Haunted Houses: No or Go?

Just like that, spooky season is upon us.  From trick-or-treating to watching frightening movies, the possibilities of fall activities are endless.  An event that is popular, but many loathe, are haunted houses or fright nights. Some may think the acts are thrilling, but others hate the thought of not knowing what will happen to them next.

The Pittsburgh area is populated with various haunted houses plus Kennywood’s iconic “Fright Night.” A few popular Pittsburgh attractions are “Hundred Acres Manor,” “ScareHouse,” “Demon House” and “Fright Farm.”  All prices vary around twenty dollars.

“I just went to a Hundred Acres Manor last week with my friends and I thought it was really fun.  I would never go without a large group because I get too creeped out by some of the actors. My personal favorite is Hundred Acres Manor; the lines go by fast and the drive isn’t too bad,” Senior Emma Nuccetelli expressed.

Just like Nuccetelli enjoys a real-life haunting night, Sophomore Skylar Clawson avoids the haunted house trend and favors movies, where she’s safe at home.

Clawson revealed, “I hate going to haunted houses and I don’t think they are worth it for me in particular.  I hate chainsaws and clowns so being chased by those two things combined, it is just not for me. I would watch any scary movie over spending money to cry.”

An interesting perspective of the exhilarating actions can come from the workers themselves.  Behind the masks, makeup and costumes, their point of view is something that many do not experience.  Senior Brianna Dinch spent one weekend of last year volunteering at Hundred Acres Manor.

Dinch said, “Volunteering was super fun for me.  I did my makeup as a clown and wore a costume then would jump out at people when they walked through the house.  It’s super weird being the one that scares people compared to being scared. It’s fun having an alter ego for a night.”

Each individual has different opinions of haunted houses and their worth, so testing the waters might be captivating.  The houses are open through Nov. 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Get a group of friends and visit one of the many Pittsburgh attractions.