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Alright, Gen Z, we all know Halloween is the time of year to go full spooky mode, but what if you’re rollin’ with the fam this year? Don’t trip. Just because you're with the family doesn't mean you gotta miss out on all the dope Halloween fun. Trust, there’s a bunch of family-friendly Halloween events at theme parks in 2024 that'll get everyone hyped, from the little sibs to even your too-cool-to-care cousin.
In this post, we’re diving deep into the top family-friendly Halloween activities at theme parks in October 2024 that’ll have everyone vibin'. Whether you're trying to hit up a haunted house that won’t traumatize your 5-year-old bro or you're down for some not-so-spooky but still festive rides, this guide’s got all the deets.
What’s the Move for Halloween 2024?
Let’s be real: Halloween ain’t just for the horror heads anymore. It’s evolved into a whole season, especially at theme parks, where they've got everything from kiddie costume contests to mild scare zones for the brave but not-too-brave. And if you're looking to chill with the fam this October without skimping on the festive vibes, these parks have you covered.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Yo, aren’t Halloween events usually for either little kids or hardcore scare junkies?" Nah, fam! The scene is more diverse than ever in 2024, and plenty of parks are catering to the family crowd with all the good vibes but none of the nightmares. Let’s peep what’s poppin’ this year.
Best Theme Parks with Family-Friendly Halloween Vibes
1. Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash (Anaheim, CA)
Yo, it’s not Halloween without mentioning Disney, right? They’ve got Oogie Boogie Bash, and it’s a major event in October. This party is lit for families because it’s all about fun scares, candy trails, and the sickest costumes. Trust me, your little cousin who’s obsessed with Elsa can totally vibe here.
They’ve also got some non-scary character meet-and-greets with your favs decked out in Halloween costumes. Think Mickey as a vampire or Goofy as a mummy. It’s spooky, but like...the fun kind. Plus, the Villains Grove is like stepping into a TikTok aesthetic video—vibey lights, soundscapes, and a mood that'll give you just the right spooky feels.
Highlight: Special Halloween-themed parades and trick-or-treat trails (yes, you can join in too—don’t act like you’re too old for free candy).
2. Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights (Hollywood, CA)
Now, I know what you’re thinking—Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is famously terrifying. But hear me out! For 2024, they’re adding more family-friendly daytime events where things are much tamer. During the day, they’ve got areas designed just for kids and fams to enjoy. You’ll find special, non-scary meet-and-greets with classic monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula that are more about photo ops than fear.
And, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction has a Halloween twist for kids. So, while your little siblings are geeking out over Minions in costumes, you can grab a seasonal snack or vibe with some spooky street performances.
Highlight: Non-scary zones like the Trick-or-Treat route for kids, where they can safely collect candy in a well-lit, not-so-haunted area.
3. Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat (Carlsbad, CA)
Legoland always comes through for the younger crowd, but even older siblings can get down with their Brick-or-Treat Halloween event. The whole park turns into a candy-filled playground in October 2024, and it’s made to keep the “too scary” vibes far away.
The live shows? Fire. The light displays? Mood. And don’t forget, the LEGO-themed costumes kids show up in are wild. They’ve got everything from Halloween-themed LEGO builds to a spooktacular costume contest that even adults get a pass to join.
Highlight: LEGO character meet-and-greets with your favs dressed up in Halloween fits. It's hilarious and adorable, and it hits different when you see Emmet from The LEGO Movie as a vampire.
Low-Key Vibes for Families with Young Kids
So maybe the fam you’re rolling with has really young kids who can’t handle even a lil’ spook. No worries, these parks have the low-key, chill Halloween vibes that are more about the seasonal fun than the frights.
4. Sesame Place Spooktacular (Langhorne, PA)
If you’re rollin' with toddlers or younger kids, Sesame Place is a must. Their Halloween Spooktacular is all about fun for the smallest kiddos. There are trick-or-treat stations set up throughout the park, live stage shows with all your fav Sesame Street characters, and a Halloween parade that’ll have you singing along (whether you want to or not).
The rides are also adapted to have a mild Halloween theme but nothing that’ll send your lil’ bro running for the exit.
Highlight: The interactive Halloween-themed stage shows featuring Elmo and friends. It’s cheesy but in a wholesome, fun-for-the-whole-family kind of way.
5. Camp Snoopy Halloween Spooktacular (Buena Park, CA)
If you’re chillin’ on the West Coast and the fam wants something that’s not Disney or Universal, Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm does a solid job at Halloween too. Their daytime Spooktacular event is all about kid-friendly fun without the heavy scares. From Snoopy and the gang in costume to candy stations scattered around the park, this event's got enough to keep everyone entertained.
They even have Halloween crafts and pumpkin decorating, which is a great break if you're not feelin’ like waiting in lines for rides.
Highlight: Themed ride overlays and the Snoopy costume contest. Plus, the pumpkin patch photo ops? Straight up Instagram-worthy.
Tricks, Treats, and Chill: Things to Look Out for in 2024
When you’re rolling with the fam, you’ve gotta make sure everyone stays hyped without it turning into a total chaos-fest. Luckily, the parks are bringing some fresh heat this year with brand new family-friendly additions. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
1. Interactive Trick-or-Treat Experiences: More parks are stepping up their candy game with scavenger-hunt-style treat collecting, where kids (and, let's be honest, you too) can use apps to unlock hidden treat stations throughout the park. It's giving major adventure vibes without being spooky.
2. Live Performances: Some parks, like Disney and Universal, are doing more immersive shows that blend in with the Halloween theme. Think pop-up musical performances and interactive storytelling that'll have the whole fam dancing or laughing together.
3. Photo Ops Galore: With everything getting a Halloween makeover, expect new themed photo walls, spots with creepy-cute characters, and places to snap that perfect spooky fam pic. Get the ‘fit ready because the ‘gram is gonna be poppin’ with all the Halloween aesthetics this year.
So, What’s the Move?
2024 is the year to step up your Halloween game, especially if you’re rollin’ with the fam. These theme parks are bringing the heat with family-friendly Halloween vibes that’ll let you enjoy all the festive feels without the nightmare fuel. So whether you’re after candy, costumes, or chill spooky vibes, you can find a park that hits just right.
For Gen Z, who’s not about sacrificing the fun just because you’ve got the younger crew with you, these family-friendly Halloween activities are where it’s at. Get your squad together, prep the costumes, and make sure to grab those treats while soaking in all the spooky season fun.
Now go forth and make October 2024 your most memorable (and family-approved) Halloween yet! 🎃