With 7 more to check out if you have time
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a premier haunted attraction that transforms the historic prison into a terrifying and immersive Halloween experience. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and intense scares, Halloween Nights offers a variety of themed attractions and experiences that cater to horror enthusiasts of all kinds.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Houses: The event features five distinct haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and terrifying experience. These haunted houses take visitors through dark and twisted scenes filled with horrifying characters and unexpected scares.
- Historic Tours: Learn about the history of Eastern State Penitentiary through guided tours that reveal the stories of its infamous inmates and the prison’s eerie past.
- Themed Bars and Lounges: Relax and enjoy a drink at one of the themed bars and lounges, including The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell, which is only accessible with VIP Admission.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including fire dancers, acrobats, and other thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Surprises Around Every Corner: The event is designed to keep visitors on edge with unexpected scares and surprises throughout the penitentiary.
What makes this attraction is the unique setting of the historic penitentiary. Guests say that added an extra layer of authenticity and creepiness to the event, making it a standout among haunted attractions.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $39.00 (prices vary by night)
- VIP Admission: Includes access to exclusive areas and additional experiences
- Group Tickets: Discounts available for groups of 20 or more
Parking Information
Limited street parking is available near the penitentiary. It is recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. A parking lot is available at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, but spaces are limited.
Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres
Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres, located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, is one of the premier haunted attractions in Bucks County. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and terrifying scares, Sleepy Hollow offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and families alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Sleepy Hollow Hayride: Take a mile and a quarter trip through dark woods and fields. The hayride is designed to provide a spine-chilling experience with eerie scenes and unexpected scares.
- The House in the Hollow: Explore the old Malfate Manor, also known as The House in the Hollow, which is reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in Bucks County. The manor is filled with detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors who bring the horror to life.
- The Field: Dare to venture through the abandoned village of The Field. This outdoor attraction is filled with creepy scenes and terrifying characters lurking around every corner.
- Bonfires and Live Music: Gather with family and friends by the warmth and safety of the bonfires while enjoying live music. This provides a relaxing break from the scares and a chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Refreshments: A variety of refreshments are available on-site. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is strictly prohibited to maintain a family-friendly environment.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices vary, typically starting around $20-$30 for access to all three attractions.
- Combo Tickets: Available for a discounted rate when purchasing access to multiple attractions.
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride
The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride, located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, is one of the premier haunted attractions in the region. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and intense scares, The Bates Motel offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and families alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- The Bates Motel: This high-intensity haunted house is filled with detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors who bring the horror to life. Visitors navigate through the eerie rooms and corridors of the infamous Bates Motel, encountering terrifying scenes and unexpected scares.
- Haunted Hayride: Take a spine-chilling hayride through the dark and haunted woods. The hayride features elaborate sets, pyrotechnics, and live actors who create a terrifying and immersive experience.
- Haunted Corn Maze: Dare to venture through the haunted corn maze, where danger lurks around every corner. The maze is filled with creepy scenes and terrifying characters that keep visitors on edge.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including fire dancers, acrobats, and other thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $40.00 (prices vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Starting at $75.00 (includes Fast Pass for all attractions)
- Combo Tickets: Available for access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
The Valley of Fear
Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayride, located in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, is one of the longest-running and most popular haunted attractions in the area. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and intense scares, Valley of Fear offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and families alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- The Original Haunted Hayride: Take a spine-chilling hayride through the dark and haunted woods. The hayride features elaborate sets, pyrotechnics, and live actors who create a terrifying and immersive experience.
- Scary Tales: Venture through a twisted maze of classic fairy tales gone wrong. This outdoor attraction is filled with creepy scenes and terrifying characters that keep visitors on edge.
- Zombie Escape Maze: Dare to navigate through a maze filled with zombies. The maze is designed to provide a thrilling and interactive experience as visitors try to escape the undead.
- Operation Z Escape: This interactive experience allows visitors to use laser guns to fend off hordes of zombies in a post-apocalyptic setting. The adrenaline-pumping action and realistic scenarios make this a favorite among guests.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including fire dancers, acrobats, and other thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $35.00 for a single attraction, combo tickets for multiple attractions available at a discounted rate
- VIP Admission: Includes Fast Pass for all attractions, starting at $60.00
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Lincoln Mill Haunted House, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a premier haunted attraction that transforms a historic mill into a terrifying and immersive Halloween experience. Known for its high-quality production, detailed sets, and intense scares, Lincoln Mill offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and families alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Lincoln Mill Haunted House: Navigate through the eerie rooms and corridors of the historic mill, encountering horrifying scenes and unexpected scares. The haunted house is filled with detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors who bring the horror to life.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including fire dancers, acrobats, and other thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $25.00 (prices vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Starting at $45.00 (includes Fast Pass for all attractions)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more
Parking Information
Limited street parking is available near the haunted house. It is recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. Nearby parking lots may be available, but spaces are limited.
Pennhurst Asylum
Pennhurst Asylum, located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, is one of the most infamous haunted attractions in the region. Set in the historic and reportedly haunted Pennhurst State School and Hospital, this attraction offers a truly unique and terrifying experience. Known for its high-quality production, detailed sets, and intense scares, Pennhurst Asylum provides a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Pennhurst Asylum: Navigate through the eerie and haunted halls of the asylum, encountering horrifying scenes and unexpected scares. The haunted house is filled with detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors who bring the horror to life.
- The Morgue: Venture into the dark and creepy morgue, where the dead don’t always rest in peace. This attraction is designed to provide a spine-chilling experience with eerie scenes and terrifying characters.
- Containment: Explore the underground tunnels and cellars of Pennhurst, where dangerous and deranged inmates were once held. The maze-like structure and immersive environment create a truly terrifying experience.
- Mayflower After Dark: Take a self-guided tour of the abandoned Mayflower building, reportedly one of the most haunted buildings on the Pennhurst campus. This experience is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the dark history of Pennhurst.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including fire dancers, acrobats, and other thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $45.00 (prices vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Starting at $75.00 (includes Fast Pass for all attractions)
- Combo Tickets: Available for access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more
Parking Information
Parking is available on-site for a fee. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
Other Halloween Happenings in Philadelphia
Here are seven exciting events in Philadelphia, PA that capture the spirit of Halloween and autumn:
- Boo at the Zoo This family-friendly Halloween event at the Philadelphia Zoo runs throughout October. Visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume parades, and special Halloween-themed animal encounters. The zoo is decorated with festive displays, and kids can participate in fun activities like pumpkin painting and spooky storytelling. It’s a perfect blend of Halloween fun and wildlife education, making it ideal for families with young children.
- Fright Factory For those seeking intense scares, Fright Factory offers a truly terrifying experience. Located in a 120-year-old factory building, this haunted attraction features three horrifying experiences: Industrial Nightmare, Silent Scream Asylum, and Fright Factory Unearthed. With professional actors, state-of-the-art special effects, and immersive set designs, Fright Factory consistently ranks as one of Philadelphia’s scariest Halloween destinations.
- Fall Fest at Shady Brook Farm This autumn-centered event offers a classic fall experience just outside Philadelphia. Running from late September through early November, Fall Fest features a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like apple picking, pig races, and campfires. With its focus on agricultural fun and autumn traditions, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the season beyond just Halloween.
- Ghost Tour of Philadelphia For those interested in real-life spooky stories, this walking tour explores the haunted history of Philadelphia’s historic district. Led by costumed guides, participants will hear tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena while learning about the city’s rich history. It’s a more subtle way to get into the Halloween spirit, perfect for those who prefer eerie atmosphere over jump scares.
- Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary While you’ve mentioned Halloween Nights, it’s worth noting that Terror Behind the Walls is a separate, more intense experience at the same location. This immersive haunted house takes place inside the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary, creating a uniquely terrifying atmosphere. With multiple themed sections and interactive elements, it’s one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in the country.
- Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards Pumpkinland is a beloved autumn tradition at Linvilla Orchards. This family-friendly event features a vast display of pumpkins, hay bale and cornstalk mazes, and autumn decorations. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and indulge in seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. It’s a quintessential fall experience that captures the essence of the harvest season.
- Mischief Night at the Betsy Ross House This unique event combines Halloween fun with historical education. Visitors can explore the Betsy Ross House by candlelight and hear spooky stories about colonial Philadelphia. The event includes interactive elements and historically accurate Halloween traditions from the 18th century. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween while learning about Philadelphia’s rich history.
Tips for Visiting Our Favorite Philadelphia Halloween Events
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Many of these events are popular attractions, and tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween. Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and save time.
- Consider a VIP or Elite Ticket: When events have a fastpass like option, it’s a great way to avoid long wait times. These options allow you to bypass the regular lines and get into the haunted house faster, giving you more time to enjoy the experience.
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, arrive early. This helps with parking and gives you more time to explore the attractions and additional experiences.
- Dress Comfortably: Many of these events are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Likewise, for indoor events, be prepared for the crowds in dark cramped spaces. Layers you can remove to stay cool will help.
- Check the Weather: While some attractions are indoors, others are outdoors. Be sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Umbrellas and rain gear may be necessary on wet nights.
- Follow Safety Guidelines: For your safety and the safety of others, follow all posted rules and guidelines. This includes not touching the actors or props and staying within designated areas.
- Take Advantage of Live Entertainment and On-site food options: Many of these events offer live entertainment outside of the main venue. Some have food trucks or dining options. On long evenings, those can help you pace yourself, or find a second wind to keep the night going.
- Have fun: Halloween is about having fun and enjoying a good scare. If you think an event is going to push your limits too far, skip and find another.
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