When trick or treating begins to lose its luster or the kids just want an additional scare this year, haunted tours are the next step for Halloween lovers. Make it a family affair and bring the kids on a haunted tour, authentic or manmade for some real thrills.
One of the most iconic haunted mansions in the United States, The Winchester Mystery House boasts an annual candle-lit tour spooking visitors September through October.
Now offering 26 evening tours, grown from the previous year’s 20, the brave explore by flickering candlelight the haunted mansion, Sept. 14–15, 21–22, 28–29, and Oct. 5–7, 11–14, 17–21, 24–31. Prices vary by day and month, $16–49.
For those who caught this tour before, expect an all-new route and story to keep you on your toes. The mansion boasts 160 rooms in the authentic Victorian home complete with antique furnishings, Gothic details and architecture all captured in a frozen state of decay.
Located in San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery House is a popular attraction, so advance tickets are recommended.
Knowing Universal Studios’ production value and attention to detail, it’s safe to say the annual haunted tours and events are always an epic fright fest waiting to happen. Located in Southern California, this tour is known to be one of the most frightening of the bunch.
Universal Studios Halloween Nights © Peter Etchells | Dreamstime.com
This year, Halloween Horror Nights announced the incorporation of The First Purge, Tick ’r Treat and Stranger Things
added to the list of frightful inspirations, but that’s it. Interested guests sign up for updates as the event comes together or watch the video for a sneak peek
of what’s in store.
Thousand Oaks, California, is the location of Reign of Terror, boasting more than 23,000 square feet of frights, including 105 rooms to explore and eight spooky attractions. Explore the last Saturday in September or plan for Halloween. The haunted house is also open every weekend in October, so take your pick.
Over in San Diego, the Haunted Hotel and Trail offers some variety for the truly brave. Explore the creepy hotel in the popular downtown Gaslamp district or take to the city’s online outdoor attraction in Balboa Park, including a maze and haunted walks.
Still in San Diego County, Del Mar’s Scream Zone haunt offers dark entertainment from the House of Horror to the Haunted Hayride and KarnEvil.
Too scared to go in yourself? No problem, hang outside for free and wait for the kids in the Spirit Lounge bar or enjoy local food vendors and photo ops around the haunted grounds.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 8, 20267 U.S. Ghost Towns to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these ghost towns with us.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / North America
Oct 8, 2026Step into Spooky Season at LEGOLAND California
Spooky season just got a lot better at LEGOLAND California Resort as Wacky Witch, Mummy, Scarecrow, Spider Lady and Wolf Guy officially move on to Brick or Treat Street.
Destinations / North America
Oct 8, 2026Learn About America’s Independence on Battle Road Trail
Step into one of the most significant hours in America’s history with a hike or bicycle trip along Battle Road Trail in Lexington, Massachusetts. The pathway follows the route of the Minute Men, who gathered in Lexington to stop the advancing British troops intent on capturing the Patriot’s stockpile of weapons and munitions in Concord.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Oceania
Oct 7, 2026Celebrate Halloween at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is excited to invite guests to celebrate Halloween with the Rise of the Phoenix, a week-long celebration held Oct. 26–Nov. 1. The celebration is inspired by the mythical phoenix and its journey of transformation, resilience and renewal. Phoenix feathers emerge as the tropical greens change to warm autumn colors.
ShareThis