They're Back, Witches: The Scariest and Most Creative Haunted Houses in North Texas

Everyone seems to have that one neighbor who insists he can put together a homemade "haunted house" in his backyard. Sometimes, the earnest hard work of local participants results in some charming low-key scares. Some other times, these attempts result in real-life injuries. But, hey, at least they deliver on the scare factor.

Dallas has its fair share of haunted locations, but each Halloween season, professionally crafted haunted house experiences provide scares for Texans who need an adrenaline kick and a good, cathartic scream. It’s been a hectic enough year already, so having our fears bound to just one location should at least provide some sense of peace. This October, thrill-seekers will want to check out these local haunted houses.

Cutting Edge

1701 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth

In what's been historically dubbed Fort Worth's “Hell’s Half-Acre,” Cutting Edge is said to be created on a “foundation of fear.” What was once a meat packingplant has been transformed into a house of horrors. Visitors can expect to spend about 55 minutes trembling with fear. Tickets are $50.

Dark Hour
701 Taylor Drive, Plano

Known for its intricate set design, this haunted classic in Plano invites you back to walk through its creepy corridors, promising terror at every turn. Brave souls should be prepared to walk for about 30 minutes, and VIP guests can extend for up to an hour. General admission is $50.

Hangman's House of Horrors

4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth

This venerable haunted favorite has been operating for over 30 years, and "The Legend of Hezekiah Jones” is just as terrifying after all that time. Supposedly lynched by a vengeful mob on the shores of the Trinity River for his brutal tactics, the villainous figure simply known as “The Hangman” won’t go back to hell until he claims 120 souls. See if you manage not to become one of them. Tickets start at $39.

Hatch and Kraven's Slaughterplex

2316 Farm to Market Road 120, Denison

This “Trail of Fear” includes everything from creepy clowns to caged asylum patients, and evil dolls to machete-branded killers. Just check out the website for the unsettling footage of past years' attendees getting freaked out. Prepare for a diverse set of villains. Tickets start at $25.

Fright Fest

2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington

Want more than a traditional haunted house? Try a haunted house + theme park. The park gets spooky every fall, with decorations and horrific monsters ready to terrify you with a jumpscare. You can get a haunted house pass for $30 or a house pass + admission bundle for $60

Dallas Terrors Haunted Ghost Tour

400 S. Houston St.

Haunted house? What about a haunted city? On Dallas’ most haunted ghost tour, you can learn some history about the most haunted places. Accompanied by a costumed tour guide, you’ll learn about the city’s hidden ghosts. Tickets are $31.

Thrillvania Haunted House Park

2330 County Road 138, Terrell

Depending on what strikes your fancy, Thrillvania offers three separate haunted house experiences to prey on your personal fears. The World Famous Haunted Verdun Manor unleashes psychotic werewolves, Cassandra’s House of Clowns isn’t playing anything for laughs and Sam Hain’s Trail of Torment unveils an enigmatic ancient evil. Take your pick or try all three. Tickets start at $24.99, with discounts available.

Reindeer Manor

1002 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie

Reindeer Manor has found a new home in Grand Prairie. After 49 years, the new location has inspired a new direction. Say goodbye to bad weather mud, and hello to new scares and new themes. The manor offers a variety of attractions including Off World, The House of 4 Suits and Sunk. General admission is $40.

Moxley Manor

510 Harwood Road, Bedford

Moxley Manor is back this spooky season with three terrifying haunted houses in one place and for one price. Voted a must-see haunted house in 2023, the site offers Moxley Manor, Regans Revenge and Big Top Terror. General admission is $35.

Fort Worth Haunted House

2423 Chester St., Fort Worth

At this haunted house, photography is not only permitted but encouraged. Capture your petrified screams for the 'gram and prepare yourself for dizzying mazes and haunting creatures. Keep your kids (and your crucifix) close. Tickets are $25.

Screams Halloween Theme Park

2511 FM 66, Waxahachie

Leave the little ones (and your costumes) at home for this one. Screams is for those who can really handle the horror. With five different haunted houses to experience, don’t be surprised if you lose your voice. If you get tired of screaming, you can tour the Mythical Monster Museum, play some games, get your palm read or grab something to feast on. Tickets start at $45.

Arlington High School’s Haunted Courtyard

818 W. Park Row, Arlington

Imagine building a haunted house at school. The Principles of Construction students at Arlington High don’t have to. For the past two years, they've been allowed to transform a 7,000-square-foot courtyard in the center of the school into a haunted courtyard, from scratch. The courtyard is open and ready. Are you?

Cosmic Howl at Meow Wolf Grapevine

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, No. 253, Grapevine

Cosmic Howl is back with a slew of events this Halloween season at the trippiest destination in DFW. From pumpkin painting to game nights and spooky movies, there’ll be lots to choose from. Adults can have some child-free fun at the Adulti-Verse and experience an interdimensional universe with an ever-changing cosmos in hand. Tickets for Adulti-Verse are $45.