9 Halloween Activities Still Happening Near You in 2020
Roger Willams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Halloween, like everything else, will feel different this year. But one thing’s for sure: It is not cancelled! Major attractions have adjusted their plans for the new socially distanced world. See where your crew can celebrate.
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Providence, Rhode Island: October 1-November 1
One of the best zoo-based Halloween events is going drive-through this year! During the 25-minute ride through the Drive-Through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (pictured above!), your family will spy elaborate pumpkin carvings featuring national parks and historic landmarks. Other pumpkin groupings will honor first responders, highlight the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and recognize diversity. And yes, the fan-fave Laughing Tree full of hundreds of lit-up pumpkins carved pumpkins will remain.
How to plan your visit Get park tickets
Hersheypark
Hersheypark in the Dark
Hershey, Pennsylvania: Select dates from October 2-November 1
The theme park with all the candy will have a new trick-or-treating trail, lights-out ride experiences, and spins on its recently opened Candymonium coaster. Whee!
How to plan your visit: Pre-purchased tickets required
Walt Disney World
Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Orlando, Florida: September 15-October 31
Since the legendary Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party won’t be part of the festivities this year, Disney put the focus on costumes. A Halloween-themed cavalcade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A. featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and pals dressed up for the occasion. Guests may also spot Chip ‘n’ Dale in costume in Frontierland, and other Disney characters dressed for Halloween riding the horse-drawn trolley along Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, for the first time, visitors of all ages are invited to wear Halloween costumes to the park. Maybe this is the year for your crew to go as The Incredibles?
How to plan your visit: Reservations required
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween
Locations nationwide: October 1-31
The Halloween hoopla returns to this chain of indoor water parks, but with precautions. Guests can pre-select times to begin the Trick-Or-Treat Trail, which includes a “Teal Pumpkin” stop, offering non-food treats for guests with food allergies, or parents looking to avoid too many sweets. Families can also reserve a spot at a Monster Bash Dance Party and an UnBOOlievavle Story Time.
How to plan your visit: Get your tickets here
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Croton-On-Hudson, New York: Select dates from September 18-November 21
Entirely outdoors and touch-free, this trail of 7,000 hard-carved pumpkins features a “Pumpkin Planetarium.” Pumpkins with star-shaped carvings cover the ceiling of an old barn, making them look like shooting stars. More bewitching features: a Sleepy Hollow walk-through bridge, a carousel made of pumpkins, and a 25-foot-tall Jack O’Lantern Statue of Liberty holding her torch high in the sky. Pre-purchased tickets required.
Sesame Place
Sesame Place’s The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Langhorne, Pennsylvania: Select days from September 21-November 1
Pumpkin decorating, Halloween-themed floats with characters, and trick-or-treating will be among the not-too-spooky fun at this park geared toward young kids.
How to plan your visit: Get tickets here
Dollywood
Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: September 25-October 31
At this park the Great Smoky Mountains, your family can stroll through illuminated pumpkin displays that are more sweet than spooky. Expect oohs and ahhs in the new Wildwood Grove section, which features a large display of pumpkins cut to look like a field of sunflowers.
How to plan your visit: Get park tickets here
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida’s Brick or Treat
Winter Haven, Florida: Select dates from October 3-31
Trick or treating returns at this theme park, but they’ll be extra spacing for families and contactless candy distribution. Popular shows, like The Groovin’ Graveyard and A Candy-Coated Curse, will be back on stage for spirited performances.
How to plan your visit: Get park tickets here
Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement
Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown, Virginia: October 23 and 24
Families can explore the outdoor areas of Jamestown Settlement in a one-way, socially distanced direction. Children will score candy from the various outdoor interpretive areas while enjoying lighted crescents, bonfires, and storytelling.
How to plan your visit: Get tickets here
