Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>
Who else loves Halloween out there? It is nearly tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday, and my community knows I’m a self-proclaimed mother of Halloween in Portugal. I think I love it so much because it’s the start of the best time of the year; it’s free from the responsibilities and stress of Christmas (as much as I love Christmas), and I love the fantasy of the costumes.
Fall brings that time of year again when the air gets crisp, leaves start to crunch under our feet, and kiddos are not burnt out on school yet. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably on the hunt for some frighteningly fun activities to do with your little monsters.
Utah is my favorite Halloween spot with kids! My husband is from Utah, and we still have a home there. Utah is a kid’s dream come true, as many kids run around to play with. Utah also caters to families with family pricing and plentiful kids’ menus. Having five kids, I love that I’m not being judged as harshly in Utah when my kids run around like banshees.
After many visits to Utah for Halloween, I’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly Halloween activities across the state. So grab your pumpkin spice drink of choice, and let’s dive in!
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products or activities I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*
Table of Contents
Corn Mazes And Corn Pits In Utah
Utah transforms into a Halloween dreamland in the fall. Corn fields transform into mazes, and corn pits (think of a ball pit with corn kernels instead) are irresistible, even for the adults. Watch your phone so you don’t lose it in the depths!
Cornbelly’s: Where Mazes And Memories Collide
First up on our list is the fan-favorite – Cornbelly’s. Trust me, this isn’t your average corn maze – it’s a full-blown fall extravaganza! Cornbelly’s tops most lists for Halloween fun, and the main location is favorably located in Lehi between Salt Lake City and Provo, two of the hubs in the state.
Cornbelly’s offers tons to do and is worth several hours for your visit. They do have food options, but they are crowded and more like carnival food, so I’d recommend not planning your dinner there.
Lehi Location
- When: September 20 – November 2 (Closed Sundays)
- Where: Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi UT, 84043
- What’s Cool: 60+ attractions and events. You’ll be lost, laughin’, and lovin’ it!
Spanish Fork Location
- When: August 30 – November 2
- Where: 3687 W 5600 S, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
- What’s Cool: 30+ attractions including a sunflower festival and u-pick pumpkin patch
Pro Tip: The Spanish Fork location tends to be less crowded and more budget-friendly – perfect for families with younger kids who might get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the Lehi location.
Our Favorite Things Here
- The corn pit is filled with hundreds of gallons of corn kernels. It is incredibly fun, even for adults!
- Many shows are offered along with carnival rides. The rides can get spendy, but picking one or two is fun for the kids.
- The giant pillow/trampoline is always a win. Think of a trampoline merged with a giant pillow in the ground. They have two in Lehi, separated by age, which protects the littles from rambunctious tweens and teens.
Our Tips For Visiting
- Try to get there before sunset. Seeing it in both the daylight and at night is a fun experience.
- It can be VERY busy. If your kiddos don’t love crowds (or you don’t!), this might not be the best one for you. Try another one like this one and go earlier in the day.
- Be prepared to spend some extra money on treats (think candy apples!) and rides.
Bonus: Insanity Point + Cornbelly’s
For the brave souls out there (I’m looking at you, tweens and teens), don’t miss Insanity Point. It’s 23 terrifying scenes packed into a 30-minute trail through the corn, like a haunted house in a corn maze. Plus, you get all the Cornbelly’s Lehi attractions included!
We did part of Insanity Point with those kiddos that were feeling brave, and it wasn’t too bad… but we all have a high tolerance for terror! My kids have a mom who loves this stuff and will take them to it all.
Family-Friendly Tip: If you’ve got little ones who aren’t quite ready for the scare factor, stick to the non-haunted 10-acre corn maze and enjoy some wholesome hayrides and campfires instead.
More Mazes And Pumpkin Patches In Utah
Can’t get enough of those corny adventures? Check out these other fantastic options:
- Glen Ray’s Corn Maze (Spanish Fork, Utah) September 20 – October 30, 2024
- Crazy Corn Maze (West Jordan, Utah) September 13 – November 2, 2024
- Cache Valley Straw Maze (Richmond, Utah) September 20 – November 2, 2024
- Gordon Family (Spanish Fork, Utah) September 15 – October 31, 2024
- Staheli Family Farm (Washington, Utah) Opening day – September 20, 2024
Bonus Tip: Most of these places offer group discounts, so gather your fellow parent friends and make it a playdate!
Haunted Experiences In Utah
Utah takes its haunted houses and other haunted places seriously! With hundreds of thousands of college students among the several universities in a two hour radius there are plenty of thrillseekers.
Some haunted experiences are NOT family-friendly (or even a sane decision?). For example, Asylum 49 is a hands-on experience in an old hospital where staff can grab you, stuff you in a coffin, and try to pour fake blood in your mouth. NO THANK YOU. This is beyond my comfort level, but if it’s for you, I’d love to hear about it afterward!
Most haunted houses are going to be for the teens and adults, but the corn mazes at night are plenty scary for little kids.
Family-friendly Haunted Houses In Utah
Now, if your kiddos are begging for some spooky thrills, here are some options:
- When: October – November
- Where: Salt Lake City
- Cool Factor: They’re also known for having the #1 Escape Room!
Pro Tip: Castle of Chaos offers different scare levels, so you can choose what’s best for your family. Start with the lowest level and work your way up if you’re feeling brave!
We visited this as a family, and we had very mixed reviews. It’s quite gory (more than I wanted), but I did love the scare levels. They accomplished this through different color glow sticks, and the staff were really good at being gentle with the kids. However, the setting and costumes are very gory and probably too much for most kids! Some of my kids loved it, and others were scarred for life.
They offer very high levels of scare where the staff can touch you, so you might also hear others being VERY scared, which can amp up the kids in a bad way. Go early if you want to try it!
- When: September 13 – November , 2024
- Where: West Jordan, Utah
- Cool Factor: Utah’s #1 haunted attraction 7 years running.
Pro Tip: This haunt goes beyond just jump scares—it features interactive moments that turn the experience into an adventure rather than a full-on fright fest. Plus, with its outdoor setting, it feels less claustrophobic, making it a bit more approachable for kids (and some adults!). It is still scary!
- When: September 13 – November 2, 2024
- Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Cool Factor: They have a specific attraction “Day Haunt” without being too scared! Experience Nightmare on 13th Main Attraction in full show lighting without getting scared. No Scares, All Atmosphere!
Pro Tip: Start with their least scary attraction, and gauge your kids’ reactions. You can always level up if they’re hungry for more frights!
Family-Friendly Tip: Always check age recommendations before visiting haunted houses. Some offer “lights on” tours during the day for a less scary experience.
Scary Haunted Experiences In Utah
In case you have adventurous teens or adult friends, here are some scary options I love:
- When: September 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 , October 1 – 31 , November 1, 2024 (Closed Sundays)
- Where: American Fork, UT
- Cool Factor: This is an outdoor haunted house, basically. You’ll walk about a mile through various scary scenes and some trees. Men with chainsaws are the worst part, but just remember no one can touch you! I think it’s a bit less scary to be out in the open air.
- When: September 6 – November 2, 2024
- Where: Salt Lake City, UT
- Cool Factor: This place has been around forever and is iconic in Salt Lake City. You can see the building year-round. It’s legitimately scary, with several floors and experiences that are unlike anywhere else!
Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus
- When: September 13-28 (Fridays and Saturdays) – October 1-31, 2024 (Closed Sundays)
- Where: Draper, UT
- Cool Factor: This is one of the creepiest circuses you’ve ever seen! This haunt takes the inherent creepiness of clowns and cranks it up to 11. With professional-grade makeup and costumes, the actors here will have you questioning whether they’re really just pretending. (Horror level: HIGH)
Pumpkin Patches Galore In Utah
Nothing says fall like picking out the perfect pumpkin! Here are some top-notch patches:
- Cross E Ranch Fall Festival (North Salt Lake) September 20 – October 30, 2024
- Jaker’s Jack O Lanterns (Springville) September 28 – October 30, 2024
- Hee Haw Farms (Pleasant Grove) September 27 – November 2, 2024
- Petersen Family Farm Pumpkin Patch (Riverton) September 22 – October 31, 2024
- Rowley’s Red Barn (Santaquin) Opening September 20, 2024
- Wilkerson Farm Fall Fair (Orem) September 13 – November 2, 2024
Pro Tip: Go early in the season for the best selection, and bring a wagon if you have one – those pumpkins can get heavy! Decide before you go in if everyone will get their own pumpkin (they can get a bit spendy).
What We Like About Pumpkin Patches:
- There are almost always more activities on-site besides just picking pumpkins. You can usually find a corn maze, tractor rides, hot chocolate, and more.
- It’s much more festive than getting them from the grocery store (although we’ve done that lots, too).
- It’s a great photo op! You’ll see plenty of people doing just that (influencers!), but you can capture some adorable pics of the kids. Coordinating colors can help.
What To Pack For Your Halloween Adventures
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- A warm base layer for kids
- A cozy sweater or fleece
- A waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Gloves and a beanie (for those chilly night activities)
- Halloween outfits for the kids
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Portable charger
- Cash
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Snacks and water
- First-aid kit
- Camera
- Costume accessories – to make it more fun! (like witch hats, cat ears, or face paint)
- Wagon for kids – it can help keep your pumpkin, and it’s great if one of your kids gets tired!
For The Parents:
- Patience (and maybe some earplugs for when the kids get too excited!)
- A sense of adventure (you’re never too old for a good scare or a hayride)
- Extra tissues (for scared kids or moved parents – those “my baby is growing up” moments can sneak up on you!)
Bonus Tip: Pack a change of clothes and leave it in the car. You never know when you might need it after a muddy pumpkin patch adventure or a particularly “interactive” haunted house experience!
Bonus Fall Activities In Utah At Halloween Time
- Gardner Village Witches (West Jordan): Spot whimsically dressed witches around the village! September 20 – October 31, 2024
- While popular for women (not many men or boys want to be dressed up as witches), this is open to all and houses many fun shops and food options. I participated a couple of times for a “girl’s night out” and loved it.
- Lehi Halloween Lights: Take your car and drive down to a light show that’s perfect for all ages. You can cruise through the neighborhood in Lehi and enjoy the festive displays!
- Provo River Halloween Cruise: A unique way to enjoy Halloween decorations from the water! September 27 – October 31, 2024
Family-Friendly Tip: For light displays, bring hot chocolate in a thermos in the car and make it a cozy family night out.
Phew! That’s a lot of Halloween fun packed into one state. From corn mazes to haunted houses, pumpkin patches to movie nights, Utah’s got it all for families looking to make some spooktacular memories this season.
And if you want to make this autumn EXTRA special, I’ve put together a fall bucket list that’s sure to create lasting memories.
Utah Fall Bucket List For Families
Let’s dive into some fantastic activities that’ll have you falling in love with Utah all over again!
⬜Corn Maze on the Farm at American West Heritage Center
- Where: Wellsville
- When: September 23 – October 30, 2024
- What’s Cool: This isn’t just any corn maze – it’s a journey through history! The American West Heritage Center offers a unique blend of fall fun and educational experiences.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their Fall Harvest Festival on October 18-19, 2024. It’s like stepping back in time with an autumn twist!
- Where: North Logan
- When: October 10-12, 14-15, 2024
- What’s Cool: Imagine hundreds of carved pumpkins creating magical scenes – that’s the Pumpkin Walk! It’s a feast for the eyes and a photographer’s dream.
Family-Friendly Tip: Bring a camera, and challenge your kids to find their favorite pumpkin display. It’s a great way to keep them engaged and create a fun family competition!
⬜Scarecrow Walk at USU Botanical Gardens
- Where: Kaysville
- When: September 28 – October 6, 2024
- What’s Cool: Take a stroll through gardens filled with creative scarecrows. It’s a perfect blend of autumn beauty and whimsical fun.
Pro Tip: This is a great opportunity for some fall family photos. The scarecrows make for unique and fun backdrops!
⬜Fall Festival at Benson Grist Mill
- Where: Tooele County
- When: October 18 & 19, 2024
- What’s Cool: Step back in time at this historic mill while enjoying fall festivities. And the best part? It’s FREE!
Family-Friendly Tip: Bring some spending money for local crafts and treats. It’s a great way to support the community and get some unique fall decor.
- Where: Spanish Fork
- When: October 1-31, 2024 (Every night of the month of October)
- What’s Cool: This FREE attraction offers a walk-through experience from 7:30-10:00 PM. But wait, there’s more! They’ve added a light projection show that runs all month long.
Family-Friendly Tip: If you have younger kids, consider visiting earlier in the evening when it’s less crowded and not as dark.
- Where: West Haven
- When: September 20 – October 30, 2024
- What’s Cool: This place has it all – a giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, and more fall fun than you can shake a stick at!
Pro Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight if you’re planning to tackle the maze in the evening. It adds an extra element of excitement!
⬜ Bonus: Fall Hike in Park City
While not a specific event, a fall hike in Park City is a must-do for any autumn bucket list. The changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for family photos and outdoor adventures.
Family-Friendly Tip: Choose an easy trail for younger kids, and pack some hot chocolate and snacks for a mid-hike picnic. It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp fall air and stunning views! No hikers in the family? Driving up the Provo Canyon or any of the Salt Lake Canyons (like Cottonwood) is also enjoyable. You can find several picnic tables off the road and make a dinner of it.
There you have it, fellow fall enthusiasts! This bucket list is packed with activities that’ll keep your family entertained all season long. From spooky trains to pumpkin-filled walks, historical harvests to modern light shows, Utah’s got something for every family and every fall mood.
Remember, half the fun is in the planning and anticipation. Get your kids involved in choosing which activities to do – it’ll make them even more excited for the adventures ahead. And don’t forget to capture those precious moments. The look of wonder on your little one’s face as they find their way through a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin – those are the memories that’ll warm your heart long after the leaves have fallen.
So grab your cozy sweaters, lace up those boots, and get ready for some fantastic fall fun. Utah’s autumn scene is calling, and trust me, you don’t want to miss a single colorful moment!
Happy fall adventures, everyone! 🍂🎃🌽
Printable Bucket List – Fall In Utah 2024
Utah-Fall-Bucket-List
Travel Tip: This Charles Schwab Debit Card refunds ALL ATM fees globally! You can save a fortune on foreign fees! How cool is that? Perfect for your next family trip.
Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia
Find a nice hotel when traveling from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of the world while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com / Europcar
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing / TraveleEx
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best travel memories as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
