Top Kid-Friendly Haunted Houses In Denver

October is here and that means it's time for spooks, scares and haunts. You are likely ready to get out and enjoy all the scary fun at local haunted houses and other Halloween spots, but your kids are on the young side. Never fear (or maybe get ready to fear) as there are plenty of great Halloween haunts for kids of all ages. Below are five great options for kid-friendly Halloween fun, but also be sure to check the website of your favorite haunted house. Many of them offer flashlight tours or lights-on tours for youngsters.

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through October 28, 2012

One of the best places to take your tiny terrors is to Elitch Gardens Fright Fest. With many different Halloween activities, children of all ages will love this Halloween treat. Start with the "Ghouls Match" in which kids compete through all sorts of Halloween-themed races and challenges. Then head over to "Gross Out for Kids" where kids get to participate in an interactive Halloween gross-out. Be sure to check out "White Noise" where kids can experience electronic voice phenomena in the palm of their own hands. And that's not all. Costume contests, screaming contests and of course, the scariest haunted houses around fill up Elitch Gardens for the season. Be sure to check out the website for a Scare Factor Key, telling you which activities are best for each age level.

Dates: October 27-28, 2012

Every October, there are two days where the frights take over the Denver Zoo. For the 28th year, Denver's Boo at the Zoo is the perfect place for kids to get grossed out with tons of creepy-crawly animals and bugs. There will be 25 different trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo and plenty of places for scares, haunts and family-friendly entertainment.

Reinke Brothers Haunted Mansion
5663 S. Prince St.
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 795-5006
www.reinkebrothers.com

For more than 38 years, the Reinke Brothers have proven that they know how to scare. The annual Reinke Brothers Haunted Mansion is always a terrifyingly awesome good time. With tons of great special effects, animantronics, Hollywood-style sets and plenty of imagination, this is one of the best haunts in town. Check the website as there are always special lights-on, non-scary versions for the kids. It is the perfect way for your kids to enjoy the fun of a haunted house while still allowing them to sleep in their own bed at night.

Dates: October 26, 27 and 28, 2012

Trick or Treat Street is one of the best annual Halloween haunts for youngsters. The Denver Children's Museum has been bringing the haunts to Halloween for years with a costume parade and tons of Halloween-themed activities. This year, your frightening tykes can make crafts, take a ride on a spooky mini train and participate in a monster carnival. Trick or Treat Street is always the perfect family-friendly Halloween activity and it is an absolute must for your burgeoning ghouls.

If you've got some brave kids, then check out Spider Mansion at Heritage Square. This haunted house is a great place for your younger kids as it does allow children under seven, if you're brave enough to go with them. With more than 25 different scare spots and plenty of live actors, this is a great haunted house to get you and your kids into the Halloween spirit. Remember though, only bring your kids if you are sure they can handle the spooks as this year's Spider Mansion is more than double in size and spookery.