By: Kristen Dempsey
Thrilling, chilling, frightening. Do you enjoy these intense feelings? If the answer is yes, then you should check out haunted experiences on Long Island. From Bayville to Bellport, there are must-see haunted attractions to visit this Halloween season so you can embrace the spooky side of this holiday.
Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse in Bellport reopened on September 30 for the thirteenth consecutive year. The attraction has a new theme each year to ensure visitors a fright of a lifetime.
Scot Allan, the director of development and public relations at Gateway, is expecting this year to return back to pre-pandemic operations. He said one of the things that makes Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse special is its location.
“It takes place on a seven-acre property that once was a farm but is now a theatrical venue that transforms into a completely immersive attraction for the month of October. This year's theme is about an Antique Farm Estate Auction, so the parallel is perfect,” Allan said.
The walk-through attraction features over 100 professional actors and lasts around 30 minutes. Tickets are $40 online and $50 at the door. Since it is recommended for those ages 13and older, there are Not-So-Scary Adventures for younger children on the weekend afternoons at $20 a person. Allan said there are also Midway Activities such as games, a food truck, live entertainment and a "Fear Garden" for adult beverages. For more information, you can check out their website at www.gatewayshauntedplayhouse.com/.
If one haunted house doesn’t satisfy your thrill-seeking desires, then you should also check out Bayville Scream Park in Nassau. It features both indoor and outdoor haunts and mazes, as well as food and drinks. There are seven attractions to choose from, each with its own unique theme and scary sights. You will certainly not run out of things to do there. Ticket prices range from $33.75 to $59.75, depending on the day of the week. You can find this out on their website at https://bayvillescreampark.com/.
Samantha Fannon, a 19-year-old from Mastic, reminisced about her experience at Bayville Scream Park last October. From the moment she walked into the moment she left, she said she had chills down her spine. She warned those who are planning a visit to “be prepared for a fun time, but definitely be ready to scream.”
Fannon said she plans to go back soon for another thrilling experience. “After going to the Bloodworth Haunted Mansion and Uncle Needle’s Funhouse of Fear, I was too scared to see any more attractions. When I return, I hope to be able to conquer my fear and explore the rest of the attractions.”
If you are in search of a fright from the comfort of your vehicle, then the Tunnel of Terror is just the thing for you. You can experience this drive-through attraction, located at the Five Corners Auto Salon in New Hyde Park, from October 27-31. It only runs from 6-9 pm, so you don’t want to miss it. For $45, this terror car wash features a wicked blood bath, gruesome ceramic glaze and more. A portion of their profits will be donated to the Cohen Children's Medical Center Child Life Program. So while you are enjoying a quick fright, you will also be supporting a great cause. While you will leave screaming, your car will leave shining.