Seasoned travelers and industry insiders have long known a little secret: fall, also known as “shoulder season,” is one of the best times for vacation. Prices can be lowed, there’s a crisp nip in the air, and the colors and flavors of autumn make for a memorable and cozy getaway.
And for travelers with kids in tow, fall’s roster of family-friendly festivals and Halloween-inspired activities make fall one of the best times for a quick family vacation.
Put a spooky twist on your fall getaway and consider these seven family-friendly vacation destinations to visit during Halloween.
Orlando
Theme parks in Orlando showcase transform during fall. Spooky themes, decor, and trick-or-treating events make this perennially popular destination one of the best Halloween family vacations.
SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Walt Disney World®all host family-friendly Halloween parties where young visitors can dress up and collect treats. Universal Orlando Studios™ Florida offers truly thrilling diversions if your crew is a little older and brave enough to handle serious frights.
Stay: One of Hilton Grand Vacations‘Four fantastic Orlando resorts.
Northern Ireland
Take your travels to Halloween’s birthplace and still one of the best places to celebrate today. The Derry Halloween Celebration runs seven days celebrating everything spooky. Count on parades, fireworks, ghost tours, haunted houses, workshops and scary movies to make your Halloween one unforgettable experience.
Stay: Day trip to Derry from Hilton Belfast Templepatrick Golf & Country Club.
New York City
Manhattan might not be the first spot that comes to mind for trick-or-treating, but this borough is brimming with Halloween events to wow your youngest travelers. So first, dress in costume and head to the city’s largest free children’s Halloween day event, the Washington Square Children’s Halloween Parade. After the parade, enjoy free trick-or-treat bags, games, and rides.
Stay: Choose from one of Hilton Grand Vacations’ New York City properties.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
New York’s historic Hudson Valley embraces its most famous tale from late September through November with the great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. The bright holiday light display features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
Special events include Horseman’s Hollow and Irving’s “Legend,”Scary haunts for older kids and adults. Or, stick with family-friendly activities, including “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” At the Sunnyside home of Washington Irving, Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities for example.
Stay: Take the train from Manhattan for the day or stay at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Manuel.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s combination of battlefields, cobblestone streets and mystery contribute to its supernatural reputation, making it one of the best Halloween family vacations.
Young visitors can enjoy a Halloween hike at the Oakland Island Wildlife Center, where family-friendly costumed animal characters stationed along the trail pass out candy to little trick-or-treaters. For a chance to spot southern ghosts and ghouls, try a Savannah Ghostwalker Tour. Follow along for a spooky tour of storied cemeteries and battlefields filled with legends.
Stay: Rest your head at Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District/Riverfront.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Put a tropical spin on Halloween for Halloween in Hawaii, where families flock to Ala Moana Center to celebrate October 31. Merchants throughout the Center hand out candy and other sweet surprises to all trick-or-treaters.
Stay: Choose from one of Hilton Grand Vacations’ Oahu resorts.
Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City puts a unique take on trick-or-treating known in the area as Halloween (named after its Capitol Hill location). Festival goers observe the holiday with face painting, games, inflatable obstacle courses and other fun fall activities.
Other Halloween events include Scream Park Seattle with two separate haunted houses and Festival: Día de Muertos.
Stay: Cozy up at Hilton Seattle.
Read “4 Seasons of Southern Charm: 13 Things To Do in Charleston” For more seasonal vacation ideas.