By Shannon Ostrowsky, Markets Media Life Correspondent
Halloween isn’t the same without a trip to a haunted house. New Yorkers have always been known to think big, and the area’s haunted houses are no exception! With dozens to choose from and if you are not like me (faint-hearted and a preference to Scooby-Doo over true horror flicks), you can enjoy(?) some terrifyingly exceptional haunted houses in the city and surrounding areas:
1. Blood Manor New York
Photo via BPS Productions
- 163 Varick St., New York
- Through November 8. $30-$35
Celebrating ten tears of horror, the Blood Manor New York is better than ever with shorter lines and waiting times, student nights, and new promotions: Touch Me Thursdays—first hand interaction with ghouls and zombies below the knees and above the shoulders; Lights Out Nights, and more. Beware of the beasts and demons, the maggot invasion, and 1,000 ways to die in Hannibal’s Hell.
2. Pure Terror Screampark
Photo via Pure Terror Screampark
- 299 Museum Village Road, Monroe, NY
- Through November 2. $36.99 for all five haunted houses
Five haunted houses. One location. Can you handle it? If you can, prepare for some all new attractions of some of our freakiest nightmares. If darkness doesn’t suit your fancy, Terror in the Dark will test your courage, with trails through the woods, abandoned cabins and caves where there is no turning back. Senses are tested in the Phobia Haunted House, a creatively creepy invitation to experience the scariest phenomenon in a totally different way. Prepare your nose for the worst.
3. Horseman’s Hollow
Photo via Werner Reischel
- 100 Continental St., Sleepy Hollow, NY
- Through November 1. $20-$25
You can’t think of haunted houses in New York without Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. For a highly horrifying night of terror, Philipsburg Manor is transformed into a sanctuary of evil with residents determined to keep their visitors from leaving. Endure a twisted maze of horrors, battle what awaits you at the ruins of Ichabod Crane’s schoolhouse, and face the dreaded Headless Horseman. When warned that it is not advised for those who are faint-hearted, you know it’s serious.
4. Woodside Nursery & Garden
- 134 E Woodside Ave., N Patchogue, NY
- Through October 31. Price varies
For something a little more tame and family-friendly, the Woodside Nursery and Garden Center offers great activities for children and adults. The Haunted Tunnel is stocked with over 300 eerie exhibits that includes moving props, funny and scary scenes, and more. Children can also take advantage of the ‘Octobercation’ outdoor exhibit featuring the Scooby Doo and Mystery Machine display (sounds like my idea of fun!). Fresh, roasted corn and scarecrow making also adds to the excitement of this Halloween festivity.
5. Zombieworld Attack of the Killer Clowns
- 41 Homer Ave., Deer Park, NY
- Through November 1. $15
Clowns—you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Even the manliest of men have admitted to being afraid of clowns, and with 40 live actors and professional animations at his 3,000 square foot haunted house, a night at Zombieworld will only reaffirm these notions. This 15-minute total walk will give you the heebie-jeebies, and question any clown from now on. Parental discretion is advised, as these clowns mean business.
Featured image via Dollar Photo Club
