As the United States’ oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida (founded in 1565) should rightfully have its share of spooks with plenty of things to do on a family vacation.
The city is packed with historic sites with some of them supposedly being haunted, making it one of the most exciting and attraction filled areas to visit during Halloween.
Here’s a horrific guide on Halloween St. Augustine events for kids and the kids-at-heart.
For the Kiddies:
St. Augustine’s Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins, and of course, the pumpkin patches from where they came, are timeless symbols of Halloween. St. Augustine has many to choose from all October-long, but the best patches (usually farms) also have other activities for the kids (and grownups) to get in the spooky spirit like hayrides, mazes, live music, and great food. Locations vary in the St. Augustine area. Admission prices vary as well according to the different venues hosting them.
Candlelight Trail Walk at Bulow Ruins
Could Bulow Plantation, the ruins of one of East Florida’s iconic sugar plantations now run by the National Park service, get even spookier?
Yes, it can, and the 3rd Annual Candlelight Trail Walk at Bulow Ruins promises an eerie experience where the spectral soldiers, settlers, Indians, and other historic characters might just pop up and scream, BOO!
The Bulow Plantation Ruins are at Country Road 2001 in Flagler Beach. There’s a $5.00 (for ages 13 and older) and $3.00 (for ages 12 and under) suggested tax deductible donation for the event.
HOLLER-Ween Fest
Unless you consider the large number of pumpkins present during October, the Florida Agricultural Museum plays unlikely host to this Halloween festival that has everything from wagon rides, magic shows, carnival rides, live music, story time, traditional games, and haunted houses like The Slaughterhouse and The Forbidden Forest.
The Florida Agricultural Museum is at 7900 N. King Road in Palm Coast. Admission is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids 12 and under, and free for kids 3 and under. It will be held October 20, 21, 27 and 28th this year from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Ripley’s Trick or Treat Train
Now “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” museum makes a fitting ghost host with the most for Halloween night, and this event only happens on October 31, starting at 5:30 pm when the Trick or Treat train departs to four locations where kids can load up on candy.
Your train awaits at 19 San Marco Ave. This sweet ride costs $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 3-11, and free for toddlers 2 and under.
Creatures of the Night
Even if you’re afraid of no ghosts, you might still be deathly frightened of the creepy crawlies and creatures at St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Take your pick, there’s crocs, insects, and other reptiles to encounter. Kids can even feed the alligators.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children 2-11. Annual passholders will get special rates.
Creepy Crawly Haunted Pub Tour
This event happens year-round hosted by St. Augustine City Walks in case you celebrate All Hallow’s Eve in December.
The 2.5-hour walking tour literally mixes its spirits as participants hunt for spirits of the paranormal variety and drink spirits of the alcoholic variety (first beer of the night included with admission) while visiting St. Augustine’s real most haunted taverns in historic downtown. The creepy pub crawl is at 4 Granada St. It’s $25.00 per person for adults of drinking age only.
Whatever your choice in Halloween tricks, St. Augustine delivers the best treats for this most fun of holidays for the young and old(er) on a family vacation.
