If you’re looking for thrills and chills this Halloween season, Pennsylvania is home to four of the spookiest theme park events in the country, according to USA Today.
From Kennywood in Allegheny County to Dorney Park in Lehigh County, readers voted on the best theme park Halloween event for USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards and a handful of Pa. attractions topped the list.
Hallo-Fun at Knoebels, in Elysburg, Northumberland County, running Fridays through Sundays every weekend in October reached the top of the list of spooky park events in the country.
Hallo-Fun includes Halloween-themed foods, rides and live entertainment fill Knoebels for family-friendly seasonal fun. The park also has special events aimed at younger visitors, like an all-you-can-eat breakfast with the park’s “Boo Crew” or the Trail of Treats scavenger hunt through the park.
Hersheypark Halloween, in Hershey, Dauphin County, ranked sixth in the country by USA TODAY readers.
The park’s famed thrill rides can be ridden in the dark, and a trick-or-treat trail offers extra interactive fun for the kids. Themed decor adds holiday allure, and a “Creatures of the Night” flashlight tour at the neighboring ZooAmerica provides an educational add-on.
In Allentown, the Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park, Lehigh County, ranked seventh in the country for readers.
Wind your way through haunted mazes, live shows or take a trip on the park’s Iron Menace rollercoaster after dark during select nights from now until Nov. 2. Dorney Park does not recommend children under 13 attend Halloween Haunt nights.
Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood, in West Mifflin, Allegheny County, has family-friendly days with festive food and unique autumn atmosphere and the park’s more than 30 rides and attractions and some scary changes after the sun goes down.
After 6 p.m. from now until Nov. 1, the park opens six haunted houses and four scare zones themed after nightmarish hospitals, a zombie apocalypse and other classic horror settings.
Here’s the full list of top theme park Halloween events rated by USA TODAY readers
- Hallo-Fun at Knoebels (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
- Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana)
- Castle Dark at Castle Park (Riverside, California)
- Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, Florida)
- Harvest Festival at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
- Hersheypark Halloween (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
- Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, Florida)
- Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania)
- HalloWeekends at Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
Other spooky stops in Pennsylvania
Several other Halloween hotspots in Pennsylvania were also ranked highest by readers for other categories, including the best haunted destinations and best haunted hotels in America.
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, a national Historic Landmark, in Philadelphia was ranked the sixth best haunted destination.
The site of a major Revolutionary War, some believe those spirits never left the battlefield and continue to haunt the grounds to this day. Visitors can see for themselves by joining a candlelight ghost tour, paranormal investigation or overnight stay.
Book a stay at the Farnsworth Inn in Gettysburg, the fourth best haunted hotel loaded with haunted history.
Known for being one of the most haunted places in the country, this Victorian inn in Adams County has housed everyone from Confederate sharpshooters to curious travelers since the early 1800s. With 10 comfortable and highly adorned rooms to choose from, you’re welcome to book a stay and take part in one of their many tours, such as the Haunted Cellar Tour or Attic Whispers & Cellar Shadows.
The Reaper’s Revenge, in Scranton, Lackawanna County, earned the third spot in the best haunted houses. With a haunted hayride and multiple attractions across 60 acres,This incredible haunted experience is best suited for those over age 10 and be warned — these goblins and monsters are allowed to touch visitors.
