The 10 best haunted houses to visit this Halloween
The 10 best haunted houses to visit this Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner, which means if you haven’t already gotten into the spooky spirit, there’s no better time than now. In fact, some of Central New York’s most terrifying attractions and haunted properties, available to the public for a limited time, are only minutes from campus. From haunted hayrides to in-person scares, there’s something for everyone—if you’re ready to face your fears. However, in the midst of a pandemic, some of this fright may be stemming from safety concerns instead of the usual creepy characters. Fortunately, we have an updated list of all the sites you can visit safely this season.
As a result of COVID-19, there are some new rules and stipulations that thrill-seekers must follow. But according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, haunted houses are now classified as low risk indoor arts and entertainment activities. That being said, if you decide to visit one of these ghostly spots, make sure to wear a mask and maintain six feet of distance from others at all times, even on hayrides. What follows is a list of the best haunted houses to check out this Halloween, including any additional safety regulations you need to know about. Happy haunting!
1. Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park
More than halfway through the month & we’re still excited to see the families coming to Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park! Tix are pre-purchase only at halloweenatthepark.com
Posted by Halloween At The Park on Tuesday, October 20, 2020
What: In an effort to help visitors stay safe this Halloween, the people behind Lights on the Lake, Fright Nights, and Lights on Jacob Lane have put together a drive-through haunted house that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car seat. A great option for groups with lower scare tolerances, tickets are $10 per vehicle Sunday through Thursday and $15 on Friday and Saturday.
Where: Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Rd., Jamesville, NY 13078
When: Oct. 1-31; The event goes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. all days of the week.
2. Fright Nights
TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Fright Night’s) We open tonight at 7pm! Come on out and see why we are bigger, better and scarier than ever!!
Posted by The Fright Nights on Friday, October 18, 2019
What: For more courageous groups, Fright Nights consists of five haunted houses ($30 for a ticket to access all). These include “Jurassic Dark,” “Burgen Manor,” “Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage,” “Penny’s Playhouse” and the all new “Devil’s Dungeon Slide to Hell.” Grab your bravest friends and enjoy a night of elaborate sets, jump scares and special effects sure to scare even the biggest horror fans.
Where: 1 Lepage Pl., Syracuse, NY 13206
When: Oct. 2-31; Fridays and Saturdays are open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays go from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
3. The Last Ride Haunted Hayride
What: Enjoy one of Central New York’s best haunted hayrides at the Last Ride, which also features a few other terrifying attractions like the haunted hearse ride and a more traditional haunted house. As a result of the pandemic, visitors are being asked to stay in their own groups, preferably with eight to 12 people each. For hearse rides, groups are limited to four to seven people, while the haunted house only admits seven people at a time. Remember to keep a mask on at all times and refrain from touching the sets.
Where: 291 Johnson Rd., Palermo, NY 13131
When: Oct. 2-31; Rides are available Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., and Sundays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
4. CMC’s Haunted House
What: This ghoulish space includes two barns and two haunted trails, as well as a bonfire, movie and lots of snacks. Scares are produced by the CMC Dance Company and are inspired by iconic Halloween characters like The Grudge, nuns, rats, snakes and Michael Myers. Guests are reminded to wear a mask and not come in costume, as this can be confusing to the actors.
Where: 6092 NYS Route 31, Cicero, New York 13039
When: The haunted house is open Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30. Ticket sales begin at 6 p.m. The main event starts at 7 p.m. and goes until there are no customers left.
5. Grimsley’s Gorge
3 weeks from tomorrow… All Hell breaks loose!!!
Posted by Grimsley’s Gorge on Thursday, October 8, 2020
What: This horrific attraction is based on the legend of Dr. Grimsley, who allegedly went mad and experimented on unsuspecting patients in his house. Grimsley’s Gorge invites guests on a self-guided tour throughout this very house, and the best part? It’s completely free!
Where: Sweet Memorial Bldg, 455 Main St., Phoenix, NY 13135
When: Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park
Can’t stop lookin at me, starin at me, be what I be 🎶
You can come see what I see by buying tickets now 👻🧟♂️💀
Drop your favorite savage songs ⬇️Posted by Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park on Tuesday, October 20, 2020
What: Frightmare Farms is full of scares, with new attractions like a Frightmare Forest Haunted Hayride, the Professor’s Estate Haunted House, the Condemned Mine Trail Haunted Path and the Twisted Labyrinth. General admission to the Twisted Labyrinth, Professor’s Estate Haunted House and the Condemned Mine Trail is $30, while the hayride is $17. Guests must wear a mask at all times.
Where: 4816 NY-49, Fulton, NY 13069
When: Open every Friday and Saturday in October, except on Oct. 31. The box office is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Haunted House opens at 7 p.m., and the Labyrinth and Trail attractions open at 7:15 p.m. All haunted events remain open until every guest has entered.
7. Field of Screams
What: As a result of COVID-19, this year the Field of Screams has gone completely outdoors with a haunted trail for guests to enjoy. With live actors and terrifying props, visitors can experience the scare themselves for $15 each. However, there will be no child version of the haunted trail this year, and all participants must complete a mandatory COVID-19 questionnaire.
Where: 1861 Route 49, North Bay, NY 13123
When: Oct. 2-31; The attractions open at 7 p.m. and go until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, including Halloween. Sundays are open until 10 p.m.
8. The Trail of Terror
The weekend will be here before you know it,
he’ll be expecting you..Posted by The Trail of Terror on Monday, October 5, 2020
What: These haunted grounds include a haunted trail for visitors to walk through, as well as an indoor haunted house. Tickets for the haunted house are $13, the trail is $13, and tickets for both are $20.
Where: 475 Clifford Rd., Fulton, NY 13069
When: Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and select Sundays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Oct. 31.
9. Demon Acres Haunted House & Hayride
So the cat is out of the bag now!!!
Make sure you come out and check out what’s new for 2020.
Demons Den is bigger and…Posted by Demon Acres on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
What: In addition to its traditional haunted house and hayride attractions, Demon Acres is also opening new haunted escape rooms inspired by insane asylums. Mandatory temperature checks and face coverings are also a part of their COVID-19 protocol to keep all guests as safe as possible. Tickets vary from $6 to $50 depending on the attractions visitors are interested in.
Where: 341 Co Route 36, Hannibal, NY 13074
When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
10. Cayo Industrial Horror Realm
What: Ending things with a bang is Cayo Industrial, which is one of the most intense indoor haunted houses in Central New York. This year, the house is following a conspiracy theory theme that is not for the faint of heart. Tickets are $20, all minors must be accompanied by an adult, and all guests are expected to wear a mask at all times.
Where: 530 Harbor Way, Rome, NY 13440
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Oct. 2 to Nov. 1.
is a magazine journalism senior and a contributor and digital producer for The NewsHouse.
