Masks have felt like a year round thing thanks to the global pandemic, and with the whole lockdown and quarantine period we are dying to have some fun. We rounded up six things you can do in the Tampa Bay area to keep the Halloween spirit alive.
1. Howl-O-Scream
Taking place in Busch Gardens, Howl-O-Scream is held during the weekends from Sept. 25 to Nov. 1.
The event offers a modified frightening experience from its usual lineup. With the elimination of haunted houses, the list of scare zones was expanded to 10 with four new ones including Lycan Landing, The Shortcut, The Junkyard, and The Escape.
The fan favorite Fiends Show is back this year with an outdoor performance format to ensure the safety of the guests. Additionally, employee and guest temperature screening will be taken, face coverings are required, physical distancing will be enforced, and cleaning and sanitation stations are available.
Just like every year, guests will be able to experience the rides and roller coasters at night enhancing the spooky experience, and there will be food and drink specials to die for.
The event is open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Since capacity is limited, advance online reservations are required. Single-night ticket prices start at $29.99, with the option of upgrading your tickets to skip lines for an extra $59.99.
If you enjoy a night full of adrenaline, screams, and shrieks this event is a must this Halloween!
2. Halloween Boat Parade
Organized by the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the first Halloween Boat Parade will be held on Oct. 24 at the Tampa Riverwalk. Starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m., you will get to experience an outstanding display of decorated boats parading over the city.
You can either join the event by land as an spectator or register to participate by water.
The cost of participation is $100 and when you sign up you will be automatically registered to compete for the best boat in the parade, and all of the proceeds will go towards funds to raise awareness and to find a cure for pediatric cancer.
Registration to participate in the event ends on Oct. 16.
Make sure to dress up to celebrate this new Tampa Bay tradition!
3. Scream-A-Geddon
Occurring in the woods of Dade City, Scream-A-Geddon is another must for the daredevils out there. The event is back with six attractions featuring five houses and one paintball ride, the Zombie Paintball Assault.
If you are all about the “boo-ze” the event has a wide selection of craft beer at the Bonzo’s Beer Garden. And for those who enjoy the tricks and treats, Monster Midway has a variety of food and games to choose from.
To follow the required safety measures, there will be temperature checks upon arrival, face coverings are required, social distancing will be imposed, and there will be enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the park.
General admission tickets are available starting at $22.95 that includes unlimited access to all haunted attractions excluding Zombie Paintball Assault, which requires a separate ticket starting at $9.35. Fast passes are available starting at $39.95 and parking is $9.35.
4. Ruskin Family Drive-In
Founded in 1952, the Ruskin Family Drive-In offers the unique experience of the drive-in movie theatres that were popular back in the ‘50s.
In order to enjoy the outdoors and the weather, they offer a designated play area for children and a snack bar to fulfill all the cravings you get during the movies.
Admission is $6 for adults for both movies, $1 for children of 5 to 8 years old, and children 4 years old or younger are free. There is an extra $5 food permit fee for those bringing food from the outside.
A major plus is that they are open daily! This week the selected movies are The Lost Boys at 7:30 p.m. and Nightmare on Elm Street at 9:15 p.m.
5. Harvest Holler Corn Maze (Hay Ride)
Moving on to more traditional activities, located in Polk City the Harvest Holler Corn Maze includes an interactive corn maze, hayrides, hay forts, corn cribs, tire swings, a cow train, corn hole, and a pumpkin patch.
Here you can enjoy delicious southern food at Paw-Paw’s Vittles and interact with animals at the family farm.
Ticket prices are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and youth (3-12 years old), and children under 2 years old are free.
The place is open from Sept. 18 to Nov. 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
6. Gallagher’s Pumpkin & Christmas Trees
Last but not least, the Gallagher’s Pumpkin and Christmas Trees offers the perfect photo
opportunities for this season.
Family owned for over 30 years, the Gallagher’s create the perfect family and pet friendly environment to enjoy pumpkin picking and eat delicious homemade pies.
The best thing is that it is located less than 15 minutes away from campus!
They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. So grab your loved ones and enjoy a cozy day surrounded by fall goodness!