Visit Syracuse for a Scary Halloween

Let's face it, Syracuse knows how to do fall right — we've got the foliage, pumpkin patches and apple-picking to prove it. And for those looking for a thrill this season, we've got that covered too.

Not only is Central New York recognized as the region that sparked the supernatural movement back in the mid-1800s, but fortunately for those who like to be scared stiff, acres of thick forests and miles of cornfields are right on the edge of the city — and nothing sets the scare stage quite like being out in the middle of nowhere. Explore all the spine-tingling attractions fit for fall in Syracuse and get spooked at these thrilling, top-rated haunted houses, hayrides and attractions in the Central New York area.

Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park

When: Every Friday & Saturday in October, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.; select Sunday with limited hours

Where: 4816 NY-49, Fulton, NY 13069 (30-minute drive from Syracuse)

Haunted houses, labyrinths and trails, oh my! This haunted scream park just north of the city of Syracuse is the perfect setting for a frightful evening. Countdown to Halloween with their creepy fear facts on Facebook and explore one of upstate New York's top haunt destinations and their new sensory inclusive attraction Blood Moon Rising, if you dare.

The Fright Nights

When: Every Friday, Saturday (7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.) & Sunday (7:00 - 11:00 p.m.) in October

Where: 1 LePage Place, Syracuse, NY 13206

Recognized by USA Today as one of The Best 20 Haunted Attractions in the Northeast, The Fright Nights is a top spot to get spooked in Syracuse. Visitors can experience their five attractions, including The Devil's Dungeon Slide to Hell, The Monster Movie Matinee, Burgen Manor, Lady Lamson's Cursed Voyage, and Penny's Playhouse, where evil clowns await. Bring your friends as you're warned to "never, ever come alone" while you encounter these new and horrifying attractions.

CMC Haunted House

When: Every Friday and Saturday in October, 7:00 p.m.

Where: 6092 NYS Route 31, Cicero, NY 13039

This haunted house is rated one of the best Haunted Houses in Central New York. Since 2002, this house has become one of the largest fundraisers for CMC Dance Company's competition dance team. The 2025 production includes scares with themes of Spiders, Rats, Snakes, Clowns, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and more. In addition to the two trails you can chose from, they have fire pits going, a seasonal movie playing, and snacks for everyone to enjoy! Are you planning to go with kids, or do you not do frights? They also offer a "no scare" option for those who don't want to be spooked.

Demon Acres

When: Every Friday (7:00 - 10:00 p.m.) & Saturday (6:30 - 10:00 p.m.); select Sundays (6:30 – 9:00 p.m.) in October

Where: 341 County Route 36, Hannibal, NY 13074 (35-minute drive from Syracuse)

Situated on 25 rural acres northwest of Syracuse, Demon Acres features four terrifying experiences, including the Depths of the Dark Forest, voted one of the best haunted hayrides in the Syracuse, NY area by scarycuse.com. Feeling brave? Experience the Demon's Den Haunted House with high tech special effects and Hollywood-quality sets. Or try to escape the terror of the Jail Break attraction, where you're handcuffed and herded onto a bus that drops you at a prison in the midst of a riot. If you're still looking for more, check out their Insane Asylum Escape Rooms — a disturbing attraction that puts you inside the cell of the killer himself.

13^th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride

When: Fridays, Saturdays & select Sundays through October 30^th, 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Where: 84 Merritt Road, Fulton, NY 13069 (30-minute drive from Syracuse)

If you're afraid of clowns, run for the hills (but not the ones on this property). Voted the #1 top overall attraction by New York Haunted Houses, 13th Hour Rising is an award-winning haunted hayride experience just north of Syracuse. Visitors are thrusted into the deep woods as they journey through a dark ride complete with shadowy figures and distant screams. The attraction is also home to "The Passage" — a twisted mind maze that leaves visitors in the dark, literally. Bring your friends and family to experience the terror this October and don't worry, EMTs are onsite in case your heart pops out of your chest.

Looking for thrills, but not the chills? Check out some of Central New York's not-so-spooky, but still spectacular, attractions!

Haunted History Trail of New York State

When: Year-round

Where: Across New York state, with several locations throughout Syracuse.

Haunted inns, ghost hunts, creepy locations and even guided tours, the official Haunted History Trail of New York State is a ghost lover's dream come true. Map out your own spine-tingling trip through Syracuse and Onondaga County's historic haunts — an abandoned munitions plant that unexpectedly exploded, killing more than 50 men; the historic Landmark Theatre where a young woman fell to her death and whose spirit is said to still be haunting the venue; the Erie Canal Museum where rumors of ghosts galore wander the 150-year-old halls, including a woman who was killed where the model canal boat now sits. Outline your own itinerary to experience a handful of haunted spots in the greater Syracuse area, no matter what time of the spooky season you want to test out your paranormal limits.

Spooktacular Stroll

When: Thursday - Sundays (5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Where: Long Branch Park

CNY’s no-so-spooky family walk-thru Halloween experience. From the teams who bring you Lights on the Lake & Fright Nights, the Spooktacular stroll walk-thru celebrates Halloween in a family-friendly way! This not-so-scary stroll offers a ½ mile paved path full of festive Halloween themed displays. Enjoy food trucks every night in the park to grab a treat or dinner. Get your tickets now.

Zoo Boo

When: October 18, 19, 25, & 26

Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Free with admission, enjoy this "kooky-not-spooky" daytime Halloween celebration. The zoo transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the whole family with trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, photo ops and costume parade! So, wear your costumes and bring your treat bags for this fall-favorite event!