Halloween-lovers and thrill-seekers in Philadelphia should count themselves lucky, as this city is known for having some of the scariest haunted attractions in the country. With haunted historic sites, zombie laser tag, and a spooky ski ride, just to name a few, Philly has a haunt for everyone. But for the true fright enthusiasts, these three attractions are the scariest that Philadelphia has to offer.
Terror Behind the Walls
A historic site by day, Eastern State Penitentiary turns into a nightmare-inducing interactive haunted house during autumn nights. Visitors to Terror Behind the Walls can opt to just explore and watch the action, or truly experience the terror by becoming part of the story. Those who dare to choose the interactive option will take part in six attractions that send them into hidden passageways, have them team up with zombies, and, hopefully, escape.
Eastern State Penitentiary isn’t all roses and sunshine during the daylight hours, either. Once home to such notorious criminals as Al Capone and Willie Sutton, this imposing former prison has been the focus of paranormal investigations since its closing in 1971.
Terror Behind the Walls is open through November 5. Advance tickets range from $19 to $45, depending on the experience you choose. You can also buy tickets at the door, but they’re more expensive and frequently sell out, so buying your tickets online is highly recommended.
Pennhurst Asylum
If a haunted house in an abandoned prison doesn’t sound spooky enough, head to the Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City to experience a realistic, high-tech haunted house featuring human experiments gone wrong, lobotomized zombies, and a ghost hunt for real ghosts. Visitors brave enough to enter the Pennhurst Asylum will wander through original hospital rooms and cells, get chased down a 900-foot underground tunnel, and explore the eerie Mayflower Building dormitory, reportedly the most haunted section of the abandoned asylum.
The Pennhurst Asylum’s haunted house isn’t all fiction: Originally named the Eastern Pennsylvania Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic, the asylum was shuttered in 1987 after allegations of inhumane conditions and cruel and unusual abuses. Ghost hunters have reported extensive paranormal activity at Pennhurst, including strange voices and reports of physical contact.
Pennhurst Haunted Asylum is open through October 30, and tickets range from $15 to $75.
Fright Factory
Declared the scariest haunted attraction in Philadelphia, the 25,000-square-foot Fright Factory offers nonstop terror as you explore dark corridors, a demonic church, an evil circus, and more twisted attractions. This high-startle haunted house, set in an abandoned, decrepit warehouse, is designed to keep visitors on their toes and induce an ever-growing sense of panic. Whether it’s actors jumping out from behind dark corners, sudden drops, or the desperate screams of victims echoing around you, Fright Factory is sure to have your hair standing on end.
Fright Factory is open every Thursday to Sunday through October 30. Tickets range from $13 to $28 if purchased in advance, or $19 to $34 at the door. Discounts are available for college students, military, emergency responders, and groups of 15 or more people.
Do you think you can handle the fear at these haunted attractions? There’s only one way to find out …
Image by Mysticsartdesign, used under CCO 1.0
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