Halloween In Florida: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Florida that are sure to be a scream.
— Don Amerman

Halloween Street Scene And Soul Parade

The city of Lake Worth, Florida, throws a two-day Halloween celebration called Halloween Street Scene & Soul Parade in late October that offers something for mom, dad, the kids and even the family pets. Two parades -- one for kids and pets and the other for adults -- highlight the first day’s schedule, which also includes musical performances and Halloween-themed activities at several venues in the city. Children’s activities include face and pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and trick-or-treating. The second day features a street festival, more live entertainment and a pet-costume contest. Musical performances at the K Street Stage celebrate Lake Worth’s rich and colorful cultural diversity. Free admission to most of these events makes this an even more family-friendly attraction.

710 S. Palmway, Lake Worth, FL 33460 | Get Directions

Fright Factory Of Fort Myers

Not for the faint of heart, the Fright Factory of Fort Myers offers 20,000 square feet of haunted attractions divided between two separate haunted houses. Open on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October, as well as Halloween Eve and Halloween itself, the Fright Factory charges $13 to visit one haunt and $23 to visit both. To avoid waiting in line, visitors can pay $33 for a Fast Pass that ensures instant access to all sections of the attraction. Fright Factory is open from 7 to 10 or 11 p.m.

10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913 | Get Directions

Twisted Woods

Within easy driving distance of the Tampa Bay area, Twisted Woods in Myakka City offers a twisting trail through the Piney Woods of west-central Florida. But this isn’t any walk in the park -- it's a journey where visitors will have to confront their "innermost phobias." The spooky trail, designed by professional haunt creator Shawn Troxel, is open from dusk till late night most weekend nights in October, as well as on Halloween night. New props, actors and features are added every year, ensuring that each year’s Halloween experience is unique. Admission price is $13.

23810 53rd Ave. East, Myakka City, FL 34251 | Get Directions

Lake Worth's annual Halloween parade draws visitors from all over Florida.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Florida? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Miami, Orlando and Alabama.

Interested in more stories about Florida? Go to Patch and scroll the list of states to get great local coverage of your neighborhood.