Fall is almost here and it’s the perfect time to give yourself some spooky thrills as cities around the country let out their ghosts and goblins to get into the Halloween spirit. From pumpkin fests, to haunted houses, here are seven of the best Halloween activities for kids and adults around the U.S.
1. Ghosts & Gravestones Tour- Boston, MA
Nothing can get you give you the chills like a good ghost tour. Boston’s Ghosts and Gravestones tour combines a walking tour and trolley ride as “gravedigger” guides spin spooky and sinister tales that span the history of one of America’s oldest cities. The 90-minute excursion makes stops at the Boston Harbor and two of the city’s nearly 400-year-old graveyards, where guests can look for ghosts as they visit the final resting places of some of the nation’s founding fathers. Tours are available every night, but fill up quickly near Halloween so advance reservations are recommended.
2. Pier Pumpkin Lights- Chicago, IL
Chicago’s most popular tourist destination-Navy Pier- is pulling out all the stops for its first ever Pier Pumpkin Lights festival. The completely free month-long event runs from October 1 through November 2 and features fall fun for the whole family. Best viewed after dark, the pop-up event will feature towers of jack-o-lanterns, holiday lights, and specialty vendors, as well as seasonal treats from the pier’s year-round restaurants. On weekends the event will also transform Chicago’s Amazing Funhouse Maze into a haunted maze, and parents are encouraged to bring kids out to trick-or-treat on the pier October 26, 27, and 31!
3. Scout Island Scream Park- New Orleans, LA
In the middle of downtown New Orleans Halloween comes to life in terrifying fashion. Weekends through November 2 (and October 29-31) Scout Island Scream Park provides family-friendly hayrides, carnival attractions, and entertainment, but after sundown it’s time for the adults to get spooked as horrifying creatures of the night descend on the island! Featuring five horrifying haunted house experiences furnished by The Mortuary Haunted Mansion, a zombie paintball battle-zone, and a Pirate Pub and Music Hall, Scout Island Scream Park has something for thrill-seekers of all ages. Haunted attractions are limited to guests over the age of 13 and all guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.
4. Spirit of Halloweentown- Portland, OR
About 45-minutes outside of downtown Portland the city of St. Helens spends each October embracing its brush with Hollywood fame in spooktacular fashion. As the filming location of the 1998 Disney Channel cult-classic Halloweentown and one of the locations used in the filming of Twilight, St. Helens pulls out all the stops to embrace it’s spooky film past by celebrating the holiday every weekend of the month. The family friendly festival includes trick-or-treating, costume contests, loads of lighted jack-o-lanterns, haunted tours, specialty guests and vendors, and fun photo-ops.
5. Zombie Burlesque- Las Vegas, NV
Visiting the Vegas Strip this fall? Then why not take time for a little Halloween fun Sin City style? VTheater at the Planet Hollywood Resort proudly presents Zombie Burlesque the “dead sexy musical comedy” that asks “what would have happened if zombies had taken over America in 1958 and had to coexist with the living?” Featuring a live band, stand-up comedy, and a host of talented dancers, this ghoulish romp is the perfect night out for adults looking for a seasonal scream.
6. Hanna Haunted Acres- Indianapolis, IN
Looking for a good old fashioned scare this Halloween? Look no further than Hanna Haunted Acres, home of Indiana’s scariest haunted houses! With five unique haunted house experiences and Hanna’s signature Haunted Hayride you’re guaranteed to scream your head off. Experiences include “Freakshow,” a walk through a carnival turned house of horrors by a mad makeup artist, and the newest attraction “Descension” a walk through attraction so pitch dark you won’t know what’s in front of you until it’s too late. Hanna’s Haunted Acres is open to all ages but the haunted houses are not recommended for children under 12, discretion is advised for children under 12 on the hayride.
7. Denver Botanical Gardens- Denver, CO
Weekends through October explore the Denver Botanical Garden’s amazing 7-acre corn maze. The space-themed maze is one of the most attended corn mazes in the country and can be fully appreciated in its artistic beauty from above from two 15-foot tall illuminated bridges. On select days the maze is also open after dark for an even spookier experience. While the regular maze is fun for kids, adults and teens can also check out the Haunted Maze after dark along with the Fear Flicks horror movie screenings. Other activities include pony rides, hayrides, and human hamster balls. Plus on the weekend of October 11 enjoy all the Gardens have to offer along with the annual Pumpkin Festival!
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