Haunted tours are a big part of the fall season, and who doesn’t enjoy a fun little fright? Like a fresh grave, we’ve dug up Middle Tennessee’s best spook spots, haunted houses, ghost tours and other Halloween-themed festivities for families. There are a few suitable for your younger ones (9 & younger) that aren’t so scary, and then there are the really frightening ones for big kids only (10 & older). As all kids are different, keep in mind your child’s sensitivities before you go.
Beardsley Grimsbeard is the friendly drumming zombie at Millers Thrillers.
BEST BET:
MILLERS THRILLERS
Fun for big kids!
1431 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia
millersthrillers.net
Thru Oct. 27
Hours: Fri – Sat 7 – 11 p.m. (Saturdays, Oct. 20 & 27 from 6 – 11 p.m.)
Admission: $20 Zombie Paintball Hayride; $20 Haunted Woods; $35 both; $10 Entertainment Zone only; Slash Passes are $20 extra per attraction
We love the hoots and haunts at Millers Thrillers in Columbia. It’s got something for everyone in your family. Enjoy the Entertainment Zone featuring the mysterious zombie drumline, fire performers, jugglers and storytellers. This is an all-ages area where youngsters have fun interacting with the zombies.
Ages 8 and older can hop aboard the Zombie Paintball Hayride where you’ll be driven out in the fields to shoot at zombies in different settings — look out for the ones swinging overhead! Spring for the extra 75 paintballs for $10 — you’ll want ’em.
The Haunted Woods is for big kids only, ages 10 and older. It’s a serious scare that is among the best in the local haunted attraction world — it features a lot of jump scares you don’t see coming. It takes a good clip of time to get all the way through it, and it’s definitely worth the money.
Millers Thrillers strictly enforces the age minimums for zombie paintball and the haunted woods.
Lines get long fast, so arrive early or spring for the Slash Pass to get you to the front of the line. The Slash Pass is worth the money if your family isn’t patient in a large crowd.
— LITTLE KIDS/ALL AGES —
BOO AT THE ZOO – EDITOR’S PICK!
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville
615-833-1534 | nashvillezoo.org
Oct. 12 – 14, 18 – 21, 25 – 28
Hours: 5 – 9 p.m.
Admission: $16 Thu, Fri & Sun; $17 Sat; free ages 2 & younger (discounts for zoo members)
The zoo’s annual Halloween hootenanny invites kids to wear costumes for a night of not-so-scary fun with hayrides, animal encounters, carousel rides, trick-or-treating and more.
Instead of running into scary monsters, little kids will encounter friendly animals during their Boo at the Zoo trek at Nashville Zoo!
22ND ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT CEMETERY TOUR
Gallatin City Cemetery: 250 Cemetery Ave., Gallatin
615-451-3738 | eventbrite.com
Saturday, Oct. 6
Hours: 4 – 8 p.m.
Admission: $10
The Sumner County Museum hosts this candlelit tour covering many of the county’s most fascinating characters. Best suited for ages 8+.
BARFIELD BASH TWILIGHT TRAIL
697 Veterans Pkwy., Murfreesboro
615-890-5333 | murfreesborotn.gov/parks
Oct. 19 – 20
Hours: 5 – 9 p.m.
Admission: $4 for the hayride, carnival is free
This happy, not-spooky hayride in the backcountry is followed by games, puppet shows, stories and live animals.
ENCHANTED FOREST AT OWL’S HILL
545 Beech Creek Road, Brentwood
615-370-4672 | owlshill.org
Saturday, Oct. 27
Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Admission: $12 ages 3+
Little ones can show off their costumes during this friendly outing that includes guided walks, hayrides, animal encounters, face painting and more.
FLASHLIGHT NIGHTS AT OAKLANDS
900 N. Maney Ave., Murfreesboro
615-893-0022 | oaklandsmansion.org
Oct 24 – 27
Hours: 7 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids
Bring a flashlight to experience mourning customs and creepy superstitions.
GHOSTS IN THE GROVE
945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon
615-547-6111 | fiddlersgrove.org
Saturday, Oct. 20
Hours: 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $7 adults, $4 ages 6 – 12, free ages 5 & younger
A night of history, family-friendly ghost stories, spooky trolley rides, live music and an appearance by the Tennessee Ghostbusters.
HALLOWEEN AT THE MANSION
3130 Two Rivers Pkwy., Nashville
615-885-1112 | friendsoftworiversmansion.org
Saturday, Oct. 27
Hours: 4 – 8 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Take a journey through the Haunted Basement. Other family-friendly activities include pumpkin painting, hayrides, storytelling, music, food and more.
HAUNTED FRANKLIN TOUR
305 Public Square, Franklin
615-400-3808 | franklinonfoot.com
Hours: Daily at 7 p.m.
Admission: $20 adults, $10 teens, $5 kids
Franklin On Foot hosts this family-friendly walking ghost tour for all ages. It covers six blocks of historic downtown Franklin exploring the ghosts and haunts that linger on the brick-lined streets and landmark buildings.
HAUNTED MURFREESBORO
122 S. Maple St., Murfreesboro
facebook.com/hauntedmurfreesboro
Oct. 19, 20, 26 & 27
Hours: 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $5
The BoroTellers lead this lantern-light tour taking you through the streets of downtown Murfreesboro while sharing ghostly tales.
NASHVILLE GHOST TOURS
511 Union St., Nashville
amerighost.com/nashville-ghost-tours
Ongoing
Hours: Sun – Fri 8 p.m., Sat 8 & 9 p.m.
Admission: $17 adults, $10 ages 7 – 11, free ages 6 & younger
A lantern-bearing guide leads you on this 90-minute tour through the dark mysteries of the streets of downtown Nashville, including landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee State Capitol, Printer’s Alley and more. Tour is suitable for younger kids.
SAM DAVIS GHOST TOURS
Sam Davis Home
1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna
615-459-2341 | samdavishome.org
Oct. 19, 20, 26 & 27
Hours: 7 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids
Embark on a hayride around the grounds before hearing real stories of the plantation’s past.
— BIG KIDS ONLY (ages 10+) —
BARFIELD BASH HAUNTED HAYRIDE
697 Veterans Pkwy., Murfreesboro
615-890-5333 | murfreesborotn.gov/parks
Oct. 17 – 20
Hours: 7 – 9 p.m.
Admission: $5
Hop aboard the wagon for a scary adventure down Old Scream Road.
BELL WITCH CAVE
430 Keysburg Road, Adams
615-696-3055 | bellwitchcave.com
Oct. 6 – 31
Hours: Vary daily
Admission: $12 daytime cave tours ($18 includes cabin), $25 nighttime tours
Tour the cave allegedly inhabited by Middle Tennessee’s most notorious spook, and tour the cabin to hear even more frightful tale’s of how the witch haunted John Bell and his family.
BLOODY ACRES HAUNTED WOODS
318 Big Station Camp Blvd., Gallatin
615-974-8589 | bloodyacres.webs.com
Thru Oct. 31
Fri – Sat 7 p.m. – 1 a.m., Sun 7 – 11 p.m.; Oct. 26 – 31 weekdays 7 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $15 (cash only)
Real woods and real terror! Get spooked in the woods by the new killer clowns before exploring the old mine shaft.
CANOE THE CANEY’S HAUNTED CANOE TRIP
17055 Smithville Hwy., Silver Point
800-579-7893 | canoethecaney.com/haunted-canoe-trip.html
Oct. 4 – Nov. 10
Hours: Thu – Sat 6 – 10 p.m.
Admission: Prices start at $34.99
This ghost tour starts with a jaunt into the old cemetery where you’ll hear tales of a flooded town with lost graves, ghostly encounters and the unexplained. Then, make your way down the dark path near the old military recreation base to the waters’ edge. Here, you’ll board a canoe and paddle to the original location of the old 1800s sunken cemetery that’s only 15 feet below the water’s surface. Many believe lost graves still remain and there are spirits trapped just beneath the waters.
CREEPY HOLLOW HAUNTED WOODS
2133 Joe Brown Road, Spring Hill
931-486-3063 | creepyhollowwoods.com
Thru Oct. 31
Hours: Fri – Sat 7 – 11 p.m.; Oct. 28 & 31 from 7 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $25
Three attractions in one designed to “scare the yell out of you” include Trail of Terror Haunted Woods, Halls of Horror Haunted House and the Zombie Maze. Embark on a hayride for an extra $5.
DEAD LAND SCREAM PARK
7040 Murfreesboro Road, Lebanon
615-519-3116 | deadlandwoods.com
Thru Nov. 3
Fri – Sat 7 p.m. – midnight (plus Halloween night)
Admission: $15 each Portal and Curse ($25 for both), $10 Crypt; $50 VIP (includes all attractions, T-shirt and fast pass)
Dead Land offers four frights in one location. The Portal and The Curse are wooded trails of horror not for the faint of heart. The Crypt is the newest addition — a spooky excursion through grave sites.
DEVIL’S DUNGEON
510 Davidson St., Nashville
615-256-0053 | devilsdungeon.net
Thru Oct. 31
Hours: Fri – Sun 8 – 10 p.m., Halloween night 7 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $20 ($30 includes a fast pass)
Nashville’s most controversial haunted house features 20,000 square feet of fright with two floors of shocking, bloody gore.
GHOSTS OF THE BATTLEFIELD AT LOTZ HOUSE
111 Columbia Ave., Franklin
615-400-3808 | franklinonfoot.com
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 adults, $10 ages 13 and younger
Franklin on Foot takes you to the epicenter of the 1864 Battle of Franklin where you’ll tour the historic house while hearing stories of bloodshed and destruction — and unexplained paranormal phenomena!
GHOST TOURS AT THE HERMITAGE
4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville
615-889-2941 | thehermitage.com
Thru Nov. 10
Hours: Wed – Sat 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $35 (get tickets in advance online)
Hear lantern-led ghost stories about the Battle of New Orleans, the Bell Witch and General Jackson.
GRAVE MATTERS TOUR AT REST HAVEN & OLD CITY CEMETERIES
Fourth Avenue North & North Margin Street, Franklin
franklinonfoot.com
Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. — Registration Required
Admission: $15 adults, $5 ages 12 & younger
Franklin on Foot presents costumed re-enactors who portray several of the cemeteries’ most interesting people like the Carter father and son whose nearby home was the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin. You’ll also hear stories of teenager Fannie Courtney, a Union sympathizer who tended to wounded Union soldiers, and there are also non-Civil War related stories to hear along the way.
HAUNTED HELL
3930 Apache Trail, Antioch
615-832-4355 | hauntedhellnashville.com
Thru Oct. 31
Hours: Fri – Sat 8 p.m. – 1 p.m.; Oct. 22, 29, 30 & 31 from 7 – 10 p.m. (Oct. 30 is adults only)
Admission: $18 – $20
Face your fears among the rotting ruins and ghoulish landscapes seen in nightmares. The shock and mayhem include special effects and a demon cast of more than 35 live actors within 22,000 square feet.
MEYERS CREEK HAUNTED WOODS
4734 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro
meyerscreekhauntedwoods.com
Thru Oct. 27
Hours: Fri – Sat 7 – 11:30 p.m.
Admission: $18 ages 10 & older, $10 ages 9 & younger (must be accompanied by adult)
The woods await, and you never know what’s crawling around them at night!
NASHVILLE HAUNTED HAYRIDE & WOODS
4001 Bell Road, Hermitage
615-889-7050 | nashvillehauntedhayride.com
Thru Oct. 31
Hours: Fri – Sat 7 – 11:30 p.m.; Thu (Oct. 18 & 25 only) 7:30 – 10 p.m.; Sun (Oct. 14 – 28 only) 7:30 – 10 p.m.; Oct. 29 – 31 from 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $29.99 – $51.99 depending on date of visit
Located at Nashville Shores’ property, three attractions are part of your ticket. The Nashville Haunted Hayride is a sinister journey bringing you face to face with demented monsters. Embark into the Haunted Woods where terror resides in the shadows. Legend has it, those who dare enter never again see the light of day. Finally, the Mini Escape Games provide fully interactive, immersive experiences as you race against the clock to break out of a locked room.
NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE
1016 Madison Square, Madison
615-864-7481 | nashvillenightmare.com
Thru Nov. 10
Hours: Fri – Sat 7 – 11:30 p.m.; Sun 7:30 – 10 p.m.; Thu (Oct. 11 – 25 only) 7:30 – 10 p.m.; Wed (Oct. 24 only) 7:30 – 10 p.m.; Oct. 29 – 31 from 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $24.99 – $56.99 depending on day of week and fast-pass option
Now in its eighth season, Nashville Nightmare features four distinct haunted houses within its 50,000-square-foot complex: Fairy Tale Hell, Phantoms, Reformatory and Industrial Undead.
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
3445 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage
615-840-5069 | fullmoonslaughterhouse.com
Thru Oct. 31
Hours: Fri 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Sat 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Sun 7 – 10 p.m.; Oct. 30 – 31 from 7 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $25 house only; $32 house and movie; $47 house and dinner movie
Nashville’s longest-running haunted attraction celebrates 31 years of intense slaughter, blood-and-guts haunted horror, located at the Full Moon Cineplex. This year offers movie and dinner movie packages in addition to the haunted house tour.
TWISTED TENNESSEE AT TRAVELLERS REST
636 Farrell Pkwy., Nashville
615-832-8197 | travellersrestplantation.org
Friday, Oct. 12
Hours: 6 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $15 adults, $8 ages 10 – 15
Six living history vignettes relate differing sides to three creepy, twisted Tennessee tales.
