It’s almost Halloween, that time of year when families search for Pennsylvania haunted houses. It’s when kids don their costumes and head out looking for thrills and adventure. Families bound for the Philadelphia, Scranton, Pittsburg or Lancaster regions between September and November are sure to have a haunting Halloween.
Tons of exciting Pennsylvania events are occurring throughout the month to celebrate the ghoulish holiday. We’ve organized them by “freak out factor.” A High Freak Out means a haunting experience that will make your blood curdle. A Low Freak Out is a milder event that the whole family can enjoy.
Low Freak Out Factor: Idlewild Park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Idlewild Park is located in the Laurel Highlands near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Visit them for the annual “Hallowboo!” celebration. It’s a true family alternative to more frightening haunted options. For special autumn dates, this old-fashioned amusement park redecorates its most popular rides with a Halloween theme. Hallowboo! is open on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 14th to Oct. 27th, 2024.
Special park additions include trick or treating in the Story Book Forest, haunted train rides, and fall-favorite concessions. Characters costumed in Halloween garb entertain toddlers through preteens all around the park.
High Freak Out Fun at ScareHouse in Pittsburgh
Planning a weekend in, around or under Pittsburgh? ScareHouse is one of the top Pennsylvania haunted houses. Though it isn’t operating in it’s usual format in 2024, there are still some terrifying experiences to check out: The Basement (ages 18+) promises a series of intense horrors, and the Stalked by a Killer escape room requires all of your wits to solve fiendish puzzles (not recommended for kids under 12; under age 16 requires an adult)
One of our favorite treats this season is getting Halloween Haunts advice from the ScareHouse pro’s. Learn how to decorate a house to die for. For more flair, add music to soothe your bones. There’s even a D-I-Y makeup lesson for that ghastly face. Let us know how you make out. ScareHouse hopes to be back in full swing in 2025.
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High Freak at Hundred Acres Manor outside Pittsburgh
Hundred Acres Manor is not only Hauntworld’s pick for Pittsburgh’s best, it’ also top this year’s’s also featured in Pittsburgh Magazine‘s Places We Love list. This haunted house brings in a twisted, new vision of horror. At its core, Hundred Acres Manor features five haunted houses in one, each with their own theme.
However, there are add-on attractions as well, and not all are terrifying. There’s a not-so-scary wagon ride from the parking lot (free with ticket purchase), and every Friday and Saturday those 21+ can grab a drink at The Scream Bar (ages 21+). The Black Wall Insanity Maze is back, both with an $10 upcharge. It’s terrifying that some visitors are just dying to pay more.
Bizarre Freak Out: Houdini Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Did you know Harry Houdini survived the 1918 pandemic? The Houdini Home & Museum survived the recent pandemic and has opened to the public again.
The legacy of world famous illusionist Harry Houdini lives on here. Visitors tour the great magician’s home year round, but October is the best time to visit. That’s when there are spooky special events. Take a tour of the historic Houdini home, watch a movie and a magic show with animals. Book ahead because the experience is suitable for kids ages 4+.
Visit the website at Houdini.org. For an even wilder time out, book the Halloween night Original Houdini Seance at the Houdini House; more info at Scranton’s Psychic Theatre website. A rare treat!
Medium Freak Out & High Fascination Factor: The Pen
If you’re looking for extreme chills and thrills by walking at night through an allegedly haunted 19th-century prison, go straight to jail at the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Pen is not far from Philadelphia’s center city and the ancient haunts of Ben Franklin and his Revolutionary era colleagues. The jailhouse has been prisoner-less for decades and is a protected historic site by day. Halloween nights, The Pen is tricked out and sectioned off into different haunted attractions.
Among lots of wildness, let yourselves go in five haunted houses. Swoon at the walk-through psychedelic experience and interactive shows. Recuperate in the attraction’s bars and lounges. You must tour the the penitentiary’s cellblocks and learn their history while there.
The Halloween event runs on select evenings — mostly weekends — from mid-September to early November. Book reservations in advance. By the way, all proceeds benefit this National Historic Landmark. The haunted attraction does not affect the operation of the historic site, which remains open for daily (though closed on some holidays).
Crazy Freak Out: Beyond the Bounds of Philadelphia
If you’re thinking something a little bit less on the nose in terms of Pennsylvania haunted houses, check out The Bates Motel (and Haunted Hayride).
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The escape-room like terror is located in Glen Mills, about a half hour drive from Philly. Lace up for the half-mile-long Haunted Trail and get ready for all 13 Haunts. The Bates Motel is the real deal and won 7th place winner in the 2017 HauntedHouse.com survey. Among Pennsylvania haunted houses, it’s not the least bit for the faint of heart.
High Freak Out Pennsylvania Haunted Houses: Field of Screams in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster might not be known for its frights. However, USA Today‘s 10 Best List once rated Field of Screams the country’s #1 Extreme Haunted Attraction. Turning 31 years old this year, it generates more trepidation than you can imagine.
With four separate but equally haunting attractions, Field of Screams is sure to please every fright-lover looking for Pennsylvania haunted houses. Begin the meltdown in their haunted cornfields, perfect for those who prefer to remain outdoors.
Prepare to find your way through an obstacle course full of evil creatures stalking you in the dark at the Nocturnal Wasteland. It’s terrifying. Then, take a 20-minute Haunted Hayride to witness some gruesome happenings in the Field of Screams cornfields. The Frightmare Asylum is four stories of intense insanity. It features state-of-the-art special effects and plenty of scares. Put it on your list for Pennsylvania haunted houses to give your family a high freak out evening.
Field of Screams in Mountville is typically open select Thursday to Sunday nights — plus Halloween — mid-September through May. Visit the Field of Screams website for more information.
Looking for more fun haunted houses for kids, spooky thrills, and frights? See what’s going on this Halloween across the country. You can still imagine the terror…
Tips for a Smooth and Spooky Halloween Adventure
Beat the Crowds
Popular Halloween events, especially those on weekends, can get busy. Arrive early to snag good parking spots and avoid long lines. Consider buying tickets online in advance if the option is available.
Dress for the Weather
East Coast weather in October can be unpredictable. Dress your little ghosts and goblins in costumes that allow for layering. Warm sweaters under superhero suits or extra tights under a princess dress can make a big difference on a chilly night.
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans can be foiled by rain. Have an indoor alternative in mind, like one of the museums or a kid-friendly movie screening, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Snacks and Supplies
Pack water bottles and some snacks to keep everyone fueled for the festivities. A few glow sticks for after-dark never hurt either!
Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos of your costumed crew having a blast. Remember those goofy grins and spooky adventures forever!
Bonus Tip: Check local event websites or Facebook pages for any specific parking tips and discounts they might offer for their Halloween events.
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