Baton Rouge Halloween and New Orleans Halloween Fun

Start weaving your ghost tales now so you’re all set for a spooky Baton Rouge Halloween weekend break. Baton Rouge is the perfect budget getaway with your family, when compared to New Orleans. Kids and teens who want a scary haunted house, a real haunted house, a haunted house tour and some gret Cajun’ cooking will find it in Baton Rouge.

A spooky surgeon operates on a fat man on a table at the 13th Gate haunted house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Photo c. Haunted America.
A Baton Rouge Halloween nightmare comes true at 13th Gate, one of Louisiana’s top haunted houses. Photo c. Haunted America.

Located less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans, it offers more than just haunted house stories. (New Orleans has its fair share of scares, too.) Baton Rouge Halloween season means hayrides and pumpkin picking for little ones, plus museums, leaf peeking, corn mazes and more.

For more haunted house options across the country, visit our Haunted House and Halloween Weekend Breaks Directory Page.

Whoever heard of the 13th Gate in Baton Rouge?

Scary creature is looking at a green crystal ball at 13th Gate, a haunted house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We can tell your future is a scary one at 13th Gate, a top Baton Rouge Halloween attraction. Photo c. Haunted America

Go for the big Baton Rouge Halloween attraction — the famously scary, haunted The 13th Gate. This 40,000-square-foot scream-arena is highly rated by Hauntworld.com. What makes it special is Louisiana’s active movie industry, which brings 100 actors, many skilled crew people, and a dozen trained special effects makeup artists to work on each year’s production.

Expect detailed and realistic frights at more than a dozen — you guessed it! — 13 different themed areas. Another thing that makes the 13th Gate so much fun is its swamp-like setting. Savor the feeling that hungry alligators are following you around the house’s darkened corridors. The house decor, horror film worthy, is lots of fun, too. Look for a mix of animatronic creatures and live animals. Think about Jack the Ripper prowling fog-filled streets, grave robbers, creepy clowns, zombie crypts and more.

It’s recommended for teens and older; open most Thursday to Sunday nights from late September to early November.

No alligators, right? Right? Did anyone hear an answer?? Don’t forget midway tickets for the Carnevil and the Haunted Selfie Museum. If you dare, pause to listen to live music or let yourself into one of five escape rooms. You’ll never experience a Baton Rouge Halloween the same way again.

Baton Rouge Animal Attractions for Little Ones

Brightly lit house decorated with lights and hundreds of pumpkins for Halloween.
Louisiana families take Halloween seriously!

A Baton Rouge Halloween also offers less creepy animal experiences that are easy on the pocketbook. They will also save the sanity of your little ones.

The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom is worthwhile day of Halloween fun. Observe the zoo’s reticulated giraffes, zebras, camels, bison and other exotic animals on a Safari Wagon Tour. The tours allow every member of the family, no matter how big or small, to enjoy the beauty of animals on a special 75-minute adventure across 900 acres of wildlife preserve.

Can you really pack anything else into that weekend of Halloween in Louisiana fun? The Baton Rouge Boo at the Zoo highlights more than 1,800 animals. Wear your best costumes, come ready for face painting, animal encounters, and treat stations. Check out the mini pumpkin patch in a not scary “haunted habitat”. Boo at the Zoo runs for the last two weekends each October.

More to be Less Afraid of in Baton Rouge

Spooky looking bridge at sunset leads to Baton Rouge.
While blood red sunsets take over Louisiana during autumn, you still have to cross this bridge to celebrate a Baton Rouge Halloween!

Baton Rouge is a cultural Southern city with style and a vibe like no other, not to mention boasting a rich historical background.

Explore that history aboard the USS Kidd, a World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer known as the “Pirate of the Pacific.” The restored ship serves as a memorial to those who fought in the war. The nominal admission fee is worthwhile. The ship also hosts overnight group tour visits for anyone interested in sleeping in a sailor’s bunk, with a ghost sailor that is.

Looking for Baton Rouge Louisiana hotels?

A New Orleans Detour for a Haunted Halloween

Any family who has dodged the party crowds on Bourbon Street knows New Orleans — fondly known as “The Most Haunted City in America” — is terrifying year round. Locals accept that their above-ground cemeteries, eerie voodoo shrines and Spanish moss-covered homes are full of previous occupants. Costumes in storage since Mardi Gras come out again for Halloween. There’s a big, fund-raising LGBTQ+ Costume Parade on Bourbon Street. The city boasts dozens of big and small events to mark the Halloween holiday.

With so many spooky things to see, we’ve picked out the New Orleans Ghosts, Vampires, Witches and Voodoo Walking Tour” to keep everyone on their toes during this fall season. In two hours, a living guide will expose tour-goers to the French Quarter’s most haunted houses and sites of depravity. There’s only a quick refresh break so bring snacks, especially if the kids in your group tend to get fidgety.

It’s football season, so of course, your crowd might want to watch a game at LSU where the living Bengal tiger mascot, Mike the Tiger, paces the grounds year round. Louisiana folks take their tailgating seriously. When you have a stadium seating more than 100,000 fans — plus thousands cooking jambalaya in the lot — you can believe that this crowd’s enthusiasm has registered on the Richter Scale!

And if that sounds too frightening, head to the Lousiana Children’s Museum. Their autumn and Halloween week events will thrill your toddlers.

Make a weekend getaway of it, go for an adult Oktoberfest, and find a great deal on a Baton Rouge Louisiana hotels. Ready to get spooked? Scare us with your favorite Baton Rouge Halloween activity.

For more haunted house thrills around the country, visit our Haunted House and Halloween Weekend Breaks Directory.

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3 Replies to “Baton Rouge Halloween, Haunted Houses, and Halloween Fun”

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  • todobigo

    Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!

  • Clary

    Hello

    I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.

  • Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
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    Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php

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  • kuyamo2004

    My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift.  We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea.  We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip.  Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa?  A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.

    • todobigo

      What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.

      Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.

      Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of  help.

  • anjalik097

    I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance. 

  • Lauriewilliams

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  • ggomez2224

    This is such a piece of paradise.  

  • Sarah Marri

    Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!

  • ggomez2224

    Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels. 

  • shubh199308

    A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.

  • MarthaC

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  • Lauriewilliams

    Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
    There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but  I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.

    • travelboots-pat

      Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful. 

  • hankoutb

    Great article with good information 

     

    thanks for it

  • HaydenBeck

    If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy. 

    https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/

  • Luther

    Great products!

  • ToddHogan

    Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.

  • Dealsdunia

    Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day. 

  • shubhamsahu001

    Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.

  • Ron

    How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.

  • moderator

    A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.

    The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs.  By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. 

    In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October.  In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.

    The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely.  Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
    Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage

     

  • What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.

  • alli65

    I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about. 

  • admin

    We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo,  and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.

    During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.

  • FTFstaff

    we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!

  • admin

    My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old.  What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?

    Submitted by D.A. to moderator

  • admin

    My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.  

    Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.

    One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns.  The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center.  I believe its set to reopen soon.  This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback. 

     

    Fairway Mfg. Company

    Mark Sobelman, President

    2424 Schuetz Rd.

    Maryland Heights, MO 63043

  • todobigo

    Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.

  • DomHawkinsLAX


    Congratulations!

  • admin

    Traveler Carla K asks:

    My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well). 

    This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?

    Our answer:

    We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.

    We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.

     
  • admin

    The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY

  • admin

    Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day.  The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week  wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide.  Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182  http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com  

     
  • FTFstaff

    I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc   are there  accommodation for children that are autistic  _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland  annual  pass holders

     

    By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator

    • todobigo

      Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming.  (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.) 

      DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.

      You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount.  One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.

      Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!

  • admin

    From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

    You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.

    Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.

  • admin

    Hello, my name is Joshua.  You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I am  in the navy and live in Jacksonville.  I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it).   I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1.   It seems as if you took both on your road trip.  Maybe you can suggest which I take.  If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on.  I would like easier access to motels and food.  I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels?  Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed.  The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet.  Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now.  The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker.  I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information.  Thanks so much.

  • admin

    ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo  below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!

    Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one.  Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?

    Ubud Bali Guesthouse

    < The patio of my guesthouse.

     

    Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine,  beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
     

    Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)… 

    Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.

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