Day Trips
Fall Family Events 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 and that means fall family events!
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 2017.
Best for Younger Kids
3rd Annual Tampa Bay Kids Fest
The 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Kids Fest is your one-stop shop to the best products, services, and resources for families in the Tampa Bay area. Visit dozens of vendors and enjoy FREE activities – face painting, bubble soccer, balloon twisting, video game truck, toddler play zone, canvas painting classes, dodgeball arena, photo booth, character meet & greets, bounce houses, stage shows, and much more!
Cost: Register for FREE tickets at https://tampabaykidsfest.eventbrite.com/!
Parking is $6 per car or $12 per RV or bus, cash only.
When: Saturday, 9/30/17 & Sunday, 10/1/17 – 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa, Florida 33610
Tampa Bay Moms Blog 1st Annual Spooktacular
Join TBMB for our 1st Annual Fall Spooktacular at The Barn at Winthrop. Dress up in your best costume and bring your family for indoor (and outdoor) trick-or-treating, games, snacks, and fun! This event is an Family Friendly!
If your business is interested in getting involved with this fun event, contact [email protected].
Cost: Tickets are $6/child (babies under 1 and adults are free). Tickets will not be sold at the door and this is sure to be a popular event, so mark your calendars to get yours quickly! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-spooktakular-tickets-38149497173
Parking: Parking is free but limited!
When: Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 11 AM-2 PM
Where: The Barn at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview, FL 33578
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!
Cost: Kids in costume: $10
Adults (12yrs and older): Regular Admission Pricing
Florida Aquarium Members & children under 2 get in free
When: October 28 & 29, 1 -5 PM
Where: Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
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.
Cost: 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 $22.95 (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. 6-28, Open until 10 PM
Where: Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
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.
Cost: Free
When: Tuesday, October 31, Times are TBD
Where: Bright House Field, 601 N. Old Coachman Rd.
HorsePower For Kids Fall Festival Fundraiser
Come support HorsePower for Kids at their annual Fall Festival Fundraiser for the entire family. There will be games, pony rides, train rides, face painting, lots of animals to see, bounce house and more.
Cost: $12 per person (cash only). Babies under 12 months are free. Parking $1.00.
When: Saturdays and Sundays beginning October 7th through 29th, 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: 8005 S. Racetrack Rd. Tampa, Florida 33635
Hunsader Pumpkin Festival
Hunsader Pumpkin Festival includes pumpkin patches, 100+ Craft Booths, Live Shows, Charity Pumpkin Games, Pioneer Trades Village, Hayrides, Pony Rides, Chainsaw Sculptor, Corn Maze Scarecrow displays, petting zoo, food and more! Visit Hunsader Farms website for more a more detailed list of events.
Cost: $10 per person. Children under 12 are free. Parking $5.00.
When: October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 5500 C.R. 675 Bradenton, Florida 34211
Our Lady of Lords Fall Festival
Festival attendees will be busy at the Lady of Lords campus under the “big tent” with rides, games, music and lots of fun! Dozens of rides cater to children of all ages.
Cost: Free admission and parking, tickets needed for rides.
When: October 12-15; Thurs 5-9 PM; Fri 3-11 PM; Sat 11 AM-11 PM; Sun 11 AM-5 PM
Where: 750 San Salvador Dr. Dunedin, FL 34698
Mr. Tommy’s Very Un-Scary Halloween Party
Join Mr. Tommy for a scare-free Halloween Party with monster hits and a jack-o-lantern full of fun! Come in costume…there will be treats!
Cost: $8 Children under 4 are FREE
When: Sunday, October 15 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: Carrollwood Cultural Center
4537 Lowell Rd.
Tampa, Florida 33618
A Night at the Museum
Families are invited to haunt the History Center while they trick or treat their way through our hands-on exhibits and snag candy from historical figures come to life during A Night at the Museum, Sunday, Oct. 22 at the History Center.
Storm Troopers and other Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion join pirates, pioneers and other ghosts from Florida’s past as they haunt the History Center.
New this year, A Night at the Museum features a kid’s silent disco, powered by the Gasparilla Music Festival, along with a costume contest for prizes and crafts and games.
A Night at the Museum is open to children of all ages with adult companion, and there are TWO spooky sessions to choose from! Select EITHER 2 p.m. OR 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/child; 3 and under are free; $13/adult. Tickets to Night at the Museum are available in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org. A limited quantity will be available at the door, and prices will increase on the day of the event.
When: October 22, two sessions: 2:00-3:30 p.m. or 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: Tampa Bay History Center
801 Old Water Street
Tampa, FL 33602
St. Patrick’s Fun Fair and Fall Festival
Cost: Ticket prices vary, click here to purchase.
When: October 26-29; Thurs 6-10 PM; Fri 6-11 PM; Sat 11 AM-11 PM; Sun 12-6 PM
Where: 1501 Trotter Avenue, Largo, 33770
Halloween Spooktacular Event at Largo Central Park
Plan on a good time at this year’s Halloween Spooktacular event held at Largo Central Park on Saturday, October 28 from 12-5pm. This widely popular, family-friendly event includes fun and games for kids 12 and under. Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail (12-4pm only), inflatables, a hay maze, games, music, activities and much more. Bounce houses, a petting zoo and strolling entertainment are just a few of the activities that make this a great event for the whole family. Wristbands are needed for most activities. Dogs are not permitted in the park during large events. Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive.
Cost: Wristbands: On sale beginning Oct 2
$7 Advanced purchase (Highland Recreation, Southwest Recreation, Central Park Performing Arts Center or Largo Community Center)
$10 Day of purchase at recreation locations and Largo Central Park (cash only)
When: October 28, 12-5 PM
Where: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
Wesley Chapel Fall Festival at The Grove
This year Simply Events and The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce have partnered to bring the community together to celebrate all things Fall and fun! The 13th Annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival will include a carnival with dozen of games, live music, delicious fall foods, beverages, Arts & Craft Area, local business expo, Pumpkin Patch, Little Miss & Mr. Pumpkin Pageant, Halloween celebration on Sunday, live bands and more. What will the 2017 Fall Festival Offer?
Live Entertainment
Over 100 local arts & crafts & local businesses
Carnival & Games
Pumpkin Patch
Kid’s Craft areas
Best Family Costume Contest
Trunk & Treat for kids
Lil Miss & Mr. Pumpkin Pageant
Pet parade & costume contest
Cost: Free. Games or activities may have fees. See https://www.facebook.com/WesleychapelFallFestival/ for details.
When: October 28-29, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: 6105 Wesley Grove Boulevard, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544
Community Roots Collective Healthy Halloween Party
Come join us for a ghoulishly good time as we enjoy Halloween festivities like games and in-house trick-or-treating. This will be a ‘Healthy Halloween’ so we will have lots of fun non-traditional treats for you and your littles.
At 10:30am explore around the collective and play spooktacular games, visit our different shops for some yummy Halloween goodies, or just kick back in your costumes and watch some Halloweenie flicks;)
There will be a costume contest for the following categories held promptly at 12:00pm:
+Best belly-incorporating costume for pregnant mamas
+Best babywearing costume
+Best children’s costume (1-12yrs old)
+Best adult costume
+Best family themed costumes
Awards will be given to whomever gets the loudest cheers!
We will then conclude this spook-tastic event with a Monster Bash Dance Party! There will be music videos to jam out to!
Cost: Free admission
When: Sunday, October 29 at 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: 400 East Palm Ave
Tampa, Florida 33602
Best for Older Kids/Teenagers:
Screen on the Green – Saturday Movies!
Cost: Free
When: October 7, 7-10 PM “Monster House”
October 14, 7- 1o PM “Addams Family”
October 21, 7-10 PM. “Hotel Transylvania 2”
October 28, 7-10 PM “Ghostbusters 2016”
Where: Water Works Park, 1710 N Highland Ave., Tampa, FL
Food truck and concession will be available.
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
Cost: $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.
When: See website for dates and reservations: http://www.yborghosttour.com/tickets/
Where: Tours will meet at King Corona Cigars, 1523 East 7th Ave., Ybor City, 33605
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…
Cost: For Tickets: http://www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com/about
When: 7:30-10:00 PM, Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29,
Where: 2837 South Frontage Road Plant City, FL 33566
CLOSED-TOE SHOES RECOMMENDED – MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12
Howl-O-Scream 2017
Howl-O-Scream®,Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween event, is back select nights from September 22 through October 29, 2017* with tormenting surprises around every corner and unexpected scares.
Unexpected terrors lurk around every corner, including hundreds of roaming creatures, new haunted houses and exciting live, interactive entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream is the only place to scream your way through Florida’s top thrill rides in the dark. Get ready for guts, gore and seriously sinister fun!
Cost: Ticket prices vary. See website for details. https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/
When: Howl-O-Scream starts at 7:30 p.m. each event night. Select nights from September 22 through October 29, 2017* For a list of dates and times: https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/howloscream/event-info/dates-and-times
Where: Busch Gardens, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
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.
Cost: 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 $22.95 (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. 6-28, 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, this event includes the Haunted Trail, Coloring Contests, and Family Tram Ride (Tram runs Saturday Night ONLY!). Food and refreshments will be available and music will be filling the air. There will be a Costume Contest both nights. All ages – 6:00 pm – 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.
Proceeds benefit the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society.
Let us know if there are any other events going on that we should know about too!
Oktoberfest 2017 (3 Day event)*
Join us at the largest Oktoberfest celebration in Tampa. Celebrate with German cheer, dancing and singing to cooler weather and colder beer along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Oktoberfest Tampa is a family-friendly event and offers FREE admission to kids 12+ under. We have a kids zone area with kid-friendly games until 8pm Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
Cost: Kids 12 and under are free, Adult General Admission $8 for a one day pass
When: Friday, Oct. 13 4-11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 15 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
601 N. Ashley Street
John’s Pass Seafood Festival*
The John’s Pass Seafood Festival has always been a celebrated event. For 36 years, the community has come together, utilizing hundreds of local volunteers in support of the vision. John’s Pass Seafood Festival is currently the second largest Seafood Festival on the East Coast.
Cost: Free admission
When: Thursday-Sunday October 26-29.
Thu, Oct 26th: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri, Oct 27th: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sat, Oct 28th: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun, Oct 29th: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: John’s Pass Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708