haunted house

There’s no perfect age to start visiting haunted houses; it’s all about personality. Some kids simply aren’t ready for spooky stuff. Take my son, for instance. He says the garbage disposal is “too scary,” and is paranoid about our bathroom ceiling, where he spotted a spider three months ago. Others, like the fearless offspring of local mom Gina Petrone, are nearly impossible to scare. Her kids were unshaken when they opened the garage to meet a 6-foot pharaoh lumbering towards them, snarling and grabbing. “My oldest son, who was just 3 at the time, shouted, ‘Hi Dad!’ and walked past him into the house,” says Petrone.

Chances are, you have a strong hunch about whether your child is ready to visit a haunted house. But if you’re still on the fence, here are a few questions to consider before you approve the first trip:

  1. Does he still wake at night?
    Does your child require occasional comforting at nighttime? Does he crawl into your bed when he feels scared? If so, I say forget about a haunted house. It’s not worth a crummy night of sleep (or five). Remember, when the kids don’t sleep, you don’t sleep. And that’s a frightening proposition for everyone.

  2. How does he feel about the dark?
    Does your child turn the lights on in the middle of the day? Is there a nightlight or two in his bedroom? If so, he might not be ready for pitch-black rooms, scary props and strobe lights. He’ll probably agree if you tell him what to expect.

  3. What’s the scariest thing he’s read, or seen on TV?
    Here’s a good conversation starter. If you weren’t already aware, find out what types of scary content he’s already consuming. Compare with your knowledge of the haunted house and decide from there.

  4. Have you been through the house yourself?
    The most important thing you can do is visit the haunted house yourself. Asking friends how scary it is won’t necessarily work. That’s because “scary” is subjective. Know your kid, know the house, and you’ll be well equipped to make the best call.

Think your child is ready for a haunted house?
Petrone, who ran a haunted house for years, offers a few insider secrets to know.

  1. Haunted houses make money by moving lots of people through as quickly as possible. Actors typically jump from the side or behind in an effort to propel people forward.

  2. Haunt actors tend to avoid scaring the first person in a group, who is typically the bravest. The really fun scares are saved for those at the back of the group.

  3. Haunt actors are not allowed to touch people, primarily for liability reasons. They will, however, get as close to people as physically possible in order to make them uncomfortable.

Not ready for spooky stuff?
Check San Diego Family's calendar for not-so-scary alternatives to put your family in the Halloween spirit.

 

make a haunted house 1849

Halloween House kit

For Halloween fun in the comfort of your dining room, why not build your own Haunted House? Check your neighborhood craft store or grocery store for a house kit or use graham crackers and your favorite candies to create a design of your own. The kids will have as much fun devouring as decorating.


Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer and mother of two boys. She’s afraid of spiders, too.

 

 

 

Fun Ways to Celebrate Spring in San Diego

Fun Ways to Celebrate Spring in San Diego

By the time the first day of spring rolls around (March 19), San Diegans are usually ready for a “change in weather.” Let’s face it, a low of 48 degrees is downright freezing in these parts. (Le . . .

Read more

Spring Break Getaway Ideas for Families

Spring Break Getaway Ideas for Families

Looking for spring break vacation ideas with the family? We often hear the question, Where can I take my family that isn't too far from San Diego, but feels like a getaway? Have no fear. Below are a . . .

Read more

Easter Egg Hunts & Festivities in San Diego 2025

Easter Egg Hunts & Festivities in San Diego 2025

Here you'll find San Diego's best Easter happenings and spring activities in 2025, including egg hunts, Easter Bunny photo opportunities, crafts, brunches and more. All the fun started in mid-March, . . .

Read more

Easter and Spring Round-Up

Easter and Spring Round-Up

Celebrate Easter and springtime with these festive recipes, seasonal crafts and fun activities for families. Looking for San Diego EASTER EGG HUNTS, BUNNY SIGHTINGS and BRUNCHES? Find them --& . . .

Read more

Laugh Out Loud: April Fools’ Day fun

Laugh Out Loud: April Fools’ Day fun

Laughter truly is the best medicine. When people laugh, the brain produces endorphins, which makes them feel good. Laughing can also boost immune system, improve mood, reduce stress and generate fee . . .

Read more

12 Easy Ways to Care for the Earth

12 Easy Ways to Care for the Earth

It’s easy to let busyness of daily life push thoughts of being eco-friendly to the back burner. But caring for our planet might be easier than you think. Start small by trying one activity a month . . .

Read more

Earth Day Activities in San Diego 2024

Earth Day Activities in San Diego 2024

Looking for fun ways to celebrate and give back to Mother Nature this Earth Day? There are tons of volunteer opportunities, festivals, workshops, celebrations and much more popping up all over San D . . .

Read more

Earth Day: 30 ways to love our planet

Earth Day: 30 ways to love our planet

Earth Day is April 22, but it’s important to take care of our planet every day. If you want to help your children learn to appreciate and care for the environment, we’re offering 30 impactful id . . .

Read more

20 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

20 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

Earth Day is near, but don’t wait until April 22 to celebrate. Now is the time to reflect on your family’s commitment to the environment. Have fun as a family and encourage your children to be s . . .

Read more

6 Ways to Celebrate Easter at Home

6 Ways to Celebrate Easter at Home

If you're not ready to join public events or large crowds, there are still fun ways to celebrate Easter! Here are ideas to make Easter special for your family, while sticking close to home. Att . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe