San Antonio is well known for its haunted missions and hotels. The entire geographical area around The Alamo has been labeled as haunted since before The Alamo was even built! There are plenty of spooky activities to do this Halloween season that will scare the pants off of you and many that are appropriate for the young ones.
Many of these attractions may overlap actual/alleged haunted areas in San Antonio, do not get this article confused with another article that discusses haunted places in San Antonio titled “The Haunted Side of San Antonio” This article describes local San Antonio Halloween attractions and popular haunts to do during the season.
San Antonio Ghost Tours
San Antonio Ghost Tours has been in the ghost hunting business since 1996. They offer several tours including a graveyard tour (monthly) which includes a private limo, the Alamo Ghost Hunt (evening tour), the Haunted Palace Tour (daytime tour) and the Riverboat tour. They also have bus tours that you need to check their website for the next available date. Imagine listening to stories of battles and heroes, murder and chaos. These tours take you along the San Antonio River or the River Walk, enjoying approximately 3 miles of the most haunted regions in Texas!
Terror Mansion
Dubbed as “San Antonio’s scariest haunted house”, this 23 room haunted house is truly a frightening experience. From their website, “…you and your friends are cordially invited to RUN, CRAWL and SCREAM for your life!” Rated the scariest haunted house by the SA Express/News in 1999, this Halloween treat is one not to miss! If you survive Terror Mansion they will take a picture of you and post it on their website…of course they are available for purchase (the proceeds being donated). If you’re not in the Halloween spirit by the time you crawl away from this one, you may need to check your pulse.
Nightmare on Grayson is another premiere haunted house in San Antonio that has been in business for 20 years. The FestEvil Carnival features Brothers of the Flame and Medina’s Dark Magic on select nights. It is a very popular destination, usually attracting live radio stations. While you await your demise you can enjoy a dark magic show or play a game. Taking longer than 20 minutes to “enjoy” the attraction, you’ll get to visit familiar characters such as “Jason” and “Freddie”. This place will definitely light your Halloween spirit!
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is directly across the street from The Alamo. In conjunction with the Tomb Rider 3D and the Guinness World Records Museum, this makes for a fun and frightening stop while downtown. The website boasts that it is a multi-million dollar haunted house, open year round. However, what better time of the year to conjure up a scream or two?
Fright Fest – Fiesta Texas
Haunted houses, Spooky Town Elementary and The Wheel of Fright are just a few of the attractions at Fiesta Texas – San Antonio’s Fright Fest this year. There are startles around every corner. Age appropriate activities are also available, so bring the whole family to this one! If you are brining the little ones, you may have a better time during the day during their “Thrills by Day”. Pumpkin painting, the “Not-So-Very-Scary Scarecrow” telling spooky tales, and more. Note: The park does have a costume policy. Only children under 12 years old are allowed to wear masks or full make-up.
The San Antonio Zoo, which is open 365 day a year, offers the Boo Zoo for two nights a year, October 30th and 31st. This is a safe, non-scary event appropriate for all ages. Bring your little ones out to this and enjoy safe trick-or-treating, face painting and games. Not to mention the animals! There is also a nightly costume contest for the children.
Coffins on Parade
The crowds line up along the San Antonio River to shriek and gasp at the floating coffin spectacle every year along the famous River Walk. These are decorated coffins provided by the Paseo del Rio Association. This is a Halloween do not miss favorite for locals every year!There is also an after party sponsored by Dick’s Last Resort this year.
Devine Acres – Pumpkin Extravaganza!
Through the month of October, Devine Acres celebrates fall with their Pumpkin Extravaganza. This is a great way to spend one of your days on the weekend. They have tons of activities to get your children into the Halloween spirit! Hayrides, Hay Bale Maze, Scarecrow Dressing, Pumpkin Painting, and a campfire are just some of the activities they offer.
Whether your Halloween consists of the scariest haunted houses or a hay ride with your children, San Antonio has the entire spectrum of activities for you, your friends and your family. Be sure to visit the websites of these activities, for there are often discount coupons available! San Antonio is known for its haunted areas and there is no better time to celebrate this rich Texas history than the Halloween season!
