While pumpkin patches and corn mazes may be easily found in a rural countryside near you, these urban locales have some serious seasonal fun ready for families. Through special events and fall festivities, your family can get in all the scares and thrills you dare with the help of these ghost hunter-approved cities.
Boston
First and foremost, Boston is on many a most-haunted city list for good reason. Sure, you can book a tour with nearly any history enthusiast in the biz, but Ghosts and Gravestones goes a bit beyond the pale in the best way. This 90-minute tour combines a classic walking city excursion with a trolley ride, all accompanied by gravedigger guides. Listen to the haunted history with the kids and take in the spooky city sites, including historic Boston Harbor, centuries-old graveyards and visits to the plots of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
New Orleans
Another no-duh, New Orleans is historically a haunted city brimming with spooky tours — perfect for the Halloween season. You can find adult scares and fun with drinking tours and truly terrifying ghost tours, or you can keep it kid friendly with all-ages fun every weekend through Nov. 2 at Scout Island Scream Park. This carnival-themed event includes a scare-free kids zone, hay rides, music, food, adults-only thrills and haunted houses for the older kids.

Halloween decorations on a shop window in New Orleans. Photo: Enrico Della Pietra | Dreamstime.com
Denver
For a good, old-fashioned corn maze, Denver has you covered. Head to the Denver Botanical Garden for all-ages fun, movies and a wide variety of experiences. The Maze will be open every weekend through Oct. 27.
Chicago
One city true crime enthusiasts already have on their lists, Chicago boasts a free light festival. Yes, free! Head to Pier Pumpkin Lights at Navy Pier any time through Nov. 2 for fall family fun. For the best visuals, wait until after dark to see the glowing lights, jack-o-lanterns and haunted maze for the older kids. Don’t worry, you can bring the little ones during the day for a friendlier experience.
Las Vegas
One city that may not be on your list, but should be: Las Vegas. With a production value and attention to detail only the Strip could provide, VTheater at the Planet Hollywood Resort brings a unique show for the zombie-enthused adult children in the family. “Zombie Burlesque” is a unique comedy of tragedy set in 1958, complete with dancers, stand-up comedy and live music. This one is for the adults and runs through the end of the year, and then some.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 30, 2023Families Can Enjoy Good Art and Good Eats in Pasadena
Pasadena gears up for a lot of attention as it prepares to host its annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, but it won’t just be the parade that makes it the place to be for family travelers in 2024. The coming year is full of great things for the city, like interesting anniversaries and fun kid-friendly events, which means great ways for visiting families to explore and discover.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / Africa
Nov 30, 20236 Nairobi, Kenya, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Nairobi, Kenya, with us.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 30, 2023Feeding a Crew? These are the Cheapest Destinations for Families to Eat in Europe
If you’re trying to travel with the family on a budget, you might feel like there’s no way you’ll be able to truly enjoy all the culinary experiences you might if you were to travel solo or just with your partner. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Don’t make the mistake of thinking every culinary capital across the globe is going to cost you a pretty penny every time you head to dinner as a crew. A new study from Sail Croatia uncovered the cheapest foodie destinations in Europe, so you can plan your next trip accordingly.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
Nov 29, 2023Father, Son and Brother Adventure Bonding in Cody Yellowstone
Dude alert: If you’ve fallen out of touch with the other guys in your family, Cody Yellowstone is the perfect place to catch up — and autumn is the ideal season for doing so in the great outdoors. From off-road adventures to historic ghost towns to plenty of wildlife, there’s something in this dynamic destination to please family travelers.
ShareThis