Local Halloween Attractions in Tampa, Florida

There are several exciting things to do on Halloween in and around Tampa, Florida, so why sit home and hand out expensive candy when you can have your own fun and frights on this special night.

First off let's start with Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream which has already started and runs through November 1st. Stroll through the haunted houses, brave the freaks walking the midway or dare an already scary roller coaster in the dark. General admission is $64.95 and they also have packages available with tours and more or packages which include a nightmare guaranteed stay in a nearby hotel. The parks hours for Howl-O-Scream at 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Thursdays and 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This is sure to get your heartbeat going faster, I just hope it doesn't stop altogether because this place can scare you to......I guess you know where I'm was going with that.

A little bit of a travel from here, but not that far that you should blow this one off, is the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Orlando. It's merely about a thirty minute drive from Tampa and some of us drive a lot further than that to work, so what's the big deal. It's worth it for hours of spooky thrill and chills. This year there are more actors to frighten you, more scare zones to keep your heart pumping and more haunted houses than ever before. Every corner will bring something new right into your face. It's running now through November 1st, so get the family and friends together and get your tickets before they are sold out. Shows include the Rocky Horror Picture Show and a creepy magic show by Brian Brushwood. This can also be a lot of fun or a reasonable price. They have a package for around $100 that will get you into Halloween Horror Nights and a hotel room for one night, plus a few extras. If you're seeking the ultimate night of horror, then this is where you want to go.

Zoo Boo 2008 is going on now at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa which is a lot more kid friendly than the above attractions. There are haunted houses and a Little Tyke Boo House for the wee folk. There are mazes, ghostwalks and ghoulish games for children of all ages. Your kids will surely enjoy a day at the zoo this way. The other advantage of this choice is the under $20 admission per person as opposed to the high cost at Busch Gardens or Universal. Plus, you get to ride the water flume in the dark. Now that alone is worth the visit.

There is also the Guavaween festival on October 25 in Tampa which is like a cross between Halloween and Mardi Gras. A huge street party that lasts all day long kicks off this celebration with family fun beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Ybor City. Don't worry, the streets are blocked off so you're children are safe. However, at night the streets turn into a flowing mass of creepiness. Young and old alike, but with the average age groups being around 21 to 50, will be reveling in the streets late into the night and you never know what kind of costumes you're going to see. There will be safe trick or treating, rides, amusements, food and more. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. Certainly a place to take the whole family to keep everyone occupied and to finish the day exhausted after all this fun along with a parade. Advance tickets for these festivities are available for $15, plus a $2 service charge.

Unfortunately, in Tampa, you're not going to find many of the smaller Halloween events until we're closer to them and then you need to check the local papers. So to finish off my suggestions for a way to spend Halloween, I've got one more. This one, however, is just for adults. How about taking a leap and checking out the Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Bash at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. Don't worry folks, this takes place the day after Halloween, so you can still take your little ones out on Halloween, but book the babysitter now for the following night. The fun begins at 8:00 p.m. and runs until 3:00 a.m. The admission is $45 unless you arrive after midnight where you can get in for a mere $25. Just imagine the sights and sounds you'll see at a party likes this. There will be aerialists, naughty go-go dancers, fire breathers and so much more to keep your senses flowing all night. Just don't bother showing up without some wild, hot, sexy or at least crazy costume, otherwise you may not get through the door.

I hope everyone gets their freak or creep on and has a blast of a Halloween bash.