Recruitment posts for scare actors in Pennsylvania are littering my social feeds, and I couldn't be more excited knowing spooky season is upon us! If you're like me, it's time to start planning out your haunts. Here are some experiences to consider if you're in the PA area. Please note that this list is in no particular order.
Jason's Woods:
Located in Lancaster, Jason's Woods will be celebrating their 40th season this year. According to their socials, we can expect an upgrade this season. Main attractions include Zombie Apocalypse, Lost in Jason's Woods, Chamber of Horrors, Carnival of Fear, and the one-of-a-kind Horrifying Hayride that utilizes integrative motion technology. Opening weekend is September 19, and the season runs weekends through November 8.
Shocktoberfest:
Sinking Spring in Berks County is home to Shocktoberfest. This 2025 spooky season will be their 35th year in operation. Beginning September 12 and running through November 8, Shocktoberfest's main attractions include Zombie Safari Hayride, Unknown 3.0, Prison of the Dead, Midway Massacre, Ground Assault, and The Zombie Experience. Also featured is Spooktoberfest, a toned down, family friendly experience that runs from 5:00-7:00pm on normal operating nights.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary:
Located in one of Philadelphia's most historic landmarks, Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary is going into its fourth year in operation since the post pandemic revamp of the beloved Terror Behind the Walls. Reviews have been mixed, which is to be expected considering the cult-like following some haunts tend to attract and changes to traditions can be hard for some. Main attractions include Nightmares, Big Top Terror, S'mores and Lore, Kaleidoscope Hall, Hospital Flashlight Tour, Pumkin Patch featuring the Boogie Monsters, The Crypt, Machine Shop, and Speakeasy at Al Capone's Cell. While the website has not yet posted the 2025 schedule yet, their Facebook announced being 100 days away from opening night on June 11. This attraction serves as a fundraising event for the preservation of the site.Located in one of Philadelphia's most historic landmarks, Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary (easternstate.org/halloween) is going into its fourth year in operation since the post pandemic revamp of the beloved Terror Behind the Walls. Reviews have been mixed, which is to be expected considering the cult-like following some haunts tend to attract and changes to traditions can be hard for some. Main attractions include Nightmares, Big Top Terror, S'mores and Lore, Kaleidoscope Hall, Hospital Flashlight Tour, Pumkin Patch featuring the Boogie Monsters, The Crypt, Machine Shop, and Speakeasy at Al Capone's Cell. While the website has not yet posted the 2025 schedule yet, their Facebook announced being 100 days away from opening night on June 11. This attraction serves as a fundraising event for the preservation of the site.
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride:
Opened in 1991, Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride is located in Glen Mills. The main attractions, aptly named the trilogy of terror on their website, includes Bates Motel, Haunted Hayride, and Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Trail. At the time of publication, online purchasing of tickets is not yet available for the 2025 season. The operating schedule will run from September 19 to November 2. Unlike most haunted attractions, they are open every night in October. The website also states that they are currently building new scenes for this year's haunt.
Reaper's Revenge:
Just outside of Scranton, Reaper's Revenge is located in Blakely. With just over 15 years in the game, main attractions include Haunted Hayride, Lost Carnival, Delirium, Pitch Black, and Sector 13. Their socials have been picking up pace with talent recruitment posts and sneak peeks at upgrades for the 2025 season. Opening weekend is September 20 and will run every weekend until November 2.
Pennhurst Asylum:
Another historical site on the list is Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City. Well-known for its controversial history as a state-run institution for mentally and physically disabled persons, the site reopened its doors to the public as a haunted attraction in 2010. Controversy lingers on as some feel that using the location as a haunted attraction is insensitive to those with lived experience from when the site was a functioning hospital. Others argue that the haunted attraction made them more interested in learning the true history of what happened here. The four main attractions include The Asylum, The Morgue, The Tunnels, and The Catacombs. The Halloween haunt runs from September 20 to November 2, and paranormal tours are available year-round.
Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill:
2025 will be Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill's 37th year bringing the scares to Spring Grove. Spooky season operations run from September 19 to November 2. Main attractions include Haunted Mill, House of Eyes, Dark Despair, Terror Trail, and Horror of Menges Mill. Make sure to check out their Facebook (facebook.com/kims.krypt) page to stay updated on creepy year-round events.
Field of Screams:
Field of Screams is located in the town of Mountville in Lancaster county. The 2025 season will be their 33rd year in operation and while they haven't been too active on their socials about this upcoming season yet, they are running a sale on Scream Passes. The sale ends July 31, and the code can be found on any of their social media accounts. Field of Screams consists of four main attractions: Haunted Hayride, Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, and Nocturnal Wasteland. Opening weekend is September 12 and their regular season ends November 8, with their Extreme Blackout taking place on November 14. As a local, I also find it important to note that while no criminal charges have been filed, Field of Screams' reputation has been tarnished due to allegations from volunteers concerning misconduct and sexual harrassment. There is currently a petition circulating to shut down the attraction, so be sure to do your research and make an informed decision prior to purchasing tickets for this year.
While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it is enough to get you started in planning your 2025 spooky season in Pennsylvania. Be sure to check back closer to September for more!