Sure, you want to celebrate Halloween. But are you the blood-curdling-scary type? Or do you go for smiling jack-o-lanterns? Either way, there are plenty of options for tricks or treats. Here's our pick of three super scares and three family-friendly options.
Very scary
What: American Monsters: Onionhead's Revenge
Gore Score: 6 (out of 10)
What it's like: A true New Orleans voodoo-themed maze, with dead-ends and lots of choices. Watch out! It can be easy to get lost with the spirits. There's even a hidden speak-easy in the middle of your haunt. Some of the production, costumes and spooks fell a little flat compared with other Twin Cities haunted houses, but beware of Onionhead at the end. This one could be good for your first-timers and more timid thrill-seekers.
Best fright: There are a few blood and body-part effects that will make your skin crawl.
Info: The perks of being located in the mall, Onionhead's Revenge doesn't have any outdoor elements, so there's more ease in waiting in line and no chance you'll be cold or muddy. Wed.-Sun. through Oct. 31. $34.95-$79.90. East Wing of Mall of America, Bloomington. American Monsters Onionhead's Revenge.
What: Scream Town
Gore Score: 9
What it's like: There are five different haunted mazes, including one with psycho clowns and a hayride that leads to a haunted forest. Want more? VIP tickets offer access to two more scare-zones and also lets you skip some lines. If you can, choose a day that might be less crowded. Some of the frights lose their force when you can hear the group in front of you in the maze.
Best fright: Getting off the hayride and being led through a heavily haunted forest. ... It's the stuff of nightmares.
Info: It can be muddy! Wear sturdy shoes. 7-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 7-10 p.m. Sun., plus Oct. 18-19 through Oct. 29. $25-$149. 7410 Hwy. 212, Chaska. screamtown.com
What: The Dead End Hayride
Gore score: 10
What it's like: Not for the faint of heart. The fright begins with a 20-plus-minute hayride where ghouls and goblins pop out of the dark and even swing from above. Then comes the maze of horror, where you try to maneuver through a series of sets — a prison, slaughterhouse, a hospital — with masked fiends chasing you.
Best fright: It's so hard to choose. Maybe the body-clinging inflatable tunnel, through which you had to squeeze your body. Talk about claustrophobia.
Info: Rides start at dusk. Bring your bravest friends, your best running shoes and perhaps a brown paper bag, in case you start to hyperventilate. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 31, with additional select dates. $18-$77. 28186 Kettle River Blvd. N., Wyoming, Minn. thedeadendhayride.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
What: Valleyfair Tricks and Treats
Kind to Kids: 8
What it's like: The theme park grounds have been transformed into the Land of Tricks and the Land of Treats. Appropriate-for-all attractions include trick or treating, crafts and entertainment. New this year is the Enchanted Chateau, a slightly scary haunted attraction. Guests wind through the manor of witch Madam Collette.
Best fright: No blood or gore, but some characters in the chateau do appear out of nowhere. The attraction has a touch of the creepy, giving the essence of Halloween without giving guests a heart attack. Still, the chateau is best suited for tweens and up.
Info: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Oct. 29. $34.99. One Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee. valleyfair.com
What: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Kind to Kids: 10
What it's like: A magical spectacle that takes guests on a nighttime stroll along a trail lined with artistically carved pumpkins brightly illuminated against the backdrop of the Minnesota Zoo. This year's theme is "Seasons of the Year," featuring carvings that depict seasonal fun.
Best fright: Have no fear: Although this event is held under the cloak of night, the pumpkins are cheery and bright.
Info: Zoo hours through Nov. 4. $14-$24. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. mnzoo.org
What: Anoka Halloween
Kind to Kids: 9
What it's like: The self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the World celebrates throughout the month of October, offering more family-friendly entertainment than spine-chilling thrills. Events include a Walking Dead pup crawl, movie and bingo nights, pumpkin carving contest, parades and more.
Best fright: Most of the activities are fear-free. If you want something that goes bump in the night, check out the Anoka Haunted House, operated by the Anoka Knights of Columbus.
Info: Events held throughout Anoka through Nov. 4. See website for details. anokahalloween.com
Roundup of Halloween attractions
The Abandoned Hayride: A terrifying ride for even for the most courageous of persons. The immersive experience brings guests too close for comfort with hair-raising illusions and scenes of horror. 7-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (Oct. 21 & 28, open at 6:30); 7-10 p.m. Sun., Oct. 18-19 through Oct. 29. $25-$149. 7525 Hwy. 212, Chaska. theabandonedhayride.com
