Many may assume that Halloween is only about buying candy and costumes. Still, we can claim that this celebration is highly beneficial to humans since it promotes vital parts of our well-being, and several studies back this up.
Halloween is a celebration that encourages neighbors to socialize, and some studies show that this form of social connection makes you friendlier, happier, and healthier. We can dress up and act like someone else. Playing dress-up offers several benefits for children, including creative thinking, imaginative play, and the development of social skills. This holiday teaches us that death may be honored and, in some ways, enjoyable. And show young children, in age-appropriate language, that death is a part of life.
Furthermore, Halloween may be an exciting time to travel together because having a family trip in the fall is usually an excellent option. This season is good for enjoying exhilarating activities, events, and festivities that mark the start of the holiday season. We are feeling excited that Thanksgiving and even Christmas are close. And although all of this is wonderful, the reality is that nothing beats a vacation to one of the top Halloween locations in the United States.
Halloween is a popular and well-liked holiday in the United States, making it more appealing to take a vacation to enjoy this occasion and go beyond trick or treating to attend Halloween celebrations in other locations.
Here are eight different Halloween spots for your next fall trip. Some of these American towns are on Oprah’s list of the finest Halloween events in the U.S.
Austin, Texas
The Pumpkin Nights, celebrated in Austin from September 22 to October 30, are one of the top Halloween events in the city for families. Artists have constructed and carved the world’s giant pumpkin guitar for this event, which is part of a festive walking circuit. In addition to the pumpkin carving demonstrations, there will be scary ghost tours, a Dia de Los Muertos display, and more! Austin is a great city to travel to with kids due to its abundance of luxurious places to stay, like the Lavish Retreat in Treemont, with amenities like pools and games rooms.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a dynamic city in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert known for its luxury spa resorts, chef-driven restaurants, and fascinating things to do and events. Also, Scottsdale is a tourist spot that changes into a Halloween wonderland throughout the autumn season, including many activities, many of which are all-ages events. Between the Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch, the Halloween Spook-Track-ula, and a special Enchanted Halloween Festival-Hocus Pocus Party, there are plenty of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy this Halloween.
And if it is adult-oriented Halloween celebrations you’re looking for, you cannot go wrong with the Halloween Pubcraw Scottsdale or the Spirit of Halloween. Also, Scottsdale has a great Halloween event calendar and unique vacation properties excellent for families, like the Phoenix Desert Ridge Retreat.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, popular as the Halloween Vacation Capital, is the ideal location to celebrate this occasion with your family. Extreme thrills for adults and teenagers, as well as family-friendly chills, may be found here. Everyone will find something they enjoy in Orlando, featuring a variety of activities and attractions. Iconic Disney Halloween decorations, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Minnie’s Halloween Dine are two amazing things you can miss in Orlando.
Another fantastic event is LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat, where your family can enjoy frightful trick-or-treating fun and distinctive Halloween creatures. There are also unique Halloween attractions for adults, such as Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights or The Haunted Road, a drive-thru Halloween experience on Lake Pickett Road. If you want to make this the ultimate family holiday, plan your stay at a rental home with themed bedrooms, a private pool, and a game room.
Atlanta, Georgia
The first thing you notice about Atlanta is that it is unlike any other city you’ve visited. These shores gave birth to liberty, soda, and hip-hop. Pumpkin Festival in Stone Mountain Park and the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade are just two of the city’s many fantastic Halloween festivities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy both activities. In addition, a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating contests, live music, and street vendors will all be available for your enjoyment.
Buena Park, California
Southern California is home to several thrilling Halloween attractions, and Knott’s Spooky Farm is one of the best. Activities abound at this spooky celebration for children of all ages. Pretend City- Costume Week is another kid-friendly activity to have fun in four days of costumed celebrations in this child-sized city. You can’t miss all the fun at Disneyland Park featuring the magnificent Haunted Mansion with very festive touches inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Día de Los Muertos celebration at Frontierland.
Alexandria, Virginia
In Old Town Alexandria, you can go on a family-friendly ghost tour led by a guide dressed in 18th-century costume or experience. Another great activity is the Fall Frolic at the Lee-Fendall House, where kids ages 3–12 can join in scavenger hunts, do arts and crafts and walk in the costume parade.
In more outstanding Alexandria, Edgar Allen Poe lovers can listen to his stories and poems read by Guillotine Theatre actors at Ivy Hill Cemetery. Finally, history fans should swing by Mount Vernon on October 30 for 18th-century Halloween-themed puppet shows and chocolate-making demos in addition to usual tour programming.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is a vibrant city known for its culture, art, award-winning restaurants, and Southern charm, making it a top tourist destination. Halloween is celebrated here for a whole month with activities and attractions, including the Boo at the Zoo Halloween Party (great for kids). The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular and a variety of haunted house ghost tours. Louisville, Kentucky, is the place to be if you want to scream and attend exciting Halloween happenings.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Halloween in Gatlinburg is fun, with plenty of fabulous events, many of which are family-friendly. For example, Moonshine Mountain Coaster, the first-ever mountain coaster in Gatlinburg, transforms into a haunted attraction on weekends and during the final week of October. This mountain coaster is a safe, unique, and family-friendly ride.
The Pigeon Forge Community Center hosts another Halloween event in the area, a non-scary and free celebration for families to trick or treat. This event takes the Thursday before Halloween. In addition to trick-or-treating, you will be able to visit a haunted house.
The Dollywood Harvest Festival is a non-spooky adventure near Gatlinburg, great for younger kids from September 23 to October 29. This festival includes events like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Southern Gospel Jubilee, the most prominent southern gospel festivity worldwide.
Plan Your Upcoming Halloween Trip
Hopefully, this list will encourage you to go on a family journey to spend Halloween in any of these beautiful cities. Research the local health and safety rules at your potential Halloween vacation spot before booking your next family trip to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
