Wondering if your child is ready to brave a haunted house? It can be tough to judge since every child (and adult!) reacts differently to spooky environments. Before you decide, here are some essential questions to ask yourself to help gauge whether a haunted house experience will be enjoyable or too intense for your family. (For specific recommendations, check out our Haunted Attractions Guide and Not-so-spooky Haunted Attractions Guide!)
This article was crafted with a little help from AI magic 🧙♂️, based on an original article written for Macaroni KID Robinson by our friend Chris Handa from Castle Blood. We've given it a fresh spin to help all parents decide if their little ghouls are ready for haunted house fun!
1. Can your child differentiate between fantasy and reality?
This is the biggest question to consider. Some children (and adults!) have a hard time separating the two, which can lead to overwhelming fear. If your child understands that everything in the haunted house is pretend and designed for fun, they'll likely do better. However, if they believe what they’re seeing is real, it may not be a positive experience.
2. If they get scared and can't continue, how will you handle it?
It’s important to have a plan in place if your child becomes frightened and wants to leave. Decide in advance who will exit with them and how you'll support them if things get too intense. Many attractions offer "chicken exits" for this reason, so it’s worth researching if the attraction you’re visiting provides this option.
3. Can your group avoid disrupting others if someone has a meltdown?
Being considerate of other guests is key. If you're concerned that your child might not handle the haunted house well, and you’re in a group with strangers, think about the experience for everyone involved. Try to plan for early exits or quieter areas to minimize any disruption to other visitors.
4. What kind of shows and movies does your child like?
If your child is already watching shows like *Goosebumps* or enjoying suspenseful films like *Harry Potter* or *Indiana Jones*, they might be more equipped to handle a haunted house. Familiarity with suspense or mild scares can help them understand that it’s all part of the fun.
5. Who is the target audience of the attraction?
Check the age guidelines, the attraction’s opening hours, and whether there’s a “kid-friendly” option available. Some haunted houses offer separate tours or "not-so-spooky" versions for younger children, while others may be better suited for teens and adults. Be sure to explore our Haunted Attractions Guide for a variety of options, or if you're seeking something less intense, browse our Not-so-spooky Haunted Attractions Guide for family-friendly fun.
6. How comfortable are they with strangers in costumes?
If your child has trouble interacting with costumed characters—think Santa Claus or amusement park mascots—they might struggle with the masks and makeup often used in haunted attractions. Consider their reaction in these situations before heading into a spooky environment full of strangers in costume.
Bonus Tip: Always Listen to Your Child
Ultimately, it’s crucial to listen to your child’s comfort levels. It’s okay to challenge them a bit, but don’t push too hard. Many haunted attractions offer "no-scare" options or alternative tours, which can be a good starting point for younger kids or those with lower tolerance for fear.
