As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, Anna Maria Island comes alive with Halloween spirit! From family-friendly festivities to spine-tingling scares, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with these fantastic family-friendly Anna Maria Island activities during this spooktacular season.
Anna Maria Island offers a memorable and enchanting Halloween experience that blends coastal relaxation with spooky fun for a vacation you won’t soon forget!
Trail of Treats
When it comes to family-friendly Halloween events, the Trail of Treats on Anna Maria Island is an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. Located in the delightful city of Anna Maria, this annual event is one of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island and transforms Pine Avenue into a Halloween wonderland.
Local businesses along Pine Avenue enthusiastically participate by adorning their storefronts with captivating and spooky decorations, creating an atmosphere of festivity and fun. Children, dressed in their favorite costumes, can embark on a delightful trick-or-treating adventure as they visit these charming establishments, collecting an array of candies and treats along the way.
Selby Spooktacular
For those seeking a more botanical and enchanting Halloween celebration, Selby Gardens’ Spooktacular event in nearby Sarasota is a captivating choice. This family-friendly gathering combines the natural beauty of the gardens with the magic of Halloween, offering a unique experience for attendees.
Kids are encouraged to don their favorite costumes and embark on a whimsical botanical trick-or-treat journey through the lush gardens. Amidst the vibrant flora, they can discover hidden surprises, receive treats, and enjoy a magical adventure in a captivating setting.
Live music fills the air, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere, and interactive activities add to the festive spirit. Selby Spooktacular is a delightful way for families to celebrate Halloween with a touch of elegance and the splendor of nature.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
A short drive from Anna Maria Island, Hunsader Farms hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival that has become a beloved fall tradition for both locals and visitors. This festival is one of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island and offers a celebration of all things autumn, featuring an array of activities and attractions for the entire family.
If you visit on select weekends in October, you’ll be treated to live music performances, a diverse array of craft vendors, and an abundance of delicious food options. The festival’s pumpkin-themed activities are a highlight, allowing children to select their own pumpkins and even try their hand at scarecrow-making!
With scarecrow displays, arts and crafts, and so much more, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is a quintessential autumn experience that captures the essence of the season.
Howl-O-Scream
For those in search of spine-tingling thrills and heart-pounding excitement, Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream in nearby Tampa is an attraction that promises an unforgettable Halloween adventure.
While not located on Anna Maria Island itself, this chilling event is a short drive away and offers one of the most intense and exhilarating Halloween experiences in the state of Florida. Howl-O-Scream transforms the beloved amusement park into a realm of nightmares, where haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows await those daring enough to enter.
Guests can explore elaborately themed haunted houses, each with its own unique brand of terror, or venture into scare zones where unsettling surprises lurk around every corner.
Live entertainment, including captivating shows and performances, adds to the immersive experience. While Howl-O-Scream is not recommended for the faint of heart, it guarantees an adrenaline-pumping night filled with frightful fun and spine-chilling scares!
Where to Stay
After a day filled with Halloween adventures, finding comfortable and inviting hotels on Anna Maria Island and a place to relax and recharge is essential, and there’s no better place than with Anna Maria Island Inn!
Located on the picturesque shores of Anna Maria Island, our charming Inn boasts a variety of accommodations. Tropical Isle is a true oasis; with a heated resort-style pool, lounge chairs, and swaying palm trees, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your AMI escape. Haley’s at Anna Maria Island Inn has been an icon since the 50s, offering a taste of the old Florida style with tons of amenities and everything you need for the perfect stay!
No matter which of our Anna Maria Island accommodations you choose, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the convenience of being close to all of the island’s attractions. Anna Maria Island Inn provides a serene and idyllic retreat, ensuring that your stay on the island is as delightful as your Halloween adventures. So what are you waiting for? Book your stay and make your vacation dreams a reality today!
