Halloween thrill seekers come in many forms. Some prefer to get their scares from staged sets and actors pretending to be ghouls and villains. Others love a good ghost story, told by knowledgeable guides with a flair for entertaining. Then there are those brave souls who wish to peer into the murky unknown of the paranormal to see the unseen and track down things that go bump in the night.
Regardless of which type of shiver suits you best, we've got you covered with this list of fun frights, terrifying tours and petrifying paranormal experiences.
Haunted houses
Brimstone Haunt
Dent Schoolhouse
- When: 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30-midnight Friday-Saturday through Oct. 31.
- Where: Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent.
- What to expect: With movie-quality sets and Hollywood animations, the Dent Schoolhouse is consistently voted one of the best haunts in America. The school's gristly story includes a deranged janitor who murdered school kids here, and they all haunt the halls. Tickets are sold in time slots. Buy online or be prepared to pay cash at the door. Friday and Saturday tickets include admission to the Queen City Slaughter Yard behind the school. $20-$55. frightsite.com.
Halloween Haunt
- When: 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.
- What to expect: Roller coasters aren't the only things conjuring screams at this amusement park, which has been transformed into one of the most immersive haunted attractions in Greater Cincinnati. It features scare mazes, scare zones, live entertainment and hundreds of horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park, waiting to terrify. In addition, most rides are open, including the Beast, Orion, Diamondback, Mystic Timbers and Banshee. Not recommended for ages under 13. $40-$85. visitkingsisland.com.
Horror Hike Haunted Trail
- When: 8 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 1680 U.S. Route 50, Greendale, Indiana.
- What to expect: Take a half-mile hike through the woods with gristly scenes and frightening monsters and ghouls. $20, or combine with Horror House for $33. horrorhike.com.
Horror House
- When: 7 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 28051 Moore Lane, West Harrison, Indiana.
- What to expect: This is a full scare haunted attraction where guests are subjected to blood, guts, gore and more. $20, or combine with Horror Hike for $33. horrorhike.com.
Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park
- When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 31.
- Where: 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown.
- What to expect: This sprawling theme park offers multiple scare experiences including the Haunted Trail, the Historical Mystery Mansion, Dr. Psycho's Haunted Estate, Big Mana's Revenge, Killer Klowns 3D Maze, Temple of Terror and Phobia. Theme weekends: Oct. 22-23: Killer Klown Invasion; Oct. 28: College Night; Oct. 29-30: Witches; Oct. 31: Spook-o-Rama. Weekends through Oct. 31. $75 fast pass, $50 general. landofillusion.com.
Mount Healthy Haunted Hall
- When: 8-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7-9 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 7700 Seward Ave., Mount Healthy.
- What to expect: You'll find classic favorites like Wolfman, Frankenstein, Dracula and the Bate's Motel here, plus many original scenes and props through the main building, four tents, back yard area and giant vortex. Tickets are cash only. $15 fast pass, $10 general. Bring 2 cans of soup on Sundays for a $5 discount. hauntedhallinfo.com.
Nightmare Manor
- When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 31.
- Where: 1601 S. University Blvd., suite A, Middletown.
- What to expect: Back in the '70s, this building was the fashionable Cambridge Inn. Now it's a horror film-themed haunt featuring 25 rooms of elaborate sets depicting some of America's scariest movies. Boasting more than 50 live monsters and an outside trail, it's a good place to face fears and overcome phobias. Suitable for younger horror fans. $17. Get $2 off with donation of a canned good. Parking $2. 513-849-2021; nightmaremanor.net.
Sandyland Acres Haunted Hayride
- When: 8 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 4172 Bellview Road, Petersburg.
- What to expect: This haunted hayride is suitable for all ages, although no one under the age of 16 is admitted without a parent or guardian. Tickets are cash only. Hayride is $15, Haunted Barn $10, $23 for combo ticket. Ages 5-under admitted free. 859-322-0516. sandylandacres.com.
Terror Town
- When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday through Nov. 6.
- Where: 1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg.
- What to expect: This 19th-century town has a horrifying past, and you can become the folk in the lore in this immersive haunted attraction. You can opt for the town only, or venture onto the haunted trail. Brave folk can enhance the horror experience with optional red or gold bracelets, which signal consent for the ghouls to get physical. It can get messy, so dress appropriately. The trail is an intense haunt recommended for ages 16-up. $25-$35. allhallowsevellc.com.
Twisted Trails & Muck Manor
- When: 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 5719 W. Ohio 73, Wilmington.
- What to expect: This indoor/outdoor haunt is held in the dark and features intense audio and lighting, strobes, fog, damp or wet conditions, moving floors, uneven terrain and extremely low visibility. Wear appropriate footwear; no flip flops, high heels or sandals. Ticket includes both attractions. $20-$30. 513-317-0983; twistedtrailshaunt.com.
USS Nightmare
- When: 7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Nov. 6
- Where: 101 Riverboat Row, Newport.
- What to expect: Two decks of pure horror on a haunted riverboat on the Ohio River. Ratchet up the fright with the intense, immersive RIP Experience, which features access to additional areas of the riverboat and an interactive, hands-on experience. On the final weekend (Nov. 5-6), the crew unleashes the Captain's Extreme Tour, the most intense, extreme tour with adult situations and language. $18 general, $32 RIP Experience, $27 Captain's Extreme. ussnightmare.com.
Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride
- When: 7:30 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: 1261 W. Dalton Road, Wilmington.
- What to expect: Ride a haunted bus through the fields of Clinton County while being chased by fire-breathing semi-trucks. There's also an Eville Asylum, the Slaughter Hotel and a Field of Terrors haunted maze. Haunted Hollow Ride is $20, general admission for all four attractions is $30. Children 5-under get in free. Free parking. 937-382-6147; wilmingtonhauntedhollowride.com.
Ghost tours and ghost hunts
Arnold's Ghost Hunts
- When: 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 22-23.
- Where: Arnold's Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.
- What to expect: Cornerstone Paranormal and POV Paranormal lead overnight paranormal investigations through the city's oldest bar. Arnold's owners and staff share their experiences. Investigations limited to 20 people per night. No alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed. $40. arnoldsghosthunt.com.
Arnold's Ghost Hunts plus Dinner
- When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 29-30.
- Where: Arnold's Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.
- What to expect: Special 3-course dinner from chef Kayla Robison. Dinner includes two alcoholic beverages. Following dinner, Cornerstone Paranormal and POV Paranormal lead ghost hunts through the building. Arnold's owners and staff will share their experiences. Investigations limited to 20 people per night. No alcoholic beverages will be served after dinner. $90. arnoldsghosthunt.com.
Aurora Ghost Walks
- When: 7 p.m. Oct. 28-29.
- Where: Hillforest Victorian House Museum. 213 Fifth St., Aurora.
- What to expect: Tour the streets of Aurora after dark with historian Jim Waldon and learn about unseen inhabitants of town. Sponsored by Aurora Main Street. $10. 812-926-1100; hillforest.org.
Bobby Mackey's Ghost Hunt
- When: 8:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 31.
- Where: Bobby Mackey's Music World, 44 Licking Pike, Wilder.
- What to expect: Reported to be one of the most haunted locations in America, this ghost hunt includes exclusive overnight access to the most haunted areas. Experienced ghost hunting team on hand for structured vigils, seances, and use of EMF equipment. Includes snacks, coffee, soft drinks and water. Halloween night is already sold out. $129. ghosthuntusa.com.
Bobby Mackey's Ghost Tours
- When: 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday year-round.
- Where: Bobby Mackey's Music World, 44 Licking Pike, Wilder.
- What to expect: Reported to be one of the most haunted locations in America, this 2-hour guided tour with the official paranormal team of Bobby Mackey's Music World takes you on all three floors and provides you with information on the history of the location and the reported paranormal activity. $35. gatekeeperparanormal.com.
Buried Secrets Tour
- When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, 6 and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Nov. 13.
- Where: Tours start in Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- What to expect: Two-hour guided walking tour tells stories of Over-the-Rhine's past, from murderous rage to body snatching for medical dissection. Learn about the reasons the neighborhood's supernatural claims persist to this very day. $29. hauntedcincytours.com.
Cincinnati Ghosts Tour
- When: Nightly
- Where: Tour starts on steps of Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- What to expect: Led by US Ghost Adventures, this 60-minute guided walking tour uncovers the hauntings of mass graves, murders, old orphanages and more. Rain or shine. $25. cincinnatighosts.com.
Covington Haunted & Historic Tour
- When: 7 and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: The Gruff, 129 E. Second St., Covington.
- What to expect: Hear about the ghosts that haunt Covington on this guided walking tour. Learn about the controversies and feuds that unfolded and turned neighbors against each other. Tour is 3/4-mile with some moderate hills and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Tour conducted by American Legacy Tours. americanlegacytours.com.
Dent Schoolhouse Ghost Tours
- When: 8 and 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 27.
- Where: The Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent.
- What to expect: Experience the schoolhouse without the actors and learn about the real hauntings here. Guided tours are in the dark and last approximately one hour. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight. Group size limited to 12 people. $40. frightsite.com.
Ghost Tour
- When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31.
- Where: Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- What to expect: Sponsored by Ish Festival, this guided walking tour lets you meet the ghosts of Jewish Cincinnati's past. Visit the old Jewish Cemetery, the cursed Opera House and the streets Jewish Cincinnatians called home. $10. linktr.ee/ishfestival.
Halloween Paranormal Investigation
- When: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30.
- Where: Caesar Creek Pioneer Village, 3999 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville.
- What to expect: If you've ever wanted to take part in a real paranormal investigation, this is your opportunity. Buildings in the village date back 200 years and older and this is one of the rare times you can visit after dark. Equipment available, or bring your own. Must sign a liability waiver form in advance. Advance registration required. $40. ccpv.us.
Haunted Cincinnati Ghost Tour Pub Crawl
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday ongoing
- Where: Arnold's Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown
- What to expect: Costumed tour guide leads you through the most haunted spots in the area. Hear unsettling stories from the past and learn about the ghosts that still haunt the streets. Tour lasts 2.5 hours. $25. nightlyspirits.com.
Newport is Haunted Tour
- When: 7 and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Oct. 30.
- Where: Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport.
- What to expect: This 3/4-mile guided walking tour along the streets of Newport includes spooky true tales of murder, suicide and decapitation as you learn about some of Newport's most infamous unsolved crimes. Tour is conducted by American Legacy Tours and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. $29. americanlegacytours.com.
Spooky Secrets Tour
- When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-30
- Where: Covington Plaza, 1 Madison Ave., Covington.
- What to expect: Inspired by the book "Secret Cincinnati," this 2-mile guided walking tour covers 10 stops from the riverfront to Mainstrasse. Hear ghost stories, creepy history and other scary stuff related to the city. All guests receive a signed copy of the book "Secret Cincinnati." Rain or shine. Tours are limited to 20 people. Proceeds benefit NKY ArtQuest and other arts-related Catalytic Fund initiatives. $40-$60. eventbrite.com.
Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour
- When: Tours leave every 30 minutes between 6-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Nov. 6.
- Where: American Legacy Tours, 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
- What to expect: 2-hour guided walking tour features the terrifying, true stories of Over-the-Rhine, finishing with visit to the historic Emery Theater. Tour is under one mile, but includes some stairs and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. $39. 859-951-8560; americanlegacytours.com.
Source link
