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Best Halloween Destinations for Families in the USA
Halloween destinations can turn a simple October weekend into a full family adventure.
Halloween is a time for spookiness and curiosities. You probably spend it taking your children trick-or-treating, but it can also be a really fun holiday. There are tons of creepy towns and fantastical festivals in the US where you can really get into the Halloween spirit!
In this blog post, I’ll cover what to expect from each town so you can plan your family Halloween holiday and get your creepy costumes out ready!
What are the best Halloween destinations for families?
- Anoka, Minnesota, for parades and traditional family events
- Sleepy Hollow, New York, for the Headless Horseman
- Salem, Massachusetts, for history and month-long celebrations
- St. Helens, Oregon, for Disney’s Halloweentown atmosphere
- New Orleans, Louisiana, for Krewe of Boo
These Halloween destinations offer different levels of spookiness, from daytime pumpkin displays and children’s parades to haunted attractions for older kids. Choose according to your children’s ages, comfort with scares, and the type of October trip your family wants.
The Best Places For Families to Celebrate Halloween in the USA
Anoka, Minnesota
If you often wondered ‘What U.S. town goes all out for Halloween?’, look no further.
Anoka touts itself as ‘Halloween Capital of the World’. In fact, they’ve hosted Halloween events since 1914. What began back then as an effort to stop kids ‘tricking’ has turned into a month-long spook-tacle.
The program includes competitions, parades, scavenger hunts, spooky movie nights, pumpkin carving contests, night parades, costume contests, bonfires, and more.
For 2026, the Light Up the Night Parade is scheduled for October 17, with additional October events listed on the official calendar.
See the online program of events and book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving’s short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” is the basis for the show “Sleepy Hollow” on FOX. It has been featured in several books and movies.
The village itself is 25 miles north of New York City, with a population of over 10,000 people.
This popular Halloween destination still boasts its iconic unofficial mascot, the Headless Horseman.
The village gets a makeover for Halloween and turns into Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze. It’s an outdoor/indoor “period correct” haunt that includes costumed actors from the 1700s and performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
There’s a live reenactment of the Sleepy Hollow tale at Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside, complete with thousands of carved gourds and a Pumpkin Windmill.
In 2026, families can attend Irving’s “Legend” performances and Legendary Tours at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from September 18 through November 8 at Van Cortlandt Manor in nearby Croton-on-Hudson, with advance tickets starting at $24.
On Halloween night, it is common to see lighted jack-o’-lanterns decorating porches across the town.
Don’t miss the historic cemetery by lantern light and the tour of Philipsburg Manor -a terrifying haunt known as Horseman’s Hollow.
The village also offers local pumpkin events, costume activities, historic attractions, and seasonal tours. Check the official calendars before traveling because individual dates and ticket releases vary.
You can even enjoy some shopping at the street fairs and farmers markets.
Celebrate Halloween at The Village Halloween Parade, NYC
Another New York event, the Village Halloween Parade was created in 1973.
It’s more than just a celebration of Halloween, though.
It’s one of the most famous Halloween events in the US and the largest Halloween parade in the world. Over two million spectators and 60,000 participants come to watch as giant puppets make their way through the neighborhood.
The event itself is free to spectators, but you can also buy tickets to watch the parade from special VIP areas. Even better, you can participate in the parade itself as long as you wear a costume and a mask.
The 53rd annual parade begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The route starts at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue and continues north to 15th Street. Only people in costume may join the parade.
Celebrate Halloween with the Rocky Horror Picture Show, NYC
Families visiting New York with older teens can consider the 2026 Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54. This is not designed as a young-child Halloween activity, so parents should review the production’s content and current performance schedule before booking.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Hudson Valley, New York
Running from September through to November, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley, New York, is a must-see for anyone who loves to celebrate Halloween. The event features more than 7000 carved pumpkins, all of which were designed and hand-carved by a special team.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a very special event, including synchronised lighting with music.
It takes from an hour to 90 minutes to walk through the display.
The 2026 event runs on select evenings from September 18 through November 8 and is open every night in October. Standard timed tickets start at $24.
This is a really popular event, so early booking is essential. Tickets are not available at the event, only online in advance.
This is a really popular event, so early booking is essential. Tickets are not available at the event, only online in advance.
Neewollah Festival, Independence, Kansas
The “Neewollah” (Halloween spelled backward) festival is located in Kansas. The event attracts visitors from all over the country for a month of revelry. In 2026, the nine-day celebration runs from October 23 through October 31.
Discover haunted houses, watch spooky shows, and beware the characters and creatures lurking around the parks! Let your kids dress up in their favorite Halloween outfit and join the kiddy parade.
This is all good, spooky fun designed for families. The program includes parades, live music, a carnival, theatre performances, and a medallion hunt.
Louisville Zoo – The World’s Largest Halloween Party
A zoo might not be the first place you’d imagine for a Halloween party, but ‘Boo At The Zoo’ has been delighting families for over 40 years.
This exciting program runs Thursdays – Sundays throughout October. The zoo becomes a living storybook, with larger-than-life characters, music, and trick-or-treating for kids 11 or under. – There are treat booths provided in various places in the zoo.
The 2026 schedule also includes a Sensory Friendly Night on October 7 and an Allergy Friendly Night on October 28.
The entry ticket gives you access to the Halloween attractions available that evening. Check the ticket inclusions before visiting because regular daytime zoo admission and individual experiences may be handled differently.
Costumes are welcome but not required – note, though, that although adults can also dress in costume, they should not have their faces completely covered.
Horror Nights, Universal City, California
This event is not suitable for young kids, but families with older kids who enjoy spine-chilling movies will love Horror Nights. Universal Studios transforms into a park full of terror for Halloween. Horror Nights run on various nights in September and October. he separately ticketed 2026 event runs on select nights from September 3 through November 1 and is not recommended for children under 13.
With scary mazes, thrilling rides, horrifying creatures, and outrageous live performances, this is a truly harrowing Halloween experience! Plus, while you’re in California, it’s the perfect opportunity to hop over to downtown Los Angeles for some sightseeing. Even with traffic, downtown LA is just a 30-minute drive from Universal Studios.
Celebrate Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
What would Halloween be like without a witch or two? The Salem Witch Trials back in 1692 have made Salem the most popular destination for Halloween.
As you might expect, there are lots of witch-inspired events in the Halloween program. Check out the Witches Market and Psychic Fair. Then, take part in the Witches Costume Parade.
If you like history, don’t miss a visit to the Peabody Essex Museum and learn more about the witch trials and Salem’s history.
Visit haunted hotels and houses and marvel at the Grand Parade. There are ‘Scary Stories’ nights, Family Film Nights, and Haunted Magic shows to entertain people of all ages. Not to mention plenty of ghost tours to choose from.
Salem is one of the busiest Halloween destinations in the country, especially during October weekends. Book accommodation, parking, tours, and ticketed events well ahead, then use the official 2026 Haunted Happenings guide to confirm the final schedule.
Check out the full program of ‘frightfully fun events’ on their calendar, Haunted Happenings.
St. Helens, Oregon
Fans of the Disney movie Halloweentown or Twilight will probably recognise St. Helens -both movies were partially filmed there.
From mid-September to the end of October, St. Helens goes all-in for ‘Spirit of Halloweentown‘, their Halloween festival. The Riverfront District morphs into a giant Halloween celebration.
Get involved in a costume contest, enjoy visiting the attractions, or chill out at one of the ‘Stories By The Scarecrow’ sessions. There’s a full program of live performances, theatre and music.
Among the more family-friendly Halloween destinations, St. Helens offers decorations from September 15 through the weekend after Halloween in 2026. It is free to visit and take photos, but attraction tickets are limited.
C-K Autumn Fest, West Virginia
Two towns in West Virginia – Ceredo and Kenova – come together to create a fun-packed program of events for families at Halloween.
The festival normally runs through late October, but the complete 2026 schedule had not been published by July. Check the official calendar before booking specific travel dates. The centerpiece is the Pumpkin House, decorated with over 3000 carved pumpkins.
If you’re a baking fan, head for the Bake-Off contest. In fact, you’re spoiled for choice food-wise with all the street vendors around the Pumpkin House.
Other attractions include a tractor show, a Parade, a ‘Cruise-in’ of classic and custom cars, as well as a Great Scarecrow Hunt and homes beautifully decorated for Halloween in the ‘Home Decorating’ contest.
Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is a spooky place to visit at any time of year, so when better than during the Halloween season? The best way to experience it is by walking through the French Quarter and stumbling upon all of its haunted attractions. Visit the cemeteries, full of beautiful tombs and magical energy.
Don’t be surprised to see zombies, vampires, witches, or ghosts wandering around town at all times of day (who said vampires could only come out at night…?).
Why not rent costumes for the whole family and get in on the ghoulish fun? The official Halloween Parade – Krewe of Boo – features incredibly constructed floats, and is inspired by the Festival of the Dead.
The 2026 Krewe of Boo parade rolls through the French Quarter on Saturday, October 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Check the Louisiana Children’s Museum calendar for current October family activities before visiting, as seasonal programs and dates can change each year.
When should you book Halloween travel?
- Book Salem and Sleepy Hollow accommodation six to ten months ahead.
- Start comparing flights and hotels between May and July.
- Buy timed-entry event tickets when sales open in summer.
- Reserve the final two October weekends before early September.
- Choose weekday or early-season dates when booking later.
Popular Halloween destinations become more expensive and crowded as October approaches. Families traveling during the last two weekends of the month should secure accommodation first, then add timed attractions, tours, and transportation as their dates become available.
Where will you celebrate Halloween this year?
To get in the spirit of Halloween, take the trick-or-treating up a notch and visit one of these spooky US Halloween destinations. There are ghoulish games and frightfully fun activities for the whole family! What a perfect way to celebrate Halloween!
For more year-round planning, read Best Family Vacation Ideas for Every Season. Families planning to travel after fall can also use Warm Places to Visit in December With Kids.
Frequently Asked Question About Halloween Destinations
1. When is the best time for Halloween destinations?
The best time depends on the experience your family wants. Visit from late September through mid-October for lighter crowds and more accommodation choices. Travel during the final two October weekends for the fullest event schedules, but expect higher prices, limited parking, longer lines, and sold-out timed attractions.
2. What are budget options for Halloween destinations?
Choose free parades, public pumpkin displays, downtown decorations, community costume contests, and daytime festivals. Anoka, the New York Village Halloween Parade, St. Helens photo areas, and New Orleans parade viewing can reduce entertainment costs. Stay outside the main event district and use public transportation where available to save more.
3. Where is least crowded for Halloween destinations?
C-K Autumn Fest and Neewollah may feel less overwhelming than Salem or Sleepy Hollow, although major parade nights still attract large crowds. Anoka can also be easier when families attend earlier October activities instead of the biggest parade weekend. Weekdays, daytime events, and September dates generally provide the calmest experience.
4. How far ahead should you book?
Book major Halloween destinations six to ten months ahead when traveling to Salem or Sleepy Hollow on an October weekend. Reserve other cities three to six months ahead, then purchase timed attractions as soon as tickets open. Families with flexible weekday dates can sometimes book later, but should not depend on availability.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
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