10 haunted houses in Arizona, ranked by their fear factor
Get ready for Halloween with thrills from one of Arizona’s haunted houses. From family-friendly to nightmare-worthy, there is a haunted attraction for you!
Days are shorter, the under breeze is cooler, and there is a hallowed feel in the air—not to mention ladies are busting out the uggs, fuzzy sweaters, and pumpkin spice-scented candles. This can only mean that Halloween is right around the corner!
Whether you celebrate the spooky season by watching scary movies, carving pumpkins, throwing parties, overeating candy, or attending haunted houses, October is full of fun that can be a welcome reprieve from reality. In fact, seeking spook can be a great way to relieve some anxiety from the crazy times that we live in. So take a break from the chaos of the world this spooky season and find the haunted house that’s right for your fright level. Here are 10 haunted houses across Arizona with a fear-emoji rating ranging from family-friendly to nightmare worthy: ????????????
Family Friendly: ????
Medium Spook (Ages 12+): ????
Nightmare Worthy: ????
Fear ratings are determined by real customer reviews, videos, and conversations with the production team. (Also, are we finally done with saying spoopy?)
Haunted houses in frightening Phoenix:
Scarizona Scaregrounds
Location: 1901 N Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201
Dates: October 4-November 2
Cost: $29.95-$59.95
What to expect: With two different haunted houses, Scarizona is a fun option that has a haunting website but only light to moderate ratings for the spook factor. What it might be missing in the terror department, it makes up for with good actors who like to play with the patrons. If you’re afraid of the dark, though, be prepared to be scared. The haunted house “Startled Darkness” is pitch black and includes people—or ghouls—running at ya! Between the darkness and the title though, this whole thing was probably designed by a well-meaning Dad.
Rating: ????????
Mill of Madness
Location: 3749 E Atlanta Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Dates: October-November 2
Cost: $17.99-$35.99
What to expect: Although this attraction has been described as only moderately scary, what sets it apart from others (outside of the psychological thrill factor gimmick) is that it goes beyond the tradition of a haunted house. Instead, Mill of Madness is an immersive experience where attendees MUST participate in the story, blurring the line between reality and fiction; patrons become part of the lore. Expect jumpscares, animatronics, and interactive fright. It might be the right fit for fans of FNAF.
Rating: ????
13th Floor Haunted House
Location: 2814 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053
Dates: Now-November 2
Cost: Ticket prices start at $24.99, with season passes starting at $46.99.
What to expect: With attractions titled “Cemetery of Lost Souls,” “Dead Again,” and “Lycans Curse,” it is no shock that 13th Floor of Phoenix has won USA Today’s title of “TOP 5 MOST TERRIFYING HAUNTED HOUSES IN THE USA.” If you wish to use the fear adrenaline in an activity, be sure to check out the “Zombie Splat GellyBall Experience” where you can let loose and shoot at zombies!
Rating: ????????
Fear Farm Haunted House
Location: 6801 N 99th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Dates: October-November
Cost: $26.99-$35.99
What to expect: Zombies, a skeleton crew, chainsaw-wielding maniacs, and clowns are just some of the fear-inducing characters at Fear Farm this year. Most people find this haunted house to be pretty scary, so if you spook easily, opt for their alternative corn maze instead of the haunted houses.
Rating: ????????
Sanctum of Horror
Location: 6525 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206
Dates: Now-November 2
Cost: $10-$30, depending on event
What to expect: Sanctum of Horror features two haunted houses for the price of one! It is said to be the most terrifying option around Phoenix and has added a new event this year called “Blackout,” which is said to be the scariest yet! There is no doubt that if you want to risk peeing your pants, this is worth checking out. However, there is also a “no-scare” option that is completely family-friendly. Choose wisely.
Rating: ???? OR ???? … no in-between
Haunted houses in terrifying Tucson:
Nightfall at Old Tucson
Location: 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735
Dates: October
Cost: $29-$99
What to expect: If you have never been to Old Tucson, this may be the best time to go. It is 20 acres of an old movie set that hosts holiday-themed experiences. Nightfall this year has “Mary the demon queen” summoning her army of the underworld meant to thrill you while exploring stunts, music, mazes, food, and more. With plenty of space between attractions, this is a family-friendly event…for families that enjoy the lore, that is.
Rating: ????????
Terror in the Corn
Location: 13591 W Avra Valley Rd, Marana, AZ 85653
Dates: October
Cost: $30-$42
What to expect: “Lost Souls Circus,” “Bleakmore Asylum,” and “Bloodmoon Ranch” are the haunted houses included in Terror in the Corn. There are more attractions, as well, including a vampire magic show, zombie shooting, ax throwing, a corn maze, and an escape room. Terror in the Corn has been terrorizing Tucson for 25 years and updates attractions regularly. If you plan to go to all 3 haunted houses, be sure to arrive well before 7, as this haunt attracts quite the crowd.
Rating:????
The Slaughterhouse
Location: 1102 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
Dates: September 27-November 2
Cost: $34-$71
What to expect: Psst. You there. Come here. I’m hiding behind my desk right now because this place has me so scared! The Slaughterhouse of Tucson is located in a former 1950s meatpacking plant and was just featured on Ghost Adventures last year. It has also won #1 Haunted House in the U.S. and wins Best of AZ awards yearly. If you are looking for thrills and terror, people drive from all over the state to explore this attraction, which includes a zombie shootout, a circus freakshow, and a haunted house. Dust off those dreamcatchers; you’re going to have nightmares after this one.
Rating: ????????
Haunted houses in other scary cities of Arizona:
Yuma Nightmares Haunted House
Location: 15485 S Avenue 4 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
Dates: October 11-31
Cost: $10
What to expect: This family-launched haunted house humbly began in an apartment building 22 years ago and now has a permanent location that covers an acre and includes up to 100 actors per night! While there are thrills, this popular haunted house is family-friendly. By popular, be prepared to park a couple of blocks out. This has only increased in popularity since returning post-COVID.
Rating: ????
Kiwanis Cornfest
Location: Gary Keith Civic Park / 2345-2361 Mohave Valley Highway Bullhead City, AZ 86442
Dates: October 25-31
Cost: $3-5 for the haunted house
What to expect: The Kiwanis Cornfest, a family-friendly event in its 7th year, has the largest haunted house in the area and charges nominal fees for entry. If the family isn’t into the spook, have no fear, as this festival has many activities, including car smashing, bungee jumping, bounce houses, ax throwing, a petting zoo, and a strongman competition. Entry is free, and the events vary in price.
Rating: ????
Many more horrifying hauntings:
Maybe you’ve seen a few too many movies, and actors no longer cut it. Instead, try out the real deal with these haunted locations: Flagstaff Freaky Foot Tours, Bisbee Ghost Tours, The Gila County Jail of Globe, Tombstone Terrors, The Windy Hills Burial Grounds, or any of Arizona’s haunted hotels.
Whatever you choose to do, wherever you choose to go, may you have a spectacular spooky season. Until I can get my husband to agree to go to The Slaughterhouse, I’ll be watching “Practical Magic” and playing “The 7th Guest” for about the thousandth time while passing out candy on my dimly lit street. Happy Haunting!
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