When older kids are too cool for hay loft slides and mini corn mazes and rubber duck races at pumpkin patches, what can you do next? (What can they do besides eat warm doughnuts, which they’ll surely never outgrow?)
Well, that’s when you try to scare the candy corn out of them, at one of the Seattle area’s local outdoor haunts. Here are a few that seem suitably scary picks. Remember to choose wisely. If you get scared, you may exit, but there are no refunds at haunted attractions.
Parents take heed! Know your thrill-seeking tween or teen. Some of today’s special effects and make-up can seem horribly real, in spite of being all theater and meant for fun. If you have a kid who’s on the edge, think twice. And pull up your boot straps and go with them, so you know what your too big kid are responding to when they crawl into your bed the night of a visit to one of these places.
Stalker Farms
- Location: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish
- Dates: October 2-3, 9-11, 16-18, 22-25, 29-31 & November 1
- Times: Oct. 2-3, 7-9 p.m.; Oct. 9-11: 7-1o p.m.; Oct. 16-18, 22-25, 29-31 and Nov. 1: 6:30-10 p.m.
At Stalker Farms, the creepy, foggy nighttime incarnation of Stocker Farms, you’ll find three attractions, including a corn maze. There’s a nighttime corn maze that’s not haunted, as well as a section that is. Note that the scary stuff is not recommended for age 12 and under, unless you want them to see gore, blood, mutations, mayhem, or hear screaming and eerie sounds. No refunds.
The all-outdoor haunted attractions are Slasher Family Homestead, Pogo’s Funny Farm and Eski’s Dark Harvest where the demonic ancestors of the Slasher family roam. Other activities include clown shot paintball, Farmer Foosball, a jumping pillow, midway games and food vendors. Private campfire pits available for rent.
Admission: Scary version starts at $29.95; Tickets to non-scary night on Oct. 2 is $22.95.
(Photo courtesy Maris Farms Haunted Wood)
Maris Farms Haunted Woods
- Location: 25001 Sumner-Buckley Highway, Buckley
- Dates:Sept. 26-Oct. 31
- Times: Timed entries begin at 7:30 p.m.
It’s a 35- to 40-minute walk starting at an abandoned barn, which is home to “a deranged circus of freaks and mutants.” Up next is a nightmare cornfield with many creatures lurking. Not recommended for children 10 and under or people with heart conditions. No refunds. No flashlights allowed. Masks required in the Haunted Woods. Other stuff: A flashlight maze, accessible with a Haunt and Play Pass.
Wondering what you’re getting into? Go to the website and check out the video there. It. will give parents a fairly good idea of whether this will be too much for their teen (or for them).
Admission: $45. Fast pass admission: $65. Online purchase only.
(Photo courtesy Wild Waves Fright Fest)
Wild Waves Fright Fest
- Location: 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way,
- Dates: Sept.-Nov. 1
- Hours: Fridays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Details: Reservations are good for the entire day. No re-entry after 6 pm. Season Pass Holders can onlu make one reservation can be made at a time. Season Pass Buddy Tickets are valid October 2–4 and do not require a reservation.
Visit the Chamber of Souls, a haunted maze with blood and gore. It’s rated PG-13 by the park and it’s scary. (Zombie apocalypse? Creepy clowns? Make sure your kid can handle it.) At Camp Whispering Pines, the campers and counselors reportedly check in, but never check out. Also PG-13. And, of course, you can ride the rides at night!
The Extreme Screams at the two haunted mazes not recommended for children under 13. Masks required for park entry. Chaperones required for minors. See website for details. Reservations required.
Admission: Starting at $59.99 online
(Image courtesy Thomas Family Farm Nightmare on 9)
Nightmare on 9 Haunted Town
- Location: Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish
- Dates: Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1.; Open Sundays on Oct. 18 and 25, and Nov. 1 only 6:30-9 p.m. Not a timed event.
- Hours: Friday & Saturday 7pm – Midnight; 6:30-9 p.m. on select Sundays
The Nightmare on 9 Haunted Town will feature a 1/4 mile long walk through experience on the grange of Thomas Family Farm. It is on gravel/solid surface so no need to worry about the mud. The story you’ll find: fictional Rippers Hollow was once a coal town and is now “a charred and twisted tale of horror and torment.” Your visit will wander through buildings, coverings and some open areas. Suggested Age 12+ **No child age 8 or younger is allowed in the haunt due to safety**
More Halloween fun:
Ideas for cheap and environmentally friendly Halloween costumes
