Whether you’re looking to stay local to your school for the holiday, or wanting to take a quick fall getaway on your days without classes scheduled, Halloween is the perfect time for some fun, both spooky and silly. Check out our suggestions for the top Halloween activities to do in the US this year.
New York City
If you’re in the New York City area, you probably already know that your options for Halloween activities are almost limitless. That being said, our suggestion on cheap fun is to attend the Village Halloween Parade. You can spend all kinds of money going to any number of clubs and parties and events for the spooky season, but what better way to celebrate the Halloween spirit and get out of the dorm than a festive parade halloween night. This year’s theme is freedom and you can find more information on the route, how to watch, or even how to participate on their website.
Los Angeles
Over on the west coast, the weather might not be getting as cold for the fall as New York (but that makes it all the easier for fun and cute costumes to wear to your Halloween activities!). If you are a fan of classic cinema, check out Street Food Cinema in Los Angeles. This October they are showing Nightmare on Elm Street, Psycho, and Scream (1996). Tickets bought ahead of time start at $19. What a great way to start off your Halloweekend!
Boston
For those daring and adventurous this Halloween, look no further than a stay at your nearest haunted hotel. Considered to be the most haunted hotel in New England, the Omni Parker House in Boston has a number of haunts to its floors. On the hotel’s 9th and 10th floors it is believed that you may encounter the hotel’s founder Harvey Parker, wondering how your stay is going. Down on the 3rd floor you may encounter Charles Dickens who once lived there, or actress Charlotte Cushman who died there in 1876. Elevators arrive on their own, bathtubs turn themselves on, and strange rocking chair noises are heard throughout the night. If you dare chance a night here, book with us from $256/night.
Chicago
If you’re looking for a more Fall experience than one that’s strictly Halloween, be sure to make a trip to the World’s Largest corn maze over at Richardson Farm near Chicago. The maze has over 9 miles of trail and includes 4 different maze paths within the whole thing. This year’s theme celebrates the 60th anniversary of James Bond. Their Thursday/Friday pricing is $18, but if your class schedule means you only have time on the weekend tickets are still only $24.
New Orleans
Housed in a 150-year-old Mansion, former funeral parlor and crematorium, The Mortuary haunted house experience offers ghosts and haunts both real and acted. The attraction is self-guided, dark, and definitely fright filled. This year’s theme is The House That FEAR Built, celebrating the momentous 150th anniversary of the building. Tickets are $25 if you enter before 7pm, and $30 after. Because lines can get long, you should probably purchase ahead of time on their website. This is one of those halloween activities you do not want to miss.
Seattle
If you think you can handle a little fright (I can’t), you should pay a visit to the Nightfall Orphanage haunted house. This Seattle haunted house is free admission, but accepting donations for the Washington’s National Park Fund and the West Seattle Food Bank. There’s a long, mysterious, and honestly creepy history about the Nightfalls and their orphanage that you can check out on the haunted house’s website.
San Francisco
If you’re 21+ and looking to have a BOOzy Halloween, the Crawloween pub crawl in San Francisco could be just the place for you. Right now tickets are starting at $15, but the prices will continue to rise as we get closer to the actual events on October 28, 29, and 31. The crawl features over 25 bars with their own deals for the event, a costume contest, photographers, and shuttles helping you get to each of the bars.
San Antonio
Think you would make it through a night in a haunted hotel whose building once housed a hospital and doctors offices? The Emily Morgan hotel also stands right near where the Battle of the Alamo took place, adding to the number of spirits in the area. It’s reported that a woman in white wanders the halls of the hotel, some areas in the hotel still smell of antiseptic and bandaids, and orbs have been caught on cameras previously. The hotel is regarded as the 3rd most haunted hotel in the world. If you want to take your chances and see if you feel a presence or your phone rings on its own in the nights, book your stay with us from $152/night.
Miami
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things (and let’s be honest, who isn’t right now?) you’re going to want to check out the official Stranger Things store where you can visit iconic show locations, shop the merch, and play some games. The experience is opening on October 26 in Miami, right in time for Halloweekend fun! It’s also currently running in Dallas, TX and Paris, France if those are more accessible to you! Entry is free, but prior reservation on their website is required.
Philadelphia
Not really one for the nighttime spookiness? That’s okay, there’s still lots of ways to experience Halloween fun! The Philadelphia Zoo is running a Boo at the Zoo program this October allowing visitors to dress in costumes and trick or treat as they explore the park. If you’re wishing for a bag filled with Halloween candy or an extra excuse to wear a costume outside of Halloween parties, this is the perfect opportunity for a little daytime fun. At just $24 a ticket, it is a great way to see some cute animals, treat yourself to some cotton candy, collect a bag of candy, and show off this year’s costume, all while in Philly!
Not into any of these top Halloween activities? Can’t make it to any of these cities? Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides, and haunted houses are pretty universal so take a google for your area and you’ll find something that will add a little fright to your night. More interested in staying in for Halloween? Throw a dinner party with some themed snacks or post up by your front door to hand out candy.
Have fun, be safe, and Happy Halloween!
