LEGOLAND • SEAWORLD • BUSCH GARDENS • UNIVERSAL
Want to turn Halloween into a family road trip? These major Florida theme parks offer everything from daytime trick-or-treating for little kids to separately ticketed nighttime events built for serious scare fans.
Drive-time note: Distances below are approximate planning estimates from Port Charlotte. Traffic, route and parking can change the actual trip.
LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat
LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 90 miles / approximately 2 hours to Winter Haven
When: Select dates September 5–October 31, 2026
Cost: Included with theme-park admission and select passes; kids’ tickets listed from $39 on the official site
Family or scary: Family-friendly daytime event
Recommended age: Best for families with children ages 2–12
Brick or Treat is the most clearly kid-focused option in this guide. The 2026 event includes Brick or Treat Street, LEGO Monster experiences, hands-on builds, live shows, interactive light trails, trick-or-treating and the Monster Skytacular drone show.
SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular
SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 171 miles / approximately 2 hours 35 minutes to Orlando
When: Select dates August 29–November 1, 2026
Cost: Daytime family event generally included with park admission; check ticket options
Family or scary: Family-friendly daytime event
Recommended age: Families with younger children
SeaWorld Spooktacular is the daytime choice for families. Children can trick-or-treat and meet playful seasonal characters while enjoying the park. SeaWorld’s 2026 programming includes kid-friendly character experiences and seasonal surprises.
SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream
SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 171 miles / approximately 2 hours 35 minutes to Orlando
When: Select nights September 11–October 31, 2026; event begins at 7 p.m. and gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Separately ticketed; tickets listed from $45.99; daytime admission is not included
Family or scary: Intense nighttime scares
Recommended age: Older teens and adults; generally not recommended for small children
Howl-O-Scream features haunted houses, scare zones, live performers and thrill rides after dark. It is designed to be frightening and should not be presented as a little-kid Halloween event. Guests in costumes are not admitted.
Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular
Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 96.5 miles / approximately 1 hour 53 minutes to Tampa
When: Saturdays and Sundays, September 12–November 1, 2026, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Included with park admission
Family or scary: Not-too-spooky daytime family event
Recommended age: Families with younger children
This daytime festival offers colorful characters, trick-or-treating, a costume parade and story time in a not-too-spooky setting. It is the better Busch Gardens choice for families with younger children.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 96.5 miles / approximately 1 hour 53 minutes to Tampa
When: Select nights September 11–October 31, 2026; event begins at 7 p.m.
Cost: Separately ticketed; daytime admission is not included
Family or scary: Intense nighttime scares
Recommended age: Teens and adults; not suitable for younger children
Haunted houses, scare zones and nighttime rides make Howl-O-Scream a teen-and-adult experience. Costumes are not permitted for guests, and regular park admission does not include entry.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Drive from Port Charlotte: About 171 miles / approximately 2 hours 35 minutes to Orlando
When: Select nights August 28–November 1, 2026; choose a date through the official ticket calendar
Cost: Separately ticketed nighttime event; daytime park admission is not included
Family or scary: Intense horror event
Recommended age: Older teens and adults; generally not recommended for small children
Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Orlando’s major after-dark horror event, with elaborate haunted houses, scare zones and intense live entertainment. It is not a daytime family trick-or-treat celebration and is generally best reserved for older teens and adults who enjoy strong scares.
Which Event Fits Your Family?
- Best for young children: LEGOLAND Brick or Treat.
- Daytime family options: SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular and Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular.
- For older teens and adults who want scares: SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and Universal Halloween Horror Nights.
Road-Trip Reminder
Theme-park hours, ticket prices and parking fees change by date. Buy through the official park website, review costume and bag policies, and check the weather before leaving Port Charlotte.
Explore More Fall Family Fun
Looking for more seasonal fun? Return to the 2026 Fall Fun Guide Find Local Trick-or-Treat Events Discover Haunted Houses & Spooky Attractions.
Macaroni KID makes every effort to provide accurate information. Event details may change. Please confirm dates, times, prices and registration requirements directly with each organizer before attending.
