Houston, Texas, is a vibrant city that comes alive with spooky fun during Halloween. Whether you’re looking for family friendly activities or spine chilling thrills, Houston has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Halloween in Houston.

1. Top Haunted Attractions

Houston is home to some of the scariest haunted houses and trails in the country. If you love to be scared, these spots are a must visit:

• Houston Scream Fest: One of the largest haunted festivals in the country, this multi haunt location offers a terrifying experience. You’ll find haunted houses, a paintball zombie shootout, and even live concerts.
• Phobia Haunted Houses: A staple in Houston’s Halloween scene, Phobia boasts several different haunted houses, each with its own terrifying theme, from clowns to post apocalyptic nightmares.
• Terror Dome: Known for intense scares and extreme horror, Terror Dome is not for the fainthearted. For an extra thrill, try their escape rooms.
• The Haunted Trails: If you prefer outdoor scares, the Haunted Trails offers a spooky journey through dark woods filled with terrifying surprises.

2. Family-friendly Halloween Events

For those looking for more lighthearted, family friendly activities, Houston has plenty to offer:

• Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo: Perfect for young children, Zoo Boo offers pumpkin patches, candy stations, and a spectacular train ride. Costumes are encouraged, and the zoo is decorated in festive Halloween decor.
• Halloween Monster Mayhem at the Children’s Museum: A fun and educational event, the Children’s Museum of Houston transforms into a monster filled wonderland with trick-or-treating, crafts, and a spooky maze.
• CityCentre Trick-or-Treat: Head to CityCentre for a festive night of trick-or-treating, live music, and a Halloween costume contest.
• Dewberry Farm: A short drive from Houston, Dewberry Farm offers pumpkin patches, a spooky corn maze, and other fall activities perfect for the whole family.

3. Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating Hot-spots

If traditional trick or treating is your thing, Houston has some of the best neighborhoods for Halloween fun. Here are a few areas known for their extravagant decorations and kid friendly atmosphere:

• The Heights: This historic neighborhood goes all out for Halloween with elaborately decorated houses and safe streets for trick or treating.
• River Oaks: Known for being an upscale neighborhood, River Oaks homes often have large displays and offer premium candy to trick or treaters.
• West University Place: A popular trick or treating area, this neighborhood is filled with festive homes and a family friendly vibe.
• Garden Oaks/Oak Forest: This up and coming area has become a Halloween hotpots, with homeowners creating haunted house displays in their front yards.

4. Halloween Festivals and Parades

If you’re looking for more festive celebrations, Houston hosts a number of Halloween festivals and parades:

• Houston Halloween Fest: This annual street festival in the Heights features live music, a haunted house, costume contests, and vendors. It’s perfect for adults and families alike.
• Scary Street Halloween Party: Hosted in downtown Houston, this event is a great option for adults, featuring live DJs, a dance floor, costume contests, and plenty of Halloween themed drinks.
• HowlOWeen Fest at Bridgeland: Bring your furry friend along to this dog friendly Halloween festival. There are costume contests, pet vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

5. Halloween Themed Dining & Nightlife

For those wanting to add some Halloween flavor to their dining and nightlife experience, there are plenty of themed events happening across the city:

• Spooky Cocktails at Monkey’s Tail: This popular bar creates special Halloween themed cocktails, and the whole venue gets a spooky makeover during October.
• Kemah Boardwalk Boo on the Boardwalk: A fun filled spot to enjoy Halloween on the waterfront. You’ll find themed restaurants, live shows, and haunted houses, plus rides to get your adrenaline pumping.
• Brennan’s of Houston: For a more elegant Halloween night, Brennan’s hosts a Haunted Dinner Party with themed cuisine and spooky cocktails in a haunted New Orleans style mansion.

6. Outdoor Movie Screenings

Watching horror movies under the stars is a Halloween tradition for many. Houston has several outdoor movie screenings to get your spooky fix:

• Rooftop Cinema Club: With locations in Uptown and downtown Houston, Rooftop Cinema Club offers an incredible outdoor experience. They screen classic horror films throughout October.
• Discovery Green’s Screen on the Green: This downtown park offers free outdoor movie screenings during Halloween, perfect for families. Bring a blanket, sit under the stars, and enjoy classic Halloween films.
• The Drive In at Sawyer Yards: For a retro experience, head to this drive-in theater for classic and modern Halloween films shown throughout the season.

7. Escape Rooms & Zombie Experiences

Houston’s interactive entertainment scene includes plenty of escape rooms and immersive experiences to get you in the Halloween mood:

• Escape the Room Houston: Test your problem solving skills in one of the city’s popular escape rooms. Several rooms take on a spooky theme during October.
• Zombie Apocalypse Live at Houston Terror Dome: Take part in a real life zombie apocalypse by battling zombies in this intense, live action game. Armed with laser tag style weapons, your goal is to survive the outbreak.

8. Shopping for Costumes and Decor

Get ready for Halloween by shopping at Houston’s best stores for costumes and decorations:

• Spirit Halloween: With multiple locations around the city, Spirit Halloween is a one-stop shop for costumes, props, and decorations.
• Frankel’s Costume Shop: A Houston institution, Frankel’s offers an extensive selection of costumes, accessories, and theatrical makeup. It’s a must visit if you’re looking for unique costumes.
• Arne’s Warehouse & Party Store: If you’re hosting a Halloween party, Arne’s has a wide range of decorations, party supplies, and even themed bake ware.

9. Day of the Dead Celebrations

Houston has a vibrant Hispanic community, and Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a significant celebration that coincides with Halloween. Be sure to check out these events:

• MECA Día de los Muertos Festival: This two-day event features live performances, altar exhibits, and workshops celebrating Mexican traditions.
• National Museum of Funeral History: Learn about Día de los Muertos with special exhibits, altar displays, and educational talks on this cultural celebration.

Whether you’re seeking out family fun or haunted thrills, Houston’s Halloween scene has something for everyone. From eerie haunted houses to lively festivals, outdoor movie nights to haunted dining experiences, this guide will ensure your Halloween in Houston is filled with spooky excitement!

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