For teenagers, Halloween season marks a time where you’re stuck in the middle. You start to be a bit too old for trick-or-treating, yet too young to attend the costume party your parents are attending.
But have no fear. Here in Northern Virginia, there are various haunted experiences, ranging from forest trails to selfie museums, designed specifically with the local teen in mind. We share where to go and what you’ll find at these spook-tastic events happening throughout the month of October, below.
For more fun events, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
2019 Haunted Trail – Breakout!
Open until Oct. 31, 7-10 p.m.
Home to the now-abandoned DC Department of Corrections Lorton Reformatory, this 55-acre territory is definitely a one-stop hub for your frightening fix this Halloween. Hosted by the Workhouse Art Center, the annual event includes a 25-minute walking trail with ghouls and goblins found along the way, a ghost bar featuring signature drinks and seasonal treats and a big screen displaying horror films on select nights. Come along, if you dare. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; $20
Shocktober
Open weekends until Nov. 2, times vary
Recently named the fifth-scariest haunted house in the United States by Travel & Leisure magazine, the Shocktober mansion is sure to terrify and entertain all the same. For the 10th anniversary season of the event, the on-site, three-level mansion has transformed into Camp Carlheim and its Carnival of Souls, found solely in the basement. With creepy clowns and the new black-out design, screams are sure to be heard from outside the haunted house, where vendors and a campfire will remain for those who don’t wish to head inside. // Shocktober Haunted House: 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg; $40
American Scream
Open until Nov. 2, 3-10 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 10 am.-10 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Thanks to the recently debuted American Scream Museum, haunted houses are no longer restricted to four-walled homes. Instead, take to your Instagram feed with this one-of-a-kind selfie museum featuring 31 Halloween-themed scenes, including a Game of Thrones-inspired iron throne, a morgue for the risk takers who wish to step inside a coffin, a homage to Annabelle and so much more. // Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons; first floor, next to Lord & Taylor; $18 online, $15-$20 at the door
Cox Farms Fields of Fear
Open Fridays & Saturdays until Nov. 2, 7:30-11 p.m.
While by day Cox Farms is a friendly, open atmosphere for children and adults alike, by night it transforms into a haunted space full of entertaining, yet terrifying attractions. Upon arriving, you’ll have various options for how to spend your evening at the farm, whether that be at the Firegrounds for a s’more, karaoke or a ride down the huge slide or for a walk in the Cornightmare, which was recently redesigned to up the fear factor for its 10th anniversary. // Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; $20-$35
The Death Trail
Open select dates until Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Come dusk, head into the woods of Dumfries for an evening of terror underneath the trees and stars. As you make your way through the gates, clowns, zombies and skeletons alike will be on-site to scare throughout the entirety of the 25- to 30-minute trail. Plus, be sure to stop by the two escape rooms—Alien Autopsy Escape and Bathroom Escape—to prove you’re not as scared as it may seem. // The Death Trail Haunted Attraction: 16120 Dumfries Road, Dumfries; $15-$30
Madhaunter’s Madhouse
Open select nights Oct. 25-Nov. 2, times vary
Each year, the creators of Madhaunter’s Madhouse search the DMV for a prime location to spook both residents and visitors alike with their pop-up haunted experience. For 2019, they’ve partnered with Chefscape to bring fright night to Leesburg. For just six to eight minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by spook-tastic actors, screams and more in the curated space. And if you make it out of the madhouse alive, you’ll land in the food hall where Halloween-themed treats, cocktails and meals will be awaiting your arrival. // Village at Leesburg: 1603 Market Blvd., Leesburg; $10
