Screams Halloween Theme Park
Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie
When: Through Oct. 29
Why: Held at the same grounds as the Scarborough Renaissance Fair, Screams gives you room to stretch your legs as you flee from unspeakable monstrosities and choose between the indescribable horror of three haunted houses — a post-apocalyptic castle, a spooky hotel, and a pirate-themed attraction — as well as a clown maze and a zombie wasteland. Being terrified is exhausting, so feel free to take a break at the full-service restaurant and bar. That desperate wailing and screeching you hear is just the karaoke.
Cutting Edge Haunted House
Where: 1701 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
When: Through Nov. 5
Why: In 2015, Cutting Edge reclaimed its Guinness-certified world record as the “world’s largest walk through haunted house,” stacking a “world’s largest haunted attraction” honor on top of that. It may be the most awarded haunted attraction on the list.
Dark Hour Haunted House
Where: 701 Taylor Dr., Plano
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: The Plano haunted house has season chills throughout the year — we like “St. Patrick’s Slay Weekend” — but really pulls out all the stops for the Halloween season and Dark Hour’s witchiest storyline.
Thrillvania Haunted House Park
Where: 2330 Co Rd. 138, Terrell
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: The legacy of Lance Pope, a major name in the haunted house industry before and after his death in 2002, is felt in every inch of the legendary Thrillvania, a genuine park with three haunted attractions on its 50 acres: the Verdun Manor, Cassandra’s Labyrinth of Terror, and Sam Hain’s Trail of Torment.
Slaughterhouse
Where: 1855 Wall St., Suite B, Garland
When: Through Nov. 1
Why: The long-running abattoir of horror has moved from Deep Ellum to the scarier confines of Garland, where it has joined forces with the J&F House of Terror. Twice as terrifying.
Dan’s Haunted House
Where: 501 Swisher Rd., Lake Dallas
When: Through Oct. 30
Why: With scary sets and costumes inspired by samurai and Japanese folklore, Dan’s is a refreshing change of pace from the usual assortment of clowns, witches, and redneck serial killers.
DFW Zombie Hunt
Where: 13055 Cleveland Gibbs Rd., Roanoke
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: A hayride in the back of a trailer, where the riders are armed with paintball guns to defend themselves against the zombie hordes.
Moxley Manor Haunted House
Where: 510 Harwood Rd., Bedford
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: It’s an indoor bloodbath.
Reindeer Manor Halloween Park
Where: 410 Houston School Rd, Red Oak
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: It bills itself as the oldest haunted attraction in Texas, so at this point, there should be several overlapping ghost generations spiriting around the three separate haunted features and the maze.
Hangman’s House of Horrors
Where: 4400 Blue Mound Rd., Fort Worth
When: Through Oct. 31
Why: The annual show, now in its 28th year, donates much of its proceeds to charity, so you’re getting terrified for a good cause.
