Houston boasts many Halloween activities for various ages. Stroll through downtown around Old Market Square or check out waterfront Kemah Boardwalk, where weekends are packed with Halloween-themed activities throughout October, like live music and trick-or-treating for kids at Boardwalk stores. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is another excellent place to celebrate fall and engage in family-friendly fun on Halloween Trail.
Haunted houses and scares are must-do during Halloween. Terror Dome is often called the scariest haunted house In Houston, full of pyrotechnics, special effects, and actors who will make your heart beat faster. At Houston Scream Fest, you can play paintball with zombies, wander through the mysterious castle and a scary asylum. Terrifying live entertainment contributes to the overall experience. Phobia is a scary 30-acre park, which features eight haunts: Simon Fowler Woods, the Mind Control haunt, ClaustroPhobia, Darke Institute, and Dawn of the Machine.
Freaky Deaky Festival, Houston Raceway (unconfirmed in 2023)
Halloween is even better with EDM rhythms! Freaky Deaky Festival, the premier electronic dance music event in Texas, is held at Houston Raceway in Baytown. Freaky Deaky Texas combines a big-name lineup and a costume party. With artists like Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, and Rezz, this Halloween-themed festival is indeed one of a kind.
Zoo Boo (September 29–October 31, 2023)
Every October Houston Zoo hosts family-friendly costumed event for ghouls of all ages. Kids can see a Giant Pumpkin, ride a Spooky Train, walk through the Lantern Tunnel as well as the Wildlife Carousel, which transforms into a spooktacular Scary-Go-Round. Photo options, Harvest Barn, and a short story from the Friendly Dragon are also part of the experience.
Día de Los Muertos (November 4, 2023)
Multinational Houston always hosts a large celebration during Día de Los Muertos. It includes the evening parade through Downtown as well as a vibrant festival at Sam Houston Park. The parade features dozens of floats and groups in traditional costumes. The celebration, which honors the loved ones who have passed away, is free for the public. Take advantage of multiple arts and traditions exhibits, delicious holiday foods, and cultural performances.
