Spooky season is creeping around the corner. Check out these local haunts for spine-chilling stories and terrifying trails that surround these Florida waters.

 

ORLANDO AREA

Haunting on the Emerald Cut

King’s Landing hosts its third Haunting on the Emerald Cut. Paddle the iconic and beautiful Rock Springs Run at sunset, then watch the river transform under the glow of the moonlight to become filled with goblins and ghouls, lurking in the shadows and the water.

Event Info:

This event is happening October 31, November 1, and November 2 starting at 5:30 pm and the paddle ending around 8:00 pm. 

Tickets are $69 per person, with your choice of single or double kayak rental. Only rented kayaks will be allowed on the river. It is recommended to arrive early, 5:15 pm at the latest, to allow time for check-in. 

Have fun and dress up! There is a costume contest where the winner will receive a free 4-hour kayak rental for two during normal daytime operations. 

To learn more about the event check out our blog post and King’s Landing’s website. 

 

Wekiva Island Halloween Party

Just down the river from King’s Landing, Wekiva Island will also be celebrating the spooky season with its annual Halloween party. Enjoy live music by Jeff Howell and dress to impress for a chance to win prizes for their costume contest! (Must be 21+ to participate in the contest)

Event Info:

The party is on October 26 from 7 pm-11 pm.

Add this party to your list of spooky engagements and learn more about the event on Wekiva Island’s event page. 

 

Boo Springs! And Trunk or Treat

On October 19th, Blue Springs becomes Boo Spring! Join this after-hours event 7:00 pm-10:30 pm, to walk the haunted trail by moonlight or sail on an eerie river cruise. 

Blue Springs is also hosting a Trunk or Treat event that same day from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm. Entrance prices are normal state park admission prices. Decorate your trunk, dress up, share some treats, and enjoy games and contests. If you want to stay for the Boo Spring event, be sure to purchase your after-hours ticket. Those whose car was a decorated trunk full of treats for the event will receive free entry to the after-hours event. Submit your request for your trunk to participate to connor.wagner@FloridaDEP.gov with your name (business name if applicable), contact information, and vehicle make and model.  

Event Info:

Trunk or Treat and Boo Spring are on October 19th

Trunk or Treat is from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm

Boo Spring is from 7:00 pm-10:30 pm

Easily book by visiting their Instagram @bluespringsstatepark_ and click the link in the bio.

Tickets for the Boo Spring event are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 10. The ticket includes the Full Moon Hike which starts every 30 minutes, beginning at 7:00 pm, and the last hike beginning at 10:00 pm. 

Tickets for The Haunted River Cruise are an additional $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10. The cruise sets sail at 7:30 pm, launching every 15 minutes until 8:45 pm.

 

Gainesville Area

 

Horror Screams at Poe Springs

Kayak rental company Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and D&D Haunted Halls have conjured up legends and frights to create Bootleggers Bloody Bog. Hop aboard the Shiners Wagon for a hayride that takes you to the beginning of the bloody boggy journey.

Walk through the haunted marsh if you dare…

Once you have survived the bog, treat yourself to BBQ and delectable themed treats sold at the concession stand.  

Event Info:

Happening October 11-14, 18-19, and 25-26 starting at 8 pm. 

Tickets are $12 per person at the gate, but if you reserve online beforehand it is only $8.

Check out this link to learn more and prepare to be scared.

Lecanto (near Crystal River) Area

Ghostly Shallows

Coming to Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is the show Ghostly Shallows. Pirates set sail to find hidden treasures but happen upon less of the fairytale and more of the haunting folklore of the sea witch and sirens of the uncharted waters. 

Event Info:

The show will run October 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27 during regular aquarium visiting hours with three performance times. 

General admission tickets are $12.50 for children and $17.50 for adults, this includes the show. 

Check out any of these Halloween spooky activities near you or make it an adventure and explore somewhere new!