zombie riding a zipline in the moonlight

Looking for chills, thrills, and blood-curdling screams this Halloween season? New York has some of the scariest Halloween attractions in the country—from Hudson Valley haunted hayrides to terrifying scream parks and one-of-a-kind adventures in the treetops.

This guide highlights the top haunted houses, parades, family-friendly events, and unique Halloween attractions across New York. Whether you want to wander through a jack-o’-lantern wonderland or take on the Zombie Zipline Adventure in the pitch-black forest, you’ll find the perfect fright night here.

Our Favorites by Vibe: Best Haunted Attractions

  • Scariest Haunted Houses: Headless Horseman (Ulster Park), Pure Terror (Monroe), Blood Manor (NYC), Bayville Scream Park (Long Island).
  • Family-Friendly Favorites: Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Boo at the Zoo, Sleepy Hollow daytime events.
  • Unique Thrill You Can’t Miss:  Zombie Zipline Adventure (NYzipline).

Scariest Haunted Attractions in New York

  1. Headless Horseman – This place is Halloween at it’s scariest. If haunted houses, haunted corn mazes and haunted attractions is your thing than this is the place to go. The animatronics are over the top and the attention to detail is right our of Hollywood.What is it: Haunted House
    Pricing: $75-$105
    Length of time to allocate: 2-3 hours
    Good for ages: 13+
    Where: Ulster Park, NY
  2. Brighton Asylum – Located in an actual abandoned asylum is enough to scare the bejesus out of you. Add the creepiest of all set designs to this horror thrill and you’ve got the making of a scream fest.What is it: Haunted Warehouse
    Pricing: $55
    Length of time to allocate: 1 to 2 hours
    Good for ages: 5+
    Where: Passaic, NJ
  3. ZOMBIE ZIPS at NYzipline– No animatronics here or fake Hollywood set designs, ZOMBIE ZIPS at Mountain Ridge Adventure is the real deal if you are looking for a totally unique, diaper-wearing Halloween horror experience. 1/2 mile terror trail through 50 acres of creep to then be launched into blackness on a series of never-ending ziplines.What is it: Haunted Zipline and Terror Trail Horror
    Pricing: $60
    Length of time to allocate: 1 to 2 hours
    Good for ages: 14+
    Where: Schenectady, NY
  4. Blood Manor – Most Halloween horror attractions take place in rural areas but Blood Manor drops you right into the heart of NYC blurring the lines of actors from the haunted attraction with those who may haunt the streets in real life.What is it: Haunted Experience
    Pricing: $55
    Length of time to allocate: 1 to 2 hours
    Good for ages: 14+
    Where:  NYC
  5. Chamber of Terrors – Chambers of Terror is a quick frightful, fun experience. Not a destination in and of itself because it is only a short 5 minute show but since it is located in Salem, MA, its worth the visit when going to other Halloween attractions in Salem..What is it: Haunted Show
    Pricing: $17
    Length of time to allocate: 5 minutes
    Good for ages: 10+
    Where: Salem, MA

Iconic Seasonal Must-Dos

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze — Hudson Valley

  • Approximate Dates: Mid September – Early November

     

  • What to Expect: Over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins lighting up historic Van Cortlandt Manor. A family-friendly must-see that sells out every year.

     

NYC Village Halloween Parade

  • Approximate Dates: October 31

     

  • Tickets: Free to watch; costumes required to march

     

  • What to Expect: A Greenwich Village tradition since 1973, featuring 50,000 costumed participants, giant puppets, and endless street-party energy.

     

New York Botanical Garden’s Halloween Lights & Pumpkin Displays

  • Approximate Dates: Late September – Halloween
  • What to Expect: Family-friendly light trails, giant pumpkin displays, and seasonal activities perfect for kids.

Conclusion

From terrifying scream parks to pumpkin wonderlands and family-friendly parades, New York transforms into the ultimate Halloween destination each fall.

If you’re craving a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t find anywhere else, don’t miss the Zombie Zipline Adventure. It’s the only haunted zipline in the Northeast—and the scariest way to celebrate Halloween.