Haunted Houses in Columbus (2026 Guide): Where to Go This Halloween
The best-known haunted attractions around Columbus are Fear Columbus on Northland Plaza Drive, repeatedly ranked Ohio’s top haunt, and Dead Acres — the Haunted Hoochie in Pataskala, one of the most extreme haunts in the country. The ScareAtorium adds a nationally known indoor, all-weather option in the city itself. Most run select nights from mid-September into early November, and dates and tickets change every season, so confirm the current calendar on each official site before you go.
Columbus has a deep haunt scene that ranges from theatrical, story-driven walk-throughs inside the city to a notorious extreme haunt out in Licking County. This guide covers the haunted houses worth knowing about around Columbus for 2026, what kind of experience each one delivers, and how to plan your night. Opening weekends, hours, and ticket prices shift from year to year, so always confirm the details on each attraction’s official site before you buy. Want more of the region? Find haunted houses near you through our directory.
The best haunted houses around Columbus
Fear Columbus — Columbus (Northland)
At 2605 Northland Plaza Drive on the city’s north side, Fear Columbus is one of the most elaborate haunted productions in Ohio, with multiple immersive attractions under one roof, heavily themed sets, and a large cast of trained actors. It has topped The Scare Factor’s annual list of Ohio haunts for several years running and refreshes its lineup of houses each season. It typically runs select nights from September into early November. Confirm this year’s dates and tickets at fearcolumbus.com.
Dead Acres — the Haunted Hoochie — Pataskala
About 20 minutes east of downtown in Pataskala, Dead Acres is home to the legendary Haunted Hoochie, an intense, effects-heavy haunt that has operated since 1990 and built a national reputation for shock-horror and pyrotechnics. This is a serious extreme haunt, not a family outing — if that is what you are after, it is one of the most talked-about in the Midwest. Confirm dates and tickets at deadacres.com.
The ScareAtorium — Columbus
The ScareAtorium is a nationally known indoor, all-weather haunted attraction in Columbus, which makes it a reliable pick on a cold or rainy October night when outdoor haunts can be a gamble. It leans intense and detail-driven. Confirm this season’s dates and tickets on its official channels before you go.
More haunts around central Ohio
- Smaller and seasonal haunts operate across Franklin, Licking, and Fairfield counties each October — from house-style walk-throughs to haunted trails — so check local listings for the current season.
- Drive time matters. Columbus haunts range from inside the outerbelt out to Pataskala and beyond — confirm the address and travel time before you buy.
What to expect at Columbus haunts
Columbus gives you a real range: a polished, multi-house production like Fear Columbus is a very different night from the raw, extreme intensity of the Haunted Hoochie. If you are bringing first-timers or younger guests, start with a mainstream city haunt and save the extreme options for veterans — our guide to extreme vs. family-friendly haunted houses can help you choose. Most central Ohio haunts run from mid-September through early November, with the busiest nights on the weekends closest to Halloween.
Know before you go
- Buy tickets online in advance. The weekends before Halloween can sell out, and speed-pass upgrades often cut the longest waits.
- Match the haunt to your group. Extreme haunts like the Haunted Hoochie are not for everyone — if you are new to this, read how to prepare for an extreme haunted house first.
- Check the calendar. Many attractions open only on select nights, not daily — confirm the date you want is running.
- Confirm prices and age guidance on each official site — these change season to season and vary by attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best haunted house in Columbus?
Fear Columbus is the most decorated, having repeatedly topped statewide lists of Ohio haunts, while Dead Acres’ Haunted Hoochie is the go-to for extreme scares. The best choice depends on how intense a night you want.
When do haunted houses around Columbus open?
Most seasonal haunts run from mid-September through early November on select nights. Exact dates vary by attraction, so check each one’s official calendar before you plan.
Is the Haunted Hoochie family-friendly?
No. Dead Acres’ Haunted Hoochie is an extreme, graphic haunt aimed at adults and older teens. For a milder night, choose a mainstream city haunt instead.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices vary by attraction, night, and whether you add a speed pass. Confirm current pricing on each official site, as rates change each season.
Ready to plan your night? Find haunted houses near you and compare your options before Halloween.