Celebrate the spooky October Halloween season by visiting a haunted house. There are several located in the southeast PA region that are guaranteed to scare even the bravest souls. Be sure to check the websites for age recommendations as many of these venues are not appropriate for very young children. Some sites do offer family-friendly events on certain dates.
For a most frightful time, check out:
Terror Behind the Walls, the former Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which is turned into a jail of terror each October. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the former prison features 11 acres of ghosts, fog and special effects for the not-so-faint of heart. The experience begins in the rec yard and then moves through real cellblocks. This year features two new attractions- The Gauntlet, a disorienting maze at the beginning of the tour and Breakout, located at the end.
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride in Glen Mills PA has been scaring visitor for over 20 years with their Haunted Hayride at Arasapha Farm. Those seeking more terror should check into The Bates Motel and then take a stroll through the haunted corn maze.
LuLu’s House of Horrors takes passengers aboard a wagon and transports them through haunted woods and into a graveyard. After making their way through the graveyard, guests wind up at The House of Horrors. Those who survive, board the wagon again to go through the Haunted Corn Maze. LuLu's is located in Plymouth Meeting PA at the LuLu Shrine Temple.
Pennhurst Asylum is a hospital-themed walk-through attraction located on the top floors of the original Pennhurst Home for the Feeble Minded and Epileptic built in 1908. Located in Spring City PA, the building later became known as Pennhurst State School, until it was closed down in 1986 after numerous allegations of abuse and neglect. Thrill seekers can go through the Dungeon of Lost Souls and then through the Tunnel of Terror, which winds beneath old State School. Visitors can also choose to go on The Ghost Hunt, using only a flashlight, to hunt for dearly departed souls.
Field of Screams, located off the Mountville exit of Route 30 in Lancaster County, was founded in 1993 by two brothers while they were in Jr. High and high school. They began by offering haunted hayrides in the fall, but now visitors also come for the indoor three-story horror barn, the Den of Darkness. The Frightmare Asylum, a four-story barn was added in 2002.
Jason’s Woods, a rural farm located off the Millersville exit of Route 30 in Lancaster County, offers five attractions for thrill seekers. Visitors can experience the Haunted Hayride, Barn of Terror, Pirate's Revenge, Lost in Jason's Woods and Carnival of Fear.
Scream Mountain is part of the ski and snowboarding resort of Spring Mountain, situated in Spring Mount PA. During October, visitors can go on a haunted hayride where the Quarrymen of the Mountain are waiting. There is also a haunted chairlift up the dark side of the mountain before a foggy, fearful walk back down the slope. Those seeking higher thrills, may want to zipline through the haunted woods.
Sleepy Hollow on Active Acres Farm in Newtown PA, features a 1 1/4 mile haunted hayride. The Haunted House in the Hollow is 17 fright-filled rooms throughout the first floor and in the cellar. The Field of Fright is a haunted corn field. There is also a bonfire where visitors can enjoy food brought from home or purchased on site.
HorrorFest at Shady Brook Farm, in Bucks County PA offers four attractions- The Hayride of Horror, The Barn of Horror, 3-D Alien Encounter and Carnage. The Main Stage features stage shows during week-ends through October. Survivors are encouraged to celebrate around the bonfire with music and food for the soul.
There is no shortage of frights, thrills and terror in the lower-right corner of the Keystone State. Celebrate the spooky season with a visit to a haunted attraction.
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