Ready to get the goosebumps? Alabama’s haunted house season is underway, and organizers promise to ratchet up the horror level at spooky sites throughout the state. It’s time for killer clowns, deadly doctors, evil dolls, ghastly ghouls, ravenous zombies, chilling ghosts and much more.
Here are 22 Halloween attractions on our don’t-miss list for this year. And are they kid friendly? Let’s find out.
When: Sept. 21 and 28; Oct. 4-5, 10-11, 17-20, 24-27, 31. Ticket office opens at 7 p.m. Hours are 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. most nights, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on Oct. 4-5 and 10-11, 7:30 p.m.-midnight on Oct. 18-19 and 25-26.
Where: 4051 U.S. 72, Killen.
What to expect: Haunted attraction featuring “five terrifying tales” named Graystone Academy, Sir Cecil’s Big Top, Covington Clinic, Deadwater Bayou and The Underground, according to Arx Mortis website.
Extras: Fright Town entertainment zone with entertainment, scare actors, photo ops, Zombie Outbreak Gellyball, specialty food, drinks and more.
Admission: $29.99-$34.99 general admission, $44.99-$59.99 fast pass access, $49.99 unlimited access pass allows ticketholder to go through haunt as many times as they can during operating hours on one night using general admission rules. Special $74.99-$79.99 “behind the screams package” offered on three Saturdays (Oct. 12, 19 and 26), must arrive by 6:30 p.m. for guided tours.
Kid friendly? Arx Mortis is rated PG-13 and may be “too intense for children under the age of 13,” the website says.
When: Oct. 4-5, 10-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31; Nov. 1-2. Tours start at 7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day.
Where: 8404 Parkway Drive, Leeds.
What to expect: Atrox Factory bills itself as “the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast,” with “50,000 square feet of mind-numbing terror and over 1/4 mile of twisted hallways and shocking surprises.”
Celebrity appearances: Actor Bill Mosely of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2″ and “Carnivale,” Oct. 11-12; stunt performer Alex Armbruster of “Poltergeist” and “The Boys,” Oct. 18-19; actor Brett Wagner of “The Evil Three″ and “Midnight Maniac,” Oct. 25-26.
Admission: $25 general admission, $50 VIP (no waiting in line). Online ticket sales based on timed entry at half-hour intervals. Ticket booth open at event for cash purchases.
Kid friendly? Those ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Also: Special “Lights Out” events, Nov. 1-2; “Atroxmas” holiday tours, Dec. 13-15.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 18-19, 25-26, 28-31; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays.
Where: Combat Park, 6755 Curry Station Road, Eastaboga.
What to expect: “The grounds of the city have been shifting each night,” the City of Chaos website says. “We have been experiencing different smells we can not explain in the air and finding trails of blood entering tunnel 109. The voices keep telling us there will be an uprising on the grounds this year. A new evil is lurking in the City of Chaos this haunt season. Come prepared to face your worst nightmares!”
Attractions: Haunted City of Chaos & Tunnel 109 (walking trail with eight buildings, graveyard, creepy playground and underground tunnel), plus three paintball experiences: Haunted Shooting Gallery, Chaos Convoy, Cataclysmic Convoy.
Extras: Carnival rides and games.
Admission: $20 Haunted City of Chaos, $40 to skip line; $15-$400 for paintball attractions, $15 kids night. Also $50 combo ticket for Haunted City of Chaos & Tunnel 109, Haunted Shooting Gallery and Chaos Convoy.
Kid friendly? Those age 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, Oct. 10 is kids night at City of Chaos. with lights on and no scares, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
When: Sept. 20-21, 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31. Hours are 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. in September, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. most nights in October, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 31.
Where: 306 S. Main St., Columbia.
What to expect: “Travel back in time as former residents return from the afterlife accompanied by some familiar friends as you tour through their past abode known now as Columbia Manor,” organizers say on the website.
Admission: $13 general admission in September, no fast pass; $20 general admission in October, $45 fast pass. Part of proceeds benefits Columbia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Emergency Squad.
Kid friendly? Not recommended for children younger than age 6.
When: Oct. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-31; Nov. 1-3, 6-9. Hours are 8 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 906 40th St. North, Birmingham.
What to expect: Self-guided tours of haunted attraction, with actors in costume, props, etc. “With over 50k square feet, Conjure is guaranteed to astound haunted house enthusiasts, thrill seekers and beyond,” the website says.
Admission: $25 general admission, $25 ad-on for VIP, $75 add-on for Scream Skip (front of the line and T-shirt). Proceeds benefit Andrew’s Place, a nonprofit that offers aid, shelter and counseling to victims of domestic violence.
Kid friendly? Not recommended for children younger than age 13. Teens 13-16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: Sept. 28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 24952 U.S. 72 East, Athens.
What to expect: “A hybrid immersive haunt allows you to become a part of the scenes,” organizers say on Facebook. “Twisted trails, a nuclear-era abandon town and horror lurking around every corner in a 45+ minute walkthrough.”
Extras: Corn maze.
Admission: $28 general admission, $50 slash pass to cut the line, $10 corn maze.
When: Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Gate opens at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 91 Mudd St., Eastaboga.
What to expect: A “haunted haven filled with ghoulish surprises,” the website says. “From haunted houses to creepy mazes, chilling performances, and tantalizing treats, there’s something for every thrill-seeker and Halloween enthusiast.”
Admission: $15 early bird general admission, $20 general admission, $45 VIP, $15 escape room.
Kid friendly? Kid-friendly event on Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., $5 admission. Those age 13 and younger not admitted without parent or guardian.
When: Sept. 20-21, 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. Hours are 7 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 7522 U.S. 431, Heflin.
What to expect: Haunted chicken house, haunted hayride, crazy train. Storyline focuses on Chicken Dan, the mutant chickens he raised and the gruesome war that ensued. “Chicken Dan asks for your help once again,” the Facebook page says. “The chickens have taken over the house and have opened some sort of dimension to another world. It has infected the house with a demonic energy mutating everything into a darker more sinister experience.”
Admission: $25 one attraction, $40 two attractions, $60 three attractions, $25 VIP tickets advance visitors to front of line.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. Hours are 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 12570 Lee Road 279, Valley.
What to expect: Three horrifying attractions: Finn’s Funeral Home, Village of the Dead, Spinal Tap and Clown Town.
Admission: $35 includes all three haunts, available at the gate only, cash only; $5 parking.
Kid friendly? Those younger than age 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
When: Sept. 28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-20, 25-26; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Nov. 1-2 for ROTN. (ROTN is ”like Rolling Blackout, but with more blood, guts & gore,” the website says.)
Where: 425 Country Road 467, Vincent.
What to expect: Haunted house, corn maze, tractor ride through spooky swamp, food trucks.
Admission: $25 general admission.
Kid friendly? Hellbilly Hollow is kid friendly on Oct. 20, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., with treats and tractor rides.
When: Oct. 5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-27, 30-31; Nov. 1-2. Opens at 7 p.m. most nights and closes 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the day. Hours 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Where: 5477 Skyland Blvd. East, Cottondale.
What to expect: “For the last four years and counting, we’ve been providing guests from all over Alabama and Mississippi with a scary good time,” the website says. “Prepare for a chilling blend of classic scares and hair-raising new visions as you explore every room of our house of horrors.”
Admission: $25 general admission, $5 parking.
Kid friendly? Those age 13 and younger must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
When: Sept. 27-29; Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 30-31. Hours are 7 p.m. midnight Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sundays and Oct. 30-31.
Where: 8433 Gadsden Highway, Trussville
What to expect: “Insanitarium is a psychologically terrorizing haunted attraction,” the website says. “Submerging customers each year into an ominous environment, we explore deeper into a world full of creatures and the undead. We’re excited to announce that 2024 fall season brings new creatures and walkthrough of a NEW supernaturalistic twist to its continuing macabre story.”
Admission: $20, $45 “R.I.P.” pass to skip the line.
Kid friendly? Parents must decide; organizers rate attraction as PG-13. Kids ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adults, the website says.
When: Oct.4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 8 p.m.-11 p.m.or 7 p.m.-11 p.m., depending on the day.
Where: 30338 Lester Road, Lester.
What to expect: Charity-run haunted attraction. Scare 4 Charity says it’s taken over an old hospital reputed to be a center for paranormal activity.
Admission: $20, $30 fast pass, cash or credit, on site only.
Kid friendly? Children younger than age 13 must be accompanied by guardian.
When: Sept. 28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; Nov. 1-2. Tickets sold 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 1802 Chilton County 23, Verbena.
What to expect: Haunted trail and hayride on 35 acres of land, invaded by creatures that go bump in the night.
Admission: $15 walking trail, $15 hayride, $25 combo ticket.
When: Sept. 20-21, 27-28; Oct.4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-31, Nov. 1-2. Opens at 7 p.m. and closes 10 p.m.-midnight, depending on the day. Food drive Nov. 1.
Where: 2015 Decatur Highway, Fultondale.
What to expect: “A haunted house known for its chaotic, dark and grungy style,” the website says. “Our long and twisted indoor and outdoor trails will throw you into the terrifying unknown at every turn.”
Admission: $25. College students with ID get $5 discount on admission Sept. 20-21.
Kid friendly? Sensory awareness day is Oct. 13, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.; kids day is Oct. 27, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for afternoon events.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (lights on, no scares) and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 31.
Where: 592 Sam Ellis Drive Northwest, Rainsville,
What to expect: “Our haunt attraction is designed to give visitors an intense experience that’s full of scares and surprises,” the website says. “From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in a world of horror that will leave you screaming and shaking in your boots. Get ready for a night of chills and thrills that you won’t soon forget.”
Admission: $20, $25 extreme experience, $45 with T-shirt.
Kid friendly? Trick or treat event for kids on Oct 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. with lights on and no scares.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31; Nov. 1-2. Hours are 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 7385 Alabama 188, Coden.
What to expect: Immersive haunted house with “a variety of rooms and scares that are sure to leave you trembling with fear,” the website says. “From creepy dolls to ghostly apparitions, we have everything you need to experience a terrifying night of fright.”
Admission: $20, $15 Sept. 27-28 with canned food donation. Proceeds help outreach missions and events held at the Coastal Response Center.
Kid friendly? May not be suitable for children younger than age 10, the website says. Parental guidance recommended.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 25-31; Nov. 1-2. Hours 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.-midnight, depending on the day.
Where: 17327 Alabama 269, Quinton.
What to expect: Organizers tout a “backwoods, outdoor haunted experience, over a quarter-mile long maze of monsters and mayhem twisting and turning through the woods.”
Admission: $15, $10 with canned food item for regular tours; $10 for “no scare” tours on Sundays, $5 with canned food item.
Kid friendly? “Spooktrail Lite,” no-scare tours on Sundays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, along with regular tours.
When: Oct. 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 31; Nov. 1-2. Opens at dark, closes at 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closes 10 p.m. Sundays and Oct. 31.
Where: 27600 County Road 64, Robertsdale.
What to expect: Darkwoods Haunted Forest, Casket Experience, Escape or Die: The I-10 Slasher Experience. See descriptions of the attractions here.
Admission: $20, $35 VIP (with front of line access), $15 kids age 12 and younger for Darkwoods Haunted Forest, $10 Casket Experience.
Kid friendly? Those ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-31. Opens at 7 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. on weeknights, 11 p.m. on weekends.
Where: 25 Choccolocco St., Oxford.
What to expect: “Come brave the twisted corridors of the Terrortorium, take a spin on the Big Eli Ferris Wheel and have a ride down memory lane on the Haunted Castle Dark Ride from the original Miracle Strip Amusement Park of Panama City Beach,” the website says. Organizers promise a “CARNEVIL of Halloween fun and fright.”
Admission: $5-$40, cash only.
When: Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 24-30.
Where: 13670 Smiley St., Silverhill.
What to expect: Kid-friendly train ride by day, haunted thrill ride by night. Wales West is an RV park and campground with a railroad theme park. Pumpkin Patch Express starts at 4:20 p.m. Scary Night Train starts at 7:20 p.m.
Extras: Pumpkin patch, tractor rides, concessions and more.
Admission: $26.75 general admssion, free for children younger than age 2 who can sit on adults’ laps. Tickets available online with specific dates and times of departure. Limited number of walk-up tickets sold each day; first come, first served.
Kid friendly? Daytime activities geared to children, but train ride gets more intense when sun goes down.
When: Sept. 20-21, 27-28; Oct. 11-13, 18-19, 24-27, 29-31, Nov. 1-2. Box office opens at 6:30 p.m.; attractions start around 7 p.m. and stay open until 10 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day.
Where: 3150 Lee St., Pelham.
What to expect: Rigamortis haunted attraction featuring “twists and turns through 50 scenes of terror and mayhem,” 3D Experience with “mind-bending 3D artwork and disorienting puzzles,” Escape Room “to test your survival skills” during 10-minute timed experience.
Admission: $30 Rigarmortis and 3D Experience combo, $50 fast pass combo; $60 VIP; $15 Escape Room.
Kid friendly? Attractions rated PG-13, recommended for those age 12 and older. Younger children may attend when accompanied by parent or guardian.
