People love a good scare. How else do you explain the popularity of haunted houses? You'll find eight of them in South Florida this year.
Below, in alphabetical order, are your options for a frightfully good time this fall.
Cortez Manor: the Revenge at Curtiss Mansion
500 Deer Run, Miami Springs305-869-5180
curtissmansion.org/halloweenIs the Curtiss Mansion haunted? Some people seem to think so, which is why the 97-year-old building has played host to ghost tours in the past. It's also why the mansion is the perfect place to put a haunted house. Cortez Manor is set in a sanatorium and stars Dr. Cortez, known for torturing patients, and Ofelia, the scorned wife he has neglected. Thursday, October 13, through Monday, October 31. Tickets cost $15 to $35 via eventbrite.com.
Fright Nights at South Florida Fairgrounds
9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach561-793-0333
myfrightnights.comYou probably won't find Palm Beach County's biggest ghoul at Fright Nights. No, that soulless monster lives ten miles east of the South Florida Fairgrounds at Mar-a-Lago. But the killer clowns and zombies roaming around Fright Nights — now entering its 20th season — are almost as terrifying. This year's edition offers three haunted houses: the Christmas-themed "Dead of Winter"; "Country Bills Meat Market," which sounds like hillbilly hell; and "Siren's Revenge," set in a cursed seaside town. Visitors can also expect food, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Friday, October 7, through Saturday, October 29. Tickets cost $35 to $40.
The Haunt at Tree Tops Park
3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie754-888-3327
floridahaunt.com This Davie outdoor haunt invites you to take a walk through the woods at night. What can possibly go wrong? There are three themed hikes that revolve around "La Bruja: the Haunted Hike," "Tormented Trail," and "Psycho Path." The Haunt also offers a more family-friendly experience on select days, including live music and kids' activities. Saturday, October 8, through Monday, October 31. Tickets cost $15 to $99.
House of Horror at Miami International Mall
1625 NW 107th Ave., Doralhouseofhorrorcarnival.comA trip to the mall in Miami can be an absolute nightmare. You'll find hell-raising customers and road-raging drivers fighting over parking spots. And if that isn't bad enough, now you have to deal with a noise-triggered ghost at "Silent Mall," one of four haunted experiences at House of Horror. Want thrills with your chills? Visitors can enjoy unlimited carnival rides at House of Horror, including the new Fireball rollercoaster. Through Monday, October 31. Tickets cost $20 to $40 via eventbrite.com.
The Horrorland at Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami1-800-383-6119
thehorrorland.comThe Horrorland becomes a haunted walk-thru this year after starting as a haunted drive-thru during the pandemic. Expect the same creative scenery and costumes from Cirque du Soleil veteran Francisco Santos as in past years, only now in a walkable Jungle Island setting. This year's haunted houses and scare zones include "The Nun's Revenge," "Alice in Horrorland," and, because it's never too early to celebrate the holidays, "Santa's Death Wish."
Miramar Drive & Scream at Miramar Regional Park
16801 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar786-337-0032
driveandscream.comDrive through the park grounds and take in the sights and scares from the convenience of your car. There are six drive-thru scenes, including "Shawshank County" and "Día de los Muertos." If you feel like stretching your legs after, park your car and walk through the corn maze. Friday, October 14, through Monday, October 31. Tickets cost $60 to $100 per vehicle via ticketmaster.com.
No Way Out: The Cabin at Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12th St., Miaminowayoutmiami.comYou probably saw the past videos of scared Miami Heat players stumbling through a haunted house. Now check out the new haunt from No Way Out, the team behind those scares. This year's haunt — which moved from the Westland Mall to the Dolphin Mall — is set inside a cabin in the early 1900s. Rumor has it there's a portal to hell inside. Through Monday, October 31. Tickets cost $25 to $40 via eventbrite.com.
Paranoia Horror Maze
2602 NW Fifth Ave., Miami305-833-5998
paranoiamiami.comWant to know how many people have chickened out while stumbling through this pitch-black maze in Wynwood? Look at the running tally on the wall at Paranoia, which has proudly displayed the total since opening in 2017. It's a badge of honor and speaks to Paranoia's ability to terrify its patrons into submission. This Halloween season is being billed as "Paranoia's Last Ride," so make sure to stop by and pay your last respects. Through Sunday, November 6. Tickets cost $20 to $40.
