As we grow out of our Trick or Treating phase, you may draw blanks when asked what you plan to do for Halloween this year. Fear not because I have collected some of the most horrifying, frightening, and exhilarating haunted attractions around the area. These attractions are the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, so gather your friends and family for a night and visit these locations.

Just along the North Carolina and South Carolina border, you will find 407 acres of land called Carowinds.Carowinds gets festive for Halloween when they host their yearly event, SCarowinds. During select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights throughout October you can enjoy this event. SCarowinds has multiple attractions open during these nights, and on top of that, there are actors walking around the park to frighten you. Therefore it is important to go with a group that you can hide behind. If you are looking for the best part, you can go adventuring into the eight scare zones. SCarowinds recently added three brand new scare zones including Age of Darkness, Grave Walkers, and Outlaw’s Revenge. SCarowinds is a catalyst for gory makeup and horrifying experiences, so if you’re looking to raise your heart rate, then this is the place for you.

The next haunted house is a bit closer to home, nestled in Raleigh. However this is no ordinary haunted house because it was built by a family to help their son through a difficult time. In 2016, fourteen-year-old Edward Thompson was diagnosed with cancer. To cope with the grueling battles their family was facing, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson decided to help Edward build his very own haunted house. Edward’s favorite holiday is Halloween so this was right up his alley. “I just enjoy scaring people and even after all I’ve been through I still love to get scared and scare others,” said Edward. The Thompson Family decided to open up this haunted house each year to raise money for children fighting illnesses such as cancer. Admission to the haunted house is free; however, donations are accepted and they go straight to “Give Kids The World”, which is a nonprofit organization in Florida. This haunted house is not only a thrill for the whole family, but it’s for a good cause as well.

Finally we have Panic Point, a haunted house attraction in Raleigh. Panic Point was named as one of the scariest attractions in the triangle. Panic Point includes seven different attractions in the pitch black darkness. Their most popular attraction is the Haunted Forest with eleven scenes including a dollhouse, motel church, and clown town. These attractions are swarming with actors ready to frighten the people walking through. Panic Point also has a menacing maze, haunted hayride, dark trail, and even a new 3D experience. With a total of thirty unique scenes, you’ll have no time to waste here. Panic Point is the perfect fit for those who are looking for an interactive horror experience.

This Halloween, skip the parties and drive out to these haunted attractions for a night of terror!