Ghosts and ghouls and terrifying tales might be the stuff that Halloween is made of, but for those out there with little goblins of their own, it’s important to keep it age-appropriate so that no one has to come home to a boogeyman in their closet.
Thankfully, St. Augustine has everything a parent needs, from pirates to pumpkin patches, to keep their kiddos entertained on All Hallows' Eve. So grab the fam, pack the buggy, and whip that mini van over to some of the “Ancient City’s” most family-friendly frights.
While an aquarium might not be the first place that comes to mind when making a list of spooky spots to spend your scarecation, the St. Augustine Aquarium has worked tirelessly to disprove that grave assumption, turning its aquatic museum into the underwater world of your nightmares.
Designed with the whole family in mind, this sealife sanctum offers trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, costumed mermaids, underwater pumpkin carving, a haunted nature trail, and even more terrifying attractions to keep your family entertained this Halloween season.
With all of this plus a chance to explore one of St. Augustine’s most delightful destinations, there is no doubt that the St. Augustine Aquarium’s Halloween Under the Seas should be high on your list of family-friendly events this fall. Tickets will be limited, so make sure to make your reservation as soon as possible.
Looking for a kid-friendly event for your little pumpkins this Halloween season? Well, St. Augustine’s Ready Set Play has you covered with this year's princess-themed Halloween Dress Up.
Join other parents and their young ones for this day of play featuring a family meet and greet, costumes, trick-or-treating, and, of course, plenty of room for fun and games in St. Augustine’s premier, indoor playground.
This year, the kiddos will also have the chance to visit with two of the most delightful Disney princesses, Belle and Rapunzel, as they take advantage of Ready Set Play’s neverending list of fun activities.
And, for the adults, a separate area for socializing will be provided, giving you the perfect opportunity to get to know other parents while the kids are enjoying themselves.
Ready Set Play has been hosting popular holiday events for the kids of St. Augustine for many years, and there is no doubt that, for those looking for a family-friendly alternative, this costumed extravaganza will have everything you need this Halloween.
In a city that has a long history of both pirates and ghosts, what better place is there for you and your family to explore the seven spooky seas this Halloween than the Pirate & Treasure Museum.
This collection of scurvy dogs and their pirate paraphernalia was originally exhibited in Key West, but has now found a new home in St. Augustine, another well known pirate stronghold from the days when famous buccaneers like Sir Francis Drake were the scourge of the Caribbean Sea.
With truelife tales of terrifying thieves and the havok they wrought, as well as creepy wax exhibits that take you up close and personal with some of the most vicious and horrifying men to stain the real-life history of humanity, there is no shortage of ancient artifacts to get you in a frightful mood.
Whether you’re a true history buff, or just a lover of macabre manikins being fed to the fishes in Davy Jones’ Locker, this museum is not a stop that you and your family will want to miss.
Trick-or-Treating on St. George Street, one of the “Ancient City's” most beloved traditions, is back for its 15th year, ready to bring some family-friendly haunts and jaunts to St. Augustine’s beautiful historic district.
Coordinated with over 300 local shops and eateries, this free event is one of the biggest of the season and kids from all over come down to navigate this petrifying pedestrian mall.
To join in on the fun, all you have to do is put on your costume, grab your candy bag, and walk the streets between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Sunday, October 25th—you can even bring your dog if they are down for a spooky time.
Every business with orange and black balloons at their entryway will be participating, and they guarantee no shortage of candy and spooky surprises to keep the kiddos coming back for more.
Before you go, make sure to sign up for the annual costume contest, which will now be held virtually. Send in your photos for a chance at some big money prizes, not to mention bragging rights.
When it comes to hair-raising history, few places can claim the long, ghostly past that the St. Augustine Lighthouse has. But despite its troubled beginnings, it has transformed itself into one of the most informative and family-friendly haunted locations in the city, and this year on Halloween, they are doubling down with the Dark of the Moon Lighthouse Ghost Tour.
This special ghost tour, which is held only during the Halloween season, is the only way you can get into the lighthouse at night, making it a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience one of the most haunted locations in America long after the sun has set and it’s notorious past has awoken.
The 2-hour, guided expedition will not only give you a unique look at some of St. Augustine's Most important history, but will be accompanied by ghost stories that tell of some of the lighthouse's darker, less known history.
If a spooky story doesn’t sound like you or your kiddo’s kind of thing, you can also choose to go exploring on your own, discovering for yourself what makes this spot so famous among American historians and paranormal investigators alike.
Whether you are looking to be teased and titillated, or truly terrified, St. Augustine offers a smorgasbord of Halloween themed events, fall festivals, and good ol’ fashion haunted hideouts – all tucked away within one of the most picture-perfect cities in America.
Around each corner and tucked away within every alley lies something new to discover, and with St. Augustine’s pedestrian-friendly historic district, there are limitless mysteries to uncover and days worth of adventures to embark on.
All you need is a keen eye, an open mind, and a brave spirit, and you too can lose yourself in the gruesome and ghostly lore that has long made the “Ancient City” the only one of its kind for hundreds of years.
Take heed, though, so that the past doesn’t repeat itself.
You can purchase your tickets online or by phone. In either case, you'll receive your tickets immediately via email. You must purchase tickets in advance.