Fans of Halloween can find all ranges of spooky attractions at the South’s best theme parks. Some are family-friendly, while others are downright terrifying. We’re rounding up the best and scariest theme park Halloween celebrations from around the South. Be sure to mention any we left out below in the comments!
Universal Studios– Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando Resort has a high production value for its theme parks alone, including Islands of Adventure and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so it makes sense that their Halloween festivities would up the ante.
Halloween Horror Nights is their annual celebration that runs from September to November. They’ve been scaring crowds for 26 years with haunted houses, scare zones, and, of course, costumed characters. In fact, there are over 800 of them so you never know what’s lurking around the corner! Some rides also stay open in the dark.
- Scream Queen: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal, Camels & Chocolate
Six Flags Over Georgia– Atlanta, Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia is the state’s largest theme park and come October, it’s transformed for Fright Fest. Roller coasters operate in the dark and dozens of scare zones are scattered throughout the park as well as some downright terrifying characters.
Open yearly on weekends in the month of October, this attraction isn’t recommended for younger audiences. They add new attractions every year, including the most recent virtual reality roller coaster. I recommend eating dinner before you go so you can spend the maximum time riding the rides.
- A First Timer’s Guide to Fright Fest, This Is My South
Carowinds– Charlotte, North Carolina
Guest writer Sammi checked out the haunted attractions at Carowinds, North Carolina’s theme park. Scarowinds is their annual Halloween attraction, which has the most reasonably priced tickets of all the regional theme parks.
Mazes, rides in the dark, scare zones, and shows are all a part of the fun from September to October. It’s not recommended for children under age 13, but adults should be prepared for costumed characters at every turn.
- Smarty Tips for First-Time Scarowinds Thrill-Seekers, Charlotte Smarty Pants
Busch Gardens– Tampa, Florida
Busch Gardens has locations in Tampa and Williamsburg, but it’s their Florida location that has become a favorite of locals for the annual Howl-O-Ween festivities.
Each haunted house inside has its own theme and type of character dressed up to jump out at you. Held on weekends from September to October, guests get the chance to ride coasters in the dark including North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower.
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