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Halloween events for tweens and teens



Spooky spots not for the faint of heart this Halloween

halloween events and activities for teens

There are so many wonderful things to do in the fall throughout the Hudson Valley. There certainly is no shortage of family-friendly Halloween events for the little ones but what if your teen enjoys the frights and gore of the season? Below is a roundup of the local haunted houses and frights for your teen/tween this Halloween.

These events and activities are not recommended for young children. Please check website ahead of time for warnings and more information.



Dutchess County

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion Fridays-Sundays, September 30-October 31

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion features The Asylum, which is haunted by demonic, tortured souls, and The Wicked Woods, which includes Deadwood Gulch, the Funhouse, Dark Nature, Lost Souls Cemetery, Merry Krampus, and more! Food, drink & mini donuts will be available at the Grumpy Pumpkin. 7pm. Reservations required. 38 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls.

Stones & Bones Living History Tour October 14

Presented by Dani Masterson in collaboration with the Wappingers Historical Society.  In this new living history tour, you’ll be guided through the Wappingers Rural Cemetery to meet some notable persons buried there and hear their stories. Costumed apparitions include Clinton Clapp; Rev. Dr. George B. Andrews; James Orr and Clayton Emmett Sweet of Sweet-Orr fame; Reginald W. Rives; Thirza Winter Bate, survivor of the Lusitania; and others. 2:30pm. Wappingers Rural Cemetery, 174-208 West Main Street, Wappingers Falls. (845) 632-1281

On the Big Screen - Nosferatu (1922) October 28

In this highly influential silent horror film, the mysterious Count Orlok (Max Schreck) summons Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) to his remote Transylvanian castle in the mountains. The eerie Orlok seeks to buy a house near Hutter and his wife, Ellen (Greta Schroeder). After Orlok reveals his vampire nature, Hutter struggles to escape the castle, knowing that Ellen is in grave danger. Meanwhile Orlok's servant, Knock (Alexander Granach), prepares for his master to arrive at his new home. 7:30pm. 2 locations: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston and Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. (845) 473-2072

Orange County

PureTerror Scream Park. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, September 23, 29-October 29.

13 haunted attractions to walk through for one of the world’s largest and scariest haunted houses with live actors and movie-quality sets. Food court, gift shop, music, and free photo ops. 7pm. Museum Village, 1010 Route 17M, Monroe. (845) 782-8247.

Boo Barn & Haunted Trails Fridays and Saturdays, September 23 & 30 through October 28.

Haunted farm with different attractions, food, fun, shopping, and music which can all be enjoyed before or after your scare experience! Visit the horrifying Boo Barn where you will find many hungry, creepy things within including live actors who roam this 1900's rustic barn. Walk the original haunted trail where you will pass an old graveyard leading you into the unimaginable. There is also the Corn Trail (800' long) leading into the Shadows of Fear Woods (2,000' long) and back out into the Sunflowers of Clowns! There are live actors and the headless horseman who wanders through it all. The farm is growing pumpkins and will be ready soon!  There will also be carving stations so you can pick, carve, and stay awhile! 7pm. Thunderbird Farms, 13 Van Sickle Rd., Pine Island.

Prison of Horrors. Fridays and Saturdays, September 29 through October 28.

Do you have what it takes to brave this former jail and boys’ reform school where some of the residents passed on, but never really left? Bangs, shrieks, slamming doors and even the touches of lingering spirits make a visit here an experience to rattle your nerves. Hudson Sports Complex, 122 State School Rd., Warwick. 8pm

Twisted Tales: An Autumn Evening with Master Storyteller, Jonathan Kruk. September 24

Jonathan Kruk, will regale you with mysterious, creepy, and ghastly stories of ghosts from the Hudson River and Catskills. Enjoy some hot cider with friends as you stroll amidst the idyllic and historical church grounds, while the sound of fiddle music and the scent of cider donuts fills the air. All proceeds will go towards future Community Events in Washingtonville. 30 Goshen Avenue, Washingtonville. 4:30pm

Nightmare On Werner. October 6-29; Fridays & Saturdays

"Nightmare on Werner" is a Terror Maze that has over 20 bone-chilling scenes straight from your worst nightmares! New terrifying beings have joined the nightmare cast of live characters, and fun new animatronics populate the maze. Non-Scare Day is October 29th. *Parents are free with paid child's admission during non- scare hours ONLY. If a child or adult has special needs, please contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. 30 Werner Ave., Florida (845) 248-8172. 7pm

Halloween Murder Mystery DinnerOctober 13

Murder Cafe presents a Halloween-themed Murder Mystery. THE GREAT PUMPKIN SPICE MURDERS. You’re invited to join famed pumpkin farmer, Charles Goodman, and his wife, Annie, in celebrating their winning of the new World Record for growing the biggest pumpkin. Even his former best friend and biggest competition, Sam is in attendance. Not everyone, however, is happy for Charles. His ex-wife, Tiffany, thinks that she should share some of the spotlight. Tempers get as hot as a fresh Pumpkin Spice Latte, and someone won’t be leaving this party alive. The Meadowbrook, 1 Meadowbrook Rd, New Windsor. 6pm

Annual Haunted Firehouse. October 20-22

All are welcome as the creatures and spirits of darkness take over our firehouse. Guests can bring masks but we are no longer requiring them. Costumes may protect you but remember... WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS. This is a scary event, children under 10 are admitted at parents' discretion. KIDS HOUR on Saturday from 6pm-7pm. 2128 NY-94, Salisbury Mills. 7pm 

“It was dark back then”October 21

The eerie, night-cloaked grounds serve as a stage for this tale of ghosts and strange happenings. Performances every 45 minutes between 6:00 - 10:30 pm. Admission is free.  Reservations Required. Call (845) 562-7141 X22 to reserve your time. Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site, 289 Forge Hill Road, New Windsor. (845) 562-7141 X22

The Haunting. October 29

Julie Harris heads a tight-knit cast who agree to stay at the gloomy, imposing “Hill House” at the invitation of paranormal researcher Dr. John Markway (Richard Johnson). No gore. No CGI special effects. What we have here is a glorious haunted house classic where what is unseen is the horror! Director Robert Wise fills the screen with well-developed characters, a haunted mansion that you will never forget, and the feeling that anything can happen around any corner.

Sullivan County

Peace, Love & Pumpkins. October 13-29

Wind through our garden trails and marvel at thousands of unique hand-carved Jack-o-lanterns and glowing pumpkin art. Delight in displays featuring Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids, witches, and much more! Halfway through the walk, take a break to enjoy a drink, get a snack, warm up by the fire, and on select nights, hear live music! 200 Hurd Road, Bethel. 6:30pm.

Friday Night Fright at Peace, Love & Pumpkins. October 20 & 27

Venture into the deep dark woods of Bethel where the wild things come out to play in the night. As you're looking at thousands of pieces of hand-carved jack-o-lantern art, you'll also be looking over your shoulder. Feel your way through the fog and encounter spirits and creatures that prowl in the darkness. What lurks in the shadows is unknown, but we do know that not all who enter return. Do you have the guts to make it out alive? 6:30pm.

Ulster County

Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses. September 23 & 30; Fri.-Sun. October 6-29

For over a century, the headless horseman has been trapped between our physical world and the spectral plane. He rides tirelessly on a quest to find his physical body, eliminating anyone who stands in his way. Deep in Crow Hollow’s cemetery, something sinister wakes from the earth. Go on a hayride, walk a haunted trail, visit 6 haunted houses, Mama Rose's Swamp Shack, Dr. Dark's Black Spider Side Show, a haunted corn maze, and a spooky walk-through maze. 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park (845) 339-2666. 7:30pm 

DraculaSeptember 28-30

From the Bram Stoker novel, this is the original Broadway production that premiered in 1927 and was revised in 1997 starring Frank Langella. Director Frank Marquette describes the play as follows: “Lucy, whose father is in charge of an English asylum, has been attacked by a mysterious illness. Dr. Van Helsing believes Lucy is the victim of a vampire — a certain Count Dracula. Renfield, an inmate, suffers from delusions and is under the spell of the Count. Will he be found and finally laid to rest?” 7pm Thur. & Fri., 3pm Sat. Widow Jane Mine, 668 Rt. 213, Rosendale.

Living History Cemetery Tour. October 7, 14, 21, 28

We are outside the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, New York. As night falls, and the guests gather, our ghosts light their lanterns and take their places. We are transported through space and time to join them in the liminal space of the graveyard to hear their stories… are they here in our time? Are we back in theirs? They speak to us and share the cries of their hearts that still linger in this realm. On Saturday night October 14th at 7 pm the cemetery tour will be part of The Burning of Kingston ceremony. Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall Street, Kingston. 7pm

Haunted Huguenot Street: A Poisoning at The Budd Hotel. October 13-15

Friday the 13th will mark the opening night of this year’s Haunted Huguenot Street program, which will immerse visitors in the mysterious, true case of the Budd family’s attempted murder. Nearly 250 years ago, someone tried to poison the family that ran New Paltz's first hotel. The crime, aftermath, and trial gripped the attention of the region, yet the story was almost lost to history... until now. Join us in trying to solve the mystery of who poisoned the Budd family. This interactive theater experience will last approximately one hour. Tours will depart from the DuBois Fort Visitor Center every hour on the hour beginning at 5 PM, with the last tour departing at 8pm. The program discusses topics such as death and murder. Parental supervision is required for children under 13. 81 Huguenot St, New Paltz. 5pm 

Horror Hotel AKA/The City of the Dead October 21

An entire town of New England witches (plus Christopher Lee!) are the feature this Halloween season as a young college student travels her way to the gloomy, forgotten town of Whitewood, Massachusetts. 9:30pm. Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. (845) 658-8989

On the Big Screen - Nosferatu (1922) October 28

In this highly influential silent horror film, the mysterious Count Orlok (Max Schreck) summons Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) to his remote Transylvanian castle in the mountains. The eerie Orlok seeks to buy a house near Hutter and his wife, Ellen (Greta Schroeder). After Orlok reveals his vampire nature, Hutter struggles to escape the castle, knowing that Ellen is in grave danger. Meanwhile Orlok's servant, Knock (Alexander Granach), prepares for his master to arrive at his new home. 7:30pm. 2 locations: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston and Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. (845) 473-2072

Other counties

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Daytime Tours. September 16, 17, 23, October 1, 7, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

Soak up the beauty of this 174-year-old cemetery while your guide regales you with stories of the fascinating people resting here in peace. Our two-hour daytime walk is the perfect way "to have a colloquy among the tombs" as Washington Irving, famous author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", did himself back in 1849. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 10am

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Evening Lantern Tours. September 23, October 2-5, 9-12, 16, 18, 23, 24
Step back in time and explore the cemetery by kerosene lantern light! This two-hour evening tour gives you a great overview of why Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is so famous.

You'll visit titans of industry like Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller, meet Washington Irving whose famous short story gave our village its very name, see the resting place of two-term Chicago Mayor Walter Gurnee, and learn about two people vital to the success of Wells Fargo and American Express, and much more. Along the way, admire beautiful art, architecture, and cool cemetery symbolism. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 7pm

Scarrybrooke Park CT's Haunted Trail. October 13 & 14, 20 & 21

Prepare for the scare! Returning for its eighth year, CT's Haunted trail at Scarrybrooke Park returns with more fearsome delights for your walk through the park after dark! Our event is not ONLY a staple of the season for Western CT, but THE LONGEST attraction to walk in the state! 100 Still River Drive, New Milford (860) 799-6520. 6pm 

Legends By Candlelight Ghost Encounters. October 20 & 21, 27 & 28

Join ghost hunters as they explore the Mansion at Clermont, searching for the spirits of past residents. You will meet ghosts with stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some may be scary, some may be funny, some may be sad, but all their stories will be true. Visitors will be led to the house through a landscape covered in flickering jack-o-lanterns, then into the mansion for a haunting experience. Please be sure to wear sturdy shoes with tread as the tour will include uneven terrain. Must call for reservations. 6pm. Clermont State Historic Site, 1 Clermont Ave., Germantown.

Rocky Horror Picture Show. October 28

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 9pm

National Theatre Live - Frankenstein. October 29

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill. 7pm

Updated 10/6/2023



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