Ready to start the Halloween season? Whether you prefer running from angry spirits or chasing zombies there’s something here for you.
Dark Hour
When: Sept. 22 through Oct. 31, 2023
Where: 701 Taylor Drive, Plano
Dark Hour is pulling out all the stops this year, including an expansion that will add new layers to its sinister storyline and push audiences to learn the history of the thirteen witches that govern their halls. Full-fledged horror enthusiasts can opt for a VIP experience which allows you to play a role in scaring fellow guests from the comfort of a lounge stocked with snacks.
Cutting Edge Haunted House
When: Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023
Where: 1701 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
Situated within the eerie confines of a long-forgotten meatpacking facility nestled in Fort Worth's infamous Hell's Half Acre district, Cutting Edge earned the prestigious title of the top-ranked haunted attraction in the nation during the 2021 USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice awards. This spine-chilling 55-minute adventure offers patrons a heart-pounding encounter replete with live actors, immersive special effects and a labyrinthine human maze.
The Parker House
When: Oct. 6 to Oct. 31, 2023
Where: 8550 West University Drive, Denton
Prepare to be fully immersed in an environment hidden from the outside world, a world steeped in the murderous chaos that Mary Parker inflicted upon her victims. Step through her living quarters seamlessly intertwined with her chambers of torment, where she reveled in her sinister deeds. You will traverse the eerie graveyard, the very place where unsuspecting guests met their ultimate demise. As you venture into the ominous woods and encounter the lurking inhabitants within, you may find yourself approached by some rather unsavory characters.
Hangman’s House of Horrors
When: Sept. 29 through Oct. 31, 2023
Where: 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth
More than a century ago, a military base was established on the site of what was once a helium production plant, and much of the historical information about the military activities conducted there remains shrouded in secrecy. If you're in search of an eerie atmosphere that transcends mere props, this location might be just what you're looking for. In addition to their 45-minute haunted attraction, they also feature an interactive horror art exhibit. Moreover, Hangman's regularly hosts "scaredy cat nights" during which all the lights inside the haunt remain on, and costumed actors are available for photo opportunities that even children can enjoy.
Haunted Shadows Lake Trail
When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2023
Where: Blue Sky Sports Center 7801 Main, The Colony
Haunted Shadows Lake Trail offers an unsettling experience that stretches just over a mile in length. This self-guided odyssey takes you on a haunting trek of over a mile, winding through the dimly lit woods and tangled undergrowth along the shores of Lake Lewisville in The Colony. There are no guides — just you and the trail. As you venture deeper into the ominous woods, the wind whispers through the trees, twigs snap beneath unseen footsteps and the moon's eerie glow reflects off the lake's surface, casting unsettling shadows that conceal unimaginable horrors.
For those with younger attendees in town, Haunted Shadows Lake Trail is adaptable, and you can inquire about their PG-rated version to ensure a less intense experience.
