Who says Halloween is just for kids? For those who love a hair-raising good time, these fright-filled gauntlets and gatherings promise plenty of jump scares, spooky stories and creepy crypts.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Now through Nov. 2, terror takes over the entire park with five haunted houses, six “terror-tories” and four shiver-inducing shows. New haunted houses this year are “Werewolves: The Wolf’s Revenge,” a hunt for the back-from-extinction creature, and “Bloodshot,” a dive bar for the undead. All-new terror-tories include “Bavarian Bloodshed,” which is about a cursed town; “Disgrotesque,” a demented twist on a French nightclub; and “Wicked Wunderland,” which manages to make the holidays scary. Access is included with regular admission, which starts at $64.99. The park advises parental discretion. 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, Virginia
Clifton Haunted Trail
Get your $20 tickets online (or pay $25 at the door) for this one-night-only event on Oct. 25, 7-10 p.m., in tiny Clifton, where many of the Civil War-era buildings are rumored to be haunted. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the uneven terrain and watch out for branches, in addition to zombies and other ghostly creatures of the night. Clifton Town 8-Acre Park, Clifton, Virginia
Fields of Fear at Cox Farms
A family-friendly Fall Festival by day takes a dark turn at dusk. Now through Nov. 8, take a Dark Side Hayride, navigate Cornightmare, the farm’s original haunted trail, and tread lightly through a wooded trail surrounded by chainsaws, spiders and all things fear-inducing. Need a break from screaming? Head to the Firegrounds for dancing, karaoke and a six-lane slide. Tickets start at $35. Check the online schedule for details. This after-dark attraction is not recommended for children younger than 12, and anyone younger than 14 must have an adult chaperone. 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, Virginia
Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion
Hundreds of creatures from the underworld will emerge to make your worst nightmares come true at this popular theme park, which comes alive with the echoes of the dead in haunted houses, mazes and spooky live shows. For more thrills, zoom on rides such as the Anaconda roller coaster. Admission the haunted attractions is included with regular tickets, which start at $49. Alternately, you can access the haunted mazes exclusively for $10 and up. The frightful fun is happening now through Nov. 2. 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia
The Haunted Ballroom at Clarendon Ballroom
Looking for a scary good time on Halloween weekend? The three-level party venue will be hopping with DJs, immersive performers, costume contests, giveaways and a haunted photo booth. On Oct. 31, the theme is “The Annual Haunted Ballroom Bash,” and on Nov. 1, it’s the “Afterlife Party.” General admission is free. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Hitchcocktober at Angelika Film Center
On select dates now through Oct. 31, catch films by legendary filmmaker and master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, including The Birds, Rope, Dial M for Murder and Psycho. Anchoring the Mosaic District, the theater makes it easy to turn movie night into a date night. Grab some grub and a bucket of beers in the movie theater’s café or stop before or after at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax
Laurel’s House of Horror
Tucked inside an abandoned 50-year-old movie theater in Laurel, Maryland, this is a choose-your-own scary adventure with options such as a haunted house, escape rooms and paranormal tours. The haunted house boasts four attractions, including the new “Studio 13,” in one walkthrough. Or, choose between two escape room experiences. “Escape Beetlejuice” is based on the 1988 Tim Burton film by the same name and challenges guests to solve puzzles without saying “Beetlejuice” three times. The brand-new “Escape the Movies” makes you the star of your own horror flick—unless you make it out unscathed. Not recommended for children younger than 10. Tickets start at $30. Check the website for the full schedule of events, happening now through Nov. 1. 935 Fairlawn Ave., Laurel, Maryland
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Practice deep breathing during the drive to this Halloween haven near Sugarloaf Mountain in Montgomery County, Maryland. This year brings new updates to old scenes, including a castle doorway that first appeared on stage with Black Sabbath during their 1980 Heaven and Hell tour. Pass through that entrace and test your courage on the mile-long Haunted Trail, or stroll through The Town, which is overrun by zombies. Visitors 12 and older will enjoy the attractions the most, but a special Lights on Night will make them accessible to anyone who prefers to avoid jump scares. Markoff’s Midway is always free to access, and has giant bonfires, a DJ, roaming ghouls and goblins, and live entertainment most nights. Tickets prices vary by experience and day. 19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson, Maryland
Workhouse Haunt: Apokalypse Kingdom of Shadows
These shadows aren’t the artistic kind that one normally encounters inside the art hub’s community studios. Back for its 12th season Oct. 10-Nov. 1, this scary outdoor trail winds through the abandoned historic buildings that served as the District of Columbia’s correctional facility from 1910-1998. “In the darkness, evil is awakened and runs with a restless energy—to overtake our world for all time,” warns the website. Tickets start at $20. Every night of the event and on Premium Saturday Nights, House DJ Emcee will host a free dance party in the central quad. Guests can purchase snacks, beer, wins, themed specialty drinks and souvenirs. This event is best for attendees 13 and older. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, Virginia