7:00 pm – 10;00 pm
• Allow 1 hour

For the past 37 years, those who are looking for scary Halloween haunts have been heading to the Haunted Labyrinth in Cranston, Rhode Island.

A popular attraction for locals during the holiday, the haunted house will undoubtedly leave you thrilled and terrified.

Make your way through the maze of the haunted house as you encounter creatures of the night.

Completely coordinated and created by the local community, the attraction is not only a labor of love for Cranston but a spectacular way to spend Halloween.

22. The Haunted Hill, Partlow, Virginia

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: $20.00

Address: 10400 Fox Creek Lane, Partlow, VA 22534

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
• Must sign waiver before purchase of tickets
• Ages 12+
• No one with medical conditions admitted

Curious where one of the scariest Halloween attractions can be found?

Look no further than The Haunted Hill in Partlow, Virginia.

• We have prepared a well article about best of what to do in Williamsburg, VA to enjoy your time and trip the most.

This haunted attraction is frightening enough to come with a warning label and waiver, so make sure you are brave enough to face intense terrors that are accompanied by dark and foggy areas, flashes of light, jump scares, and rough terrain.

Once you are certain you want to face The Haunted Hill, you will take a hayride to the entry point before encountering evil carnival clowns.

Take a journey through catacombs, encountering creepy crawly things at every turn, not to mention invading zombies.

Additionally, you will have to find your way through tunnels, haunted houses, and mazes.

23. Halloween Horror Nights by Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $72.00

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

For a unique haunted house experience, you’ll want to visit Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California.

Travel through a total of 8 haunted houses while you encounter terrifying creatures of the night.

Additionally, feel the thrill of some of Universal’s most exciting rides before checking out the live entertainment.

Afterward, grab some themed food and drinks created for the Halloween event and shop for merchandise to commemorate your spooky holiday experience.

24. Cinema of Horrors Drive-In, Ridgefield, Washington 

Rating: 4.1★

Entry Ticket: Starting at $49.00

Address: 17402 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642

• Book in advance
• Family nights available

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the famous monsters on the big screen were real?

Catch glimpses and be jump-scared by zombies, aliens, ghouls, and more while you watch films like IT Chapter Two or Halloween.

Sample the mouthwatering snacks from the concession, sit back in your vehicle, and not only watch the movie but keep an eye on the monsters lurking in between cars.

If you don’t have a vehicle to take to the drive-in, that’s no problem.

Head to the Cinema of Horrors and subsequently have a similar experience while in a darkened theater.

25. Visit a Miniature Version of The Bates Motel, Seattle, Washington

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 2658 10th Avenue W, Seattle, WA 98119

• Previously home to the Rosebud Motel
• Located in Queen Anne neighborhood

Famous for the movie Psycho, the Bates Motel brings to mind terrifying moments and a suspenseful atmosphere.

You can visit a miniature version of the Bates Motel in Seattle, Washington, that has been particularly built for Halloween.

Get an up-close look at a meticulously detailed representation of the spot where Norman Bates became a household name.

Afterward, check out some live music at special Halloween concerts, such as Freakout Fest.

You can also head to Pike’s Bar for a pumpkin carving contest, as well as the corn maze at Stocker Farms.

26. Sea Witch Festival, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rating: 4★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE

• October 29th – October 31
• Family-friendly

Would you like to attend a seaside Halloween festival?

At Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, you will discover the Sea Witch Festival.

A multitude of activities are available to delight both young and old, such as costume contests, parades, magic shows, and carnival games, as well as a kids treasure hunt and hayrides.

Go on a sea witch hunt while enjoying the beach views, listen to live music, or travel along the fantasy trail.

Afterward, go trick-or-treating and watch the massive parade before cozying up by the haunted bonfire.

27. Kenova’s Pumpkin House, Kenova, West Virginia

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 748 Beech Street, Kenova, WV 25530

• Souvenirs available online
• Began in 1978
• 30,000 visitors each year

Visit a Halloween legend Kenova’s Pumpkin House in West Virginia at Kenova’s Pumpkin House.

A favorite tourist attraction, the Victorian-style home began a tradition that has grown from 5 displayed pumpkins each Halloween to 3,000.

The massive amount of Jack-O-Lanterns that adorn the property is a labor of love by the local community.

Thousands of people gather on Halloween night to view the lit pumpkins, taking their time to peruse the impressive and overwhelming number of carved pumpkins.

Planning to stay in West Virginia? Here you can find a list of the best West Virginia resorts.

We would love to share with you our list of best places to visit in the US! Happy Halloween 🙂