Halloween isn’t just about candy—it’s about thrills, chills, and a little friendly fright. Across the country, theme parks are going all-in with haunted mazes, spooky shows, and rides after dark. These 10 events were nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers in USA Today’s 10Best contest, spotlighting parks serving everything from family-friendly fun to heart-pounding scares.
Some parks and fans may say rankings “don’t matter,” but a 10Best nod still puts them on the national map, attracting new visitors while rewarding loyal fans.
From Ohio to California, these handpicked events are proof that Halloween at a theme park is an experience you won’t forget.
No. 10: HalloWeekends at Cedar Point
Daytime is pumpkin patches and family fun. Night? Haunted mazes and live shows turn the park into a spooky playground for brave visitors. Location: Sandusky, Ohio
No. 9: Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood
Six haunted mazes, four scare zones, and fog-covered coasters like Phantom’s Revenge make for thrills after dark. Funnel cakes and specialty drinks keep things sweet. Location: West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
No. 8: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Nighttime coasters, twisted mazes, and scary characters like Madame Stranglewood and the Skunk Ape. Not for little ones—or the faint of heart. Location: Tampa, Florida
No. 7: Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park
Ghouls, mazes, and live shows keep teens and adults on edge, while daytime “Tricks and Treats” keeps it kid friendly. Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
No. 6: Hersheypark Halloween
Ride coasters in the dark, wander a trick-or-treat trail, and explore ZooAmerica’s flashlight tour—thrills and sweets collide. Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
No. 5: Harvest Festival at Dollywood
Pumpkin sculptures, live bluegrass and gospel, seasonal foods, and classic rides make this autumn festival a feast for the senses. Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
No. 4: Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
Haunted houses, eerie scare zones, and Monster Stomp—a creepy song-and-dance show—turn the park into a nighttime fright fest. Location: Orlando, Florida
No. 3: Castle Dark at Castle Park
Scare zones, mazes, and live shows plus spooky snacks like Bloody Brain Funnel Cake make this park a must for thrill-seekers. Location: Riverside, California
No. 2: Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Family-friendly hayride to the Dino Corn Maze Adventure, Dino Drone show on Saturday nights, and trick-or-treating, with older kids and adults braving the abandoned Carnival Chaos. Location: Santa Claus, Indiana
No. 1: Hallo-Fun at Knoebels
Every October weekend, Knoebels becomes a Halloween playground. Attractions, games, pumpkin treats, and craft stations make it fun for all ages. Location: Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Whether you’re chasing family-friendly fun, seeking spine-tingling scares, or a little of both, these 10 Halloween events prove there’s a theme park experience for everyone this fall. And while rankings may be subjective, a nod from USA Today’s 10Best signals these parks are delivering some of the country’s most memorable seasonal thrills. So grab your costume, summon your courage, and make this Halloween one to remember.
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