Ghosts And Gore: 8 Scariest Haunted Houses In New York City For A Spooky Adventure
As you plan your month of Halloween events and explore the extravagantly decorated neighborhoods of NYC, why not add a spine-tingling haunted house to your must-visit list? There's something uniquely hair-raising about navigating the dark hallways of a haunted mansion, coming face-to-face with ghoulish demons, and encountering gory characters.
With the arrival of fall, the Halloween spirit is in the air, and the countdown to this spooktacular holiday has officially begun. As you plan your month of Halloween events and explore the extravagantly decorated neighborhoods of NYC, why not add a spine-tingling haunted house to your must-visit list?
There's something uniquely hair-raising about navigating the dark hallways of a haunted mansion, coming face-to-face with ghoulish demons, and encountering gory characters.
Fortunately, New York City and its surrounding areas offer many options to satisfy your thirst for terrifying adventures.
Are you ready to unleash some blood-curdling screams and experience a bone-chilling journey like no other?
While the popularity and themes of haunted houses in New York City may vary from year to year, here's a list of some well-known and reputable haunted houses in the city:
1. A Haunting in Hollis, Queens:
A Haunting in Hollis is rated the #1 haunted house in the Tri-State area and stands out on the list of NYC haunted houses. What makes it unique is that it's set up in a residential neighborhood, specifically in Queens, for the entire month of October.
When you visit, you'll encounter scary actors who jump out to terrify you. You'll navigate mazes, avoid zombies, and face chaos in a terrifying lab. Get your tickets here.
2. Nightmare Dollhouse:
Known for its immersive and frightening experiences, Nightmare takes you through different horror scenarios each year. The Nightmare Dollhouse is among the creepiest haunted houses in NYC. In this unique experience, you'll find yourself in a nightmarish scenario where dolls have come to life and are determined to transform you into one of them. Your goal is to escape with your soul intact as the evil within the house seeks to consume you.
This haunted house stands out because it emphasizes a strong plot and storyline as you progress through the experience. It is located on the Lower East Side and is known for its intensity and emotional impact. The question is, do you have what it takes to make it to the end? Book your tickets here.
3. Headless Horseman Haunted Attractions, Ulster Park:
The Headless Horseman Haunted Hayrides and Haunted Houses in Ulster Park are back for 2023, offering a spine-chilling experience. With classic hayrides, eerie walking trails, a daunting corn maze, and numerous haunted houses, it's a must-visit for those in New York. You'll have the chance to creep through the darkness, encountering all things eerie, and who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the legendary headless horseman himself. Get your tickets here.
4. Gateway's Haunted Playhouse:
Located on Long Island, this haunted attraction features a haunted house, a trail, and a maze, all designed to give you the creeps. It's the ultimate destination for those seeking a spine-tingling adventure during Halloween. This renowned attraction offers multiple haunted houses brought to life by professional actors who excel at creating a terrifying atmosphere.
With elaborate sets, high-quality props, and family-friendly events, Gateway's Haunted Playhouse caters to many visitors. It operates throughout Halloween, providing an immersive and hair-raising experience for thrill-seekers. Don't miss the chance to explore these chilling scenarios and get into the Halloween spirit in a truly unforgettable way. Get your tickets here.
5. Blood Manor:
Get ready for the ultimate screamfest as Blood Manor celebrates its 20th season in New York City, running until November 4. This horror hotspot in Soho has gone all out for its anniversary, adding three new rooms and donning new costumes designed by Abracadabra, the legendary Manhattan Halloween store. With a team of pros, including actors, set designers, and makeup artists, the immersive experience ensures visitors are in for a spine-tingling ride. Returning fans can re-encounter the old favorites while the whole place has been reimagined for extra fear. Prepare to navigate 10,000 square feet of terror-inducing themed rooms, corridors, and chilling passageways that will make you jump. Get your tickets here.
6. Pure Terror Scream Park, Monroe, NY:
Pure Terror Scream Park has something extra special in its bag of horror tricks¡ªit holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest walk-through haunted attraction globally. With 13 spine-tingling haunted attractions, including the freshly unveiled "Jungle Rot," they'll subject you to encounters with everything from vampires and clowns to zombies. Though it's a bit of a drive, roughly 2 hours from NYC, it's well worth the visit for anyone who can make the trip. Prepare for a night of bone-chilling frights that will haunt your dreams. Get your tickets here.
7. Halloween House at the Oculus
If you're seeking a Halloween experience more about festive fun than spine-tingling scares this fall, the Halloween House at The Oculus has got you covered. It started on Friday, September 29, and will run through Wednesday, November 1; the Halloween House will transform the transportation and shopping hub at 185 Greenwich Street into an enchanting attraction.
Featuring a range of intricately designed themed rooms, such as a Glow in the Dark space, a mysterious vampire lair, a horror movie graveyard, and even an indoor pumpkin patch, Halloween House promises a unique experience. What sets it apart from traditional haunted houses is its dedication to creating meticulously detailed environments without actors, jump scares, or strobe lights.
This all-ages event focuses on delivering entertainment through captivating decorations rather than gruesome gore or frightening characters. So, if you're looking for a fear-free and visually stunning Halloween adventure, The Oculus Halloween House might be just what you need. It's a festive celebration that promises to delight visitors of all ages with its immersive and creatively themed rooms. Get your tickets here.
8. TerrorVision
Times Square, already a bit of a nightmare with its quirky Elmos and bustling crowds, has taken a spookier turn. "Horrorwood Studios," now open at 300 West 43rd Street, brings a season of immersive, heart-pounding experiences to the heart of the city. Guided by artistic directors Will Munro and Katie McGeoch, who have a combined experience of over two decades running Six Flags¡¯ Fright Fest, this adventure immerses you in the making of a chilling TerrorVision Halloween episode.
Imagine you're behind the scenes, and you'll step through a flickering TV screen into a nightmarish world spread across a massive 20,000 square feet ¨C possibly making it the largest haunted house in NYC. With 140 actors bringing the scenes to life, "Horrorwood Studios" promises an unforgettable Halloween experience that will leave you trembling. Get your tickets here.
(Please note that the availability and themes of these haunted houses may change from year to year, so it's a good idea to check their websites or contact them directly for the latest information and schedules. Also, some attractions might have age restrictions or be too intense for some visitors, so check before you go.)
The options in this article were curated with the help of AI.
For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.