A Petrified Forest Scream Park Make A Wish Kids Day 2026 | Central Florida’s Best Haunted Trails Near Orlando

A Petrified Forest: Central Florida’s Premiere Scream Park Returns for Another Unforgettable Halloween Season

Experience spine-chilling outdoor haunted trails, immersive horror, and nonstop scares at A Petrified Forest, the must-visit scream park in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Just north of Orlando, this long-running local haunt has evolved from a home-based attraction into Central Florida’s premiere scream park, delivering intricate, handmade horror that fans return to year after year.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker hunting the best haunted attractions near Orlando or looking for a full night of Halloween entertainment with food trucks, live DJs, laser tag, and local vendors, A Petrified Forest delivers an immersive outdoor experience unlike the big theme-park haunts.

Why A Petrified Forest Stands Out Among Florida Haunted Attractions

One of the most unique aspects of this Central Florida scream park is that the entire haunt is torn down and completely rebuilt every single year. Miss a season and you’ve truly missed it—new sets, fresh themes, original props, costumes, and makeup created by a dedicated local crew.

Scare actors (many returning year after year) interact closely with small groups on winding outdoor trails through wooded property, creating intimate, atmospheric scares that feel far more personal than larger productions. Guests consistently praise the creativity, detail, length of the trails, affordable pricing, and the smart Color Wheel queue system that functions as a built-in fast pass.

Past seasons have featured elaborate themes and three all-new scare trails each October, plus add-on experiences. Recent years have included creative storylines with outdoor trails, an escape ride deeper into the forest, and an immersive theater experience. For the upcoming season, the official site teases that visitors will “be one of the first to witness the forest like you’ve never seen before,” with limited tickets for special add-ons such as the Prop Tour escape ride and Psychosis immersive horror experience available only on-site.

What to Expect at the Scream Park

A standard ticket grants access to all three outdoor scare trails (each roughly 10 minutes, depending on how fast you move). The front “yard” transforms into a lively midway with:

• Live DJs and entertainment
• Gourmet food trucks and local art vendors
• Laser tag
• Roaming monsters

Gates and the ticket booth typically open at 7:00 p.m. on show nights. The ticket booth closes around 10:00–10:30 p.m. depending on the night. The attraction operates rain or shine—the monsters love the laser swamp in the rain.

Special event nights in prior seasons have included Blood Moon (unlimited trail access with heightened scares), Total Eclipse nights (lights-out experiences where monsters will touch you—waiver required), a daytime Make-a-Wish Kid’s Day with trick-or-treating and family fun, and a Special Needs Night with a paced, accessible experience.

Note on policies: The show is rated PG-13. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No full-face masks, weapons, open-toed shoes/heels, or oversized bags. Photos are allowed in the yard but not on the trails. No intentional touching by monsters except on designated special nights. No refunds.

Location, Parking & Getting There

A Petrified Forest is located at approximately 1360 E. Altamonte Dr (SR 436), Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.

There is no general on-site parking (limited handicap only). Free monitored parking is available at nearby Adjectives Market & Green Hills Plaza (1140 & 1200 E. Altamonte Dr). Take the free Terror Trolley shuttle to the gates—do not park at neighboring businesses like Wawa or Lecherona’s, as vehicles will be towed.

Tickets & Planning Your Visit

Tickets for the current season are listed on the official site (apetrifiedforest.com). One ticket covers one full trip through all three scare trails. Add-on experiences such as the escape ride and immersive theater have limited capacity and are sold only at the event. All tickets include free parking (subject to availability) and the trolley ride.

Check the official website regularly for exact dates, pricing, special event nights, and online ticket availability. The Color Wheel system helps manage wait times so you can enjoy the yard activities while waiting for your color to be called.

Fan Favorites and Reviews

Visitors call it a favorite annual Halloween tradition, noting superior creativity compared to major parks, excellent value, intricate longer trails, and standout actors and production design. It has earned recognition in fan-voted “must-see” and “best haunt” lists for Florida in previous years.

Ready to be petrified? Head to apetrifiedforest.com for the latest updates, save the date, and secure your tickets. Don’t miss Central Florida’s premiere outdoor scream park—this year’s completely rebuilt forest won’t wait. #BePetrified

Whether you’re searching for the best haunted trails near Orlando, an affordable scream park alternative to big theme-park Halloween events, or a unique local Halloween experience in Altamonte Springs, A Petrified Forest delivers terrifying thrills in a true forest setting. See you in the woods.