Top 5 Haunted Houses in Pittsburgh
There’s spooky season fun, and then there’s the kind that makes you clutch your latte and wonder why you signed up for this in the first place. Haunted houses fall somewhere in between—equal parts thrilling, ridiculous, and “I’ll probably sleep with the lights on tonight.” If your crew is looking for a good scare (or just the excuse to laugh at Dad screaming louder than the kids), we rounded up the top 5 haunted houses, for both families and grown ups, near Pittsburgh worth checking out this fall.
Our Top 5 Family-Friendly, Mild Scares
Halloween doesn’t have to mean full-on nightmares. Sometimes a little spooky is just enough—pumpkins glowing, silly monsters, and maybe one jump scare that makes the kids squeal (but then laugh right after). If your family loves the fun side of Halloween without the “cover your eyes” moments, we’ve rounded up the top 5 haunted houses near Pittsburgh that are festive, not frightening.
Hundred Acres Manor – Kids Day / Lights On Events
When: Starting weekends in September 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27, October weekends are Thursdays-Sundays and then every night October 25th-31st
They run “Scare-Free Haunted House” times where lights are on, fewer jump scares, activities like crafts. Check their website for ticket details!
Eerie Acres Farm
When: October 2nd-31st, Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm-10pm, plus select Sundays. Open rain or shine!
About 30 minutes outside the city. Outdoor haunt + cornfield. Also has food trucks and a bonfire. The atmosphere is fun with options in case someone needs a break.
Check their website for ticket details!
Haunted Trail / Monster Mile Family Walk (Alameda Park)
When: Saturday, October 10th, 2026 11am
A gentler walk-through format, starting specifically at the Odd Fellow Shelter (184 Alameda Park Rd.). This is less intense, more about ambience than being terrified. While designed for ages 1-10, they strongly suggest not bringing a stroller or wagon onto the trails. Bring a bag, because there’s 12 themed stops for candy and prizes.
Pre-registration is required, event is capped at 150 children.
Haunted Hills Hayride & Valley of Darkness (North Versailles)
When: September 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26 and October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-25 and 28th through Halloween day.
Fridays & Saturdays 7-11pm Sundays and Weekdays 7-9:30pm
Night intense vibes (some strobe lights used) but usually has some evenings or options that are less scary. Good mix of thrill + outdoor space including hayrides and walking trails. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (no teen drop offs, sorry mamas!). No online tickets — must buy on site only.
Castle Blood / The Haunted Expedition
Castle Blood is an award winning Halloween adventure 45 minutes south of downtown. Known to offer daylight or reduced scare options. Great for kids who want to try haunted houses but aren’t ready for full darkness.
Sunday matinees offer our traditional tour without the scares—perfect for younger guests or the faint of heart. Trick-or-treat stops are included! Tickets available at the door or reserve time session tickets online (like a VIP experience for the whole family!).
When: Sunday No Scare Shows 2-4pm October 1, 11, 18, and 24th, Full Scares every Friday and Saturday in October, 7-10pm
Our Top 5 Full-On Grown-Up Haunts
If you’re the type who thinks Halloween isn’t complete without screaming your lungs out and nervously checking behind you in the parking lot—this list is for you. Pittsburgh is home to some seriously terrifying haunted houses that push the limits of creepy. From dark mazes to chainsaw chases, we rounded up the top 5 haunts where brave souls (ahem, not the kids) go looking for their next adrenaline rush.
Hundred Acres Manor
When: Starting the weekend of September 11th, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays
This event is only encouraged for ages 13 and up. Known as one of the scariest and largest in the area. Multiple haunted houses, dark sets, gore, elaborate scares. With 5 themed houses as one continuous walk-thru. Be warned that Hundred Acres Manor is Pittsburgh's largest and most extreme haunted attraction. It is more than 1 mile in length and ranked one of the top haunted attractions in the world! Check out their website for tickets and details!
Portals of Fear (West Mifflin)
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October (Friday & Saturdays 7-11pm and Sundays 7-10pm)
Very immersive. Dark corridors, special effects, fear themes. Definitely for those who want to be spooked.
Haunted Hills Estate Scream Park
When: Returns September 11-12, 18-19, and 25-16, October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 + 30th and Halloween day. Bonus — November 13th & 14th!
Get scared from 7-11pm, last tickets sold at 10pm.
Several distinct attractions, trails, and “Twisted Nightmare”, The House Abandoned and The Trail: Pulseless. Expect heavy scares, strong Halloween atmosphere. Check website for details and ticketing! If you survive all their attractions, it’ll take about 1.5 hours.
Haunted Hollow (Somerset County)
When: Starting Friday, September 25, open Fridays & Saturdays through Nov 1, 6:30pm-10:30pm
Farmland turned haunted theme park. Multiple hayrides, swamp-scapes (beware of putrid smells), dark fields, walking through scenes that lean into the horror. Dare to try the dead-end cornfield.
ScareHouse (Closed for 2026!)
Known for really high production value, immersive themes, strong scare factor. (Note: for 2026, ScareHouse is currently shuttered but the creative team behind it has launched “Needs More Fog” — an immersive experience including cinematic experiences and videos, storytelling and audience engagement. Head to the ScareHouse website for tickets & details)
When it re-opens — Please be advised this is not recommended for children under 13 and no one under 7 will be admitted.