Got your SPOOK up for Halloween? If you're still looking for that chills-down-the-spine feel, here are some haunted houses...and ships, trains and canoe rides to investigate. And don't forget to check out other Halloween Events in Columbus.
Note: Some of these programs are very intense. Parental guidance advised.
(BTW, Columbus and many suburbs hold Beggars's Night Thursday, October 29, 2009.)
Haunted Hocking Ghost Express
Ghost tales on a train racing through the night... The Oct 24 Boo Train for Families may be more appropriate for young children.
When: Sept 12, Oct 10 and 17
Where: Nelsonville Depot, 33 E. Canal Street on U.S. Route 33 in Nelsonville
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: adults: $17, seniors: $15, children 3-12: $12, under 3 ride free but must sit on guardian's lap Call 800-967-7834 for ticket info.
Dead Acres Haunted Hoochie
Welcome to the "Darkest Show on Earth." Definitely not for the under 12 set, or those with heart conditions. Voted one of America's "Best Haunted Attractions" by HauntWorld.com. This is a "full-sensory assult...an in-your-face horror show."
When: Thursdays-Saturdays, Sept 24-Oct 31
Where: 13861 East Broad Street, Pataskala
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $17
The TerrorFest
Voted one of "America's Best Haunts" by AmericasBestHaunts.com. Based on the early-20th century career of Columbus serial killer David Hoster. Definitely not for the under 12 set, or those with heart conditions.
When: Sept 25-26, Oct 2-3, then Thursdays-Sundays Oct 8-Nov 1
Where: behind 477 S. Front St., Columbus (Brewry District)
Time: Sun and Thurs: 7:30- 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 7:30-midnight
Cost: $17
Haunted Statehouse Tours
Conductors with lanterns will guide you through the darkened hallways and chambers of the Statehouse. It’s a little spooky, and who knows? You may meet famous ghosts from Ohio’s past. Appropriate for all members of the family; free activities for kids before and after the tour.
When: Oct. 16-24
Where: Ohio Statehouse, High Street at Broad Street, Columbus
Time: Mon.-Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: adults: $8; children under 16: $4
Garrison Ghost Walk
Tour Fort Meigs with a guide from 1812, and encounter the spookier side of history. These tales from the past are fun and suitable for all ages.
When: Oct 23, 24, 30, 31
Where: Fort Meigs, Perrysburg
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: adults: $8, youth (6-12): $4. Call (800) 283-8916 for reservations.
Boo Train for Families
Dress up in costume for this family-oriented tricks and treat ride. with funny and semi-spooky characters.
When: Oct 24
Where: Nelsonville Depot, 33 E. Canal Street on U.S. Route 33 in Nelsonville
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: adults: $15, seniors: $13, children 3-12: $7, under 3 ride free but must sit on guardian's lap Call 800-967-7834.
Fright Night 5K Run
So, how fast can you run? Fast enough to get past the haunted graveyards, Gahanna Golf Course, and back to Creekside Plaza by way of a haunted forest?
When: Oct 31
Where: Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill Street, Gahanna
Time: 7 p.m.
The Haunted Ship
Spooks and specters prowl the Santa Maria this time of year…Enjoy seasonal scariness for the whole family on the replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship.
When: Oct 29-31
Where: Santa Maria, downtown Columbus
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: free as of this writing
Halloween on the Hocking
Canoe five miles under a full moon, paddle away from lurking lurkers, enjoy a bonfire, music and hot chocolate. A fun way to share the shivers.
When: Oct 31
Where:Hocking Valley Canoe Livery, 31251 Chieftain Dr., Logan
Time: 6-11 p.m.
Cost: $40 per canoe