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!
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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!
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
Spanish Fork Location
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
Our Tips For Visiting
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.
Can’t get enough of those corny adventures? Check out these other fantastic options:
Bonus Tip: Most of these places offer group discounts, so gather your fellow parent friends and make it a playdate!
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.
Now, if your kiddos are begging for some spooky thrills, here are some options:
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!
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!
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.
In case you have adventurous teens or adult friends, here are some scary options I love:
Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus
Nothing says fall like picking out the perfect pumpkin! Here are some top-notch patches:
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:
For The Parents:
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!
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
Family-Friendly Tip: If you have younger kids, consider visiting earlier in the evening when it’s less crowded and not as dark.
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! 🍂🎃🌽
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