Aaaaaahhhhh, fall is finally in the air, and Halloween is right around the corner.
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
It’s nice to know you can have your children attend a Halloween activity without giving them nightmares. If you have small children, you will not want to miss Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The Magic Kingdom is transformed into a kid-friendly “spooky” party. A highlight of the evening is Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Parade. The stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction and many favorite Disney characters take a spooktacular ride through the park. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in costume and collect candy while trick-or-treating around the Magic Kingdom. There will also be a spectacular fireworks show where Disney villains go trick-or-treating in the sky. The event is held from 7 p.m.-12 Midnight on October 1, 3, 7-8, 11-12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28-29, 31 and November 1. Tickets range from $47.95-$64.95 and can be ordered by calling 407-W-Disney. This event requires a special ticket to attend.
LOWRY PARK ZOO BOO
Every fall, the zoo transforms into a family-friendly fright zone where creatures of the night can meander through hair-raising haunts or find spooky fun for the little ones. Zoo Boo does a great job of rating each attraction’s scare factor. Children 11 and under are invited to come in costume but leave the toy weapons at home. Children age 12 – adult are prohibited from wearing masks, wigs, face paint or costumes of any kind. The event is held from 7-10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The event dates are October 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 28-31. Tickets range from $10-$17 and can be purchased at the gate or online at LowryParkZoo.com. Admission includes free unlimited rides.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
The Florida Aquarium will host Guppyween on Sunday, October 25, from 4-8 p.m. Bring your little ghosts and goblins in costume for a frighteningly fun time. Candy stations will be set up throughout the facility, with plenty of kids’ activities in between. Non-members’ tickets are $12 for adults (12 and older) and $2 per child (ages 3 to 11); children under 3 are free. Florida Aquarium members get in free to this family-friendly event. For more information, visit flaquarium.org.
BUSCH GARDENS HOWL-O-SCREAM
Adults that like to be terrified won’t want to miss the 11th season of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. For 18 select nights, Howl-O-Scream 2010 will rock your world with seductive surprises and scares. Devious creatures infest more haunted houses than ever before; all-new scare zones, thrilling shows and even the streets themselves will have guests watching their backs, and bone-chilling roller coasters will keep the screams coming all night long. The event runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night during October. The hours of the event are from 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on Thursdays. Friday and Saturday hours are 7:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. General admission is $74.95, but discounts are available. Check out MyXRocks.com or call 1-888-800-5447 for more details. Howl-O-Scream is intended for mature audiences and will have intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood. Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed night event and no costumes or masks are allowed.
MOSI HALL-O-BOO
This fifth annual event is kid friendly and filled with fun fright zones inspired by Hollywood classics, including children’s activities, trick-or-treat stations and fun science demonstrations. The event will run Thursday – Saturday, October 28-30, from 6-9 p.m. Tickets range from $10-$15.
Harry Potter fans may want to spend the night at MOSI for Hogwart’s Night School Camp In. Young wizards and their parents/ guardians will play games like “Quidditch” and enjoy a glass of “butterbeer.” Participants will learn to brew powerful potions, make magic wands and create illusions. The camp in will run from 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, until 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 31. Breakfast is included, and advance reservations are required. Prices range from $59-$79 per parent-child team. For reservations, call 987-6000.
SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Children are invited to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat around SeaWorld. Everyone will have a chance to meet amazing sea creatures and catch some silly and spooky shows. The event will run October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 29-31, beginning at 12 Noon each day. The event is included with park admission. Or try the Spooky Spectacular Sleepover. Families can snuggle, surrounded by exotic fish, rays and sea dragons inside the floor-to-ceiling aquariums. Visit SeaWorldSpooktacular.com.
