Things to do for Halloween in the Des Moines Area

Things To Do In Des Moines For Halloween
It's a spooky time of year that we all love. The ghosts and goblins come out to play, pumpkin patches are thriving, and Halloween outfits are rapidly disappearing from the shelves. Whether you are a horror film guru or love the thrill of an occasional good hearted scare, the fall is the perfect time of the year to visit a fright filled haunted house in West Des Moines or Waukee. 

Haunted Houses In Des Moines 
Are you looking for a kid-friendly light scare that the entire family can enjoy? Do you want the modern classic strobe-light and bloody axes Hollywood scare? Perhaps you are interested in simply jumping with fright? No matter your scare preferences, West Des Moines and Waukee are filled with haunted houses that are perfectly suited for this spooky time of year. 

1. Linn's Super Market Haunted House. -- This classic haunted house has been a Des Moines favorite since it opened in 1984. Crawl through pitch black tunnels, descend into a basement that might just give you nightmares, and encounter "invisible" monsters that roam the hallways and swampy passages. This haunted home relies on suspense and jump worthy startles, which makes it suitable for adults and older children. It is open 18 nights this season! Be sure to check out their website for updates, open times, and ticket information. 
2. Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park. -- Is your Netflix queue constantly filled with movies like Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th? If so, then you will love the chainsaw-yielding, blood-filled, and gory scares at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park. With over 10 haunted attractions, the park lives up to its reputation for Hollywood thrills and scares. Popular destinations include the Castle of Blood, Nightmare Estates, and Freak Show. Be ready to jump, dodge, and duck if you partake in the laser tag haunted walks or the 3-D gallery walk. While Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park is technically kid-friendly, if you are planning on bringing children it is best to check their website for additional information or to call ahead to learn if the walks will be too scary for your child. 
3. Ames Haunted Forest. -- Bring your walking shoes and get ready to start running as you traverse the six acres of frightening thrills at Ames Haunted Forest. A ghoulish layout, shocks around every corner, and the perfect combination of props and actors makes Ames a Des Moines favorite amongst older children and adults. With over 30 minutes of adrenaline pumping, fear-inducing, and terrifying sights, Ames is a must see during the Halloween season. Visit their website to learn more.
4. Waukee Park Haunted House. -- Support a good cause and have a few frights with the annual haunted house at the Centennial Park Enclosed Shelter. Each year the Waukee Park Board fills the space with a haunted house that has frightening props and actors around each corner. Children and adults can enjoy this scary introduction to the world of haunted houses on October 27th and October 28th from 7:00 - 10:00pm. Bring three non-perishable donations and save one dollar on entry. To learn more about his Halloween tradition, visit their website. 
5. Slaughterhouse. -- As the name suggests, Slaughterhouse is a downtown Des Moines thrill. It is a pig rendering-themed factory that promises an intense, and possibly bloody, experience that caters to Hollywood horror film enthusiasts. From the scary scents to the high end props and dedicated actors, the Slaughterhouse is the right choice for anyone looking for a gory thrill this Halloween season. The Slaughterhouse does allow children, however, due to the nature of the scares, it is probably best suited for adults. To learn more about ordering tickets, open times, or the Zombie shuttle, visit their website. 

Enjoy A Thrill Before Heading Home
Well there you have it, a list of haunted houses and frightening Halloween parks that are sure to make you jump, gasp, and maybe even give out a startled scream. After you enjoy a night filled with thrills, you'll look forward to your light-filled apartment in West Des Moines or Waukee. Whether you are thinking about moving this fall season or need a place to call home while your house is being built, we invite you to visit one of our conveniently located communities in Waukee and West Des Moines.