These are the best places to celebrate Halloween for spooky, family fun

Celebrating all things spooky with witches and warlocks makes for an unforgettable Halloween. Take a trip with your besties, families or bring the little ones along for the ride because the best places to travel for Halloween have something in store for everyone.

Halloween vacations for families are underrated IMO. Imagine strolling along historic streets that are decked out in Halloween decorations. Take pictures with enormous lawn inflatables and all of the goblins and ghouls you meet along the way. If you’re traveling with kiddos, it’s a chance for them to see how other cities celebrate and maybe they’ll score unique local treats! Catch a festival or visit your favorite Halloween movie’s shooting locations. There’s so much to see and do in the best places to celebrate Halloween.

10 of the best places to travel for Halloween

1. St. Helens, Oregon

Calling all “Halloweentown” fans! Check out the giant pumpkin (yes, it does exist) and take a seat in Benny’s cab. Enter in costume contests and catch the Halloween parade. Fall in Oregan is beautiful. Plus, there are so many spots to choose from to view fall foliage.

2. Salem, Massachusetts

We can’t have a list of the best places to celebrate Halloween and NOT include the infamous town of Salem. Every year the town hosts a variety of Halloween-themed events including an awesome costume ball. The residents here go all-out for their decorations. Dig into local lore, visit famous witch houses and visit a few graveyards to really get a feel for all things spooky.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

Sure, there’s always Mardi Gras but have you ever thought of celebrating Halloween at the Big Easy? Their decorations are second to none. And, of course, the French Quarter ghost tours can put a chill in any reverler’s spine. Indulge in the local cuisine and join the local festivities.

4. Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown, New York

Along the Hudson River lies the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow. If your child loves spooky bedtime stories or you’re a huge Washington Irving fan, then you won’t want to miss this place—visiting for Halloween makes it even spookier when you consider it’s the home of the Headless Horseman. Nearby Tarrytown puts on quite a display for Halloween with a number of exciting events including a parade. Leave time to visit Croton-on-Hudson for their amazing pumpkin carving displays.

5. Anoka, Minnesota

We couldn’t leave out the so-called “Halloween capital of the world” from a list of Halloween vacations for families. Not only does the weather cooperate with a perfectly gloomy backdrop but the leaves are absolutely beautiful as well. This is a fun place to be come October. Attend Halloween bloc parties, haunted tours, festivals and so much more.

6. Savannah, Georgia

This southern city has a quite a history with spirits. Cobblestone streets and giant moss trees give the Historic District a positively spooky vibe. But, don’t worry, there’s a balance between the over-the-top frights and kid-friendly fun to make this a great place for the family. Younger kids are in for some epic trick-or-treating. Older kids looking for a good scare will love the haunted buildings. And there’s plenty of parties for adults to attend.

7. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

There’s no shortage of fun events to take part in during Halloween in Wisconsin Dells. From ghost boat cruises to explorations at Witches Gulch, a Halloween-themed race to cornmazes and petting zoos—the hardest part will be deciding what to do first! This is truly a family-oriented bash that’s sure to create wholesome family memories.

8. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a great city to visit anytime of the year but in October they host an annual Arts in the Dark event that takes the cake. This evening parade is nothing short of magical, spooky fun. Think: unique floats, creative performances and puppets. Enjoy live music, kids stations, Halloween-themed games, magicians and more.

9. Scottsdale, Arizona

Trick-or-treating on the ground is so last year. Have you considered going basket-to-basket in the sky? Scottsdale’s epic Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival is not one to miss. They hand out thousands of pounds of candy every year and offer nighttime rides. There’s also a firework show and a costume contest.

10. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The Sea Witch Festival features a 20-foot neon green witch that floats over Halloween revelers. Sounds like something you just have to see to believe, right? The festival brings thousands of people from all over to witness the witch’s crossing and take part in scarecrow shows, hayrides, a dog costume parade and much more.

A version of this post was published September 28, 2023. It has been updated.