Booked a stay in Arizona for Halloween and not sure where to take the kids trick-or-treating? Good news—Scottsdale and nearby neighborhoods know how to do spooky season right, with decorated homes, safe streets, and candy stashes that never disappoint. Here are the top spots to hit, starting in Scottsdale and branching outward.
DC Ranch
DC Ranch feels like a neighborhood-wide celebration on Halloween night. Families line the sidewalks, homes show off creative decorations, and kids bounce between houses without having to cover too much ground. A highlight of the season is the community’s spooky carnival—a night full of games, ghouls, and costumes where kids fill their trick-or-treat bags with candy and prizes. With parades, festive gatherings, and plenty of treats, Halloween here is more than just candy—it’s a full evening of fun.
McCormick Ranch
Wide sidewalks, big trees, and a family-first atmosphere make McCormick Ranch a Halloween classic. Some homes go all in with spooky displays, while others are known for handing out king-sized candy bars. On top of trick-or-treating, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts its annual Halloween Spook-Track-ula—a haunted train ride that’s spooky enough for kids but not nightmare-inducing. This combo makes McCormick Ranch a go-to for families looking for more than just candy.
House of Haunts
Located 7 minutes from the McCormick Ranch area, House of Haunts is Scottsdale’s legendary walk-through attraction for older kids—or anyone who likes their Halloween with a side of scares. Inspired by everything from The Haunted Mansion to The Shining, it’s packed with scare actors, fog machines, strobe lights, and effects that’ll keep you looking over your shoulder. Not recommended for kids under 13, but for thrill-seekers, it’s a must.
The Haunted Graveyard
While you’re in the McCormick Ranch area, make sure to stop by The Haunted Graveyard, a Halloween tradition just 6 minutes away. What began in the ’80s with a few gravestones has grown into a full-scale, theatrical walk-through attraction filled with illusions, creepy corridors, and plenty of jump scares. Open only from October 27–31, it’s a great way to experience the Valley’s Halloween creativity.
Gainey Ranch
Behind the gates of Gainey Ranch, Halloween blends polish with plenty of spirit. Some communities host block parties complete with games and food, while others stick to classic trick-or-treating at beautifully decorated homes. It’s a favorite for families who want a safe, contained environment where kids can roam freely without traffic worries. And the candy? Known for being top shelf.
Paradise Valley
Just north of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, puts a glamorous twist on Halloween. Sprawling estates turn into festive showcases with elaborate décor, and the candy game is just as grand. Families love it for the safe, quiet streets and the chance to walk away with a serious stash of sweets. Adding to the fun, the Paradise Valley Community Center hosts a free Trunk-or-Treat, complete with candy, inflatables, and games. It’s a spooktacular night that brings the whole family out in costume for an organized dose of Halloween magic.
Arcadia
Arcadia, one of Phoenix’s most charming neighborhoods, is just 5 minutes from Scottsdale and transforms into a Halloween playground. Residents often gather on their front lawns to hand out candy and admire costumes, while houses are decorated like mini haunted mansions. Wide, well-lit streets make it easy for families with young kids to navigate, though you’ll want good walking shoes—the space between homes is worth it for the candy and the photo-worthy displays.
Encanto
If Arcadia is festive, Encanto is extra. Located 20 minutes from Scottsdale, this historic neighborhood practically throws a month-long celebration, with elaborate decorations, themed displays, and some of the Valley’s most impressive candy hauls. The tree-lined streets feel straight out of a Halloween movie set, and nearly every house gets involved. Locals know Encanto as one of the can’t-miss neighborhoods for trick-or-treaters who want both quantity and quality.
Mt. Vernon Avenue
About 90 minutes north of Scottsdale, Mt. Vernon Avenue in Prescott is worth the road trip if you’re craving small-town Halloween magic. Set in Prescott’s Historic District, homeowners go all out—transforming Victorian mansions into haunted houses and lawns into spooky graveyards. On October 31, the street closes to vehicles at 3 p.m., turning it into a safe, walkable Halloween wonderland where visitors of all ages can admire the decorations and fill their bags with treats. With decades of tradition behind it, this is Halloween at its most classic.
The Final Treat
Halloween in Scottsdale is no trick—these neighborhoods bring the treats. Staying close to the action is easy with GoodNight Stay. Book a home near the candy trails and haunted happenings, and get 15% off select stays for reservation dates between now through November 30, 2025, with code HELLOAZFALL. Treat yourself to a stay that puts you close to the candy trails and haunted happenings.
