Halloween is right around the corner, and there are so many fun, creative ways to give yourself a scare, whether it’s through an immersive zombie experience, a voodoo music festival, or a Victorian funeral reenactment. Here are 13 unique Halloween activities that you can participate in across the United States—many of which are open to all ages.
The Thirteen Best Halloween Activities In The U.S.
1. 13th Annual Halloween & Mourning Tours
Heritage Square Museum offers year-round, guided tours of its eight historic Victorian homes located on the property, but during the weekend of October 22 and 23, visitors are in for a special treat. During the annual Halloween and Mourning Tours, they can learn all about the death and mourning etiquette during the Victorian era and more. The Sunday program includes family-friendly activities with games, spooky stories, and 19th-century harvest crafts. Admission is $20 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under the age of 6.
Address: 3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles, CA
2. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
See more than 7,000 pumpkins side-by-side, lit up and staged for a stunning display for the tri-state area’s biggest Halloween event. Explore a historic, 18th century riverside landscape while checking out the individually hand-carved pumpkins that have been designed by a team of artisans. Other fun features include a giant spider web, a headless horseman, and a color-changing star show in the Pumpkin Planetarium. The even sells out every year and is for all ages. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for children.
Address: 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
3. Boo at the LA Zoo
During the entire month of October, the Los Angeles Zoo turns into a ghoulish wonderland with plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Attractions include a mysterious maze, freaky framed photo opportunities, creepy cave explorations, a monster puppet show, spooky crafts, a Halloween dance party, and more. General admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children.
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA
4. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Whether you’re a kid or still a kid at heart, this fun-filled, Halloween-themed event provides fun for the entire family. Enjoy festivities including a Halloween parade completed with a Headless Horseman, Disney characters dressed up in Halloween costumes, a fireworks show, and more. The event runs from September 2 to October 31.
Address: Walt Disney World Resort, 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL
5. Fright Light: Laser Halloween
If you’re spending Halloween in Hawaii this year, head over to the Bishop Museum’s Planetarium where you can listen to all of your favorite Halloween classics set to blazing laser lights. Songs played include “Monster Mash”, “Thriller”, and more. General admission is $10 and the shows runs from 7 to 8pm.
Address: Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI
6. The Amazing Halloween Scavenger Hunt
For an interactive Halloween experience, sign up for this three-hour scavenger hunt that takes you around New York City, where you will perform various physical and mental challenges while searching for clues. The hunt is run through an app called ScanQuest, and comfortable shoes and a Metrocard are needed to participate. Each member of the winning team will receive a New York City gift package.
Address: Slattery’s Midtown Pub, 8 East 36th Street, New York, NY
7. Halloween with Edgar Allan Poe
Enjoy an evening filled with macabre and mysterious poems and stories by Edgar Allan Poe, which are brought to life by actor Lucien Douglas in a dramatic presentation that includes “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” The event includes a meet and greet after the show with Douglas. The doors open at 7:15pm, and the event will also feature signature desserts, coffee and the “Raventini” cash bar.
Address: Chez Zee American Bistro, 5406 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX
8. 2016 Voodoo Fest
This multi-day music and arts festival held in City Park in New Orleans has an exciting lineup that includes Cage the Elephant, The Weeknd, and Arcade Fire. In addition to the music acts, the park festival grounds will host interactive and immersive large-scale art installations, a fireworks show, and unique food trucks highlighting some of Louisiana’s local fare such as shrimp Po’boys and fried duck quesadillas. The festival runs from October 28 to 30, and gates open at noon each day.
Address: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA
9. The Living Dead Experience
Did you know that Halloween is considered a state holiday in Nevada? If you happen to be celebrating in the City of Sin during the month of October, participate in this creepy experience, which is being held at the Arden Relocation Center in the old train town of Arden. The event will include food, games, live entertainment, and a unique, immersive zombie environment. All ages are welcome.
Address: 6475 W. Gary Avenue Las Vegas, NV
10. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
One of the most intense Halloween events in Southern California, this year’s event features 7 different terrifying mazes inspired by horror movies and shows, including American Horror Story, The Exorcist, and The Walking Dead. The event also includes a new Terror Tram experience, a live show by the Jabbawockeez dance crew, and mega scare zones featuring The Purge. The event runs from 7pm to 2am daily.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
11. Trapped in a Room with a Zombie
You have 60 minutes to escape from a room, where you are trapped with a small group of friends. There is one hungry zombie chained to the wall. Every 5 minutes a buzzer sounds and the chain is released another foot from the wall. It’s up to you and your teammates to get out in time by participating in a series of team-building activities in order to unlock the escape door within 60 minutes. At the end of each session, each participant’s ability to problem solve and communicate under pressure will be analyzed. For more information, visit roomescapeadventures.com.
Address: The Bosco Center, 80 South 6th Street, Columbus, OK
12. Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball
Famous for the Salem witch trials, the town of Salem in Boston throws an annual ball filled with fun activities including the annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo. Fires are burned on hilltops while costumed guests observe, spells are cast for the new year, and the ball includes live performances, costume prizes, and free psychic readings. The theme for this year’s ball is the Wizard of Oz.
Address: Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
13. Old Bisbee Ghost Tour
Go on a haunted historical tour that shares some of the most scary and macabre tales of the town of Bisbee in Arizona. Ghost hosts will lead visitors on a spooky walking tour through Old Bisbee’s streets, stairways, and old alleys while learning about the ghosts that haunt the 135-year-old town. During the month of October, the ghost tour will take place seven nights a week and last approximately an hour and a half. Make reservations on oldbisbeeghosttour.com.
Address: Location provided upon confirmation of reservation.
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.