October divides those of us who like ghost stories and the thrill of a jump scare and those who want to enjoy a pumpkin patch, maybe with a pumpkin spice latte, and the autumn colors. If being frightened sounds fun, there are many haunted houses and ghost tours to choose from that are close by, and a few that could be worth the drive. If more tame fall festivities sound better, choose from the many pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hay rides available.

Be sure to visit the websites first to check age limits or recommendations, disclaimers, ticket information, dates and times the sites are open.

Haunted Houses

13th Floor Haunted House, Denver
“In the top five most terrifying haunted houses in the USA,” according to USA Today.
13thfloorhauntedhouse.com

The Seance Parlor, Denver
In its fourth year, the Seance Parlor provides haunting adventures in the Yak and Yeti Haunted Attic Library.
seanceparlor.com

Elitch Gardens, Denver
During the day, little ghouls and goblins can enjoy tricks and treats. For those 12 and older, Fright by Night begins at 6 p.m. each night with three Fright Fest attractions.
elitchgardens.com

Highlands Ranch Mansion
For those 21 years of age and older, enjoy spirits of the boozy kind with the Spirits with the Spirits Mansion Tours that explore the history, mystery and lore of this magnificent 19th-century mansion. There is also a Paranormal Party with a team of expert ghost hunters and a free outdoor event for all ages on Halloween night.
highlandsranchmansion.com

The Empty Grave Haunted House, Longmont
“Something went horribly wrong at the old Longmont Foods Company turkey plant,” according to the legend on the website.
theemptygrave.com

The World’s Scariest Haunted House, Littleton
Located at Jared’s Nursery Gift and Garden. Only you can decide if it lives up to its name.
worldsscariesthauntedhouse.net

The Ritual Haunted House, Englewood
“Starting in a rickety shack, navigate through a cursed swamp…” the website dares.
theritualhauntedhouse.com

Anderson Farms Terror in the Corn, Erie
“A mile of mayhem” that winds through a massive cornfield. Tickets include entry to the Fall Festival which runs through November 2.
andersonfarms.com

Haunted Field of Screams, Thornton
Colorado’s largest haunted attraction, backing the famously haunted Riverdale Road.
hauntedfieldofscreams.com

Ghost and Mystery Tours

Denver Terrors
One-hour ghost tours around Capitol Hill that offer unique historical stories that involve outlaws, rough frontier justice and tales of hauntings of Molly Brown on Millionaires Row. Denver Terrors also offers a Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for those ages 21 years and older.
denverterrors.com

Dark Side of Denver Ghost Tours
Learn history and haunts during a walking ghost tour in the Lodo neighborhood or join a haunted history tour with Phil Goodstein who has written more than 27 books on the history, crime and ghosts of Denver.
darksideofdenver.com

Dinner and Ghosts, Denver
Book a personalized experience that includes food and diving into true Colorado murder mysteries, cold cases or ghost investigations. There is a “Scaredy Cats” tour for apprehensive kids and adults.
dinnerandghosts.com

Nightly Spirits – Ghost Tours Denver
Friendly ghost tours for all ages and haunted pub tours for those ages 21 and older are offered around Denver’s historic neighborhoods with guides who are professional storytellers.
nightlyspirits.com

Ghost Ride Haunted Tours, Denver
Ride a haunted tour bus from The Mansion on Colfax through the dark streets of Denver while learning about true historical events and legends.
ghostridehauntedtours.com

Colorado Haunted History, Morrison/Golden
The Morrison Ghosts and Legends tour offers frightening fun for the whole family while the Golden Murder, Mayhem and Madness tour is for those ages 13 and older.
coloradohauntedhistory.com

Pumpkin Patches, Festivals and Events

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, Sedalia
The Castle in our own backyard is hosting three upcoming Murder and Mysteries events and a Halloween Bash including a costume contest.
cherokeeranch.org

Denver Botanic Gardens Pumpkin Festival
Explore the 10-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze and family activities at Chatfield Farms October 11-13. The York Street location offers a self-guided Ghosts in the Gardens – Open Air Scare on multiple dates in October.
botanicgardens.org

The Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, Littleton
Hudson Gardens hosts a glowing trail of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins through November 2.
magicofthejackolanterns.com/denver/

Colorado Kids Ranch Pumpkin Patch, Monument
This 40-acre farm has tons of activities to enjoy the day including hay rides, an animal petting area and crow konking, whatever that is!
coloradokidsranch.com

Lone Creek Farms, Franktown (No Slaughter Gulch this year)
Fall Festival runs through October 27 with pumpkins, pig races and panning for gold.
lonecreekfarms.com

Lone Tree Fall Festival
Schweiger Ranch hosts a Fall Festival Sunday, October 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
schweigerranch.org/event/lone-tree-fall-festival

 

By Lisa Nicklanovich