Celebrate Halloween: Travel Ideas for a Spooky Good Time!

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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.



Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges

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.

Photo provided by Stone Mountain
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges

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 South 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!

SCarowinds scene at Carowinds in North Carolina
SCarowinds Ripper Alley scene, Photo Credit: Carowinds

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.

Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest
Great Pumpkin Fest Show, Photo Credit: Carowinds

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.


Haunted hotels, cabins, and rentals in the southeastern United States

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.


About the Author
How does Kidding Around® bring readers high-quality and up-to-date content month after month and season after season? We have a dedicated team of writers and editors who regularly update our fabulous content to keep it current and relevant for our readers. This team combs lists of events, heads out into the community to experience new Upstate offerings, and communicates with local businesses. Many of our updated articles and event lists, like this one, reflect the contributions and hard work of multiple Kidding Around® team members.

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