Get ready for the horror lore you’ve been yearning for, without all the screams.
The scare factor at Halloween House promises to be low compared to haunted excursions with live actors and jump scares, but “not so scary” doesn’t equal demure. Instead, the experience leans heavily into popular films and scary motifs, including everything from Tim Burton’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” to “Scream,” “Halloween” and “A Cabin in the Woods.” The overall spook is somewhere above “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” and the Andelin Family Farm’s Corn Creepers attraction.
Based on these facts, the attraction is fit for the whole family, unless the family includes kids who are easily spooked. As you proceed through the 10 themed spaces, you’ll run into Dracula, mirrors with ghouls trapped inside and a bedroom that appears to be home to a quartet of serial killers — if not more.
For most, the walk-through will be enjoyable as you work together to finish a scavenger hunt. Every room has a framed photo on the wall with a list of tasks to complete before moving on to the next room. Tasks can include anything from decoding messages using a blacklight to snapping a selfie (and maybe posting it online).
Guides help move you through the rooms, and timed entry points ensure you’re neither rushed nor stuck behind another group. These helpful employees can assist with missions, point you in the direction of hidden attractions and may even dole out additional tasks (like counting discarded eyeballs in a single space).
The “Beetlejuice” room will likely be a favorite, using angles to create an optical illusion where kids can appear twice the height of their parents. Plus, there are dress-up items so you can play Beetlejuice yourself — or his reluctant bride.
One room even plays a Halloween-themed movie, and you’re invited to sit on a lawn chair and watch a bit of it with a family of skeletons. When we visited, “Ghostbusters” was on screen.
Without giving too much away, other favorites include options to participate in horror movie trivia and a phone call with a stranger — what’s your favorite scary movie?
At the end, it all gets a little less creepy as a final pumpkin patch offers cornhole, photo ops and a house to trick-or-treat at, complete with candy. And those helpful guides are there for more than keeping pace; any of the Halloween House-shirted employees are happy to take your group photos so you have plenty of mementos to take home.
The Halloween-themed attraction is part of a franchise, but it’s the only one in Nevada and one of few in the western United States, brought to us by local owner Joe Fraga. Located next to Grateful Gardens at Legends, the entire storefront has been transformed into a dark and only slightly creepy walk-through. After the Nov. 3 closing of Halloween House, the space will get a makeover for the holiday season.
Details
https://halloweenhousereno.com/
1330 Scheels Dr. Sparks, NV 89434
Tickets start at $25-$30, with VIP and group options available
Hours vary based on date selected.
