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Best Kid-Friendly Haunted Houses In Baltimore

Whether you're seeking the ultimate thrill this Halloween or a festive hayride and maze, Baltimore hosts a number of perfect haunted house experiences. Hop in the car and explore the Baltimore area for everything from the Wicked Woods to a circus.

Nightmares from Elmridge

5400 East Drive
Arbutus, Md. 21227
(443)865-1445
nightmaresfromelmridge.com

Price: $9 children ages 11 and older/$5 children ages 5 to 10/free children ages 4 and younger

Open rain or shine, this indoor scare-fest has been family owned and operated for 12 years and is now known as Baltimore's best underground haunted house. Through the use of strobe lights, authentic-yet-disturbing costumes and an eerie non-toxic fog, Nightmares from Elmridge is suitable for most children. Even seasoned visitors can expect to be surprised, making this haunted house an extremely affordable yet equally creepy Halloween treat year after year.

Related: Best Indoor Playgrounds In Baltimore

Wicked Woods

120 Dorsey Road
Glen Burnie, Md. 21061
www.wickedwoods.org

Price: $10 Edals Valley Asylum/$8 Syngaro's Sinister Circus/$15 combo (Asylum and Circus)/$4 Wee Kids Maze

Two scary trails, one dark, hair-raising forest: Wicked Woods has been frightening Marylanders with its exciting attractions since 1998. If you're feeling brave, venture through Syngaro's Sinister Circus where the twisted ringmaster is hiding and nothing is as it appears. Should you survive with your wits still intact, prepare to lose them at Edals Valley Asylum, which is home to the most extreme mental cases as well as a few shocking surprises. For those who prefer a more non-scary exploration of the festively lit woods, try the twists and turns of the Wee Kids Maze. As an added bonus, Wicked Woods' concession stands offer hot chocolate to help thaw any chill, as well as a variety of drinks, foods, snacks and candy.

Related: Too Cold To Go Outside? Family Fun Guide To Indoor Fun Sporting Areas

Nightmare Screamplex

The Maryland SoccerPlex
18031 Central Park Circle
Boyds, Md. 20841
(301)519-3937
www.nightmarescreamplex.com

Price: $20 basic night fast pass/$25 premium night fast pass/$15 family night fast pass (Oct. 7 and Nov. 2 only)

Awake with cold sweats in Nightmare Forest as you follow the crazies through the Lost Asylum and try to avoid getting lost in a Field of Terror. Nightmare Screamplex plays on dark fantasies and deep-rooted phobias that will scare some more than others. However, designed with younger children in mind, Family Night offers a "lights on" tour during which kids receive magical rings that can ward off any ghost or monster. Additional games and activities are also offered, such as live magic, face painting, smores roasted over a bonfire and a paintball shooting range. To get your spooks faster, buy tickets online in advance.

Creepywoods Haunted Forest

Huber's Farm
11898 Philadelphia Road
Kingsville, Md. 21087
(410) 538-6461
www.creepywoods.com

Price: $20 general admission/$30 speed pass

Rated as one of Maryland's scariest and action-packed trails, Creepywoods invites visitors to learn more about the unnerving legend that surrounds the first European settlers who practiced black magic and conducted strange experiments that brought forth evil spirits on Huber's Farm. Tempt your fate as you come face-to-face with horrifying monsters, tortured undead souls and demented creatures, which roam the property wreaking havoc on any who dare disturb them. For those too afraid to enter the woods, Huber's Farm also offers a family haunted hayride and Halloween-themed daytime activities. No matter your decision, be sure to dress appropriately (no open-toed shoes) as this is an outdoor attraction.

Bennett's Curse

8024 Max Blobs Park Road
Jessup, Md. 20794
(410)538-6461
www.bennettscurse.com

Price: $30 general admission/$40 speed pass/$60 VIP

Selected as one of America's Best Haunted Houses in 2012, the legendary Bennett's Curse takes you on a petrifying journey through the House of the Vampyres, Zombie Kingdom in 3D and the Sanctuary of Insanity-– three haunted houses in one. This thrill is guaranteed to assault your senses with pitch black hallways, pulse-pounding music, chilling scenery, mind-bending mazes and unexpected turmoil lurking around every corner. Although not recommended for children younger than 10, even adults have admitted being scared here, so it is a good idea for any child brave enough to enter to be accompanied by an adult. With thousands of loyal fans, be prepared to listen to howling screams while waiting. Avoid the lines by purchasing the speed or VIP passes.

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com
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