Ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts know the best haunts worth exploring are always the ones steeped in history. New York’s varied terrain, from the big city to open countryside, has been rooted in our nation’s history since our independence — it’s safe to say your family will find something spooky to explore.
Bring the older kids to bond on a seriously creepy adventure through haunted asylums and old prisons or work together to find your way through a corn maze.
Haunts
Rolling Hills Asylum is famous in the paranormal activity world. Intrigued guests flock to the abandoned hospital, searching for spiritual evidence. Located in East Bethany, New York, guests explore the asylum for four hours, picking through the institution looking for any sign of the afterlife. While Rolling Hills Asylum was literally left behind with hundreds of mentally ill, impoverished and even widowed inhabitants to die in the facility, the history is fascinatingly dark. Read up on the asylum’s many missteps before you go, and don’t forget to bring your ID as this is an adults-only tour.
Paranormal Society © Eddie Toro | Dreamstime.com
For those brave enough to stay overnight in a haunted house, pack your flashlight and sleeping bag before spending the night at the Haunted Hinsdale House. Join like-minded para-expeditioners trying to contact the other side, explore the house and hunt for current residents. Located in Hinsdale, New York, the historic site is primarily used for paranormal research and tours, but ultimately strives to be turned into a museum.
History
A little on the lighter side, the Museum of Wayne County History’s Old Jail brings history to life with haunted tales and tours through the old Wayne County. Located in the Finger Lakes region in Lyons, New York, the Haunted Jail, Cellblock Terror and Blood Curdling Barn is a beloved Halloween attraction. Learn about the execution of murderer William Fee and explore the spooky old town.
For a limited time in October, guests experience the Murder at Cherry Hill tour in the historic New York region. Learn about the fateful day, May 7, 1827, that spurred the last hanging in Albany. Enjoy the history and haunted thrill of walking along the dark trail.
Theatrics
Visit a castle filled with antiques, trinkets and, oh, spirits. Every item within Wing’s Castle tells a story. Guests explore by tour or stay the night within its spooky walls. Located in Hudson Valley, New York, the impressive stone structure is a sight to behold.
After working up an appetite, enjoy dinner with a few surprise guests at Silvio’s Villa. Built in the 1700s, the restaurant is known to be haunted by the family murdered there. Read more about what happened and why you may or may not want to be anywhere near table 24.
Whether looking to beef up your Halloween experience or interested in year-round haunts, there are 65 haunted sites in New York to explore. Check out the incredible lineup on New York’s tourism site or with the Haunted History Trail.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMexico
Oct 26, 2026Parents Can Catch Up on Sleep with Velas Resorts’ New Sleep Experiences
Velas Resorts in Mexico debuts a new collection of sleep-focused experiences designed to help regulate circadian rhythms; reduce stress hormones; and physically prepare the body for deep, restorative sleep. This offer is perfect for parents looking to catch up on sleep and develop healthy sleep habits after a summer of family travel.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 26, 2026Basel, Switzerland, for Kids
You may think of Basel as a city of commerce and industry, home to some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, but it’s also a city of arts and culture, so if a business trip there is on your calendar, consider taking the kids along. You’ll find plenty of attractions to entertain them.
Hotels
Oct 23, 2026Take a Festive Escape to Hotel San Luis Obispo, California, This Holiday Season
The holidays are right around the corner and it's time for family travelers to book a festive family getaway. But why vacation somewhere cold when you can bask in warmer weather on California’s Central Coast? And, for the cherry on top, why not make Hotel San Luis Obispo your family’s base?
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 / Europe
Oct 23, 2026The Perfect Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Itinerary for a Preschooler
For my daughter’s 3rd birthday, we decided, rather than more toys collecting dust in every room of our house, to take a weekend trip to celebrate. And, at just about 1.5 hours away from home, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, proved the perfect weekend — and road-trip — destination.
ShareThis