It’s finally that time of year again. Teens, adults and college students alike are gathering all their courage and coupling up to face their worst fears inside Valley haunted houses this fall. It may not make sense to some why haunted house-goers subject themselves to these types of scares, but as with rollercoasters, it’s the exhilaration and adrenaline rush that keep them coming back. There are so many haunted houses to choose from, some returning from previous years, and some new. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try them all.
13th Floor Haunted House, Sept. 18-Nov. 14
There’s a reason that most buildings don’t have a 13th floor. This is because of horrific incidents that have supposedly occurred on the 13th floors of buildings throughout history. 13th Floor Haunted House in Phoenix gives visitors the opportunity to explore the legends of this superstition. This is Arizona’s largest haunted house, and it features two separate themed attractions that are included in the single ticket price. The attraction will run through Nov. 14, and general admission tickets, fast passes and immediate access are available for purchase to decrease wait times. 13thflooraz.com
Fear Farm, Sept. 18-Nov. 1
With five different horrific houses, there is never a dull moment at Fear Farm in Phoenix. This is the perfect attraction for those who love a haunt with an interesting story. From a chainsaw murder mystery, a zombie takeover, an alien invasion, a terrifying clown house and the spirit world of a mother longing for her dead children, there is something that will scare even the bravest of souls. The attraction will run through Nov. 1, and each ticket includes admission to all five houses. General admission, fast passes and immediate access tickets are available to decrease wait times. fearfarm.com
Sanctum of Horror, Sept. 25-Oct. 31
For the past seven years, Sanctum of Horror has been scaring the East Valley by allowing visitors to enter their twisted world. This year, they lead you through the mind of a little girl, her dark past and the asylum where she has taken residence. The attraction will run through Oct. 31 in Mesa, and front of the line passes are also available for purchase to decrease wait times. sanctumofhorror.com
The Crypt Haunted Attractions, Sept. 25-Oct. 31
With two thrilling haunted houses, and Chaos maze, the creators of The Crypt Haunted Attractions have taken terrifying concepts and played upon visitors’ worst fears. The Crypt is one of Arizona’s longest-running haunted houses and puts guests face to face with the tortured souls who roam restlessly through the vaults. The second house, The Asylum, based on a 1870s mental hospital, allows visitors to follow the story of Dr. Vantas and his controversial experiments on patients that went horribly wrong. The attraction will run through Oct. 31 in Mesa. Guests may purchase a ticket package that includes all attractions, or single-attraction tickets are also available. hauntedaz.com
AZ Field of Screams, Oct. 2-Oct. 31
As legend has it this haunted corn maze is planted over a forgotten cemetery. The twists and turns through the cornfield make it impossible to escape the undead that a roaming, searching for those who dare to trespass on their land. The AZ Field of Screams will run Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 31, in Glendale. Tickets may be purchased the night of attendance at the cornfield until 10 p.m. azfieldofscreams.com
Golfland Fright Nights, Sept. 25-Oct. 31
The mini golf course gets into the Halloween spirit each year by putting on their annual haunted house, The Gauntlet, in addition to Spooktacular Golf for the month of October in Mesa. The terrifying multi-level haunted house includes groundbreaking special effects, animatronics and spooky actors. The maze has guests crawling, climbing and terrified by the time they finally reach the end. After facing your fears in the haunted house, calm your nerves by playing a round of golf. The only spooky characters guests will encounter there are the ones looking to give them a treat. golfland.com/frightnights
Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill, Sept. 25-Nov. 1
This haunted house plays upon the classic children’s story of Jack and Jill but with a spooky twist. In this twisted alternative, Jack and Jill were searching for water when they discovered an abandoned mine and never returned. Visitors will explore the mines and discover the children’s’ fate. The attraction runs through Nov. 1, in Phoenix and there is also a family-friendly option where visitors can explore the spooky sets without the scares. jackandjillshauntedhill.com
Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular, Oct. 23-24
This season, Salt River Fields in Scottsdale will host a Halloween event that is perfect for the whole family. Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular will feature over 20 hot air balloons on display, trick or treating, live music, food, drinks, a Kids Zone, tethered balloon rides, a vendor market, a haunted house and much more. There will even be a costume contest with awesome prizes, including Disneyland tickets, so come dressed in your best costume. Adult general admission is $10, children ages 3 to 12 are $5, and children 2 and under are free. srfballoonfestivals.com
Scarizona Scaregrounds, Oct. 2-Nov. 7
Come experience Arizona’s newest haunt in Mesa. The Scarizona Scaregrounds feature two haunted houses, Slayers Slaughter House and Epic Fear, in addition to Arizona’s first interactive zombie paintball-shooting experience. There will also be nightly entertainment, a Beer and Wine Cemetery, and a chainsaw gauntlet race where guests compete to escape with the fastest time. The attraction runs through Nov. 7. scarizona.com
Hermosa Inn Ghost Tours, Oct. 1-Oct. 31
If you happen to be staying at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley during the month of October, you don’t have to go far to experience some scares. The property has a haunted history that dates back to the 1930’s, and through the years there have been many reported ghost sightings from guests and staff alike. The hotel will be offering a self-guided ghost tour this month, so if you are looking for some authentic haunts don’t miss out on this exciting experience. hermosainn.com
