SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is BACK!

We may be still in the full throes of summer, but Orlando wants you to know that it’s time for Halloween – and then some! And, for the full family Trick Or Treat experience, there’s nowhere better than SeaWorld.

While Universal Orlando unveils its annual Halloween Horror Nights programme and Walt Disney World showcases the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the pumpkin vibe will also be in full swing for the SeaWorld Spooktacular, which offers the mild version of the seasonal festivities.

With that in mind, SeaWorld Orlando is once again transforming into its family-friendly Halloween destination on select dates from August 30 through to November 2. The daytime event, which is included with regular park admission (unlike the other seasonal events), invites children and their parents to dress up, explore immersive trails and discover new things to do.

From colourful trick-or-treat trails to bubble dance parties and parades starring the Sesame Street friends, Spooktacular is Orlando’s splashiest autumn tradition. Designed especially for children, the event is fun and filled with festive energy, as well as the essential candy-fest of Trick-or-treating!

2025 Spooktacular Highlights

There are 11 separate events and activities for everyone to enjoy as part of the Spooktacular programme, which we rate as one of the best in Florida. The full line-up is as follows:

Trick-or-Treat Trail – Here, guests can collect delicious goodies at 12 candy stations sprinkled throughout the park. This year’s Trick-or-Treat Trail also features a brand-new collection of reusable bags with fresh designs created exclusively for the 2025 season. Choose from playful Sesame Street characters or SeaWorld’s own animal friends, while Pass Members have access to a limited-edition “skull bag” available only at Flamingo Gifts. Guests must purchase a bag for $4.99 to participate in trick-or-treating, but you will soon get full value for your candy collecting! For families managing food allergies, they can participate in the special Teal Pumpkin Program, collecting teal tokens along the trail and exchanging them for allergy-friendly items at the end.

Meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin – Brand new for this year, a special friend has rolled into town! Guests will have the chance to meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin, star of his very own themed maze. With his uplifting message about acceptance and celebrating differences, Spookley is sure to be a new family favourite.

Harvest Maze – This seasonal favourite features a family-friendly maze, which takes on a new twist this year with a Spookley the Square Pumpkin theme, offering playful turns that capture the spirit of autumn in the heart of Orlando.

Meet a Mermaid – The ever-popular chance to meet SeaWorld’s shimmering mermaids takes place in the heart of the Key West area, where these sea maids are always ready with a wave and a smile.

Pumpkin Garden & Storyteller – Here’s a chance to stroll through a whimsical garden filled with pumpkin fish and catch the Storyteller sharing seasonal tales throughout the day.

Sesame Street Halloween Parade – This must-see seasonal special sees the likes of Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Count von Count and other Sesame Street stars take to the streets in colourful costumes for a high-energy, not-too-spooky parade.

Storytime with Big Bird – Sticking with the Sesame Street vibe, here families can also gather around Big Bird’s nest for readings of his favourite Halloween stories.

Halloween Cookie Decorating – Kids will love this chance to join a Sesame Street pal to decorate autumn-inspired cookies during scheduled sessions throughout the event’s afternoon hours. Cookie decorating kits can be purchased at the event, and no reservations are needed.

Bubble Dance Party & Scarecrow Halloween Dance Party – From bubbles floating through the air to scarecrows leading lively dances, these interactive celebrations keep families moving together.

Crafts, Contests and Scavenger Hunts – Families can get creative with Halloween crafts along the trick-or-treat path, join in weekly costume contests each October weekend, and set off on a brand-new scavenger hunt designed to surprise and delight with spooky fun and sweet prizes.

Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast – As a premium experience, guests can enjoy a buffet featuring menu items such as carved brown-sugar-glazed ham, French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, pastries and more, alongside character appearances from Sesame Street. With photo opportunities and a hearty meal, this experience is a fun way to fuel up before a Spooktacular day in the park. Guests will receive one free photo print with each adult reservation and extra prints available for purchase.

The Details

All guests are invited to wear their Halloween best. Children and adults alike can dress up in favourite characters or seasonal attire, though guests 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods. Face painting is permitted only if done by SeaWorld artists.

The full dates for the SeaWorld Spooktacular are Aug 30-31, Sept 1, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, Oct 4-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31, Nov 1-2. It is all part of the regular park opening on those dates, with the only additional cost being for the reusable trick-or-treat bags, the cookie decorating and the Sesame Street fun of Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast ($34.99 per person, plus tax). See the full details on this link.

Not to be confused with Howl-O-Scream

For the grown-up version of Halloween, SeaWorld presents their separately ticketed event, Howl-O-Scream, featuring 28 nights of sheer terror from September 5 through to November 1. This year, fear takes new forms with three all-new haunted houses for a total of five, plus six bone-chilling scare zones where no path is safe. The screams don’t stop there either, as the roaming hordes can strike without warning, while pulse-pounding rides like Mako and Pipeline keep the adrenaline racing and eerie themed bars and electrifying shows keep the night alive. Intended for mature audiences (children not recommended), Howl-O-Scream 2025 is where Orlando comes to face its darkest fears!

Have you sampled SeaWorld’s Halloween fun in the past? Tell us about it on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.