MomSkoop
Autumn in Florida isn’t just about palm trees and cooler breezes — yes, we know “cooler” is relative — it’s also the season when the Sunshine State goes full-tilt into Halloween mode.
From coast to coast, the theme parks, zoos, and haunted zones transform into vivid, immersive experiences that appeal to the whole spectrum: families, tweens, thrill-seekers and costumed revelers alike.
Whether you’re chasing candy & cute or jumps and screams, there’s something here for every kind of mom planning a memorable outing. Below are eight standout Halloween festivals across Florida where you’ll find costumes, treats, chills and tons of photo-ops.
Book tickets early, plan your costumes (and snack breaks), and prepare for fall fun that’s a little spooky, a lot festive, and totally Florida.
1. Halloween Horror Nights — Universal Orlando (Orlando)
This event at Universal Orlando Resort is the kind of Halloween experience where the lights go down, the music turns ominous and yes — you’ll jump. Running on select nights from August 29 through November 2, 2025, it features 10 all-new haunted houses, scare zones and live shows.
If your family includes teens or adult-kids who relish the thrill, this is top-tier. The park becomes a walking maze of scares, exquisite theming, and ride-and-haunt mash-ups. Yet, side tip: it’s separately ticketed, not included with general park admission.
For moms planning this outing: arrive early, map out your priorities (houses vs. scare zones vs. rides), and consider a “less intense” path if younger guests are in tow. There’s plenty to absorb before the full-fear mode kicks in — let the group set their own pace.
2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista)
Here’s a much more family-friendly, first-timer-friendly option at Magic Kingdom Park inside the Disney universe. On select nights from August 15 to October 31, 2025, this special-ticket event invites guests to dress up, trick-or-treat around the park, enjoy themed attractions and meet characters in costume.
It’s pure fun for kids and parents alike: think candy trails, a special parade, spooky-but-friendly décor and a relaxed costume vibe. If you’re reading this as a mom shopping for a combo of Disney magic + Halloween cheer, this hits sweet spot.
Tip: Ticket demand is high, so plan ahead. The party starts at 7 p.m. and usually runs until midnight, so kids will get tired — factor that in. Also consider arriving earlier to take advantage of park admission before the event begins proper.
3. Howl-O-Scream — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa)
Located at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, this event is marketed more toward older kids and adults: think haunted houses, scare zones, nightly frights. For 2025 the event runs on select nights from September 5 through November 2.
If your mom-outing includes teens who want bigger thrills – this is strong. The park says this is their “quarter-century of screams” edition, with enhanced houses and new zones.
However: younger kids may find it intense. One guide notes the event is designed for adults, so be ready to gauge what your group is comfortable with.
There are still ways to enjoy it though: arrive at entry and maybe scope out the lighter areas first, then make decisions on the heavier ones.
4. Spooky Empire — “The Dark Side of Comic Con” (Orlando)
This one leans into the pop-culture/horror convention realm, blending celebrity guests, cosplay, horror films, and interactive events. Hosted in Orlando, it runs October 31 through November 2, 2025.
If you’re a mom of a teen or young adult into horror, comic-culture or cosplay, this is gold. You’ll find panels, creature features, zombie walks, tattoo expos and plenty of photo ops.
This is less traditional “family pumpkin patch + trick-or-treat” and more “immersive horror-pop-culture festival”. If you go, treat it like a mini-con: check sessions ahead, book early for guest signings, and consider staying in a nearby hotel for the weekend.
5. Fantasy Fest (Key West)
On October 17-26, 2025, the island of Key West transforms into a 10-day costume-and-creativity carnival called Fantasy Fest, with the theme “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.”
This one is unique: you get beach vibes, palm trees, parties by day and spectacular parades by night (such as the famed Masquerade March). It’s a blend of fun for all ages, but many events skew adult-oriented.
If you’re a mom thinking of making a special getaway with older kids — this could be it. Book accommodations early (Key West fills fast). Decide whether you want the daytime seaside festival feel or the late-night party energy, and select events accordingly.
6. SCREAM-A-GEDDON (Dade City, near Tampa/Orlando)
In the quieter surroundings of Dade City lies the horror-park style event SCREAM‑A‑GEDDON, opening from August 29 and running through early November.
Think of 60 acres of haunted trails, multiple houses, immersive scare zones and intense effects.
For moms with teens who are horror-enthusiasts and want something outside the usual theme-park scene, this offers hardcore thrills. The setting is more rugged, less polished — which is part of the appeal.
That said: check age-appropriateness, travel logistics, and comfort levels. Because it is intense, you might want to designate a “scare threshold” or make a plan to exit early if needed. There’s also VIP/ticket upgrades worth considering if you want less wait time.
7. Creatures of the Night — St. Augustine Alligator Farm (St. Augustine)
If you’re looking for a Halloween event with a fun wildlife twist, head to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park for the “Creatures of the Night” event on October 24-26, 2025 (5:30-8:00 pm each night).
This is ideal for younger kids or families seeking something less frantic. Trick-or-treating through the zoo after hours, costumes encouraged, and exploring the exhibits under a spooky nighttime spin makes for memorable fun.
Tip: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Make sure you arrive as the event opens. Dress comfortably (evening in St. Augustine can be chillier than you expect) and plan for a fairly short outing that leaves energy for dinner or a stroll in historic downtown.
8. Zoo Boo — Zoo Miami (Miami)
Sure, South Florida has its glitz, but for a pure family-friendly Halloween bash, the Zoo Miami event “Zoo Boo” on October 25-26, 2025 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) is perfect.
Kids in costumes, trick-or-treat stations, inflatables, live DJ, magic shows — and yes, watching the zoo animals get treats too.
This event is ideal if you’ve got little ones and want Halloween fun without the heavy scares. It combines the zoo trip you might already be planning with a special seasonal twist.
Arrive near opening time so you can hit the trick-or-treat stations before they get crowded. Bring a bag for candy, check for any costume restrictions (some zoos limit masks for safety), and maybe combine the visit with a zoo-day outing to extend value.