Top Ten Most Popular Haunted Houses and Attractions in Miami, Florida

With autumn season upon us in Miami the spirit is in the air, if not the cooler, crisp weather or those lovely trees with dripping vibrant leaves of splendid colors that you find in colder climates...but we South Floridians still get into the swing of things for the holidays to come even if they take place under tropical palm trees....

Halloween is just around the corner...so what spooky Haunted delights are in store for those who want to venture out and get into the spirit of the holiday and all things spooky, especially things that go bump in the night. There are some very varied activities and events planned for people of all ages, young and old alike, as long as you are young in heart , looking for the perfect frightening moment and those heart stopping horrors.

Well, I'll start with Halloween Haunted parks and attractions that will be changed into Haunted Houses and Holiday fun parks, even if they are under the sea or in a Jungle...

The Following are for those interested in family friendly fun...mostly for the younger set:

One:
In South Dade Miami, at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, they are offering An Early Evening of Spooky Adventures...Here you will find. Pumpkin decorating, haunting story telling, a special sandbox set up and safe trick-or-treating...most exciting of all is a Halloween train ride! Hmm, I wonder to what unknown thrilling place this train will take you?
Oct 27 & Oct 28....For more information, call the Gold Coast Railroad Museum at 305-253-0063

Two:
Near the Railroad museum is the Miami Metro Zoo and this year they are bringing back, The Return of MetroBOO...bring the kiddies for trick or treating and enter the costume contest held each day at 1.p.m. in the "haunted" amphitheater...This is where there will be performances by the Actors Playhouse Music Miracles twice a day at 12:30 and 2:30...in addition, there will be face painting, arts and crafts, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall and carnival games...best of all will be the MetroBOO for the creatures who will get their own Halloween treats. There will also be animal trainers on hand to talk about the animals.
Oct.27th and 28th at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. all these activities are included with your general zoo admission; 13.95 for adults, 9.95 children 3-12...or, you can purchase your advance tickets at www.metrozoo.com to avoid the wait in line

Three:
What mysteries lie beneath the sea? Well, you can find out at the Monster Splash at Miami Seaquarium...The Miami Seaquarium doesn't normally open its doors in the evening but for their special family Halloween event they do make an exception...featured will be 2 Haunted Houses, Halloween themed animal shows, trick or treat stations, a "Pirates of the Seaquarium" skeleton walk and a spectacular fireworks finale over Biscayne Bay.
Oct 26, 27, 28 and 31
Special after 5 p.m. Admission is $19.95
Located at: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne
Phone: 305- 361-5705

Four:
For another animal inspired SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN visit Jungle Island, that's what they call their celebration...they will be featuring a Haunted bounce house, Hippo the giant slide, a pie eating contest, animal shows all day and the "Creepy Crawly Encounter"...Take part in the Halloween costume contest for great prizes as well as more games and special surprises. And don't miss the giant 2000 lb Crocosaursis! I don't think they will be able to get a costume on him though...
If you visit a Pollo Tropical restaurant between now and then you will receive a $5.00 off coupon regular park admission for up to 6 people...located on the McArthur Causeway,(1-395) between Miami and Miami Beach.
Oct 27th and 28th
For more information call 305-400-7000

Five:
It seems that Hauntings are in full gear wherever the animals appear...at Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary there will be the Halloween Haven & Haunted House Party featuring a "not too scary" haunted house for the younger set which will be open from 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m....come in costume to take part in or just enjoy the costume parade...there will be a Noon Story Time with the " Good Witch" as well as "Monster Mash" Music by Gimme Sound Djs...also enjoy the native wildlife exhibits, where you will find bobcats, otters, alligators and even panthers...in the Free Flight Aviary, the Birds of Prey will include hawks, owls, and bald eagles with live wildlife encounter shows at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30...
All this spooky activity is taking place on October 27 and 28 with reduced rates of $5:00 off the admission of $17 for adults, $3:00 off admission of $8:50 for children 4-11. Those kiddies under 4 are free.
Located at 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie (on Flamingo Road between Griffin and I-595)

For the Grown up Ghoulies:

Six:
Fairchild Tropical Garden spooks up their spectacular BOOtantic gardens to host a Saturday evening party called Halloween Bash. Come dressed in costume and you could win a prize in their annual contest...there will be a live D.J. with an open bar serving wicked brews, tasty little tidbits and even goodie bags handed out which will be provided by Nordstrom's Department Store....
This event takes place October 27; from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Admission is $85 for members and $100 for non-members. And VIP tickets at $150
Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by calling 305-667-1651or go to www.fairchild.org
This is a rain or shine event. Drinks and food are included in ticket price. The Vip Tickets include a sit down dinner, prepared by one of Miami's best chefs..
All guests must be 21 or older and have a valid photo ID showing proof of age upon entrance.
All proceeds for this event benefit Fairchild's educational and conservation programs.

Seven:
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, Miami's newest casino and playground, will be hosting their RODMANIA Halloween Party on October 26th at 9:00 p.m.
Featuring Dennis Rodman, 5 time NBA champion, in costume and hosting the hot costume contest as contestants compete for prizes in two categories; Sexiest Costume and Most Creative...There will be live entertainment with one of Miami's hottest DJ's, DJ Irie and another special guest host, Elaine Lancaster. Spooky drink specials will be served all night along ...play for cash in their dressed up "Haunted" casino.
Admission is $20.00 in advance and $25 at the door at Gulfstream Park's Box Office.
901 South Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 954-457-6201

Now for a little more adult creepy and chilling entertainment:

Eight:
For those really nocturnal people, there is a special party just for you.
World Sounds Halloween Bash! True night owls don't arrive until the doors open at 4 a.m. Wear costumes and listen to the music of The Monsters....since this isn't my forte, I'm not really sure if they are real monsters so beware!
Space Night Club, located at 34 N.E. 11th St. Miami

Nine:
And for other night owls on the prowl, the Club Mansion on South Beach, is hosting Pirates in the Dark...a party for those who like to dress up as a pirate, a pirate's hooker, or whatever else suits your fancy...This Howling Halloween party is hosted by "adult Superstar" Jesse Jane....and, for your information, "superstar" is a pseudonym for "Porn Star"...what this club is planning is still a mystery.. The fun begins at 11 p.m on Oct. 31
The Mansion is located at 1235 Washington Ave, Miami Beach.

Ten:
Also on South Beach the Cameo is hosting what they are billing as a Rock of Horror Party for all music lovers on Halloween night. This old movie theater will be turned into a Haunted hall with guest host DJ, Irie and eerie sets by Travis McCoy and Pete Wentz. And, you never know what celebrities might show up for this fright night since the Cameo is a favorite "haunt" of the famous when they are in town.
Located at 1445 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

So Happy and Safe Halloween everyone...Have a howling good time!