In some cities, haunted houses are a rite of passage, but the cost of being spooked can be quite frightening. Fear not. The prospect of finding an affordable haunt may not be as grave as you think.
Here are some tips that may keep you from being buried —in debt, that is:
Photo: Deposit photos
Go during the week. Many haunted houses offer discounts to people who visit Sunday through Thursday, since Friday and Saturday are their busiest nights.
Take advantage of combo discounts. If you’re planning to visit more than one haunted house, a combo ticket might be your cheapest option. For example, The Edge of Hell, The Beast and Macabre Cinema in Kansas City, Mo., are owned by the same company. If you want to see both, the combo ticket will save you some money.
Go with a large group of friends. Some attractions offer group discounts, so see if you can scare up a dozen or so people to go with you on your own Fright Night.
Photo: Deposit photos
Look for coupons or other discounts. The first place to look for haunted house coupons is on the website of the haunted house you’re planning to visit. But not all deals are that obvious. If you don’t see a discount on the haunted house’s home page, look for a tab that says “promotions” or “discounts.” If you still don’t see a coupon, try the FAQs tab. You might also find coupons on your city’s convention and visitors bureau website, on Groupon or on your local Living on the Cheap site.
Photo: Deposit photos
Check out community haunts. The Parks and Recreation departments in some cities hold community events that often include haunted attractions. Some high schools put on haunted houses as fundraisers. Check community newspapers or websites, as well your local Living on the Cheap site.
Photo: Deposit photos
Create your own. One of my favorite childhood memories is partitioning off our garage and creating a neighborhood haunted house. Each section featured a different ghoulish scene. I think we charged a quarter per person to go through, but these days you could probably get a bit more.
Go after Halloween. You might be surprised to learn that some haunted houses stay open into November, and prices may be cheaper. Check the attractions near you to see if they let you turn back time.
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