Fall in Northeast Florida means two things: cooler weather (finally!) and a calendar packed with spooky, sweet, and family-friendly Halloween fun. From hair-raising haunted houses to church pumpkin patches and everything in between, we’ve rounded up the best spots to celebrate this October. Whether you’re chasing thrills or just trying to get that perfect pumpkin-patch picture, we’ve got you covered.
Spooktacular Nights at the Jacksonville Zoo
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens pulls out all the stops for its annual Spooktacular, running select nights October 4–31. This is hands-down the most kid-friendly Halloween bash in the area, with trick-or-treat stations, music, crafts, photo ops, and even a light haunted walk for the braver souls. Bonus: they host a sensory-friendly night on October 12, so everyone can enjoy the magic at their own pace.
📍Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
🎟️$25 (non-members), $20 (members) – kids under 2 free
📅Oct 4–31 (incl. Oct 12 sensory night)
Frights at the 13th Floor Haunted House
If “family fun” isn’t your vibe and you’d rather have your socks scared off, the 13th Floor Haunted House in Jacksonville is where you need to be. Opening September 13 and running through November 8, this nationally recognized haunted house is not for the faint of heart. Think nightmare-level sets, actors who live to make you scream, and bonus attractions like axe-throwing and zombie GellyBall. Parents, take note—this one’s way too intense for the little ones.
📍9230 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32225
🎟️Starting at $19.99 online (prices vary by night)
📅Sep 13–Nov 8 (select nights)
Pumpkin Patches With a Purpose
Sometimes the best traditions are the simplest ones. Local churches across Jacksonville and the surrounding towns run pumpkin patches all October long. They’re not just for photos (though, yes, you’ll get plenty of those)—the proceeds usually support youth and community programs. Mandarin United Methodist, Ortega UMC, and Isle of Faith UMC all host beloved patches that have become neighborhood staples.
📍Multiple: Mandarin UMC (11270 San Jose Blvd), Ortega UMC (4807 Roosevelt Blvd), Isle of Faith UMC (1821 San Pablo Rd S)
🎟️Free entry, pumpkins priced by size
📅All October
Murray Hill-O-Ween Block Party
Looking for a true community vibe? Head to Murray Hill on October 25 for their annual block party and parade. Expect food trucks, live music, bounce houses, and a pumpkin patch right in the middle of the fun. It’s less “boo” and more “block party magic,” perfect for families and anyone who loves that small-town feel in the middle of the city.
📍Edgewood Ave S, Murray Hill, Jacksonville, FL 32205
🎟️Free
📅Oct 25
Conner’s Field of Screams
Over in Hilliard, Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres serves up family-friendly fall fun during the day, but on October 24 & 25, the corn maze transforms into the Field of Screams. Bring your teenagers or your bravest friends and prepare to get lost among the stalks—with a few frights along the way.
📍Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres, 19856 County Rd 121, Hilliard, FL 32046
🎟️$25 Field of Screams, $18 daytime maze
📅Oct 24–25
Inclusive Celebrations at Mainspring Academy
Not every child can handle flashing lights, loud noises, and big crowds—and that’s okay. Mainspring Academy’s Sensory-Friendly Fall Festival on October 31 is designed to be inclusive for all kids. Expect games, Trunk-or-Treat, bounce houses, and allergen-free candy in a calm and welcoming environment.
📍Mainspring Academy, 6700 Southpoint Pkwy #400, Jacksonville, FL 32216
🎟️Free (donations welcome)
📅Oct 31