2017’s Best Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

Fall is one of the best times of the year. It doesn’t quite cool off in Florida like it does in Pennsylvania, but the weather has been beautiful lately! Halloween may be one of Mallory’s favorite holidays. I like it because of all the Halloween events – Haunted Houses, Pumpkin Patches, Costume Parties, you name it! After living in the Tampa area for two years now, we have learned that there is always a ton to do! And when it comes to Halloween events there are plenty! Here are what looks like the 10 Best Halloween Events in the Tampa Bay area.

1. Busch Gardens Howl-o-scream – Roller Coasters and Haunted Houses

Ready for Howl-O-Scream!

Arguably the most well-known and popular Halloween activity would be Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. Howl-O-Scream runs Thursdays through Sundays September 22- October 29. If you plan on going buy your tickets online before you go! If you purchase your tickets in advance you pay between $39.95 and $44.95, but if you wait to buy your tickets at the park you’ll pay $99.99 per ticket!

Mallory and I went to Howl-O-Scream last fall and had a blast. All of the roller coasters stay open and there are 8 haunted houses to choose from. Lines can be long, so maximize your time by getting the Busch Gardens app where you can check wait times!

2. Scream-A-Geddon – Best Haunted Houses in Tampa Bay

via screamageddon.com

Scream-A-Geddon is a spot for people who love haunted houses! The horror park has 6 different attractions that will scare the pants off you. Two of the haunted houses offer an interactive experience to heighten the horror. In the interactive houses, you can mark yourself, which may lead to being grabbed and removed from your group or sent to hidden areas for an extra scary experience. Scream-A-Geddon is open from September 22-November 2. Tickets range from $21-$38 and you save money if you purchase ahead of time.

3. Lowry Park Zoo Creatures of the Night

via lowry park zoo

One of Tampa Bay’s family-friendly Halloween activities Creatures of the Night takes place Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October.  Admission is $20 for Adults and Children, or free with an annual Zoo membership. There are 6 scare zones and treat stations located throughout the park. Definitely an activity for those who love a good scare and looking at animals too!

4. Ghost Tour – Ybor City

Take a walk through the haunted history of Ybor City. This exciting ghost tour has been rated as one of the best in the nation and is highly recommended on Trip Advisor. Tours begin nightly at 7:30 and tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for children 8-12. If you are in the mood for a nice walk, some scary ghost stories, and a little history you should definitely check it out!

5. A Nightmare on Franklin Street- For the Horror Movie Fans

From October 5th until Halloween the Tampa Theater will be showing some of the scariest movies of all time along with some great Halloween classics like Hocus Pocus and Halloween. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the box office. If you love horror movies you should catch one of the greats at the Tampa theater!

6. The Haunted Woods

Via 813area.com

2017 marks the 25th annual Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa. The Haunted woods will run October 20th and 21st and will feature a costume contest, music, and refreshments. A family-friendly event that is sure to be loads of fun! Ages 13 and up are $10, while kids 12 and under will get in free.

7. Chamber of Terror – Florida’s only Nautical Haunted House

On board the SS American Victory in Channelside you will have to make your way through the spooky ship to escape the horror of the Chamber of Terror. The Chamber of Terror is open Thursdays-Sundays from September 29 until the end of October and tickets are about $30.

8. Murder House Tampa

Rated Tampa’s scariest attraction the murder house is located in the heart of Ybor City. This 18+ attraction contains scenes of intense horror, gore, and profanity. Go to get terrified and stay to party the Murder House has a full bar and operates Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October.

9. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

via Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

This outdoor haunted attraction is a mile long trek through the forests of Plant City. Sir Henry and other terrifying beasts will haunt you as you make your way through the trail. The Haunted Trail is open Friday-Sunday in the month of October with admission starting from $12.

10. Blow your own glass pumpkin

Hand blown glass pumpkins. I’m very excited to give glass blowing a try!

The Morean Arts Center in Saint Petersburg has a seasonal experience where you get 1-on-1 instruction on how to blow your own glass pumpkin! It’s $75, but you get the one on one instruction and you get to take home your very own blown glass pumpkin! Mallory and I are giving this a try tomorrow, so make sure you check out my Instagram story to see how it goes! To check for availability and to sign up visit The Morean Art Center’s website.

If I missed any of your favorite Halloween events in Tampa Bay let me know in the comments below!

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