It is that time of year again, the leaves are changing, temperature is dropping, and Halloween is just around the corner. So the questions arise— what is the best way to get into the holiday spirit? How to make the most of this fall season? Here are some fun attractions throughout Massachusetts to make the most of this Halloween season.

In Abington, Mass. Barrett’s Haunted Mansion is known to be a great scare and perfect activity for a cool October night. Barrett’s is open Friday through Monday from 7-10:30 p.m. Visitors can buy tickets in advance on their website, and a General Admission ticket is $36. Not only does Barrett’s have their haunted house, but they now offer the Bite and Fright every Thursday and Sunday in October from 5-10:30 p.m. Visitors can get dinner at the Abington Ale house, and explore their “haunted” menu, including items such as “petrifying pot roast” and “quivering quesadillas.” For $50 visitors can explore the Haunted Mansion and enjoy a meal at the Abington Ale house, creating the perfect fall night. Barretts has 4.5 star ratings and with the new addition of the Bite and Fright, Barretts is sure to be a great hit again this year.

Although scary activities may not be the target for all audiences, Massachusetts has lots of other endeavors to offer for these crowds. In Shrewsbury, the Haunted Hillando Halloween is the perfect blend of festive and exciting without being too frightening. They offer a themed light display that visitors can observe, as well as a maze with fun locations embedded throughout, such as the witch hut, haunted graveyard, spider’s lair and more.  Reviews claim it is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the Halloween season without experiencing any big scares. This walkthrough maze and light display is completely free to the public, although donations are accepted and given to the Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services Inc. There are also concessions available for purchase, including fresh seasonal snacks and hot apple cider. The Haunted Hillando Halloween is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October from 6-9 p.m. and is perfect for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed yet still enjoyable Halloween activity. 

Although it is no longer summer, theme parks continue to entertain visitors throughout the fall with both Six Flags and Canobie Lake Park offering their own haunting attractions. Six Flags “Fright Fest” is back in action, with a variety of haunted houses open to visitors. They also have a series of scare zones embedded throughout the park designed to spook visitors while passing through the park, and visitors have the opportunity to ride roller coasters in the dark of the night to really enhance the fear factor. Fright Fest is open Thursday through Sunday and hours vary depending on the day, with tickets starting at $29.99. Canobie Lake Park similarly offers Screeemfest, which is a variety of themed haunted houses based on different fears, including the Pinecrest Sanitarium, Carnivus, Facility 235 and more, giving visitors an array of options to choose from. The haunted houses open at 5 p.m. everyday, with a haunting monster parade starting at 5:45 p.m. each day as well. Tickets are $49 on Fridays and Sundays and $59 on Saturdays, and employees recommend visitors buy tickets in advance online prior to arriving at the park to ensure entrance to the park. 

With a wide variety of activities and attractions, Massachusetts has lots to offer for anyone looking to embrace this haunting time of year. Trick-or-treating is no longer the only excitement of the holiday season, enjoy these non-traditional activities throughout the month of October to make the most out of this spooky season.