As experience-based products, Trail of Terror attractions must stoke primal reactions. Event producers and staff want to provoke guests’ fight-or-flight responses just enough for enjoyable thrills without devolving into outright panic. Engaging such a “sweet spot” of fear requires forceful storytelling, elements of the unknown, proper pacing, and more. East Coast residents will find all…

Whether we do so for a kick of adrenaline or the company of friends, visiting haunted forest attractions is a steadfast Halloween tradition. These exhibitions’ screams and dark thrills cater to primal human emotions and deliver unparalleled tactile experiences. Yet effective scares call for the proper production elements: chilling stories, impressive details, ample suspense, and…

The thrill of adrenaline—the screams of people around you—the careful tread of feet. You can expect these sounds and more if you dare to embark on a haunted trail attraction! Halloween trails and houses draw in visitors by triggering distinct physiological responses—like rapid changes in heart rate and breathing—without overwhelming us to the point of…

An industry that now reaps $300 million annually, haunted houses overcame humble beginnings to become a rainmaker for many companies. Worldwide, these attractions number 2,500 locations. Their history spans centuries: from Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors in 19th-century London to modern-day tourist traps, these attractions have captivated audiences around the globe and created a phenomenon…

Although a staple of the DMV region these days, Field of Screams Maryland was once a humble Halloween attraction run by an all-volunteer staff. Back in 2001, its founders probably couldn’t have imagined the crowds their work would captivate one day—but time has proven that people love a good scare! The storied history of haunted…

The best Halloween attractions often go through forests, as these settings trigger natural fears in visitors. Dark trees, shadows, and dense undergrowth can inspire as much dread as bloodthirsty monsters and haunted houses—you need only count the number of fairy tales set in the woods to recognize the universal power of these places. Since haunted…

For those addicted to the adrenaline rush of terror, Halloween rituals are an annual bright spot on the calendar. But even less-than-enthusiastic souls around Halloween can get a boost from the spooky fun and thrills by attending a haunted attraction. Research shows individuals in generally good condition can reap health benefits from Halloween attractions, including…

Exploring a haunted house attraction with startling scares, chilling scenes, and spooky props offers a thrilling experience for people of all ages. Nevertheless, careful forethought and preparation can help maximize your experience at such events. Purchasing tickets early, bundling up for cold weather, and more tips will ensure your preparedness for the haunted attractions at…

The period between Halloween and Christmas brings many changes: clocks fall back, the season formally shifts, and days grow shorter than ever. Yet the spookiest time of year gives way to the most wonderful; haunted trails and attractions transform into enchanting winter wonderlands, decked with Christmas lights and decorations. However, this transition requires hours of…

Field of Screams Maryland’s 2022 season was one for the record books! Steelhead Productions had a blockbuster Halloween and haunted house attraction this year that drew crowds from Aspen Hill, MD, and across the DMV. Still, as the dust settles and Steelhead’s team gears up for Winter City Lights, exhilarated visitors are sharing their spooktacular…