From spine-tingling scares to family-friendly fall fun, here’s your guide to the best Tampa Bay has to offer in Halloween events and activities.
Courtesy of the City of St. Petersburg.
Spooky season is upon us once again and that means everyone’s favorite chilling attractions are back in business.
If you’re searching for your next thrill, or even just a festive fall event to get into the spirit, the Tampa Bay area is an ideal destination.
With dozens of terrifying options, here are some of the best Halloween adventures in or around St. Petersburg.
Haunts and scares
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Haunted Fire House
Hosted by the St. Petersburg Fire Department, this event turns a fire house into a haunted house, fit with costumed firefighters popping out of every corner with scares. Although the haunted house is meant for older fear-fanatics, the free event has a bounce house and treats for the whole family.
Oct. 22 | Free | Recommended for 13+.
Fire Station #10, 2800 30th Ave. N, St Petersburg.
Explore a 60,000 square foot cargo ship as you escape from a possessed cult keen on using you as a sacrifice. This spooky attraction takes place aboard The American Victory Ship, an authentic WWII vessel, now turned into a floating history museum.
Sept. 23 – Oct. 30 | $22+ | Recommended for 12+.
The American Victory Ship, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
The City of St. Petersburg has transformed a beautiful nature preserve into the field of your nightmares. For three nights only, be ready to explore the pitch-black wilderness as terrifying ghouls pop out from every corner.
Oct. 28 – 31 | $15 | Recommended for 13+.
1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg.
A hidden gem of haunts, admission to Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail covers three different immersive experiences: Headless, Final Cut and Rapture of the Deep. If you are too scared to explore the gruesome scenes, don’t worry, Sir Henry’s also offers laser tag and escape rooms at an added cost.
Oct. 1 – Nov. 5 | $27+ | Recommended for 13+.
2837 Frontage Road S., Plant City.
Featuring five houses, seven different scare zones and plenty of scary shows, Howl-O-Scream is a beloved Halloween tradition for the Tampa Bay area. And, if you need a breather, Busch Gardens has you covered with plenty of its best rides open for the night–– as long as you don’t mind zombie clowns sitting next to you on the bumper cars.
Sept. 9 – Oct. 31 | $44.99+ | Recommended for 13+.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
If you are looking for some of the most intense thrills Florida has to offer, Scream-A-Geddon is more than happy to supply. As a seasonal theme park dedicated only to scares, this attraction prides itself on five different spine-tingling experiences, as well as a chance to play a game of “Zombie Paintball.” If that isn’t terrifying enough, adult visitors can “mark” themselves, giving scare actors permission to get up-close and personal.
Sept. 9 – Oct. 31 | $28.95+ | Recommended for 13+.
27839 St. Joe Road, Dade City.
Family-friendly fun
ZooTampa invites ghouls of all ages for a night of spooky fun and animal adventures. Guests can meet their favorite storybook villains, dance with creepy creatures and enjoy some howling shows. Wildlife connections are set up throughout the park to allow visitors a chance to get personal with beloved critters.
Sept. 30 – Oct. 30 | $34.95 | All ages welcome.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 101 Sligh Ave. W., Tampa.
St. Petersburg’s Halloween-themed street party is returning for its second year with 22-blocks of downtown dedicated to the eerie festivities. No cars are allowed for this day of trick-or-treating, dance parties and food trucks, so put on your best costumes and get ready for some family-friendly fun.
Oct. 30 | Free | All ages welcome.
Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.
Want to explore the spooky history of St. Petersburg? Maybe discover a haunt or two along the way? St. Peters Ghost Tours has you covered. Join a guided tour through downtown’s most haunted locations with pitstops along the way at local pubs and bars.
Year-round | $25 | All ages welcome.
Meets at St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.
