LANCASTER, Pa. — The Kingdom for Kids is opening for another season of not-so-spooky Halloween fun as Happy Hauntings returns to Dutch Wonderland beginning Saturday, Sept. 19. Running select days through Oct. 31, families can celebrate the season with kid-friendly Halloween entertainment, trick-or-treating, more than 30 rides, attractions and shows, festive fall flavors and plenty of opportunities to show off their costumes.
Designed especially for families with young children, Happy Hauntings brings Halloween magic to life without the scares. From a trick-or-treat adventure along Mill Creek to dance parties with Duke the Dragon, fall story times and an all-new costume party, the Kingdom for Kids offers families a delightful—not frightful—way to celebrate Halloween together.
Happy Hauntings experiences for 2026 include:
- All-New! Spooky Sundaes Costume Party – Young Royals can put on their Halloween best and join Dutch Wonderland Royal Friends for a sweet new celebration inside Enchanted Eats. Families can enjoy a festive costume party and create a delicious ice cream sundae while making Halloween memories with their favorite Royal Friends.
- Trick or Treasure Trail – No tricks, just treats! Young ghouls and goblins can follow Dutch Wonderland’s signature trick-or-treat trail along the back path near Mill Creek, meeting friendly Halloween characters and collecting treats along the way.
- Duke’s Spooktacular Dance Party – Duke the Dragon invites families to Market Square to show off their costumes and best dance moves during a high-energy Halloween celebration filled with bubbles and family fun at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Trick or Squeak Puppet Show – Sofia the Spider takes the stage at Celebration Theater this fall favorite as she learns to be brave and overcome her Halloween fears. Shows will take place at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Mayhem’s Amazing Hay Maze – Twists, turns and playful surprises await around every corner as families navigate Mayhem’s Amazing Hay Maze together in Spooky Corner.
- Not-So-Spooky Storytime – Dutch Wonderland’s Royal Friends invite families to become part of the tale during special Halloween story times in Market Square at 4pm and 5:30pm.
- Dutch Wonderland Rides & Attractions – More than 30 rides, attractions and shows add even more thrills to the Halloween season, including family favorites such as Merlin’s Mayhem, Kingdom Coaster, Joust Family Coaster, Wonderland Special, Turnpike, Merry-Go-Round and more.
The Halloween fun extends to the menu with a lineup of specialty fall treats throughout the Kingdom. Families can dig into a hot apple dumpling topped with ice cream, roast-your-own s’mores, Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, Salted Caramel Apple Funnel Cake, Worms & Dirt Funnel Cake, pumpkin ice cream, a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, Frozen Apple Cider and more.
“Happy Hauntings is all about giving families a place where even our youngest guests can experience the excitement of Halloween in a way that’s fun, welcoming and made just for them,” said Megan Hartman, General Manager of Dutch Wonderland. “From trick-or-treating and costumes to our Royal Friends, rides and fall treats, there’s something around every corner for families to experience together.”
Happy Hauntings runs weekends from Sept. 19 through Oct. 31, 2026. Guests can save when purchasing dated admission in advance, with more than 30 rides, attractions and shows included with park admission. Families can also turn their Halloween visit into an overnight getaway with a Happy Hauntings Stay & Play Package at the Dutch Wonderland Inn. Select one- and two-day packages include three one-day adult admission tickets, early park access, a glow-in-the-dark refillable popcorn bucket and more.
Guests looking to enjoy Happy Hauntings and even more royal family fun can purchase a 2027 Gold or Platinum Season Pass and get the rest of the 2026 season free, including access to Happy Hauntings and Dutch Winter Wonderland. Guests can currently save up to $60 on 2027 Season Passes, with select pass levels including benefits such as free general parking, in-park food and retail discounts, Bring-A-Friend discounts, and access to special events.
