The spooky season is upon us, bringing with it crisp air, pumpkin spice, and thrilling Halloween festivities. For many families, this time of year means embracing the chills and thrills of haunted attractions. If you’re like us, you might be wondering if your kids are ready to take the plunge into the world of jump scares and spooky encounters. We’ve navigated this thrilling yet potentially terrifying terrain with our own children, and we’re here to share our experience and guide you through deciding if a haunted house adventure is right for your family. Just like gauging their readiness for scary movies, figuring out if they’re ready for haunted houses requires a bit of parental insight and planning.
Gauging Your Child’s “Scare Tolerance”: From Scary Movies to Haunted Houses
Before stepping into a dimly lit corridor filled with ghouls and goblins, it’s important to consider your child’s individual personality and how they typically react to scary content. Think about their experience with scary movies. Do they enjoy the thrill of a spooky film, or do they hide behind the couch at the first sign of suspense? This “scare tolerance” level is a good indicator of how they might handle a real-life haunted house.
Our own kids have shown varying levels of comfort with the spooky side of Halloween. While our son Alex, at 8 years old, was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of haunted houses, our 12-year-old daughter was more hesitant. Just as you might consider a parents guide for scary movies to determine if a film is age-appropriate, you need to assess if a haunted house experience aligns with your child’s comfort level. Asking questions like “What kind of scary movies do you enjoy?” or “What scares you most in movies?” can provide valuable insights.
Our Haunted House Family Adventure: Creepyworld and The Darkness
This year, we decided to take the plunge and introduce our kids to the local haunted house scene in St. Louis. We ventured to two well-known attractions: Creepyworld and The Darkness. Bringing our kids, along with nieces and nephews, turned these usually spooky outings into incredibly fun family adventures.
Creepyworld in Fenton, MO, was our first stop. The outdoor and indoor setup offered a variety of scares, from the Krampus House to the eerie Sleepy Hollow 3D. The kids were genuinely frightened at times, but in a way that was thrilling rather than traumatizing. Seeing their wide-eyed reactions and nervous laughter was a unique and entertaining experience for us as parents. It’s that kind of shared experience that makes family outings during spooky season so memorable.
The haunted hayride at Creepyworld was a particular hit with the kids. The change of pace and interactive scares, like a Jason Voorhees character dragging a camper, kept the excitement high and provided a break between the enclosed haunted houses. This variety is great when you’re navigating a potentially intense experience with children.
A couple of days later, we visited The Darkness, located in downtown St. Louis. Known for its intense, indoor maze-like structure, The Darkness offered a different kind of scare. We found it to be potentially more frightening than Creepyworld due to its enclosed and disorienting nature. Even for adults who are accustomed to haunted houses, The Darkness can be quite intense. However, our kids handled it surprisingly well, proving that they were indeed ready for a good dose of spooky fun.
After the scares, we explored Creepyworld’s Jack O’ Lantern Spooktacular, a fantastic display of intricately carved pumpkins. This provided a welcome, less intense activity and a chance to decompress after the adrenaline rush of the haunted houses. It’s a great addition for families, offering photo opportunities and a gentler Halloween experience.
Tips for Taking Kids to Haunted Houses: A Parent’s Guide
Based on our experience, here are some helpful tips if you’re considering taking your kids to haunted houses:
- Bathroom Breaks are Crucial: Haunted houses can involve lines and continuous walking. Make sure everyone uses the restroom before entering and even consider a preemptive stop before arriving at the venue.
- Dress for the Weather: Creepyworld has outdoor sections, so check the forecast and dress appropriately. Layers are always a good idea. The Darkness is indoors and can get warm, so lighter clothing might be better there.
- Establish Ground Rules: Remind your children that actors won’t touch them and they shouldn’t touch the actors. It’s all for fun, and setting these boundaries beforehand helps manage expectations and ensures everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
- No Refunds: Most haunted houses have a no-refund policy, even if you decide to leave the line. Be sure your group is committed before purchasing tickets.
- Parking Logistics: Factor in parking costs and procedures. Creepyworld charges for parking, and The Darkness has secured parking with kiosks or app payments. Cash is handy for Creepyworld parking.
- Snacks and Souvenirs: Many haunted attractions have gift shops and food vendors. Factor in time and budget for treats or spooky souvenirs if your kids are interested.
Is It Time for Haunted Houses? Trust Your Parental Instincts
Ultimately, deciding if your child is ready for haunted houses is a judgment call based on your knowledge of their personality and sensitivities. Just as you use parents guides for scary movies to make informed choices, consider your child’s overall “spook tolerance.” If they handle suspenseful movies and enjoy a bit of thrill, they might just love the excitement of a haunted house. And who knows, it might just become a fun and memorable family tradition! This spooky season, consider stepping outside the usual Halloween movie night and into a haunted house – you might be surprised at how much fun your family has facing their fears together.
