America Haunts Seeing More Families, Adults Heading to Haunted Attractions

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Oct 02, 2014, 01:20 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple orchards and pumpkin patches are nice places to visit each Halloween season, but where do you go if you really want to get your scare on? It's a haunted house.

Of the 33 million* estimated people who get into the holiday spirit by visiting a haunted house this year, many are coming as part of family outings or even date nights, according to America Haunts (www.americahaunts.com), the association of over 30 elite haunted attractions throughout the United States.

"Going to your local haunted house has always been a family tradition," said America Haunts President Ben Armstrong. "They're places where you can let loose and share the screams and laughter with those closest to you."

When bringing your family to a haunted house, Armstrong recommends the following:

Attending With Younger Children
Choose age-appropriate options. Younger and highly sensitive kids might prefer the less realistic neighborhood haunted houses, such as those organized by churches, non-profits and schools.

"Don't force your children to go to a haunted house if they don't want to," said Armstrong. "Halloween is supposed to be fun. Taking them before they are ready could become traumatic."

Taking Your Teen
Going to a "real" haunted house is a rite of passage for many teens, who want to get as close as they can to realistic, state-of-the-art effects.

"America Haunts attractions allow teenagers the opportunity to become the stars of their favorite scary movies and video games," Armstrong said.

When it comes to adults, America Haunts continues to welcome visitors for events ranging from nights to girls'/guys' night out.

Date Night
Armstrong warns that taking your date to a haunted house can go one of two ways.

"You can play the role of protector while your date is clinging to your bicep and burying her head in your chest in fear, or you can use her as a human shield to protect yourself against a chainsaw wielding, blood thirsty zombie," America Haunts Vice President Amber Arnett-Bequeaith explains. "Guess which relationship lasts longer?"

Girls'/Guys' Night Out
Screaming and freaking out with friends makes for a memorable evening. Armstrong said the enjoyment comes from watching one another's reactions.

"Each America Haunts attraction has the ability to either scare you a little or a lot," said Arnett-Bequeaith. "It's fun to then see them become so terrified they don't even think twice about leaving behind friends and family to save themselves."

For information on locations, hours and ticket prices for these nationwide attractions, visit www.AmericaHaunts.com/attractions.

*--National Retail Federation

With over 30 haunted attractions nationwide, America Haunts delivers fear-based entertainment to more than a million thrill seekers each season. America Haunts has been featured on the Travel Channel and its members repeatedly recognized by Guinness World Records. The organization is committed to providing technical excellence, stunning set design, Hollywood-quality make-up, costumes and actors. Members enjoy nothing more than delivering, a good old-fashioned scare. Visit www.AmericaHaunts.com.

SOURCE America Haunts