SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is non-spooky family fun

Kids can pose with some interesting characters

This past weekend, my husband and I got some drinks and snacks ready for a road trip and told the boys we were going somewhere fun. Once on the road, I told our five-year-old we were going to a farm to pick wuzzle berries and listed all the things we could cook with them. He was upset, but eventually warmed up to the idea. When we pulled into the SeaWorld parking lot, though, the jig was up.

We went to SeaWorld to check out the Halloween Spooktacular, a free event during October weekends that’s perfect for families with kids. (We also wanted to see the Penguin Encounter before the penguins are moved to make way for a new ride/attraction.) The Spooktacular is great Halloween fun — and not spooky at all!

Kids can wear costumes to Halloween Spooktacular ... or not

All around SeaWorld’s lake is a walkway, and SeaWorld has turned about half of it into a sensory trick-or-treating and fun stroll. Pick up a free Halloween Spooktacular treat bag and collect candy and mini bananas. Listen to the fun music that reminds you of being underwater. Play in the bubbles that float from machines up and down the walk!

Bubbles are everywhere on the Spooktacular walk at SeaWorld

Kids meet fun Halloween characters, and also regular SeaWorld citizens that are dressed up for the occasion:

Penny and Pete Penguin wear costumes too!

(Shamu was dressed like a pirate!)

Enjoy a dance party with a DJ and fun games, as well as crafts. You can also buy special treats at some not-so-spooky “houses.”

This coming weekend (Friday-Sunday, Oct. 28-30) is the last chance to enjoy SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, which runs noon until 8 pm.

SeaWorld is beautiful at night too

We tried to see the special Sesame Street Countdown to Halloween Show that runs during the Spooktacular, but every time we were just too late to get in to the theater.

That’s OK, because there was plenty more to do. We always have to say hello to the penguins.

The penguins are a must-see at SeaWorld.

And play the penguin carnival-style game.

Everyone wins a penguin!

(I had heard rumors about SeaWorld’s plans to move the penguins for 18 months to build a new ride/attraction that will possibly be penguin- or Antarctica-themed. So we wanted to see the Penguin Encounter a last time before that happens.)

My preschooler also likes seeing “the whale show.”

Orcas wave goodbye with their tails

SeaWorld's inspiring and educational shows are part of the experience

If you go to SeaWorld, check out the ticket options before your trip. If you buy online, you can save money!

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld is a fun event for kids