Fall isn’t just for cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice—it’s also the perfect time to get your adrenaline pumping at a haunted house or a spooky woods walk. While many of these Halloween haunted house experiences are best for adults and young adults there are some that are suitable for younger kids, like the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest or a ghost tour. Some attractions offer escape rooms and tamer activities too.
Whether you’re looking for after-dark fun for little kids, creepy creatures, or an immersive experience that leaves you screaming, these haunted attractions around Charlottesville and Central Virginia will deliver the thrills you’re craving. You might also want to enjoy a fall harvest festival, go apple picking, do a corn maze or visit a pumpkin patch. We also provide you with some parent-tested tips on how to decide if your child is ready for a haunted house plus advice on how to make the experience wonderful.
How to Know When Your Child Is Ready for a Haunted Experience
Are your kids thrill-seekers who eagerly anticipate the spine-chilling moments of a horror movie, or are they more likely to hide behind a pillow at the slightest hint of suspense? If they’re hesitant to even watch a spooky film, they might not be ready. For those who enjoy R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series, they might be ready for a bit more, but if “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” feels like it’s too much, it’s a good sign to dial back the scare factor.
Many haunted houses have suggested age guidelines (e.g., “not recommended for children under 10”). These guidelines can give you a sense of how intense the event is. Also, look for family-friendly options. Some haunted houses offer milder, kid-friendly versions during certain hours or days. This could be a safer starting point. You could always try visiting a smaller-scale Halloween attraction, like a pumpkin patch with mild amounts of spookiness, to see how they handle it, or watch videos of the haunted house. Some haunted attractions post walkthroughs online. Watching together can give your child a sense of what to expect and help you gauge their comfort level. A ghost tour is often a comfortable foray into spooky fun.
Lastly, remind your child that everything in a haunted house is make-believe and that the cast members are just pretending. Knowing this can reduce anxiety. Let them know it’s okay to leave if they feel too scared. Reassuring them they have the option to exit can make them feel more confident…