Are you ready for the annual season of horror to return? Because Halloween is just around the corner and it is time for you to grab a pal and a pair of running shoes and enjoy some Halloween-themed fun. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-inducing haunted house or a spooky-themed social gathering to make some new friends and enjoy a relaxing evening out, there are plenty of horror-themed events in Salt Lake County to keep you entertained throughout the season. Here are some of the best places in Salt Lake County to get your Halloween fix this year.
Castle of Chaos
Top of this list is the Castle of Chaos, a well-known haunted house attraction in Salt Lake County where visitors can scream in terror every Halloween, whether they be veterans of ghost hauntings or completely inexperienced newcomers to all things horror. Castle of Chaos is the only underground haunted house in Utah, with horrifying scenes and characters that are sure to keep you on your toes throughout the attraction.
Guests can choose from four different levels of scariness, with an option to completely isolate your group from the rest of the castle’s guests if they choose. Furthermore, if you like puzzles and prefer more of a challenge to your evening, Castle of Chaos also features an intense Chaos Escape Room game where you and your fellow thrill seekers can test your wits and attempt to escape from the terrifying scenario that they have set up for their guests.
Nightmare on 13th
If you crave adrenaline-fueled fun that will keep you coming back for more, you will be happy to know that Nightmare on 13th is right up your alley. Founded in 1990 as the Institute of Terror Haunted House, Nightmare on 13th has since grown to become one of the most successful haunted house attractions in Salt Lake County, even considered by many to be one of America’s scariest horror attractions.
Every year, guests can venture forth into a 36,000-square-foot haunted house with professionally trained actors and studio-grade makeup, costumes, and lighting effects. If you think you have the courage to make it through this 45 – 60 minute tour that is one of America’s scariest haunted houses, then bring a pal and some comfy sneakers because you will be running for your life in this haunted house.
Haunted Trail
If you relish a good hiking trip with your family and friends, look no further than Draper City’s Haunted Trail event. This two-day event (October 27 – 28) is a fun way to spend time outdoors in a spooky atmosphere and is ideal for families with younger children.
You will get to hike a rustic forest trail at night full of creepy creatures stalking you in the distance, scary sounds that will get your adrenaline pumping, and special effects meant to make the forest even scarier than it already is in the dark. As this event gets scarier the darker it gets, it may be best that you bring small children earlier in the evening unless you think they are up for a good scare. Costumes are highly encouraged to bring this event to life!
Witchfest at Gardner Village
If you are looking for a Halloween-themed shopping experience, Gardner Village is hosting their Witchfest seasonal event between September 17th through the end of October for shoppers. You can enjoy a soothing atmosphere in a locally run shopping district located in the historic Gardner Mill and Silo, where you can find anything from furniture, home decor, clothing, bridal gowns, and much more.
In addition to plenty of shopping options, you can enjoy a meal at their historic flour mill at Archibald’s Restaurant, where they serve 5-course gourmet meals followed by enthralling magic shows to entertain their guests. If you happen to be needing some Halloween-themed decorations for your home, you should check this shopping area out during their annual Halloween shopping event.
Halloween on the High Seas
Are you a sea lover looking for some Halloween-themed fun? Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is hosting its annual Halloween on the High Seas event, where guests can visit in their pirate or mermaid costumes and enjoy a night out with pizza and other family-themed activities.
Stroll along their Seaside Carnival to find all the games and treats, or head over to the Abyss to meet your fellow pirates and mermaids. Families can enjoy photo opportunities after they have proven their mettle in The Deep or enjoy a magical dance party with fellow sea lovers. Visit this local aquarium for a unique ocean-themed Halloween event you and your family can enjoy together!
Dead City Haunted House
If you are looking for a more extreme haunted house experience, head to Dead City Haunted House for a nightmarish evening. With the help of the Castle of Chaos team to build out their set and experience, Dead City Haunted House offers three different levels of difficulty, depending on your comfort level. Those who prefer to walk the haunted house without actors deliberately trying to scare them can choose level 1 and carry a glow stick to let actors know not to jump scare them.
Meanwhile, level 2 will give you a good dosage of jump scare without the actors touching you. Finally, for those looking for the greatest thrills, selecting level 3 will allow actors to touch and grab you (they will not move you or attempt to separate you), making it a step above what many haunted houses will do for their scare tactics.
2nd Annual Witches Brew
Last but not least is the annual Witches Brew event, where you can dress up in your best witch or warlock attire and join a community-based social event that includes food, desserts, drinks, and fun activities. This is a fun way to spend time with your family and get to know members of your community better. Each attendee will receive a Halloween-themed mug and a bag of goodies to take home afterward, something your kids—if you have any—will surely love!
These are the spookiest places and attractions in Salt Lake County this time of the year, so grab a friend and a pair of running shoes before heading on out into the night!
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