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Ready for some scary fun this Halloween? Here are 5 SLO County haunted houses to visit

Ready to get scared?

Halloween is almost here and with it, the return of San Luis Obispo County’s haunted houses and spooky mazes.

Whether you want pee-your-pants level frights or something a bit more family friendly, there is something for everyone this season.

So grab some friends — or if you’re really brave, go solo — and enjoy these SLO County haunts:

The Haunt

What: An attraction so scary it keeps sweatpants on hand for guest “accidents” and a pee chart in the ticket booth, The Haunt in Atascadero is one of the stalwarts of the local haunted house scene. Last year, BBC World News called it “America’s Most Frightening Haunted House.” Each year, dedicated volunteers work overtime to deliver a haunted house walk-through with special effects tricks and killer costumes. This year’s theme is “vampires, their minions and other horrifying creatures of the night.” Check on the Lights On show for a less frightening experience. The extra brave can try the Night Terrors experience, which invites guests to explore the darkened haunt with only a hand-held skull lantern for illumination.

When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October, with a special Night Terrors show on Sunday and Halloween shows on Oct. 30 and 31. The Lights On walk-through is 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. Saturday.

Where: 5805 El Camino Real, Atascadero

How much: $15

Info: 805-457-5845 or thehauntinatascadero.com

This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!”
This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!” Big Oak Photo

Nightmare From Main Street

What: Returning after a brief hiatus — and in a brand-new location in downtown Paso Robles — is Nightmare From Main Street. Described as the “scariest haunted house on the Central Coast,” the attraction features more than 6,000 square feet of “spine-thrilling scares,” according to its website. And it’s all for a good cause; proceeds go to a variety of local clubs and organizations.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Oct. 28, 29, 30 and 31. Lights-on tours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and 30.

Where: 828 14th St., Paso Robles

How much: $20, $30 VIP, $10 for lights-on walk-through

Info: 805-423-0674 or nightmarefrommainstreet.com

Brookshire Farms Night Maze

What: While not technically a haunted house, anyone who has seen “Children of the Corn” can vouch that a night-time jaunt through a field is plenty frightening. That’s where Brookshire Farms’ Night Maze comes into play. Separate from the farm’s pumpkin patch activities, the Night Maze allows guests an outdoor experience, but visitors are reminded to bring their own flashlights and leave the pets at home. Children and teens must be accompanied by adults.

When: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29

Where: 4747 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo

How much: $18

Info: 805-549-8733 or brookshirefarms.com/pumpkin-patch

This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!”
This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!” Big Oak Photo

Elks Lodge Haunted House

What: Hosted by Elks Lodge 322, this San Luis Obispo haunted house is free and open to the public, although donations are appreciated. Food will be available on site for purchase.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29

Where: 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo

How much: Free

Info: 805-543-0322 or bpoeslo322.com/event/halloween-haunted-house-carnival

The Haunting of Elm Street Hotel

What: Don’t worry, South County residents: You’ll also have an opportunity to get in on some frighteningly good fun. The city of Arroyo Grande is hosting its annual Halloween Carnival, and this year’s festivities come complete with a haunted maze. According to the city, those wanting a spookier experience should enter the maze at or after 7:30 p.m. It’s recommended for ages 12 and up.

When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 29

Where: Elm Street Park, Ash and Elm streets, Arroyo Grande

How much: $5

Info: 805-473-5474

This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!”
This year’s theme at The Haunt in Atascadero is “Vampyres: TransylMania!” Big Oak Photo
Kaytlyn Leslie
The Tribune
Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.
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