10 Best Family-Friendly Halloween Travel Ideas: Safe, Fun, and Filled with the Spirit of Giving
Halloween — it’s that magical time of year when neighborhoods transform into spooky wonderlands, kids dress up as their favorite characters, and people open their doors (and hearts!) to give out candy to total strangers. There’s something beautiful about the spirit of giving that Halloween inspires across the country, from coast to coast. But what if this year, instead of sticking to your usual trick-or-treat routine, you decided to take your family on an unforgettable Halloween adventure?
Traveling for Halloween is an incredible way to add a little extra fun to the spooky season, especially if you want to experience the festivities in different cities or at special events like Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights. And don’t worry — whether you’re looking for something thrilling, family-friendly, or all about the spirit of community, I’ve got you covered. Plus, with a few affordable luxury travel tips, you can snag flight deals, book hotels, and have a blast without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into the 10 best family-friendly Halloween travel options in the USA, complete with tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of this busy, exciting season!
1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World, Florida
Perfect For: Families with younger kids who love all things Disney.
Vibe: Safe, fun, magical, and full of treats.
For a family-friendly Halloween experience that’s equal parts magical and spooky, head to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Every year, Disney throws Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where kids can trick-or-treat around the park, meet their favorite characters in Halloween costumes, and enjoy special parades and fireworks. The best part? It’s all designed to be “not-so-scary,” so even the littlest ghosts and goblins will have fun.
Where to Stay
Orlando is packed with family-friendly hotels, but if you want to stay close to the magic, check out Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s affordable, fun, and full of larger-than-life Disney characters. For flight deals, use Skyscanner to snag a great price into Orlando International Airport (MCO), and don’t forget to rack up those American Express Gold points!
What to Do
Besides the Halloween party, spend some time exploring the parks, especially Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Book a Viator tour of the parks for VIP access and to avoid lines on this busy holiday.
What to Eat
Disney’s Halloween treats are legendary — try the pumpkin spice churros or Mickey-shaped cupcakes! You can also book a special character dining experience where the kids can meet their favorite Disney characters in costume.
Safety Tips
Disney is well-known for being a super safe environment, but keep an eye on crowds and set up meeting spots with your family just in case anyone gets separated.
2. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando, Florida
Perfect For: Families with older kids or teens who love a good scare.
Vibe: Thrilling, spooky, and filled with scream-worthy fun.
If your family is up for a scare and you’ve got older kids or teenagers, Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event. From terrifying haunted houses to spooky shows, Universal goes all out to give you a fright. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s perfect if your crew is ready for a night of thrills.
Where to Stay
Stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is just a short walk from the park and has a fun, retro vibe. You can find deals for both hotels and flights through Skyscanner, and Agoda often has discounts for Universal partner hotels.
What to Do
Besides the haunted houses and scare zones, there are live shows, including the ever-popular Academy of Villains. You can also experience the regular rides, like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, after dark for an extra thrill.
Where to Eat
Universal serves up some unique Halloween-themed foods, from pumpkin pasties in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to eerie snacks at the Halloween Horror Nights pop-up stands.
Safety Tips
Since this event is quite intense, it’s not recommended for younger kids. Stick together, especially in the darker areas, and make sure everyone knows where the exits and rest areas are.
3. Salem, Massachusetts: A Historic Halloween
Perfect For: Families with a love for history and all things spooky.
Vibe: Historic, mystical, and community-driven.
If your family is fascinated by witches, history, and all things mysterious, Salem, Massachusetts is the place to be during Halloween. Famous for the Salem Witch Trials, this town goes all out for Halloween with events, walking tours, and reenactments that are both educational and fun.
Where to Stay
Stay at The Salem Inn for a cozy, historic vibe, or check Skyscanner for deals on nearby hotels in Boston if you prefer to stay in the city and take a day trip. Agoda also offers great rates for charming boutique hotels in the area.
What to Do
Take a Viator walking tour to learn about the witch trials, visit The Witch House, or attend one of the many Halloween parades and festivals. Don’t miss the Salem Witch Museum, where your kids can learn all about this fascinating (and spooky) period in history.
Where to Eat
For a family-friendly meal, try Rockafellas in downtown Salem, which often has Halloween-themed specials. Don’t forget to grab some treats from Ye Olde Pepper Companie, one of America’s oldest candy shops!
Safety Tips
Salem can get crowded in October, so plan your day carefully. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially after dark, and consider booking tours in advance to avoid long lines.
4. Trick-or-Treating in Williamsburg, Virginia
Perfect For: Families looking for a traditional, historic Halloween experience.
Vibe: Colonial charm, community spirit, and fun for all ages.
Colonial Williamsburg offers a Halloween experience with a blend of history, fun, and tradition. During October, the town hosts special family-friendly events like ghost tours, haunted houses, and, of course, trick-or-treating.
Where to Stay
Stay at the Williamsburg Lodge, a charming hotel right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Skyscanner and Agoda can help you find great deals, especially if you book early.
What to Do
Take a Colonial Ghost Tour through Viator, where you’ll hear spooky tales from Williamsburg’s past. The Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is another must-do for families with older kids, offering a fun mix of rides and spooky thrills.
Where to Eat
For a memorable meal, dine at The King’s Arms Tavern, where your family can enjoy a colonial-style dinner by candlelight. It’s a step back in time that’s perfect for Halloween!
Safety Tips
Williamsburg is very family-friendly and safe, but as with any tourist destination, keep your belongings close, and stick to the well-traveled areas.
5. Knott’s Spooky Farm in Buena Park, California
Perfect For: Families with younger kids who love all things Halloween but not too scary.
Vibe: Safe, friendly, and filled with Halloween cheer.
For families with young children, Knott’s Spooky Farm is a Halloween celebration designed just for them. Located at Knott’s Berry Farm, this annual event is packed with activities like trick-or-treating, live shows, and friendly (not too scary) Halloween fun.
Where to Stay
Stay at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, which is just steps from the park and offers family-friendly rooms and amenities. For deals, use Skyscanner to find flights into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and compare prices on Agoda for your hotel stay.
What to Do
Besides trick-or-treating, Knott’s Spooky Farm offers hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and fun live shows starring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. The park’s Halloween decorations are festive but not frightening, so it’s perfect for younger children.
Where to Eat
For some Halloween treats, stop by Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where they serve up seasonal specialties and desserts perfect for a Halloween feast.
Safety Tips
Knott’s Spooky Farm is well-managed and safe for families. However, always make sure your kids stay close in crowded areas and set up meeting spots in case anyone gets lost.
6. Halloween on the High Seas: Disney Cruise Line
Perfect For: Families who want to combine Halloween with a vacation at sea.
Vibe: Magical, festive, and stress-free.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween, why not do it aboard a Disney Cruise? Halloween on the High Seas is an event that transforms the ship into a floating Halloween wonderland, complete with themed parties, trick-or-treating, and costume contests.
Where to Stay
Your room on the cruise ship, of course! Disney Cruise Line offers everything from budget-friendly interior cabins to luxurious suites. Skyscanner can help you find the best deals on flights to your departure port.
What to Do
Onboard activities include character meet-and-greets, Halloween-themed deck parties, and family-friendly ghost stories. There’s even a Pumpkin Tree that magically grows throughout your voyage!
Where to Eat
Your meals are all included in the cruise, but don’t miss the special Halloween-themed desserts and treats served during the event.
Safety Tips
Cruise ships are extremely safe, but make sure your kids always know how to get back to your cabin and keep track of their key cards.
7. Trick-or-Treating on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Perfect For: Families who want to combine Halloween fun with education.
Vibe: Educational, fun, and community-driven.
Take your family to Washington, D.C. for a Halloween full of fun and learning. Many of the museums along the National Mall host special Halloween events, and some even offer trick-or-treating!
Where to Stay
Stay at the Willard InterContinental, which offers family-friendly luxury right near the National Mall. Skyscanner can help you find flight deals to Reagan National Airport (DCA), and Agoda often has discounts for this centrally-located hotel.
What to Do
Besides trick-or-treating, visit the Smithsonian Museums, many of which host Halloween-themed events. You can also take a nighttime tour of the National Monuments for a spooky (yet educational) experience.
Where to Eat
For a family-friendly meal, check out Old Ebbitt Grill, a D.C. institution located near the White House. They often have special Halloween-themed menus for kids.
Safety Tips
D.C. is safe, especially around the National Mall, but as in any large city, keep an eye on your belongings and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
8. Hersheypark in the Dark, Pennsylvania
Perfect For: Families with a sweet tooth who love Halloween candy and fun rides.
Vibe: Sweet, spooky, and tons of fun.
What better place to spend Halloween than in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the home of chocolate? Hersheypark in the Dark is a family-friendly event featuring Halloween-themed rides, shows, and, of course, plenty of candy.
Where to Stay
Stay at The Hotel Hershey, a luxury resort just steps from Hersheypark. Check Skyscanner and Agoda for deals, especially if you book early.
What to Do
Ride your favorite Hersheypark attractions in the dark, meet costumed characters, and take part in trick-or-treating at Treatville, a special Halloween-themed area of the park.
Where to Eat
For a spooky meal, head to The Chocolatier Restaurant, where the menu is filled with Halloween-themed treats and dishes.
Safety Tips
Hersheypark is well-staffed and family-friendly, but make sure younger kids don’t wander off, especially in the dark areas of the park.
9. Jackson Square Ghost Tours, New Orleans, Louisiana
Perfect For: Families with older kids who want a bit of spooky history.
Vibe: Spooky, mysterious, and steeped in history.
For families who love a good ghost story, head to New Orleans for a spooky Halloween filled with haunted history. The city is famous for its ghost tours, and Jackson Square is the perfect place to start your adventure.
Where to Stay
Stay at the Omni Royal Orleans, located in the heart of the French Quarter. Use Skyscanner and Agoda to find deals, especially if you book in advance.
What to Do
Book a Viator Ghost Tour and explore the spooky history of Jackson Square, St. Louis Cemetery, and other haunted spots in the city. You can also take a haunted carriage ride through the French Quarter!
Where to Eat
For a truly unique Halloween meal, dine at Muriel’s Jackson Square, a haunted restaurant where you can enjoy New Orleans classics while learning about the building’s ghostly past.
Safety Tips
New Orleans is generally safe, but the French Quarter can get rowdy, especially during events. Stick to family-friendly areas and avoid Bourbon Street after dark with younger kids.
10. Legoland Brick-or-Treat, Carlsbad, California
Perfect For: Families with Lego lovers and young kids.
Vibe: Playful, safe, and full of creative fun.
If your kids are more into Legos than ghosts, Legoland California’s Brick-or-Treat is the perfect Halloween event for your family. The park transforms into a Halloween wonderland, complete with trick-or-treating, live shows, and Halloween-themed Lego displays.
Where to Stay
Stay at the Legoland Hotel, which is just steps from the park and offers themed rooms that will make your kids’ jaws drop. Skyscanner and Agoda can help you score deals on rooms and flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN).
What to Do
Besides trick-or-treating, your family can enjoy live shows, Halloween Lego builds, and even a costume contest. Don’t forget to take pictures with the giant Halloween-themed Lego sculptures around the park!
Where to Eat
Legoland offers plenty of kid-friendly dining options, but be sure to try some of the park’s special Halloween-themed snacks, like pumpkin spice churros and spooky cupcakes.
Safety Tips
Legoland is very family-oriented, but always keep an eye on your kids in crowded areas and have a plan in case someone gets lost.
Final Halloween Travel Tips
Wherever you decide to spend Halloween, make sure you plan ahead to secure the best deals on flights and hotels. Use Skyscanner to find budget-friendly flights, especially during busy travel times, and check Agoda for hotel deals. Traveling during Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive — especially if you follow these affordable luxury travel tips!
And don’t forget, for peace of mind while traveling, pack some Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing — the best travel health insurance you can get. You’ll be covered for any unexpected surprises, so you can focus on making Halloween memories with your family.
Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace
Travel Hack Guy
