Prepare To Be Scared: Celebrate Halloween In Hillsborough

TAMPA, FL – Get a jump on Halloween with some spooky events taking place throughout Tampa.

Creatures of the Night

ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., in Seminole Heights, is hosting its annual, family-friendly Halloween-themed “Creatures of the Night”event each Friday and Saturday through Oct. 27.

ZooTampa will stay open late so visitors can get a glimpse of some eerie nighttime creatures.

There are three new attractions this year: Medusa’s Stone Cold Cave, Fairy Frightful Forest and Pigpimples School of Mystery and Mayhem.

Haunted River Tours

Take a Haunted River Tour along the Hillsborough River aboard the Pirate Water Taxi and see a side of Tampa that's hidden from all but the most intrepid.

Each 45-minute tour is led by a guide who will share spooky stories of Tampa’s past.

Tours will take place Oct. 26, 27 and 28, departing at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. from the Tampa Convention Center’s Pirate Water Taxi Home Dock.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. A boarding photo and beer, wine or water will be available at an additional cost.

Howl-O-Scream

For some truly terrifying thrills, Howl-O-Scream continues each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 28 at Busch Gardens Tampa.

This haunted house experience is so scary, it is recommended for only those over age 17.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.

Undead in the Water

Zombie hordes await visitors to the American Victory Ship for “Undead in the Water” Oct. 28, 27 and 31 from 8 to 11 p.m.

“Undead in the Water” is an interactive attraction featuring brain- and heart-eating zombies who have taken over Tampa Bay. By coming aboard the dark and eerie WWII 1945 American Victory Ship to escape infestation, you'll make your way to safety by walking cavernous decks, multi-level ladders, chilling hallways, ghastly Captain's Quarters, the ominous engine room and more terrifying spaces throughout your route, while searching for hungry zombies with a special UV flashlight.

The American Victory Ship is docked at 705 Channelside Drive. Tickets are $13 general admission or $10 for active-duty military, veterans and first-responders.

Images via Busch Gardens, American Victory Ship, Pirate Water Taxi

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