The Best Halloween Haunts near Philadelphia, PA

There’s some (horrors) in this house.

I think we’ve established that Halloween is my favorite holiday, yeah? Okay, cool.

Along with the autumn leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween season brings some additional tricks and treats, including an influx of haunted attractions that seem to pop up like wildfires across the country.

Personally, I love a good haunted attraction. I love haunted houses, haunted hayrides, haunted asylums, whatever you could possibly “haunt”, basically — and here in Philadelphia, we have some great haunts lurking around every corner of the city that you can enjoy. I’ve visited the top four in the area, and here’s what I have to say about each spooky season spectacle:

Pennhurst Asylum: Well worth the trek to the ‘burbs

Andrew and I took the trek out to Pennhurst Asylum for the first time this year, and it did not disappoint. We went with the Super VIP ticket package (the “RIP VIP” package, actually), which allowed us to actually join a paranormal investigation in the abandoned/unoccupied portions of the Asylum after we went through the various haunted attractions… and honestly? I don’t know which was scarier, because they were both incredible.

Pennhurst itself holds a particular energy that is palpable from the moment you step foot onto the grounds. You feel strange, as if the air is thicker and colder, and a certain heaviness settles in. The actors in the haunts rely a lot on the atmospheric density of Pennhurst as you walk throughout the attractions, with some of them not needing to say a word to suddenly appear from a corner and scare the living #%$* out of you, and the incredible set pieces are just as well done as something you’d see at a high-end theme park, like Universal Studios or something.

The paranormal investigation that follows, if you go the VIP route, is impressive in an entirely different manner; it’s dark, somber, freaky, and you do not feel like you’re alone. It’s hard to explain (as a “vibe” is something you generally have to feel for yourself), but it’s there. It’s… something. And if you have the guts, I suggest you check it out.

Lincoln Mill Haunt: Manayunk’s spooky, historical gem

I may be a bit biased (as Manayunk is my neighborhood and I absolutely love it in general!), but the Lincoln Mill Haunt is a spine-chilling (and thrilling) haunt that will leave you on the edge of your seat. As soon as you step foot inside, you'll be transported to a world of terror and suspense — seriously. The special effects make up, the ambiance, and the pacing are on point; you feel your adrenaline spiking the entire time, which is a tip off to just how well they’ve gone about nailing the flow of the haunt this season.

Additionally, the cast of haunt actors are nothing short of remarkable, with incredibly realistic zombies, ghosts, and other creatures lurking around every corner (and remaining terrifyingly in character throughout). The attention to detail is impressive, making you feel like you're part of a horror movie. Combined with the dimly lit corridors and eerie soundscapes, the atmosphere is truly haunting — we ran out screaming, just so ya’ know!

Eastern State Penitentiary: Locked down and loaded (with ghouls!)

Now, let's talk about Eastern State Penitentiary. This hauntingly historic prison takes Halloween to a whole new level. As you walk through the ominous halls, you can't help but feel a sense of unease and curiosity — whether you’re in one of the haunts or not. Atmosphere is something they really lean into here, with good reason — it’s an intensely creepy place to be, even in broad daylight.

To add to that, the special effects makeup here is also top-notch, with actors portraying the spirits of former inmates with incredible authenticity. The crumbling walls and decaying cells add to the overall ambiance, giving you a taste of what life was like for prisoners long ago. It's a truly immersive experience that will give you goosebumps and make you question what's lurking in the shadows. Plus, the multiple beer gardens and lounges on campus allow you to make an evening out of it, grabbing snacks and drinks between haunted halls and spending a spooky evening in one of the most notorious landmarks in the city!

So, what are you favorite haunts in your area? Let’s discuss, and have a Happy Halloween!

Xoxo, MM.