Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky? These Halloween trips are worth the drive! You will find special Halloween-themed events in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that will make for a memorable time with your family. These events go all out with spectacular light shows, costumed characters, and out-of-this-world Halloween displays.
Let us know how you’re celebrating Halloween in 2023 in the comments.
Celebrating Halloween In 2023
We found some great day trip activities to celebrate Halloween this year. They are not only entertaining, but they will get you exploring a new town. These festivities make a great day trip or a weekend getaway! We’ve compiled extra info if you decide to make a trip of it!
Halloween Trips to Georgia
If you’re thinking of making a weekend out of Halloween this year, check out our Guide to Travel in Georgia for ideas to fill out your itinerary.
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA
The Glow By Night Experience is a journey through a storybook tale that comes to life with thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, bubbles, fog, and plenty of kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark adventures after dark.
- September 16th- October 29th, 2023
- Adult (ages 12+) $39.95 / Child (ages 3-11) $34.95 / Children two years and younger are free.
- Pumpkin Festival Tickets
Six Flags Over Georgia Frightfest
275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell GA
In addition to all of the fun Six Flags Over Georgia normally offers, guests will experience Halloween-themed extras. Live character interactions and shows top off the list of themed things you can expect. Kids Boo Fest is spooky fun for all ages, including trick-or-treating, family-friendly rides, and other fall activities.
- September 16th – October 29th, 2023 (select dates)
- general admission prices varies
- $30 per car parking fee
- Purchase Tickets
Check out a local dad’s review of Six Flags Over Georgia.
Walk With The Spirits in Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is hosting its annual historic cemetery tour. Notable “spirits” come to life! This ghost tours aims to increase awareness of Augusta’s past by connecting current residents and visitors with the people and places that still influence us today through their contributions to Augusta’s cultural legacy.
- 2023 Dates and Ticket Information TBD
Tickets may be purchased on the Explore Historic Augusta website.
Halloween Trips to Tennesee
If you’re thinking of spending Halloween weekend in Tennesee, check out our Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some excellent lodging options, things to do, and places to eat.
Dollywood Great Pumpkin Luminights
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood guests will be invited nightly to glow with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. This event was named the “#1 Theme Park Halloween Event in 2019″ by USA Today.
- Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 20th – October 30th, 2023
- Purchase tickets online
Halloween Trips In North Carolina
Carowinds Halloween Events
14523 Carowinds Boulevard Charlotte, NC
- Select Dates September 15th through October 29th, 2023
- SCarowinds tickets begin at $45, Great Pumpkin Fest tickets are general admission tickets
SCarowinds
SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween themed destination, happening September 15, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. The theme park has evening events that contain haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and more. It is a scary event, not for small children!
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Carowinds’ fall and Halloween event for families, the Great Pumpkin Fest has all the regular Carowinds fun, plus great fall and festive Halloween activities with just a tiny bit of spooky. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays September 16th, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. Enjoy a haybale maze, craft corner, soapy mummy pit, trick-or-treat trail, festive games, live entertainment, and lots more!
Here is more information on Carowinds.
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont
Head to Brevard, North Carolina this October for this annual, family-friendly event! Pumpkin Fest runs from October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28, 2023, and features displays of lighted carved pumpkins, local musicians, fun and games for the entire family, food trucks, storytellers, face painting, a tour of the mansion, and of course, a white squirrel scavenger hunt! The event is sponsored by Friends of Silvermont, and admission is $7 per person ages 13 or older, and $5 for ages 3 – 12. Ages 2 and under are free.
Halloween Trips in South Carolina
South Carolina Railroad Museum: Pumpkin Patch
110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, SC
Hop aboard for a train ride to the pumpkin patch! When guests arrive at the patch, kids will choose a pumpkin and decorate it with provided supplies. There will also be a maze and games at the patch to enjoy for about 40 minutes before heading back aboard the train to return to the museum.
- October 21st and October 28th, 2023
- Purchase tickets in advance. They range from $17 to $120 depending on the seating class purchased.
SC State Museum- Dark History Tours
Visit the SC State Museum for a special kind of history tour full of spooky legendary tales from South Carolina’s history. Tours are self-guided and are available every day, or you can attend an educator-led guided tour any Saturday in October at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm. These tours are included in regular museum admission.
- October 2023 (Saturdays for guided tours)
- Dark History Tours
Not So Spooky Halloween Trail at Silva Terra
If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that is great for younger children, then the Silva Terra Not-So-Spooky Halloween Trail in Liberty, South Carolina is perfect! The cost is $9 per person, with games, photo ops, and lots of interactive activities. You can even visit Casper’s barn and visit with the farm animals.
Hours for the Not So Spooky Halloween Trail are:
- 10/14-10/15 Sat/Sun 9:30-3:30 pm
- 10/21-10/22 Sat/Sun 10:00-5:00 pm
- 10/28-10/29 Sat/Sun 10:00-5:00 pm
- 10/31/2023 Tuesday 11:00-3:00 pm
If spending the night in haunted hotels or cabins sounds like an excellent way to spend Halloween, don’t miss our list of Haunted Cabins, Hotels, and Tours.