Scary Halloween Attractions for Big Kids and Tweens

Are you thinking about taking your big kid to a scary attraction in Greenville? It can be hard to decide if kids are ready for frightening Halloween events. Kidding Around contributor, Kate Lupo has the inside scoop for parents who want to know what to expect, as well as some tips if you are thinking about bringing your children to haunted attractions.

The best time of year has begun! Fall is here! Make way for our favorites things like pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, apple cider, that warm fuzzy feeling in your soul, and last but not least…haunted attractions! Halloween is around the corner, and what better way to prepare for your favorite holiday than by planning a spooky adventure.

While many parents may be chomping at the bit to creep their way to a haunted hayride, there might also be a haunted hesitation. For those of us who have children between the ages of 7 and 12 (like me!), it’s hard to know if your child is ready for their first haunted experience. But, of course, the last thing you need is for your child to be so scared, they can’t sleep, and their little fists are knocking on your door in the middle of the night. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top slightly scary Halloween events for big kids and tweens in the Upstate (and beyond), with tips on how to determine if your child is ready for their first haunted experience and if so, which to choose and how to prepare.

Are the kids ready for their first haunted attraction?

Please note that while we have done our research and believe the below attractions provide fun for the whole family before you take the plunge and bring your 7-12-year-old, please exercise caution. While you might have a hunch if your big kid or tween is ready for their first haunted experience, the following questions can also help you make an informed decision.

• Does your child wake up at night and need comforting?
• Is your child afraid of monsters?
• What is the scariest content your child is already consuming? What he/she is watching on TV or reading in books might also give you clues to what he/she may be comfortable with.
• How does your child react to sudden noises, sudden flashes of light, or being accidentally scared? 
• Is your child comfortable in the dark?
• Is your child comfortable in small spaces?
• Is your child comfortable in crowds?

If any of the questions above give you even a twinge of doubt, it’s probably best to hope for haunted fun next year. But if you feel like your kiddo is ready for the challenge, then proceed if you dare!

Pump up their kid courage

To prepare your child for their first haunted experience, here are some ideas to pluck up their courage.

When preparing our 7-year-old for the Wompus Woods haunted hayride (sadly, no longer open), we told him that the live monsters, goblins, and ghouls he would see were just people called scare actors. The scare actors are human beings (“like you and me”) who are having a lot of fun and who love Halloween (“Ohhhh” he said). We told him that the scare actors would have costumes and makeup on and that any “blood” he would see is just makeup (we even joked with him: “the blood is probably just ketchup!”). We told him that the haunted hayride would be a little scary but mostly fun! We said that it’s possible to be scared and laugh simultaneously (a whole new concept to him). Also, we emphasized that we will be together, be safe, but we need to be brave as a family. Finally, we asked him, “Can you be brave with us?” He said, “Yes!”

Also, be sure to let your kid decide whether they are ready for a scary attraction. If your child is forced or manipulated to experience something scarier than they are prepared for, it may increase anxiety.

Insider tips about haunted attractions

Your family is ready for a haunted adventure (yay!), but now it’s time to prepare. Here are some essential tips before you start your haunt.

Wear Sneakers

Make sure the whole family wears sneakers or other comfortable shoes for a few reasons. First, there is a high probability you will be standing in line for at least 25 minutes at each attraction (many times much longer), so you want to be comfortable. Second, remember you will be doing a lot of walking in a haunted house, on a haunted trail, or at an amusement park. Furthermore, if you do get startled on your haunt, you don’t want to be wearing unstable shoes that cause you to topple over easily!

Stay hydrated & well-fed

Make sure your family is well-fed and hydrated before you begin your journey. You don’t want anyone fainting with hunger or thirst. Though please note the next tip…

Visit the restroom beforehand

Again, you are likely going to be standing in line for stretches of time, perhaps with no access to the bathroom. And, if you do get a slightly spooky scare, you want to make sure you and your kids don’t, ahem, pee your pants.

Bring earplugs

Many of the attractions below will feature loud noises. For example, when my family went to Wompus Woods, their scare actors fired off cannons that shook the ground. They were so loud. And, of course, there will be screaming. So for those sensitive little kid ears (and even your own), please bring some ear plugs. You won’t regret it.

Haunted Attractions for Tweens and Teens in Upstate, SC