Haunted Houses in Orlando (2026 Guide): Where to Go This Halloween
The best-known haunted attractions in Orlando are the two theme-park events that draw visitors from around the world: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando — a multi-week event built around elaborate haunted houses and scare zones — and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando. Beyond the parks, Central Florida stalwarts like A Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs and Mortem Manor in Kissimmee give you a more traditional walk-through scare. Dates and tickets change every season, so confirm the current calendar on each official site before you go.
Orlando’s haunted-house scene is unusual: the headliners are two major theme-park Halloween events, but Central Florida also has independent haunts worth a trip. This guide covers the haunted houses and Halloween events in and around Orlando for 2026, what kind of experience each one is, and how to plan a night out. Opening weekends, hours, and ticket prices shift year to year, so always confirm the details on each attraction’s official site before you buy. For the bigger picture, see our guide to haunted houses across Florida.
The best haunted attractions in Orlando
Halloween Horror Nights — Universal Orlando
Off International Drive at Universal Orlando Resort, Halloween Horror Nights is the marquee Halloween event in Central Florida and a repeat winner of industry “best Halloween event” honors. The event fills the park on select nights with multiple walk-through haunted houses, outdoor scare zones, and live shows, and it typically leans on both horror franchises and original concepts. It is a separate ticketed event that runs select nights from late summer into early November. Confirm this season’s dates, houses, and tickets at universalorlando.com/hhn.
Howl-O-Scream — SeaWorld Orlando
Also on the International Drive corridor, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream is a separate after-hours event built around haunted houses and scare zones spread across the park. It generally runs select nights from mid-September through Halloween and is a strong alternative if you want a theme-park scare without the Universal crowds. Check seaworld.com/orlando for the current calendar and pricing.
A Petrified Forest — Altamonte Springs
In Altamonte Springs, just north of Orlando on East Altamonte Drive, A Petrified Forest is a long-running Central Florida haunt built around outdoor haunted trails rather than a single indoor house. It is a more traditional, community-rooted attraction that opens in October, and a good pick if you want a haunt with a local flavor. Confirm this season’s dates and tickets at apetrifiedforest.com.
Mortem Manor — Kissimmee
South of Orlando in Kissimmee, along West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Mortem Manor is a Victorian-themed indoor haunt with live actors, animatronics, and special effects. Unlike the seasonal theme-park events, it operates year-round, so it can be an option outside the October rush. See mortemmanor.com for hours and tickets.
More haunts around Central Florida
- Theme-park events sell timed tickets. Both Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream are separate-admission events; a regular daytime park ticket does not include them.
- Independent haunts vary widely. Central Florida also has smaller seasonal haunts and haunted trails that open only in October — check each one’s official channels for the current season before you drive out.
What to expect at Orlando haunts
The two big events are a very different night from an independent haunt. Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream involve large crowds, long walks, and timed entry, and an express or fast-pass upgrade can save the longest waits — but they also deliver the highest production values in the region. A haunt like A Petrified Forest or Mortem Manor is smaller, cheaper, and quicker, with its own local character. Most seasonal Orlando haunts run from late September through early November, with the busiest nights on the weekends closest to Halloween. If you are weighing whether the ticket is worth it, our guide on whether haunted houses are worth it breaks down what you are paying for.
Know before you go
- Buy event tickets online in advance. The theme-park events and the weekends before Halloween can sell out, and add-on passes often shorten the longest lines.
- Check the calendar. Both major events and most independent haunts run only on select nights, not daily — confirm the date you want is open.
- Plan for the format. Theme-park events involve a lot of walking; wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress for warm, humid Florida evenings.
- Confirm prices and age guidance on each official site — these change season to season and vary by attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do haunted houses in Orlando open?
The theme-park events start earliest — Halloween Horror Nights typically opens in late summer, and Howl-O-Scream around mid-September — while independent haunts generally open in early October. Both events and most haunts run into early November. Check each official calendar for exact nights.
What is the best haunted house in Orlando?
For scale and production, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando is the marquee event, with Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld a strong alternative. For a more traditional, lower-cost haunt, A Petrified Forest and Mortem Manor are popular Central Florida picks.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices vary widely by attraction, night, and any add-ons. The theme-park events cost more than independent haunts, and both use separate-admission tickets. Confirm current pricing on each official site, as rates change each season.
Are there family-friendly haunted attractions in Orlando?
The major events are built for teens and adults and can be intense. Some independent haunts and daytime fall festivals are lighter, but always check each attraction’s age guidance before bringing younger kids.
Looking beyond Orlando? Explore haunted houses across Florida or find haunted houses near you.