How scary do you want Halloween to be? Here are events in Miami for kids and horror fans

Ah, fall. That glorious time in Miami where it’s still 97 degrees and we’re all still keeping our eyes peeled for the Next Hurricane of Our Nightmares.

But this time of year, scary can be fun. Halloween is on its way, and with it comes events at which you can indulge in some autumn fun. Even if you are sweating a little.

Here are a few of the Halloween activities around town. Some are kid-friendly; others involve zombies. Choose your destination with care.

Haunted Circus

Meet ghost clowns, a mad ringmaster, and acrobats at this family-friendly circus at Tropical Park’s equestrian arena. You can also carve pumpkins, get a tarot card reading and find your way through a horror maze. For an extra cost, there’s a petting zoo for kids.

Through Oct. 31, Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St., Miami; tickets start at $29.40; hauntedcircusmiami.com

House of Horror Haunted Carnival

It has been three years since this terrifying attraction opened in Miami, and it’s making up for lost time with four extra-creepy haunted houses, rides, food and games. Kids under 6 not admitted into the haunted houses.

Through Oct. 31 at Miami International Mall, 1455 NW 107th Ave., Doral; $25 and up; www.houseofhorrorcarnival.com

No Way Out at Westland Mall

Forget shopping. At this Westland Mall horror show, created by the team that made haunted houses for the Miami Heat and at the Curtiss Mansion in Miami Springs, there are two truly scary haunted houses (“Insomnia” and “Sleep Paralysis”) as well as a zombie apocalypse and an interactive experience called “Infected.” There’s also a non-scary section for kids and families that includes a maze.

Through Oct. 31, Westland Mall, 1675 W 49th St, Hialeah; $25-$35; www.nowayoutmiami.com

The Horrorland

At this drive-thru experience at the Aventura Mall, visitors slowly guide their cars through a horror wonderland.

Through Oct. 31, Country Club Road and Abigail Road, across from the Aventura Mall at 19501 Biscayne Blvd; $58.99 per car; www.TheHorrorland.com

The Vampire Circus

This family-friendly circus from Live 305 Entertainment, a throwback to the tradition of traveling carnivals, features acrobatics and special effects — and vampires.

Through Oct. 31, Aventura Mall parking lot, corner of Biscayne Boulevard and Abigail Road; tickets start at $39.99; www.TheVampireCircus.com

Halloween Drive and Scream

Don’t let the name fool you — this drive thru experience is spooky but family-friendly (if your family enjoys roaming zombies, dancing skeletons and other creepy creatures). You follow six different routes, then park and get out at The Final Resting Place for games, DJs, food and beverage stands and photo opps with your favorite monsters. The tour takes about 45 minutes.

Through Nov. 1, Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy,; $60 per car; www.driveandscream.com

Cortez Manor

This walk-through experience involves a creepy hospital with the kind of doctor whose diagnoses are surely not covered by your health care provider. The experience involves tough terrain, sudden motion and noises, fog, strobe lights, and content that could be disturbing to some audiences. You can enjoy food, music and games before you walk through for an extra cost.

Through Oct. 31; Curtiss Mansion, 500 Deer Run, Miami Springs; tickets start at $29; curtissmansion.com/halloween (Miami Herald readers can enter code Herald30 for 30 percent off tickets).

Zoo Boo

Kids under 12 and their families can trick or treat at Zoo Boo, which features face painting, costume contests, crafts and character meet-and-greet. You can also watch some of Zoo Miami’s animals enjoy their own Halloween treats.

Oct. 30-31, Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami; free with zoo admission; www.zoomiami.org or 305-251-0400.

HalloWYN

Listen to live DJs and take photos at Instagrammable Halloween-themed booths at this all-ages block party. Also: drink and eat (but mostly drink).

Noon-3 a.m., Oct. 30-31, Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; free admission; RSVP for a free drink at www.hallowynblockparty.com.

Halloween on Lincoln Road

The annual celebration is back with guest DJs, special pop-up bars and — of course — extravagant Halloween costumes. Kid-friendly entertainment runs from 5-7 p.m. with some stores handing out candy. After 7, the adults can let their freak flags fly.

Oct. 31, between Washington Avenue and Alton Road; free.

Bootanicals at Fairchild

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts a Halloween bash for adults and kids, with costume contests, Jack-O-Lantern decorating, spooky stories and a haunted birdhouse hunt for kids and a zombie DJ and craft cocktails for grownups. Food trucks will provide dining options.

6-10 p.m. Oct. 31; 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables; members $19.95 adults; $12.95 seniors; $9.95 kids 3-10; general admission $25.96 for adults; $17.95 seniors; $14.95 kids 3-10. 2 and under free; tickets at fairchildgarden.org/eventon/a-bootanical-halloween/

Halloween Drive-Boo

This free, family-friendly drive-thru event by Homestead Hospital — part of Baptist Health — offers more than 30 treat stations, mystery zones, creepy characters and more, and you can experience them all from the safety of your car.

6-10 p.m., Oct. 30, Homestead-Miami Speedway, One Ralph Sanchez, Speedway Blvd, Homestead

This story was originally published September 24, 2021 at 6:00 AM with the headline "How scary do you want Halloween to be? Here are events in Miami for kids and horror fans."