Haunted Houses in Austin (2026 Guide): Where to Go This Halloween
The best-known haunted houses in the Austin area are House of Torment in northeast Austin — a large multi-attraction haunt that has been called one of the scariest in the country — and Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park near Smithville, a sprawling outdoor scream park with several attractions on one site. Together they anchor a metro scene that also includes smaller seasonal and home haunts. Dates and tickets change every season, so confirm the current calendar on each official site before you go.
Greater Austin has a compact but strong haunt scene, headlined by one big-production indoor haunt in the city and one large outdoor park just outside it. This guide covers the haunted houses worth knowing about around Austin for 2026, what type of experience each one is, and how to plan your night. Opening weekends, hours, and ticket prices shift year to year, so always confirm the details on each attraction’s official site before you buy. For the wider picture, see our guide to haunted houses across Texas.
The best haunted houses around Austin
House of Torment — Austin
On Ridgepoint Drive in northeast Austin, near the Tech Ridge area, House of Torment is the metro’s marquee haunt: a large indoor attraction that typically bundles several separately themed walk-throughs under one roof, plus add-ons. It has drawn national attention as one of the scarier haunts in the country and returns each fall on select nights into early November. Confirm this season’s dates and tickets at houseoftorment.com.
Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park — Smithville
About 40 minutes southeast of Austin, near Smithville in Bastrop County, Scream Hollow is an outdoor scream park that spreads multiple haunted attractions across a large wooded site, with a beer garden and other on-site extras. It leans on space, atmosphere, and several experiences per visit — a good pick if you want a full evening out rather than a single house. It generally runs select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from September through November. Confirm dates and tickets at screamhollow.com.
More haunts around greater Austin
- Smaller seasonal and home haunts pop up around the metro each October, from pro-level home haunts to pumpkin-patch attractions like Owl Creek Farms that add nighttime scares — check each one’s official channels for the current season.
- Drive time matters. Some “Austin” haunts, including Scream Hollow, are well outside the city — confirm the address and travel time before you buy.
What to expect at Austin haunts
An indoor production haunt like House of Torment is a very different night from an outdoor park like Scream Hollow: the first is a tighter, higher-intensity walk-through, while the second is a spread-out evening with several attractions and space to wander between them. Most seasonal haunts around Austin run from late September through early November, with the busiest nights on the weekends closest to Halloween. If you are weighing whether the ticket is worth it, our guide on whether haunted houses are worth it breaks down what you are paying for.
Know before you go
- Buy tickets online in advance. The weekends before Halloween can sell out, and fast-pass upgrades often save the longest waits.
- Check the calendar. Many attractions open only on select nights, not daily — confirm the date you want is running.
- Plan for the format. Outdoor parks involve walking and uneven ground; wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.
- Confirm prices and age guidance on each official site — these change season to season and vary by attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do haunted houses around Austin open?
Most seasonal haunts run from late September through early November, with peak nights around Halloween. Exact opening weekends vary by attraction, so check each one’s official calendar before you plan.
What is the scariest haunted house in Austin?
House of Torment in northeast Austin is the metro’s marquee attraction and has been ranked among the scariest haunts in the country. Intensity is subjective, so compare a production haunt like House of Torment against an outdoor park like Scream Hollow for the night you want.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices vary by attraction, night, and whether you add a fast pass. Confirm current pricing on each official site, as rates change each season.
Are there family-friendly haunted attractions near Austin?
Some pumpkin-patch and fall-festival attractions offer lighter daytime fun, but the major haunts are built for teens and adults. Always check each attraction’s age guidance before bringing younger kids.
Looking beyond Austin? Explore haunted houses across Texas or find haunted houses near you.