Boo!
There are few times and places where one seeks out thrills and chills.
But with Halloween weekend upon us, the time is now and the place is pretty close by, in most cases.
Here are a few of the larger Halloween attractions that you might want to explore to get in the spirit of the season.
For those who love fun with their fear:
Name: Screemfest at Canobie Lake Park
Address: 85 North Policy St., Salem, N.H.
Phone: 603-893-3506
Website: Canobie.com/SCREEEMFEST/index.php
Prices: $23.99 (with coupon, check website), $27.99 (general admission) and $16.99 (under 48-inches tall or over 60 years old).
Hours: Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m.
Family-friendly: Absolutely! Their motto is: Where fear meets fun. Site includes intense haunted houses and thrill rides, "trick or treating" throughout the park and our Kiddieland ride area for kids.
How to raise the white flag: Monster B'Gone! For those too scared, purchase a special necklace actors will shy away from. It works like crosses on vampires.
Scare Factor: Scream and run. While each haunt is different for each person, expect to be in the dark and have monsters jump out.
Ick-Factor: High alert. In the "Dead Shed" actors are famous for eating the blood and guts from their victims throughout the house.
Do things pop out at you? Absolutely.
Do things chase you? Wear sneakers.
When you aren't being stalked: Check out the park's 43 operating rides, 20 festive food locations, live entertainment (Mini-Kiss and a Tribute to Madonna), fireworks on Saturday evenings, Kiddie rides and trick-or-treating and simulated coffin ride to the grave.
For the traditionalist, who loves an eerie stone castle in the woods:
Name: Castle of Fear
Address: 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill
Phone: 978-521-1686
Website: Winnekenni.com
Prices: $18 (general admission) $10 (kids 12 and under)
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Last ticket sold at 10:30.
Family-friendly: Absolutely. Recommended for kids 8 and up.
Raising the white flag: Beg for mercy!
Scare factor: Bring someone whose arm you an crush. New features include the Maze of Mystery (going in is easy . . . ). Back for another year is the "Howling Hayride of Horror."
Ick factor: Beings from beyond all-twisted-up.
Do things pop out at you? Of course.
Do things chase you? Only the ones they want to eat!
When you aren't being stalked: Enjoy picnic tables and refreshments by the fireside. On Friday night, expect live music.
For the first time in its 20-year history, SpookyWorld takes over Fenway Park.
Name:
The Fear at Fenway
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston
Phone: 603-341-3558 or 877-REDSOX9
Website: Spookyworld.com (click Fear at Fenway icon)
Prices: $35 (general admission), $59 (VIP admission) and $19 kids matinee.
Hours: (Open through Nov. 6). Gates open evenings, from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Family-friendly: If you go on a matinee, sure. The lights-on tour for families and children feature family-friendly characters who give out treat bags, balloons and kids have the opportunity to get their faces painted. No scaring takes place at these shows and everything scary is covered. When the sun sets, the park changes over to the dark side for the night-time show.
Raise the white flag: Case by case basis and geared more toward younger guests. An actor will gauge if you've had enough and lay off, but we aim to do our job and do it well.
Scare factor: Do clowns freak you out? How about tight spaces? There's something for everyone and plenty of gory scenes.
Ick factor: Let's just say that broken necks, exposed bones and hanging ligaments are not uncommon in these attractions. Are these actors or the audience? We won't tell.
Do things pop out at you? Yes all the time.
Do things chase you? Chase you, follow you, and blow in your ear.
When you aren't being stalked: Check out the Halloween party featuring characters, concessions, a D.J. and bar.
The self-proclaimed largest haunted destination in the Northeast
Name: SpookyWorld's Nightmare New England
Address: 454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, N.H.
Phone: 603-424-7999
Website: spookyworld.com
Prices: $34.99 (Friday and Saturday, general admission), $29.99 (Monday, Thursday and Sunday, general admission), $59.99 (VIP admission Friday and Saturday), $54.99 (VIP admission Monday, Thursday and Sunday), $5 parking.
Hours: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
Family-friendly: Families that have children of differing ages can spend the evening at the park in different ways. One parent can take the older children through the attractions while the other can enjoy the sideshow attractions on the Monster Midway such as mini-golf, go-kart racing or play carnival games. For parents, SpookyWorld recommends that they bring them through the Monster Midway first to see how they react to the walk-around actors prior to purchasing a ticket. There is no fee to enter the Monster Midway.
Raise the white flag? Case by case basis. These actors will go above and beyond for a scare, so be prepared for it.
Scare factor: Hope you have a strong stomach.
Ick factor: Be prepared for the gory, new "Willow's Asylum." Some people have a hard time making it through.
Do things pop out at you? Constantly.
Do things chase you? Yes, the Litchfield location has ample room for actors to chase. Wear comfortable shoes.
When you aren't being stalked: The Monster Midway plays host to Zombie Paintball, a go-kart race track, batting cages, mini-golf, carnival games, concessions, restaurants, tarot card readers and more. Those with VIP access can also enjoy a private bar and fire pit in the VIP area.
