For the second year in a row, our family embarked on an adventure filled with thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories at Kennywood Park's Phantom Fall Fest and Fright Nights. With family members spanning three generations – from our two adventurous kids, Lucy (11) and Sammy J (7), to the experienced thrill-seekers, Mimi and Poopy Pap, there was something for everyone to enjoy in this annual Halloween extravaganza.
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A Daytime Delight: Kenny's Trick-Or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
We kicked off our visit by arriving at the park shortly after the gates opened at noon. This early start allowed us to make the most of Kennywood's family-friendly Phantom Fall Fest (and test out our little ghouls fear meter with some mild fright exposure). Our day began with a delightful blend of fall-themed decorations, cherished rides, and indulgent fall favorites.
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It's about to go down on The Racer
But what truly made this year stand out was Kenny's Trick-Or-Treat Scavenger Hunt, a fantastic addition to the festivities. This park-wide scavenger hunt was designed for the kids, but the whole family enjoyed the journey. Armed with a map that we picked up at the Trick-Or-Treat Headquarters, conveniently located across from the Jack Rabbit, we embarked on a quest to collect stamps from nine different locations throughout the park. Our reward? A special goodie bag filled with treats that left the kids beaming with excitement.
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From candy and magic tricks to fidget spinners and a coupon for free Dippin' Dots, the goodie bag was a treasure trove of delights. A bonus stuffy awaited those who successfully spotted Kenny himself, adding an extra layer of fun to the adventure. Kenny's Trick-Or-Treat Scavenger Hunt is available on Saturdays and Sundays from September 30th to October 29th, running from 12 to 5 p.m. It's the perfect way to combine the joy of scavenger hunts with the spirit of Halloween and keep the kids entertained walking from ride to ride.
When Night Falls: Rating the Phantom's Six Sinister Haunts
As the clock neared 6 p.m., a sense of excitement filled the air. The sun began to set, and the siren slowly started wailing, signaling the start of the park's spine-tingling nighttime transformation. This year, we were determined to experience every haunted house in the park, and as a family, we've rated them from the spookiest to the least spooky for you and your little phantoms.
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1. Dark Shadows
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of spookiness, Dark Shadows is not for the faint of heart (or those afraid of the dark). Here, darkness reigns supreme, engaging your senses in ways you never thought possible. You'll navigate through pitch-black settings, with eerie surprises lurking at every twist and turn. The shadows truly play mind games, leaving us with heart-pounding moments we won't soon forget.
2. Shady Grove
Shady Grove Memorial Hospital's ominous history added to the tension as rumors of an evil doctor on the loose circulated. The challenge here is to uncover the chaos within this former place of healing, but remember, your eyes are the windows to your soul in this chilling haunt.
3. mALICE in Wonderland Unleashed
This year's version of mALICE was less terrifying than previous editions. Nevertheless, it remains a thrilling journey deep into Alice's twisted memories of Wonderland. The dark and twisted characters that inhabit this maze make it a worthy stop on your haunt tour.
4. Kennyville Cemetery
The undead rising from their graves set the stage for this macabre experience. These zombies are on the hunt for fresh humans, so staying on the path and obeying the rules is paramount. A great choice for those seeking a spooky, but not overly terrifying, adventure.
5. Voodoo Bayou
This haunt added an exciting twist by being set up inside the Raging Rapids. Navigating through a world filled with voodoo priestesses and creatures conjured from the depths of the bayou was an exhilarating experience, even if it wasn't the scariest.
6. Villa of the Vampire
Last but not least, we ventured into the vampire's lair. The story of The Master and his Villa, housing his children of the night, created an intriguing backdrop. Though not the most terrifying, it still offered a taste of vampire lore that any Halloween enthusiast would appreciate.
Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest and Fright Nights have become a cherished tradition for our family with the perfect balance of daytime family fun and spine-tingling nighttime chills. With each visit, we create lasting memories and bond over shared scares and laughter. We can't wait to return next year for more unforgettable experiences and, of course, to see what new and spine-tingling adventures await in the world of Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest.
