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Best Halloween Trails and Haunted Houses Near DC for Kids: From Simply Spooky to Super Scary

There are some not-so-spooky haunted houses across the area that little kids would love. Photo courtesy of DC Department of Parks and Recreation
There are some not-so-spooky haunted houses across the area that little kids would love. Photo courtesy of DC Department of Parks and Recreation
10/7/22 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

Haunted houses and spooky Halloween trails are on many families' fall bucket lists. But some kids (and grown-ups, too) aren't into anything too terrifying or creepy. Luckily, there are plenty of Halloween trails and haunted houses near DC to suit any fear tolerance, from simply spooky to super scary. These Halloween attractions range from themed haunted houses for younger kids to terrifying jaunts through the woods for tweens, teens, and adults.

If you dare, add these spooky trails and haunted houses near DC to your list of things to do this Halloween. For more seasonal fun, check out our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in Washington, DC, our roundup of the top Halloween events in DC for kids, and our list of the best free Halloween events for families.

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Do you dare to visit a haunted house? Photo courtesy of Rolling Valley Elementary
Do you dare to visit a haunted house? Photo courtesy of Rolling Valley Elementary

Not-So-Scary Halloween Trails and Haunted Houses Near DC for All Ages

Haunted Trail at Salamander Resort & Spa

Middleburg, VA
Thursday -Sunday, October 26 -29, 2023
This kid-friendly, 0.6-mile trail features not-so-spooky scenes with actors in costume from 7-9pm. From 6:30-7pm, kids can walk the trail without the actors in the scenes. READ MORE

AVFD Station 7 Terror Trail

Gambrills, MD
Fridays & Saturdays September 30 -October 28, 2023
Families can stroll along a scary Terror Trail recommended for ages 8 and up, while younger kids can enjoy a Boo Haunt Maze. All proceeds benefit the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. READ MORE
Field of Screams is not for the faint of heart. Photo courtesy of Field of Screams in Maryland
Field of Screams is not for the faint of heart. Photo courtesy of Field of Screams in Maryland

Super Scary Halloween Trails and Haunted Houses Near DC for Tweens and Teens

Clifton Haunted Trail

Clifton, VA
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Take a walk through the Clifton Haunted Trail, where you'll pass creepy costumed characters, spooky scenes, and more. READ MORE

Frights At Height at Go Ape! Springfield

Springfield, VA
Fridays & Saturdays through October 28, 2023
At Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park's Frights at Height, guests find zombies, ghosts, and ghouls hiding in dark corners of the Treetop Journey ropes course. Thrill seekers are invited to tackle the wobbly obstacles and epic zip lines during a one-hour gravity-defying, scream-filled adventure after dark. READ MORE

Laurel's House of Horror

Laurel, MD
Various dates from September 22 - October 31, 2023
Laurel's House of Horror, DC and Maryland's largest indoor haunted house, sits inside an abandoned movie theater. The 28,000-square-foot attraction includes chilling scenes, interactive characters, and more. There are also escape rooms and paranormal investigation tours READ MORE

Field of Screams Maryland

Olney, MD
Various dates from September 23 - October 31, 2023
This massive, award-winning attraction features two haunted trails that take guests through creepy forests full of haunted houses, scary sites, zombies, and more. Guests can also tour the terrifying Slaughter Factory and play spooky carnival games such as the Crypt Ring Toss and the Body Bean Bag Pumpkin Toss. READ MORE

Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror

Lorton, VA
Various dates from September 30 - October 31, 2023
The 2024 Workhouse Haunt features Twisted Tales of Terror, a themed walk-through experience leading guests on a frightening journey that brings them along abandoned, historic buildings where they will encounter terrifying characters and sights and sounds that are not for the faint of heart. READ MORE

CornStalker's Trail of Terror

Waldorf, MD
Various dates from October 6 - November 4, 2023
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Stadium transforms into one of Maryland's top-rated haunted attractions. This haunted trail and house are truly terrifying, so leave young children home! READ MORE

Cox Farms Fields of Fear

Centreville, VA
Various dates from September 22 - November 4, 2023
Fields of Fear features more than 20 acres of spooky attractions, including a haunted corn maze, forest, and hayride. At the Firegrounds, guests can also dance, sing karaoke, and slide down a huge, six-lane slide. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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