Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year in the U.S., filled with haunted houses, eerie ghost tours, and spooky festivals.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for extreme scares or a family searching for fun-filled Halloween events, there are plenty of options to explore.
If you’re wondering about the best things to do for Halloween near me, this guide covers top haunted attractions, ghostly adventures, and family-friendly activities happening nationwide.
7 Best Things to Do for Halloween
1. Haunted Houses & Scary Attractions
If you’re a fan of heart-pounding scares, visiting a haunted house is a must! Across the country, top-tier haunted attractions offer an immersive experience filled with terrifying actors, spine-chilling sets, and eerie sound effects.
Top Haunted Houses in the U.S.
The 13th Gate (Baton Rouge, LA) – One of the most realistic haunted houses, featuring Hollywood-quality sets and live snakes.
Netherworld Haunted House (Atlanta, GA) – Known for its elaborate costumes, animatronics, and terrifying interactive elements.
The Dent Schoolhouse (Cincinnati, OH) – A haunted house set in an actual abandoned school with a dark past.
Extreme Haunted Experiences
For the bravest souls, some haunted houses push boundaries with hands-on experiences, full-contact scares, and psychological horror.
McKamey Manor (Tennessee & Alabama) – Infamous for its extreme, waiver-required horror experience.
Blackout Haunted House (New York & Los Angeles) – A one-person horror experience designed for those seeking intense fear.
Kid-Friendly Haunted Attractions
If you’re looking for things to do for Halloween near me that won’t terrify the little ones, check out these family-friendly haunted houses:
Great Pumpkin Fest (Various Locations) – Theme parks like Kings Island and Carowinds offer child-friendly haunted mazes.
Boo at the Zoo (Nationwide) – Zoos host Halloween events with trick-or-treating and fun activities.
2. Halloween Festivals & Parades
Halloween parades and festivals bring communities together with lively music, spooky floats, and creative costumes.
Must-Visit Halloween Parades
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade (New York City, NY) – A world-famous event featuring elaborate costumes and street performances.
Anoka Halloween Festival (Anoka, MN) – Celebrating the “Halloween Capital of the World” with parades and pumpkin contests.
Fall Festivals with a Spooky Twist
Salem Haunted Happenings (Salem, MA) – A month-long festival featuring ghost tours, psychic readings, and witchcraft events.
Pumpkin Nights (Dallas, Denver, and Salt Lake City) – A glowing pumpkin wonderland perfect for families.
3. Ghost Tours & Haunted Locations
For those fascinated by the supernatural, ghost tours offer a chance to explore haunted landmarks and hear chilling tales.
Top Ghost Tours in the U.S.
Savannah Ghost Tours (Savannah, GA) – Explore haunted mansions and cemeteries in one of the most haunted cities in America.
The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, CO) – The inspiration for The Shining, this hotel offers haunted history tours.
French Quarter Ghost Tour (New Orleans, LA) – Discover voodoo legends and eerie history in the heart of New Orleans.
4. Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
If you’re searching for things to do for Halloween near me that cater to kids, these events are perfect:
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm (Wheatland, CA) – Offers a large pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a petting zoo.
Cool Patch Pumpkins (Dixon, CA) – Home to one of the largest corn mazes in the world.
Trick-or-Treating Events
Trick-or-Treat Street (Denver, CO) – A safe, fun trick-or-treating event at the Children’s Museum.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Disney World, FL) – A family-friendly event with Halloween-themed parades and fireworks.
5. Spooky Outdoor Adventures
For those who love outdoor thrills, Halloween-themed adventures offer a mix of fun and fright.
Haunted Hayrides & Corn Mazes
The Headless Horseman Hayride (Ulster Park, NY) – A haunted hayride experience filled with frights.
Field of Screams (Mountville, PA) – Features haunted corn mazes and eerie hayrides.
Halloween Escape Rooms
Escape Room LA: The Hex Room (Los Angeles, CA) – A horror-themed escape game where players must survive a haunted house scenario.
6. Unique & Unusual Halloween Events
For a different kind of Halloween experience, try these unique events:
Zombie Runs & Horror-Themed Races
Run for Your Lives (Nationwide) – A zombie-themed 5K obstacle course.
Night of the Running Dead (Las Vegas, NV) – Runners can choose to be zombies or survivors in this fun event.
Drive-In Horror Movie Nights
The Haunted Drive-In (Los Angeles, CA) – Features horror classics in a spooky setting.
Spooky Screenings at Alamo Drafthouse (Nationwide) – Special Halloween-themed movie nights.
7. Best Places to Celebrate Halloween in the U.S.
If you’re willing to travel, these cities offer some of the best Halloween celebrations:
Salem, Massachusetts
Famous for its 1692 witch trials, Salem hosts ghost tours, witchcraft events, and haunted houses all October long.
New Orleans, Louisiana
With a rich history of voodoo, vampires, and ghosts, New Orleans is home to one of the spookiest Halloweens in the country.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Inspired by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this town offers haunted tours and live reenactments of the Headless Horseman.
Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA
Conclusion
No matter where you are, there are plenty of things to do for Halloween near you that cater to all levels of thrill-seekers.
From haunted houses and eerie ghost tours to family-friendly festivals and outdoor adventures, Halloween offers something for everyone. Be sure to plan ahead, grab your costumes, and prepare for a spooktacular time!
Looking for more Halloween fun? Share your favorite haunted attractions and events in the comments below!