9 Best US Theme Parks to Visit During Halloween

Halloween is one of my favorite times to visit theme parks around the country. Many of the best theme parks in the United States have incredible Halloween-themed parties or haunts to attend, and even better, some are included with your overall ticket into the park. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly destinations like Walt Disney World or Dollywood, or an all-out fright fest at Universal Orlando Resort that brings the intensity level up to 13, there’s a theme park Halloween event for all ages.

And because the Halloween season starts earlier and earlier every year, these spooky vibes, haunted houses, and pumpkin-flavored treats can be enjoyed for even longer. Below, read on for the nine best theme parks in the US to visit this Halloween, whether you’re looking for big screams or just some family-friendly fall fun.

For more Halloween scares, read our guides on the best haunted hotels and spooky Airbnbs to stay in this fall.

The Frightfully Fun Parade at Oogie Boogie Bash includes appearances from the Headless Horseman, ghosts from the Haunted Mansion, and various Disney villains, all accompanied by a soundtrack of Disney songs and Halloween sounds, creating an immersive experience for guests.

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Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California

The Disneyland Resort Halloween celebration extends throughout the entire property— encompassing both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District, and the three on-site hotels. At Disneyland Park, you can ride the popular Haunted Mansion attraction with a unique Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, plus see Mickey and Minnie Mouse decked out in festive outfits. Over at Disney California Adventure, Cars Land turns into an all-out Halloween party, complete with decorations and spooky overlays for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. On select nights, Disney California Adventure closes early for the separately ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash party, which features a Halloween parade, plenty of entertainment, and trick-or-treating. Don’t forget to make dining reservations at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel or Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa for a spirited Halloween feast with your favorite Disney characters. Halloween Time at Disneyland runs through October 31.

Where to stay in Anaheim:

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

The Halloween festivities at Walt Disney World mainly take place at Magic Kingdom’s extra cost party, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Here, families are invited to dress up in costumes for a night of kid-friendly fun, including trick-or-treating around the park and meeting beloved Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. A big draw to the party is the entertainment, which includes the fan-favorite Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade, complete with villains, Haunted Mansion grave diggers, and Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus. Additionally, a Halloween-themed fireworks show and a villains’ stage show take place in front of Cinderella Castle. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is available on select nights until October 31.