People are afraid of a lot of different things.
From clowns to dolls to chainsaw men, Haunted Houses pick out those fears and maximize them. Personally, I am afraid of basically everything that goes into a haunted house. I don’t like small spaces, I don’t like people chasing me, and I definitely don’t like clowns. My imagination runs away with the slightest notion of fear.
As a kid, I was so terrified of an episode of Boy Meets World that I hid, huddled with my cousin on the stairs of his home, clutching a bible and praying that the episode would end and Mr. Feeny would go back to being a nice, old man.
To be fair, I’m not the only child who was traumatized by that work of 90’s television. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve made friends who for some reason, do enjoy being frightened.
Which is how I found myself a few years ago laughing/crying my way through a haunted house all while being filmed. I know that it seems like I was having fun on the surface, but deep down, trust me, I was terrified.
If for some insane reason, you’re interested in having a terrifying experience, we’ve got some great haunts. Here are the best in the area, guaranteed to give you jumps and scares.
Brimstone Haunt
What: Brimstone Haunt is always one of the most anticipated haunts of the season. Brimstone will include a haunted hayride, an outdoor wooded haunted house, a high-intensity indoor haunted house, a paintball experience, and even a zombie simulator bus. The hayride is a family-friendly attraction, while the rest of the experiences are much scarier. Ticket prices vary by experience and you can save $5 by purchasing them ahead of time online.
When: Open 7 p.m. until Midnight, Friday and Saturday nights until October 28
Where: 472 Brimstone Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177
Website: Brimstone Haunt
Fear Columbus
What: Fear Columbus is one of the largest and most elaborate haunted house productions in Ohio. In addition to the haunted houses, there are also a variety of Escape Rooms. Fear Columbus is locally owned and it’s extremely popular. You can only purchase tickets online and nights will sell out in advance. Ticket prices start at $19.99.
When: Fear Columbus is open weekends throughout October as well as some weekdays. For the full calendar, please click here.
Where: 2605 Northland Plaza Dr, Columbus, OH 43231
Website: Fear Columbus
Carnage Haunted House
What: This 30 room, indoor haunt uses detailed sets, lighting, and massive special effects to create a one-of-a-kind haunted house experience. Carnage is also ADA accessible. Grab some food at a food truck or watch an outdoor movie as you wait for your chance at this terrifying experience.
When: Open weekends through October, plus Halloween. Tickets start at $30 and are available for purchase here. Parking is limited.
Where: 3770 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232
Website:Carnage Haunted House
Escape from Blood Prison at Ohio State Reformatory
What: Escape from Blood Prison is back for another terrifying year. Blood Prison isn’t your average haunted house, since it’s setting is honestly so creepy and terrifying that it’s easy to believe it’s really haunted. The Ohio Reformatory has spooky vibes on a good day anyway, and yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. Tickets are $35 and they are scheduled, so please arrive 10 minutes before your time. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: Blood Prison runs weekends through October. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. each night.
Where: The Ohio Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
Website: Blood Prison at Ohio State Reformatory
Pataskala Haunted Forest
What: I love a good forest stroll as much as the next girl, but this is more like a forest “run for you life” kind of vibe. The Pataskala Haunted Forest has been a reliably spooky haunted attraction for decades. The haunt is completely operated by volunteers and the profits made directly go to the Lions Club of Pataskala Charitable Foundation to fund their service projects and community events. So you can get really scared for a good cause! Tickets are $20 and can only be purchased online.
When: Haunted Forest runs weekends through October.
Where: 8838 Refugee Road SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
Website: Pataskala Haunted Forest
