MomSkoop
As the crisp October air settles in and ghouls begin to stir, it’s the perfect time for a night out that raises the hairs on the back of your neck (in a fun way!).
Whether you’re planning a grave-yard shift with friends or carving out a scary-good date night, Los Angeles is home to some of the most elaborate haunted houses and events in the country.
From immersive horror theater to massive scare zones with movie-studio production values, there’s something for every level of brave.
Universal Studios Hollywood — Halloween Horror Nights
If you’ve ever thought you’d like to wander through your favorite scary movie scenes, this event delivers. At Universal Studios Hollywood, the sets feel as though you’re filming your own scream-fest with full-blown professional design, actors around every corner, and mazes that borrow from blockbuster franchises.
The 2025 edition brings a brand-new “Jason Universe” house, which ups the ante for Friday the 13th fans and horror-savvy thrill-seekers alike. The vibe is one part theme-park night, one part haunted house universe: scare zones spanning the park, shows featuring live performers, and rides to shake out the screams.
It’s ideal for teens, adult friend groups, or couples who want theatrical chills and spectacle galore.
Since the nights often sell out and lines get long, buying early is key. Consider pairing your ticket with Express or R.I.P. options to maximize houses visited.
Also, wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot of ground to cover between one terrifying corner and the next.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Stepping into Knott’s Scary Farm feels like arriving at a sold-out adult carnival of horror, where every maze and scare zone has its own twisted theme. This Buena Park institution offers a rich history of scares and reinvents itself each year with fresh mazes, live shows, and immersive themes.
The October nights here are designed for serious haunt enthusiasts who want to bounce between experiences, rather than just one big show.
What stands out is the sheer variety—whether you’re weaving through a haunted laundry plant or a zombie-infested pier, each attraction has its own creative twist. It works well for groups who want to explore at their own pace, hop from maze to maze, and compare screams.
Pro tip: check the calendar carefully since nights vary (some close earlier, some extend later). Arrive early, have a game plan, and maybe pick one “must-see” maze in advance to avoid missing it in the crowd.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Deep in the heart of Griffith Park you’ll find this atmospheric experience that blends old-school hayrides with haunted cinema vibes and interactive surprises.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride sets the scene in the fictional town of “Midnight Falls,” complete with creepy cabins, dark forests, and an immersive layout that mixes rides, mazes and pop-up performances. 2025 brings new twists like an Elvira-themed maze and a cider mill for a bonus scare-plus-treat experience.
The atmosphere is slightly less manic than some mega-theme-park events, making it a sweet spot for couples or friends who want thrills and scenery instead of non-stop chaos. There’s a good mix of “jump” scares and mood-building frights.
Since this event is very popular evening-only and tickets go fast, secure your date ahead of time. And wear layers—Griffith Park nights can get chilly after dark, especially when you’re outside between attractions.
Delusion: Harrowing of Hell
Imagine walking through a horror show so immersive you’re part of the story — that’s what Delusion: Harrowing of Hell offers.
In a downtown Los Angeles theater, this isn’t just “haunted house meets haunted walkway”—it’s full-blown theatrical horror, where the audience is immersed, the actors provoke you, and the environment changes around you like a nightmare in motion. This 2025 run stays at Variety Arts Theater and includes fresh storylines and hidden surprises.
Because of the smaller, theatrical scale, Delusion is best for guests who appreciate story-driven scares, close interaction, and a night out that feels more like performance art than a theme-park ride. It’s perfect for date nights, adult friend groups, and anyone who wants their horror with a healthy dose of “wait, what just happened?” introspection.
Tickets sell out fast and seats are limited, so plan early. If you want less yelling and more creeping, pick a mid‐week show and arrive prepared for a haunting that lingers long after you leave.
Reign of Terror Haunted House
For maze lovers who crave relentless thrills, Reign of Terror Haunted House stands out with a massive indoor setup that’s been perfected over decades.
Located in Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace, this 2025 edition features over 135 rooms and more than 10 themed sections—all indoors, so weather isn’t a factor and you get back-to-back scares without long outdoor waits.
The experience is intense: dark corridors, chainsaw actors, props flying, and sensory shocks around nearly every corner. It’s ideal for brave teens and adults who want a haunted house without rides but with top-tier immersion and volume of content.
Heads-up for less experienced horror lovers: this one ramps up quickly. Buying in advance will spare you from sold-out nights, and coming earlier in the evening often means shorter lines and faster access to the huge maze maze network.