Halloween theme park season sounds simple enough - turn up, ride some attractions, tackle a few scare mazes and enjoy the atmosphere.

In reality, these events can involve hours of walking, long periods outside, unpredictable October weather and a surprisingly late finish.

A little preparation can make the difference between enjoying the whole evening and spending the last couple of hours cold, wet or desperately trying to keep your phone alive.

Whether you're heading to a major theme park Halloween event or a dedicated scare attraction, here are five things worth taking with you.

1. A portable power bank

Your phone is probably one of the most important things you'll carry during a Halloween event.

Mobile tickets, park apps, queue times, maps, photos, videos and messages all gradually eat away at your battery, especially if you've already spent the daytime in the park before the Halloween event begins.

A compact power bank can remove that worry completely.

You do not need anything enormous. A relatively small unit capable of giving your phone one or two extra charges should be plenty for most visits and is much easier to carry around all evening.

Just remember to charge the power bank itself before leaving home - something surprisingly easy to forget.

2. A lightweight waterproof layer

October weather is not always kind to theme park visitors.

Even if the forecast looks relatively dry when you leave home, several hours outdoors can be enough time for conditions to change.

A lightweight waterproof jacket or compact poncho takes up very little room and can be invaluable if the rain arrives halfway through the evening.

It is usually a better option than carrying a large umbrella around crowded pathways, queues and scare zones.

If you're travelling to an event where most of the experience is outdoors, keeping dry also makes it much easier to stay warm once temperatures begin dropping later in the night.

3. Comfortable shoes

This one sounds obvious, but Halloween events often involve considerably more walking than people expect.

You might spend the evening travelling between scare attractions, crossing the park for rides, standing in queues and wandering through themed areas between booked time slots.

That can quickly add up to several miles.

Comfortable trainers or walking shoes are almost always the best option, particularly if you are also visiting the park during the day.

Halloween probably isn't the best time to break in a brand-new pair of shoes.

Wet pathways and temporary attraction areas can also become muddy or slippery, so choose something you don't mind getting slightly dirty.

4. A small bag with the essentials

There is a balance to strike when packing for a Halloween event.

You want enough with you to stay comfortable, but carrying a large backpack through crowded scare mazes and queues can quickly become annoying.

A small backpack or crossbody bag is usually enough for the basics.

Useful things might include tissues, hand sanitiser, lip balm, any medication you need, a reusable water bottle where permitted and perhaps a few plasters for unexpected blisters.

Keeping everything in one small bag also makes security checks easier and reduces the amount you need to keep track of throughout the night.

Before travelling, check the event's own bag policy. Some attractions restrict bag sizes or may require larger bags to be stored before entering particular experiences.

5. An extra warm layer

An October afternoon can feel surprisingly mild.

By 10pm, it can be a completely different story.

Temperatures fall quickly once the sun disappears, particularly when you are spending long periods standing still in outdoor queues.

A hoodie, fleece or lightweight jumper that can fit inside your bag is worth carrying even if you don't think you'll need it when you first arrive.

Layering is usually the best approach because you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes throughout the evening.

If you're planning to stay until closing time, you'll probably be glad you brought it.

What shouldn't you take?

Knowing what to leave at home can be just as useful as knowing what to pack.

Try to avoid unnecessarily large bags, expensive items you do not actually need and anything that becomes awkward to carry for several hours.

You should also check the specific event's rules before arriving if you are planning to wear a costume.

Many theme parks and scare attractions have restrictions around masks, realistic weapons, costume props and clothing that could cause confusion with official performers.

Some events also operate stricter bag or security policies during Halloween than they do during normal daytime operation.

A quick check of the official website before leaving can save you having to return something to the car or surrender it at security.

One final tip - plan for the end of the night

It is easy to spend all your time planning which mazes and attractions you want to experience without thinking about what happens when the event finishes.

If you are relying on public transport, check the final train or bus times before travelling.

If you are driving, remember that thousands of guests may leave at roughly the same time, so car parks and surrounding roads can become busy immediately after closing.

And if you've been in the park since morning, remember that a Halloween event can turn an ordinary theme park day into a very long one.

Pack lightly, dress for the weather and keep your phone charged, and you'll be in a much better position to enjoy the scares rather than worrying about everything else.