We've never been the type for fright and horror— we jump when doors slam after us, cover our eyes when the heroine can't see the bad guy (he's right behind you, you idiot, run!), and sometimes we're scared to get out of bed to make sure the door is locked properly. But that doesn't mean we can't partake in some good, old fashioned haunted house fun (as long as shrieking and hand-holding are allowed). So, to get us in the Halloween spirit(s), we've rounded up the top six spooks of the season. And if (unlike us) you're able to sit through any of the Paranormal Activity movies, go down to the basement for flashlights in a blackout, or even sleep alone when it's raining, then you've got to check out these bone-chilling haunted houses that are sure to have you jumping four feet off the ground with fear. Just don't say we didn't warn you…(insert creepy laugh here).
Blackout Haunted House:
At Blackout Haunted House nothing is off-limits and it incorporates every type of torture. One spooky feature? You are required to navigate your worst nightmares, all alone (don't worry, you are given protective eyewear and a flashlight). This house gives new meaning to the phrase, "are you afraid of the dark?", and if the answer is yes at any point, yell "safety" to be taken back to daylight.
Where: 54 West 39th Street (between 5th and 6th avenues ); 718-522-7171.
When: Now through October 31. Mondays 7 p.m. through 11 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursdays 7 p.m. through 11p.m.; Fridays 7p.m through 12 a.m.; Saturdays 5 p.m. through 12 a.m.; Sundays 5 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Price: $30
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Sleep No More:
Definitely the most theatrical of the haunted house experiences, Sleep No More is a scary performance art piece that turns the abandoned McKittrick Hotel into a haunted experience that channels Shakespeare's Macbeth, in a light (or darkness) that you have never seen before. Throw on your Venetian carnival style mask and follow your favorite character through various ballrooms, hospitals, and nurseries as they dress, kill, and try to wash out all that blood.
Where: The McKittrick Hotel 530 West 27th Street (between 10th and 11th avenues); 212- 904-1883.
When: Now through November 12, Monday through Thursday, 7p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Price: $75–$95, for a range of premium tickets
Where: The McKittrick Hotel 530 West 27th Street (between 10th and 11th avenues); 212- 904-1883.
When: Now through November 12, Monday through Thursday, 7p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Price: $75–$95, for a range of premium tickets
Graves End Inn Haunted Hotel:
Who better than entertainment technology students of CUNY City Tech to put on a thrilling Halloween production? This "theme-park-quality" attraction has been going on strong now for 12 years, and with a $5 dollar price tag, this is the perfectly-priced way to get in the Halloween spirit. We give these spooky students an A+.
Where: 186 Jay Street (Vorhees Theater NYC College of Technology Campus); 718.260.5588.
When: Thurdays (starting October 20) 1 p.m. through 5 p.mm, Fridays and Saturdays (starting October 21) 1 p.m. through 5 p.m., 6 p.m. through 9pm, Monday October 31, 1p.m. through 5 p.m.
Price: $5 for GA, $4 for Group
Where: 186 Jay Street (Vorhees Theater NYC College of Technology Campus); 718.260.5588.
When: Thurdays (starting October 20) 1 p.m. through 5 p.mm, Fridays and Saturdays (starting October 21) 1 p.m. through 5 p.m., 6 p.m. through 9pm, Monday October 31, 1p.m. through 5 p.m.
Price: $5 for GA, $4 for Group
Gateway's Haunted Playhouse: Get ready to play with with the gruesome creatures and tortured souls that haunt the 100-year-old estate ground— this is no amateur playhouse but you might scream like you're a little girl. We know we're bound to reach unmentionable octaves our of fear.
Where: 215 South Country Road, Bellport; no phone available.
When: Now through October 29. Weekdays and Sundays 7 p.m. through 10 p.m, see website for more times.
Price: GA $20, Fast Pass $25
Where: 215 South Country Road, Bellport; no phone available.
When: Now through October 29. Weekdays and Sundays 7 p.m. through 10 p.m, see website for more times.
Price: GA $20, Fast Pass $25
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Photos: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media, City Tech, Gateways Haunted House
Nightmare: Fairytales:
This year's fairytale theme puts a gruesome and "nighmareish" twist on some of our favorite childhood stories. Try not get to get lost in the woods (à la Little Red Riding Hood) as you go from cottage to cottage. And, you might want to bring some breadcrumbs to find your way back, because this haunted house is sure to frighten more than just the children.
Where: 107 Suffolk Street (between Rivington Street and the Williamsburg Bridge); 212-352-3101.
When: Now through November 5. Thursday, October 13 7 p.m. through 11 p.m., Friday, October 14 6 p.m. through 1 a.m., Saturdays 5 p.m. through 1 a.m., for additional times, see website.
Price: $30 in advance, $35 at door, $60 VIP, $100 Super VIP
Where: 107 Suffolk Street (between Rivington Street and the Williamsburg Bridge); 212-352-3101.
When: Now through November 5. Thursday, October 13 7 p.m. through 11 p.m., Friday, October 14 6 p.m. through 1 a.m., Saturdays 5 p.m. through 1 a.m., for additional times, see website.
Price: $30 in advance, $35 at door, $60 VIP, $100 Super VIP
After Dark at Madame Tussauds:
As if wax figures of celebs weren't already creepy enough, Madam Tussauds in Time Square is taking it to the next level with a special eight night haunted house event. Make your way down the museum corridor as hundreds of eyes watch your every move. This night of un-living celebs is sure to be scarier than waking up next to one without make up in the morning. Plus (ahh!) the biggest fright of all: real, live tourists!
Where: 234 W. 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th avenues); 866.841.3505.
When: Thursday October 20 through Sunday October 23, Thursday, October 27 through Sunday 30 9 p.m. through 12 a.m.
Price: $25, Buy Online, $22
Where: 234 W. 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th avenues); 866.841.3505.
When: Thursday October 20 through Sunday October 23, Thursday, October 27 through Sunday 30 9 p.m. through 12 a.m.
Price: $25, Buy Online, $22
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Creepshow at the Freakshow:Creepshow at the Freakshow:
Take a ride on the horrifying side, at this year's "Creepshow at the Freakshow." It's a mix of fears ranging from faulty rides to murder scenes. This year is guaranteed to be dirtier and bloodier than ever, with "drunk ride inspectors, creepy ticket sellers, and lots of dead and decapitated bodies." But not to worry, the crimes you witness won't go unpunished—at the end of the show, audience members will be sworn into the most dreadful jury duty (isn't that the scariest part of all!?).
Where: 1208 Surf Avenye (between Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street); no phone available.
When: Now through October 31. Fridays through Sundays 6 p.m. through 11 p.m., Wednesday Oct 26 and Thursday Oct 27, 6 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Price: $10
Where: 1208 Surf Avenye (between Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street); no phone available.
When: Now through October 31. Fridays through Sundays 6 p.m. through 11 p.m., Wednesday Oct 26 and Thursday Oct 27, 6 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Price: $10
Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted House:
With eight different attractions, including a haunted hayride, a labyrinth style corn maze, and six haunted houses, you are sure to have a night of thrills and fun. With over 45 acres of land, good luck navigating your way thru the corn maze, maybe we will see you on the other side.
Where: 778 Broadway, Route 9W Ulster Park; 845.339.2666 When: Thursday through Sunday, Monday Oct 31, 12 p.m. through 4 p.m. Price: $37.95 (8 attractions)
Where: 778 Broadway, Route 9W Ulster Park; 845.339.2666 When: Thursday through Sunday, Monday Oct 31, 12 p.m. through 4 p.m. Price: $37.95 (8 attractions)
Horseman's Hollow:
"The Horseman's Hollow" is adding a whole new scare factor to the old tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Try not to freak as you journey into a town run by a headless horseman, and you be sure to watch your back for unexpected creatures lurking in the shadows, horsemen are said to not let you leave after you've entered they're, well...haunt… even describing this gives us the chills.
Where: 381 North Broadway (Philipsburg Manor), Hudson Valley, no phone available.
When: Today, Friday October 14 through Sunday October 16, Friday October 21 through Sunday 23, Thursday October 27 through Sunday October 30, various times.
Price: $20 (Saturdays $25), Members: $5 discount per ticket.
Where: 381 North Broadway (Philipsburg Manor), Hudson Valley, no phone available.
When: Today, Friday October 14 through Sunday October 16, Friday October 21 through Sunday 23, Thursday October 27 through Sunday October 30, various times.
Price: $20 (Saturdays $25), Members: $5 discount per ticket.
Photos: Via Haunted House NYC, Headless Horseman, Horseman's Hollow