Halloween Horror Nights may be the most famous Orlando-area Halloween event, but its most definitely not the only place you can find quality scares! In no particular order, here are 5 (mostly) local scare parks offering maximum screams and carnage.
1. Scream-A-Geddon
If you’re willing to drive a little, Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City is definitely worth the trip. This event includes five haunted houses and a zombie paintball experience. This year they’ve also added a special craft beer garden – run by killer clowns of course.
I attended this event last year, and it was a great time! Each house had a fun twist. For example, the Dead Woods haunted house is literally in the Florida woods. Guests are given a glow stick as their only light source and sent into the wilderness to confront whatever creatures or humans they might encounter. Guests are also “pulsed” through this house, so only a small group of people is interacting with the scaractors at one time.
But the best part of this event were the Blackpool Prison and Infected Ground Zero houses. There are two ways to experience these houses: you can watch the action or you can choose to don a “glow necklace” and participate. Wearing a necklace signals to the scaractors that they can touch and interact with you. While this sounds intimidating, the actors make it loads of fun! My group was put into bodybags, locked in prison cells, and placed into “ovens” that we wouldn’t have seen if we hadn’t chosen to wear the necklaces. No one was ever rough with us, and you can take your necklace off at any time.
Location:
27839 Saint Joe Rd
Dade City, FL 33525
Dates:
September 27-29
October 3-November 2
Hours:
Opens at 7:30pm; Closing times vary between 11pm and 1am.
Website:
https://www.screamageddon.com
2. A Petrified Forest
This is an outdoor event known for its lengthy haunted trails. Guests choose how many and which trails they’d like to conquer and buy their tickets accordingly. This year, the event will feature three trails, all sharing a central theme of “Deadly Destinations.” Before, after, or in between trails, guests can listen to music, watch performances, grab a bite to eat, or visit some of the vendor tables.
A Petrified Forest also offers several special events, such as a special needs night. There’s a kids’ day where children can come trick or treat on the trails, without the scares of course. Finally, near the end of the run is a night called Total Eclipse. Guests are given a glow stick as their only source of light to use on the trails. Sound familiar? Oh, but wait -there’s a catch- the monsters can steal your light. You read that right. They will actively steal your light and leave you with nothing. Muah-ha-ha!
Location:
1360 E Altamonte Dr
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Dates:
Select dates October 4 – November 2
Hours:
7:30-11pm
Website:
https://www.apetrifiedforest.com
3. Ominous Descent
Another drive away from Orlando is a “Fear Park” located just off I-4 in Plant City. Each admission to Ominous Descent includes three different haunted trails. You can also purchase a laser tag or escape room game (the escape room’s story is linked with one of the trails). If you have friends or family members that want to feel included but don’t want to be scared, Ominous Descent has the perfect compromise. You can actually purchase a “common area” ticket that will allow individuals into the event space without granting them access to the trails.
Read a full review of Ominous Descent here.
Location:
2837 S Frontage Rd
Plant City, FL 33566
Dates:
Select dates October 4-27
Hours:
Opens at 7:30pm, Closing times vary between 9:30-11pm
Website:
https://www.ominousdescent.com
4. Dark Horizon
With live entertainment, themed bars, and haunted houses, Dark Horizon brings West Coast style haunts east of the Mississippi. Developed by the creators of Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, this event features three themed zones: The Port, The Glades, and The Village. Each area features its own haunted house, food, entertainment and drinks. Dark Horizon also offers Panic, a 4-D theater experience. To see our full coverage of this event click here.
Offsite Parking Location (free shuttle available):
2925 International Drive S
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Dates:
Select Dates October 10-November 2
Hours:
7pm-12am, nightly opening ceremony starts at 6:30pm
Website:
https://www.darkhorizonorlando.com
5. Ocoee Haunted House
For a more homegrown feel, visit the Ocoee Haunted House and Trail. Guests can choose to either conquer one or both experiences during their visit. However, you can still visit the common area of the attraction without visiting the trail so the entire family can enjoy a night out together. In the common area there will be music, refreshments, and a bounce house for younger children.
Location:
951 Ocoee Apopka Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
Dates:
Fridays and Saturdays October 5-19
Hours:
7:30-11pm
Website:
There’s no website, but you can view the event flier here.
