Best Haunted Houses in Central Florida for Spooky Dates

Now that we adults have grown up from dressing as our favorite comic book character to get candy in return, it's time to get scared! Whether that's by watching a classic scary movie or attending a haunted attraction, I can't help but look for the next thing that is going to terrify me for a few days. These chilling tours and haunted houses in Orlando will make the Halloween season even spookier!

Updated September 2023 by Dani Meyering

Haunted Houses and Trails 2023

It's time for the final scares of Halloween 2023. Orlando's Haunted Houses are wrapping up soon! By the way, if you know anyone with older kids, check out Haunted Houses in Orlando That Are Okay for Kids.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

Select nights September 1 – October 31, 2023

Two major announcements:

  • Season 4 of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” comes to life in a terrifying all-new haunted house
  • “Last of Us” video game comes to life as a new haunted house

Admission to Halloween Horror Nights is NOT included in theme park admission and must be purchased separately.

Related: For the full lineup and time-saving info, check out our tips for a Halloween Horror Nights Date Night!

promotional image for Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights x Stranger Things 2023
Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights x Stranger Things 2023 – provided by Universal Orlando

 

Our guide to Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights – Orlando includes the full lineup, tips to save time, and date ideas.

Haunting Nights

Select dates between late September and October 31, 2023
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Creative City Project brings to life an artful, exciting Halloween experience in the forests of Leu Gardens featuring immersive worlds, fun fall-inspired encounters and a few jump scares, plus fantastic seasonal food and drinks.
Guests will be welcomed by a 10’ tall jack-o-lantern, make their way past the bridge troll and into the forest of eyes, walk through a garden of sunflowers, journey through a neon-light maze, climb up a giant hay-pyramid, meet La Catrina in the Dia de Muertos world, and so much more.

This outdoor experience is the tamest on our list.

Apparition Alley at Haunting Nights Leu Gardens with purple lighting and haunted decorations
Apparition Alley at Haunting Nights Leu Gardens – image by Dani Meyering

 

A Petrified Forest

Select nights, September 29, 2023 through October 28, 2023.
1360 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs
$34.98 for all three trails,  $49.98 for VIP including three trails and a backstage tour

What separates this haunted house from its counterparts? For starters, this haunted house features outdoor trails in the woods where you never know what will be lurking around the next corner. This year’s theme is Nature's Fury, with each trail incorporating the theme in various disturbing ways.

A Petrified Forest offers backstage tours every night they’re open (the only Central Florida haunted attraction to do so) so you can see what it takes to be part of the attraction.

In addition, they offer special days for various guests. Saturday, October 14 is Kids Day, filled with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and other fun games. Wednesday, October 11 is a private event welcoming everyone with special needs to attend and experience the trails. Patrons are allowed to go at their own pace with help from staff.

Finally, if you’re into absolute terror, October 18 and 25, 2023 are Total Eclipse Nights, nights where you’re only given one glow stick as you journey through the trails with no other source of light. Eek!

TIP: Since this attraction is outdoors, be sure to wear clothing and shoes that aren’t expensive and can get dirty. And make sure to park down the road at Adjectives so you get to ride the Terror Trolley for the full experience.

Image credit: A Petrified Forest

 

HOWL-O-SCREAM AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO

Select nights September 8 through October 31, 2023
SeaWorld Orlando

Explore themed scare zones, brave haunted houses, ride your favorite coasters in the dark. – including the brand-new Ice Breaker Coaster.

Check out live Halloween-themed performances and more. The multiple-themed bars are a major highlight – liquid courage!

Note: Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event and is NOT included with regular theme park admission. Spring for a 2-park pass which will also get you access to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on a separate night.

SeaWorld Orlando's Howl‑O‑Scream Event Info 2023:

  • RETURNING! Frozen Terror – Alive in the Ice
  • NEW! Blood Light District
  • NEW! BENEATH THE ICE: THE MELTDOWN
  • RETURNING! Blood Beckoning
  • and more

Get time-saving tips for Howl-O-Scream 2023.

 

Clown face entrance Howl O Scream SeaWorld Orlando – image by Terri Peters

Mortem Manor

Open year-round; Weds-Thurs 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-midnight, Sundays 6-11pm
Old Town – 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee

Mortem Manor allows you to get your scares all year long, not just during October. Located in Kissimmee, this year-round haunted house was named one of the “Scariest Haunted Houses In America” by the Travel Channel. Your tour will take you through two stories of the manor. Don’t worry about any creaks you hear while walking around, it’s just the house settling.

Once you’ve made it out alive, you can experience what your final ride in life would be like with The Last Ride. This is a coffin burial simulator that takes you through the sounds and smells of a casket ride to the graveyard.

Mortem Manor haunted houses in Central Florida
Image credit: Mortem Manor

 

The Haunting of River Ranch

Fridays and Saturdays, September 29 – November 4, 2023
Tickets from $18

If you live in the Kissimmee area, or vacationing nearby, it may be worth the drive out to River Ranch, Florida. The Haunting of River Ranch is a fun Halloween experience that is open to the public. Located at the sprawling Westgate River Ranch resort, the Haunting of River Ranch encompasses a haunted house and a haunted hayride.

The haunted hayride is a little tamer than the haunted house, so if you're wary then start with the hayride. The big benefit of this haunted experience is that it is located at the Westgate River Ranch. You do not have to be an overnight guest to attend the haunted happenings, but this is one of our favorite places to go glamping in the Orlando area.

Haunting of River Ranch Hayride with themed banner overhead
Haunting of River Ranch Hayride – image by Tim Meyering

 

SCREAM-A-GEDDON

Friday, September 8 – November 4, 2023
27839 Saint Joe Road
Dade City, FL 33525

This year, SCREAM-A-GEDDON is back to haunt guests with bone-chilling and personalized experiences, as well as numerous upgrades to the park’s Monster Midway including brand new food and beverage options.
In addition to these park enhancements, SCREAM-A-GEDDON will offer six fan-favorite haunted attractions including last year’s debut of the terrifying house, Bloodwater Bayou as well as interactive elements including roaming sinister characters and more.

TICKET INFO: Tickets start at $26.95

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

Select nights September 29 – November 4, 2023
2837 South Frontage Rd., Plant City (exit 22 off I-4)
$27 – $32 general admission, $35 – $40 for front line access

Sir Henry once operated a carnival long ago. Since his passing, he has been seen putting together his trails and attractions, ready to haunt the lives of those who enter his property. You can experience three outdoor haunted attractions at Sir Henry's Haunted Trail. Each trail has its own backstory, from a rich family of vampires hosting a grand ball to feast on the victims to a ghostly captain exacting his revenge. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This event benefits Folds of Honor.

Check out more haunted happenings in the Tampa Bay area.

Image credit: Sir Henry's Haunted Trail

 

Fields of Fright – Haunted House and Hay Rides

October 13 – 28, 2023, 7pm – 11am
Fridays and Saturdays only
3000 N Spring Garden Ave, DeLand, FL 32724
$25 per person

Fields of fright Haunted Hayride starts in a cornfield and descends down to the bottom of a giant sinkhole surrounded by a web of twisted gnarly oak trees. Hear the sounds of the hayride trailer twist and buckle, and feel the chills of the night air, as the old farm tractors groan to pull you through the carnage.

When the hayride is over, if you make it, you will walk through a haunted house and descend into the haunted cornfield.

Catch'Ems Mad Manor

October 19 – Octrober 28, 2023 6pm – 11pm (select nights)
222 E. University Ave, Orange City
$12 ($6 for children under 10)

Inspired by a ghost story told to a local resident when he was just a boy. The ghost of cranky, old Mrs. Catchem was said to have haunted his bedroom closet. A new ghost has now joined her. Welcome to Catch'ems Mad Manor where nothing is as it seems.  

Haunting on Emerald Cut

October 27 and 28, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
King's Landing
You will launch from King's Landing and paddle upstream for just under a mile. Once the entire group has reached the top, you will float through the haunted Emerald Cut! Bring your own vessel or rent a kayak for a fun spooky time on the water. Encouraging all paddlers to come dressed in your bone chilling or fun paddle attire costumes. The best dressed will receive a free 4 hour kayak rental for two! Once the float is finished, you can stick around for the floating bonfire!
Kayaking experience recommended, and you will get scared.

Rental – $69 per person
Bring your own vessel – $34 per person

 

Tunnel of Terror Haunted Car Wash

Experience a haunted car wash! Your car will get cleaned while you experience some thrills and screams.

  • Various locations
  • Melbourne (2800 Veterans Way),  Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Fort Walton Beach (412 Mary Ester Cut-Off NW) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • North Port (1155 Sun Market Place) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Port St. Lucie (10940 S. US Hwy 1) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Kissimmee (2980 North John Young Parkway) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Pinellas Park (7600 US Hwy 19 N) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Spring Hill (4085 Mariner Blvd.) Oct 20-21, 27-28 7-10 pm
  • Sarasota (5020 Fruitville Rd.) Oct 27-28 7-10 pm

$20 all locations, Spring Hill $25

WANT MORE HALLOWEEN EVENTS?

Each year we create a list of more 50 Orlando Halloween events. We updated this list throughout October so our readers always have access to Orlando's most comprehensive list of ways to celebrate Halloween. Click below to visit our mega list, and also our list of Halloween Date Ideas!

50+ Events to Celebrate Halloween in Orlando

 

Did we miss any? Be sure to submit your event here: orlandodatenightguide.com/submit-an-event.

Feature image credit: Universal Orlando Resort, © Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.