Massachusetts is one of the best haunt states in the country, anchored by the Halloween capital of Salem and rounded out by big scream parks in the Pioneer Valley and a record-setting indoor haunt on the South Coast. This guide ranks the best haunted houses in Massachusetts for 2026 by region and points you to our dedicated city guides. Dates, hours, and prices change every season, so always confirm the current calendar on each official site. You can also browse the full Massachusetts directory or find haunted houses near you.

Best haunted houses in Massachusetts by region

Greater Boston and the North Shore

The North Shore, anchored by Salem’s month-long Halloween season, has the state’s densest lineup. Hysteria at Connors Farm in Danvers runs a long outdoor trail minutes from downtown Salem, Salem itself has walk-through haunts including Chambers of Terror and the Witch Mansion, Witch’s Woods at Nashoba Valley in Westford pairs a hayride with multiple attractions, and Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington is a South Shore mainstay. For the full lineup, see our guide to haunted houses in Boston.

Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley

The Springfield area punches above its weight. DementedFX in Holyoke is a Hollywood-quality indoor haunt that has topped fan polls for the state, Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley is the largest attraction in Western Mass with a redesigned hayride and two walk-through haunts, and 13th World Fright Park in Palmer runs a trail plus several themed attractions. Our guide to haunted houses in Springfield covers each one.

South Coast

In Fall River, Factory of Terror fills a 125-year-old factory building with cinematic sets and is one of the largest indoor haunts in New England. Its season typically runs from mid-September into November, making it one of the earliest-opening and longest-running haunts in the state. Confirm dates and tickets on the official site before you go.

Central Massachusetts

Central Massachusetts is quieter but not empty. The SK Haunted Victorian Mansion in Gardner is the anchor haunt of the region, a walk-through set inside an atmospheric old building. It runs a limited fall schedule, so check the official calendar before making the drive.

What to expect from Massachusetts haunted houses

The Massachusetts haunt season runs on select nights from mid-September through early November, peaking sharply in October around Salem’s Haunted Happenings. Most attractions are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, with more dates added late in the month. General admission commonly runs from the mid $20s to the $40s, with timed-entry and fast-pass upgrades at the larger parks. Salem in particular gets extremely crowded on October weekends, so book tickets and parking ahead.

Many Massachusetts haunts are outdoor trails or hayrides, so plan for cold New England nights — our what to wear to a haunted house guide helps you dress for it. If this is your first haunt, our first-timer’s complete haunted house guide covers exactly what to expect, and always confirm age guidance on each official site.

Ready to plan your night? Explore haunted houses in Boston and haunted houses in Springfield, or find haunted houses near you before Halloween.