It’s that wonderful time of year again—when we voluntarily choose to scare the living daylights out of ourselves by running from maniacal serial killers and flesh-eating demons amidst haunted houses and hellscapes. From zombie apocalypses to slaughter houses full of deranged psychopaths to cursed corn mazes, get into the spooky spirit of Halloween with these haunted houses throughout Arizona.
Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix
With 30 acres of land and five indoor/outdoor attractions, Fear Farm boasts being Arizona’s biggest Halloween event. Experience the eerie atmosphere that only the rural areas can bring with a 10-acre corn maze and a new haunted hayride where victims are hunted by Wendigo, cannibalistic spirits of Native American lore. The Fear Farm also features the mythical half man, half goat (the Goatman), an alien invasion, and hordes of undead ready to feast on flesh. Blood-curdling screams can be heard in the distance at the slaughterhouse, as zombies flock toward the stench of decomposing bodies. This event runs until October 31; days and times vary. fearfarm.com
13th Floor, 2814 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix
Considered a bad omen, the 13th floor is often missing from buildings, believed to bring about evil, nightmarish things. 13th Floor Haunted House transports you directly to that haunting place with dead sailors’ corpses reanimated at the Dead House, and The Frenzy, where you may get separated from your friends, left to fend for yourself against demented clowns and fel apparitions. 13th Floor Haunted House implements elaborate sets and is known for having a high production value. Due to the intensity of the 13th Floor, this event is not recommended for kids under 12 years old. This event runs until November 5; days and times vary. 13thflooraz.com
Terror in the Corn, 17000 W. Ajo Way, Tucson
Terror in the Corn features a section of Buckelew Farm’s 11-acre corn field, turning that section into a terrifying race to get out of the maze with your life. Eerie figures lurk around every corner, messing with your head and sense of direction, and every year there are new surprises waiting. Bear in mind, tickets for Terror in the Corn and the regular Corn Maze come as a package. The horror begins when the night is pitch dark. This event is open every Friday and Saturday night in October plus Oct. 27-31; approximately 6:30 p.m. to midnight. tucsonterrorinthecorn.com
Slaughter House, 1102 W. Grant Rd., Tucson
The largest haunted attraction in Tucson, the Slaughter House has five different attractions: The Boiler Room (don’t get infected), Cirque du Slay (your worst clown fears realized), City Meats (insane butchers will grab you try to turn you into fresh meat), the Voodoo Bayou (where shamans raise demons from the underworld), and The Apocalypse. Provided with weapons, guests can become zombie hunters and fight off the impending doom of the undead in this last attraction. This event is open every Thursday through Sunday throughout the month of October plus Halloween; special Blackout event Nov. 4-5; times vary. slaughterhousetucson.com
Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill, 3401 W Greenway Rd., Phoenix
The classic story of Jack and Jill takes a chilling turn with Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill. Guests go through the storyline of a psychological thriller, building up the tension and suspense with actors and theatrical effects akin to being a part of a real horror film. Witness the story unfold every Thursday through Sunday during the month of October (including Halloween); times vary. jackandjillshauntedhill.com
And the scares just keep coming. As a bonus Halloween activity, families, friends and couples can make an entire trip out of their experience by checking out this chic boutique hotel with a haunting twist.
Ghost Tours at The Hermosa Inn
Turn your luxury getaway into a phantasmal adventure. All throughout the month of October guests at the boutique hotel The Hermosa Inn, located in Paradise Valley, can take self-guided ghost tours through the historically haunted grounds. With a suspenseful feel in the air, guests are given a list of ghost stories known to have occurred on the property. One story tells of multiple sightings of a woman in a pink dress wandering over the bridge near the pool, while another account involves a maid who quit her job after seeing the reflection of a cowboy in her mirror while no one else was around. Who knows, maybe you’ll have your own spectral story to tell by the end of it. hermosainn.com
