Parenting Wisdom
Your Guide to Halloween Events for Kids and Teens in Tampa Bay
While it still might feel like summer in Tampa Bay, fall is almost here and that means Halloween is right around the corner!
If you’re looking for some Halloween-themed events for your kids or teens, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for scary or not-so-scary family fun, these local events are sure to delight your little ones and provide some spookier moments for your older kids – and you, too! Plus, who doesn’t love more opportunities to dress up?!
This guide has recently been updated to reflect dates and times for 2016.
Best for Younger Kids
Guppyween
Join us for the only time we let wild animals, ghosts and princesses roam the Aquarium—Guppyween! Trick-or-treat among over 20,000 sea creatures, making for the perfect family-friendly Halloween event. Entertainment and treats will be provided, so come dressed in your best costume! Become an Aquarium Member and get in free!
When: October 29 & 30, 1 -5 PM
Where: Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Kids in costume: $10
Adults (12yrs and older): Regular Admission Pricing
Florida Aquarium Members & children under 2 get in free
Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo
This new Halloween event will offer a wide-range of activities for all. From youngsters to teens and adults, find eerie adventures for the whole family. Wander into scare zones or encounter animals at night. Party the night away at a ghoulish dance party. No horror or gore, just scares and startles for one & all.
A variety of event admission options are available:
- Free and unlimited entry for Annual Zoo Members;
- Free and unlimited entry for “pay for a day, come back all year” ticket holders;
- Purchase a one-day ticket on an event day (valid for full day including event);
- Purchase a special “after 4 pm” ticket on event days for $19.95 (ages 3 and up).
After 4 PM tickets to the seasonal events will also be available at the gate and online.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 7-29, Open until 10 PM
Where: Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Halloween Spooktacular at Largo Central Park
The Halloween Spooktacular Event at Largo Central Park is back!
Festivities include games for kids 14 and under. Bounce houses, petting zoo, music, a hay maze, concessions and much more.
Don’t forget the Trick-or-Treat Trail: Families can walk the free trick-or-treat trail from 12-4 PM. Costumes are welcome, but not required.
Cost: Free admission. Wristbands are needed for most activities and they can be purchased at the park. $7 advanced purchase (Highland Recreation, Southwest Recreation and Cultural or Community Center) $10 day of purchase, cash only. Tickets go on sale Oct. 3, 2016.
Parking: Limited on-site parking will be available for $10.
Free park and walk from Everest University and Largo Middle School. (Largo High is NOT available)When: Largo Central Park on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 12-5 PM
Where: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL
You Must Love Dogs Fest Howl-O-Ween
Want to bring along the family pets, too? Check out this event!
An event unlike any other you will find in Tampa Bay, ‘You Must Love Dogs Fest’ Howl-O-Ween will draw 2,000+ animal lovers for a day filled with fun for adults, kids and pups! Enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of ‘You Must Love Dogs Fest’ Howl-O-Ween by visiting the many food trucks and hydration stations we have to offer.
An event to benefit The Humane Society of Pineallas. BRING YOUR OWN DOG!
Here are just a few of the activities we are planning: Doggy Costume Contest, National Pet Vax Unit for Vaccinations & Immunizations*, Fire Safety Demonstration, Dog Sledding Adventure, Dog Grooming, World Champion Frisbee Dogs, K-9 Training Demos & Much More!
When: October 1, 2016 from 11 AM – 7 PM
Where: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
Halloween Horribles Parade at Center Place Brandon
Who said the ghosts and goblins only come out at night? Costumed munchkins are invited to take part in the Halloween Parade and will enjoy lots of Treat Stations hosted by civic clubs & businesses along the route. Tickets are $2 per child to attend. You must have a ticket to participate & be between the ages of 3-10 years old!
Boo Bash at Coachman Park
This free event is a safe community Halloween celebration, featuring many interactive areas for kids, including games, hayrides, a costume parade on the field, and plenty of candy.
When: Monday, October 31
Where: Bright House Field, 601 N. Old Coachman Rd. • 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Best for Older Kids/Teenagers:
Ybor City Ghost Tour
On the OFFICIAL Ybor City Ghost Tour you will hear spine-tingling stories about real people, history, folklore, and the ghosts that have made Ybor City their playground. We are the perfect choice for night time family entertainment with a twist you’ll always remember. Our tour takes approximately 120 minutes and is an easy walk with frequent stops along the way.
Rated #1 Haunted Tour in the US by US City Traveler
$25. 00 for Adults $10. for Children 8-12 . The tour is not open for children under 5 years of age . Under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
For dates and reservations: http://www.yborghosttour.com/tickets/
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail (For children 13+)
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is an outdoor haunted attraction located in Plant City, Florida. Featuring 2 horrifying walk through trails, there is almost 1 mile of pure terror to experience. Trek your way through woods that the legendary phantom Sir Henry haunts as he looks for the murderer of his Bride. But Sir Henry is not the only monster you have to worry about. If you’re lucky you might make it out alive…
When: 7:30-10:00 PM, Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31
CLOSED-TOE SHOES RECOMMENDED – MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12
For Tickets: http://www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com/about
Howl-O-Scream 2016
Howl-O-Scream®,Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween event, is back select nights from September 23 through October 30, 2016* with tormenting surprises around every corner and unexpected scares.
The streets will be swarmed with hundreds of roaming creatures, making escape nearly impossible. A chilling live show and the chance to challenge Florida’s top thrill rides in the dark will keep the screams coming all night.
Howl-O-Scream starts at 7:30 p.m. each event night. Arrive early to challenge thrill rides, including the all-new Cobra’s Curse™, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower Falcon’s Fury® and Florida’s first triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt®. You’ll also have time to dine before being one of the first to experience the horror of Howl-O-Scream 2016.
For a list of dates and times: https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/howloscream/event-info/dates-and-times
Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo
This new Halloween event will offer a wide-range of activities for all. From youngsters to teens and adults, find eerie adventures for the whole family. Wander into scare zones or encounter animals at night. Party the night away at a ghoulish dance party. No horror or gore, just scares and startles for one & all.
A variety of event admission options are available:
- Free and unlimited entry for Annual Zoo Members;
- Free and unlimited entry for “pay for a day, come back all year” ticket holders;
- Purchase a one-day ticket on an event day (valid for full day including event);
- Purchase a special “after 4 pm” ticket on event days for $19.95 (ages 3 and up).
After 4 PM tickets to the seasonal events will also be available at the gate and online.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 7-29, Open until 10 PM
Where: Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Haunted Woods Hillsborough State Park
Sponsored by the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society the Haunted Woods event includes the Haunted Woods Trail, Coloring Contest, and Family Tram Ride (Tram runs Saturday Night ONLY!). Refreshments will be available. There will be a Costume Contest both nights; all ages – Prizes! It is a safe alternative to Trick-Or-Treating! Bring the whole family and come walk through our Haunted Woods for a scary, fun time.