The 2013 Halloween season actually started in September when Howl-O-Scream, Halloween Horror Nights and ZooBoo kicked off their special themed nights of attractions and rides. Here is a list of some top picks for 2013 family friendly Halloween events and things to do.

ZooBoo – Tampa’s largest family Halloween event takes place at Lowry Park Zoo with it's 15th year of fun themed attractions and haunted houses. The 2013 ZooBoo theme is a New Orleans Halloween featuring the new French Quarter Phantoms Haunted House. ZooBoo will also have animal exhibits, free rides, spooky fun fair and much more. Tickets range from $10-$17, with discounted tickets for annual pass holders. For more details and tickets visit www.lowryparkzoo.com/zooboo/

Guppyween - The annual kid-friendly trick or treat Halloween event at The Florida Aquarium will take place on Sunday, October 27th. This family friendly Halloween celebration will feature trick-or-treats, 20,000 sea creatures on display, entertainment, treats and more. Kids in costume are only $5 and adults (12 yrs or older) are $15. Florida Aquarium members and children under 2 are free.

Little Monsters Promenade and Pumpkin Patch - Fantasma Fest, taking place in Ybor City will feature a family friendly daytime event on Saturday, October 26th, the same date as the annual Guavaween Festival. Kids can choose a free pumpkin to decorate from more than 300 in a fenced pumpkin patch in Centro Ybor courtyard. Then the kids can show off their costumes during trick-or-treat among the Centro Ybor merchants from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Fall Festival at HorsePower for Kids - - The annual Fall Festival at HorsePower for Kids is a low cost festival fun for the whole family and will take place every weekend throughout October. The festival includes the pumpkin patch, hay rides, pony rides, face painting, live music and much more.

FishHawk Ranch Pumpkin Festival - The annual FishHawk Ranch Pumpkin Festival continues its tradition on Saturday, October 26th by providing the public with a fun-filled day of pumpkin carving, live music and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from the 2013 festival will help fund youth-oriented programs at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and Feeding America Tampa Bay.

For more Halloween events and things to do be sure to check out our guide to Halloween in Tampa.