Best Family Vacations in October

For families looking to get away in October, there are many choices out there. October is a month to celebrate autumn, have fun dressing up in costumes, and enjoying events that thrill us with scares. Here are some of the best family vacations in October.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Take advantage of Frankenmuth's Big Country Fest at the beginning of October, and the Crabby Clam and Lobster Fest shortly after. Of course, you absolutely must eat the famous chicken dinner, but allow yourself to digest before you get scared out of your wits from all the trick-or-treaters.

Los Angeles, California

October is a great time to head over to Los Angeles for Halloween celebrations in the area's theme parks. Magic Mountain hosts a Fright Fest while Knotts Berry Farm turns into Knotts Scary Farm, which caters to tweens and teens.

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

You know those Aussies and aborigines love the party style! Even though Halloween's typically a U.S. holiday, Australia knows how to party at Gilligan's massive Zombie Nation Halloween Party . You can also try the Blue Sky Brewery , Vertigo , or the Black Voodoo Party . Have a frightful time and definitely one of the best family vacations in October!

Grand Rapids, Michigan

And speaking of zombies, one of the most remarkable sights is the tremendous zombie walk that goes on for Halloween in this beautiful midwestern city. Imagine residents walking all over downtown like zombies.

New York, New York

The Big Apple takes the taco for most original haunted house, though. It's called "Nightmare New York," located at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Education Center . It features the twisted imagination darkened for your demonic desires by presenting to you some of your favorite fairy tales and fables from the Brothers Grimm, Aesop, and Hans Christian Anderson.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

While New York's got the most unique, but quite possibly this location has the most original out there! You'll be blown away by family activities like the Ghost Out-Post Haunted House , the Haunted Mansion , and the Wizard Quest , and many, many more.

Orlando, Florida

Aside from Disney's Haunted Mansion , Orlando's home to something called "Halloween Horror Nights" right in Universal Studios , providing one of the best family vacations in October. This event has been named the "Best Halloween Event" in America for three straight years.

Oahu, Hawaii

Didn't think a paradise like Hawaii could cater to the forces of darkness? Think again. During that month of October, you can experience right in the Polynesian Culture Center the terror that is the "Haunted Lagoon," a canoe ride that will scare the leis off of you.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Everyone knows that Rio is the party town of the world. You'll find trick and treats galore for the kiddies and more adult costume parties than you can count on your fingers. The possibilities are endless.

Phoenix, Arizona

While all this talk about haunted houses is great, let's get real here: what about real haunted houses? Now that's scary. Try the town of Phoenix for some of the scariest places to learn about - like the Williams Air Force Base , Chandler High School , Hotel San Carlos , and the Phoenix Theatre .