Survival Tips for Your First Haunted House Visit

So, you’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and visit a haunted house this Halloween season—bravo! Whether you’re tagging along because your friends begged you to go, or you’re curious to see what all the fuss is about, you’re in for quite the ride. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few tips that’ll help you survive your first spooky adventure without needing a change of pants halfway through. (Hey, it happens to the best of us.)

1. Do Your Homework (Not the Scary Kind)

First things first, not all haunted houses are the same. Some are kid-friendly with more cute decorations than actual scares, while others… well, let’s just say they’re designed for folks who enjoy heart-pounding terror. Don’t set yourself up for a nightmare (unless that’s what you’re into). Take a few minutes to read reviews, check their website, or ask friends who’ve been. No one wants to be surprised by a chainsaw-wielding maniac when they were expecting friendly ghosts.

2. Bring Your Fear Squad

Look, going to a haunted house alone? Bold. But not recommended. Bringing a group of friends is half the fun. You get to see who screams the loudest, who clings to whom, and who turns into the “accidental hero” when the scares come at you fast. Plus, there’s safety in numbers, right? At least you hope so until someone actually gets grabbed by the creepy ghoul in the corner. (Kidding! Mostly.)

3. Wear Clothes You Can Run In

Haunted houses mean a lot of walking, crouching, and let’s be honest—running away from terrifying things jumping out at you. You don’t want to do all that in uncomfortable shoes or a costume that has you tripping over your own feet. Comfortable shoes, a few layers for warmth (because haunted houses can be freezing), and, for heaven’s sake, pockets for your phone. But, hey, if you’re the kind of person who likes to wear a full zombie bride gown with heels—go for it. Just… good luck with that.

4. Remember: It’s All in Good Fun (But Keep Your Hands to Yourself)

Here’s a little haunted house etiquette. Don’t touch the actors. They’re there to make you scream, but they’re professionals who probably don’t want to be swatted at when they get too close. And actors? They won’t touch you either, although they might get super close. If you accidentally make contact because you jumped three feet in the air and swung your arms like a windmill—apologize! They’ve seen it all before, trust me.

5. Take Deep Breaths (No, Really!)

A haunted house can make you forget how to breathe normally. I know it sounds silly, but when you’re in the middle of one, and your heart’s racing, it’s easy to hold your breath without realizing it. Focus on breathing slowly. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Not only will it keep you calm, but it’ll also keep you from passing out and becoming part of the attraction. (I’m kidding! Or am I?)

6. Panic Button? Sure, Use It.

You’re allowed to bail. No judgment. Haunted houses are supposed to be fun—not a total nightmare (pun intended). If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, many places have “chicken exits” along the way. There’s no shame in knowing your limits. Just don’t leave because the guy with the fake chainsaw freaked you out—he’s harmless. Probably.

7. Let Loose and Enjoy It!

The whole point of haunted houses is to give you a thrill. Whether you scream, laugh, or do a combination of both, just go with it. This is your time to let that adrenaline pump and experience something out of the ordinary. I mean, where else do you pay to have people chase you down dark hallways? Embrace the weirdness.

There you have it! With these tips, you should be more than ready to tackle your first haunted house like a pro. Or, at the very least, survive it without needing a therapy session afterward. Either way, remember to have fun, stay safe, and take a friend who won’t mind if you scream in their ear. Happy haunting!

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