Local haunted happenings offer spooky attractions for all ages

With Halloween creeping up, and people across Oakland County are getting into the spirit. Whether it’s a haunted house filled with ghoulish creatures and intensified by chilling music, haunted hayrides and forests with apparitions lurking at every turn, or the meandering boat ride to a haunted island to lure unsuspecting victims, people love a spine-chilling scare at this time of year.

Some of these experiences are not for the faint of heart, while others are intended to gently thrill the youngsters.

The following is a listing of upcoming Halloween events in or around Oakland County. During some of these nocturnal events, nightmare becomes reality; the haunted hunt and taunt their prey, and screams pierce the darkness. So rise to the challenge and visit as many of these supernatural events as you can before they all mysteriously disappear. Those situated right here in the lakes area are listed first; those that follow are not too far away.

Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill, Commerce

In the lakes area, Long’s Family Orchard in Commerce Township features a 5-acre moonlight corn maze the last three weekends of October, beginning this weekend, Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Those 3-years-old and under are admitted free of charge, while all others are admitted for $8. Glow sticks are included in the entry price.

“It’s not a haunting,” said co-owner Rob Long. “It’s a nighttime activity and is popular with adults and teens — every age comes out.”

Christine Long, the other co-owner, noted that the activity is geared toward families spending quality time together.

“We wanted it more family-friendly, so that’s why we chose not to haunt,” she said. “Children come earlier and the teens typically come later after the football games.”

Those who like a challenge are handed glow sticks to illuminate their way as they navigate through the maze. Every year, the Longs design the maze based on a theme. This year it’s a massive spider web that Rob Long initially designed on a computer. Using a global positioning satellite (GPS) system, he cut the pattern into the corn field when the corn stalks were 2 inches tall. Now the cornstalks stand about 10 feet, thus increasing the degree of difficulty.

“It’s a really good maze this year and quite challenging with the only light being a glow stick,” Christine Long said. “Inside the maze there’s strobe lights and fog. People are there for a minimum of 45 minutes.”

The daylight maze and play area is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The newer play area houses playscapes to explore, a giant slide, inflatables, a pedal kart raceway and larger picnic area.

Those 30-inches-tall and under are admitted free of charge. Otherwise, an $8 day pass gives patrons unlimited hayrides to the U-pick pumpkin area and unlimited time in the maze and play area for the day. Those interested can upgrade to a season pass for an additional $1.

The Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill is located at 1540 E. Commerce Road.

Holly’s Shop of Horror, Highland

For 15 years, Holly’s Shop of Horrors, a charity-driven haunted house attraction, has donated 100 percent of its proceeds to organizations in need.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, the Holly Presbyterian Church on Main Street is holding a blood drive, where donors will receive $2 off the Holly’s Shop of Horrors entry fee.

Kohl’s will be providing five volunteers for three hours to help operate the attraction. Their pay will be forwarded to Lighthouse in Pontiac for a total of $1,500.

Another 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit Michael’s Minutes to acquire phone cards for soldiers so they can call home.

The remaining 80 percent will benefit the Milford Historical Society so the organization can hold events for children at its log cabin.

In existence since 2006, Holly’s Shop of Horrors has changed its location several times over the years. It was first located in the Holly Foods Plaza in Holly, followed by a move to the historic Holly Farm barn. In 2009, it relocated to Garden Park to feature a haunted hayride. By 2010, the state of Michigan asked the directors to hold the event at Seven Lakes State Park. Now in 2011, the popular attraction has changed direction and set up shop at 2240 S. Milford Road in the plaza directly in front of Milford High School.

“This year, apart from featuring characters from horror movies, the venue showcases phobias and creatures,” said Executive Director Amie Davis. “It’s based on Holly, who is a young lobotomist that has been at rest for 50 years. She has now been awakened and (is) looking for brains to scramble.”

“Holly could be in the forest, the house or anywhere,” Davis said.

The 3,000-square-foot haunted house has winding trails set up inside for the daring and fearless.

“The haunting is geared toward children between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m., but after 9 p.m., the venue changes with ‘no holds barred,’” Davis said. “(The reaction to) Holly’s Shop of Horrors is really dependent on the child. We had a 3-year-old who loved it and an 11-year-old who was scared to death.”

The cost is $10 for adults. It’s $5 for kids 12-years-old and under.

Included in the entry fee are free donuts, juice and a $5-off Fantastic Sam’s gift certificate.

“Tim Horton’s, one of our 17 sponsors, is donating the donuts and McDonald’s is donating the juice,” Davis said.

Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight through Oct. 29.

Skull Island Camp, Waterford

Head over to your own private island on Pontiac Lake and be prepared for the unexpected. Venture through the maze of haunted private trails and visit Dead Man’s Cave, but watch out for flying ghosts as they hover above you.

This family-friendly event will be filled with plenty of spooky fun and games. Kids can take off down the zip line into a dark tunnel full of skeletons and ghosts, or they can jump around in the island’s bouncy house. There will also be a winding pirate trail and maze, as well as a private fort to investigate.

Other activities like temporary tattoos, face painting and glow in the dark games make for endless fun.

Parents can relax among friends at the bonfire.

“This is our second annual event,” said Skull Island Camp Director Kathryn Chipman. “It was a huge success last year and we added quite a bit to the program, like small zip lines that take you into tunnels.”

With the admission price, kids are given 20 pirate tokens for activities or refreshments such as hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate, coffee or giant marshmallows.

The program takes place every Friday and Saturday in October from 6 to 11 p.m. Costs are $35 for a group of six. Free parking will be available at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area beach — which is located off of Williams Lake Road north of M-59 in Waterford Township — where patrons can be shuttled over to the island every 10 minutes.

Erebus, Pontiac

Dubbed the “masterpiece” of horror, Erebus pushes the boundaries of fear. The haunted attraction is tailored to those 13-years-old and older. The four-story haunted building is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest of its kind in the world.

Erebus is an experience of time warps that venture into different dimensions via a time machine. Rumor has it that scientists created this time machine in an attempt to cure diseases and prevent major disasters, but when the first humans were sent through it they disappeared. Rescue teams were formed to search and recover their remains. Every team is confronted by creatures and situations yielding fatal results.

• Dates: Today, Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 16; and Wednesday, Oct. 19 through Monday, Oct. 31.

• Hours: Weekdays, 7 to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays, 6 to 11 p.m.

• Price: $23 per person.

• Address: 18 S. Perry, Pontiac.

• Phone: 248-332-7884.

Scotts Farm Market Haunted Corn Maze, Oxford

Be ready to scream! Who knows what or who awaits you around the next bend. In addition to the corn maze, a spooky tunnel, graveyard and other surprises are in store for you along the way.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15; Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22; and Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

• Hours: Dusk until midnight. No one is allowed in one hour before closing.

• Price: Adults, $8; ages 6-12, $5; 5-years-old and under, free of charge

• Address: 5745 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford.

• Phone: 248-408-0462.

A Terror in Townsend Forest, Clarkston

Unsuspecting pedestrians amble along the half-mile of “terrorific” trails in the Townsend Forest in Clarkston.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15; Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

• Hours: Dusk until 10:30 p.m.

• Price: Children 12-years-old and under, $7; adults, $12 per person. Parking is free.

• Address: 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston.

• Phone: 248-623-0444, ext. 18.

Haunted Hayride, Howell

Regaled as Livingston County’s best family-friendly haunted hayride at the Brighton Recreation Area in Howell, the admission price includes a hayride and s’mores by a bonfire.

• Dates: Every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 30.

• Hours: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

• Price: $12 per person.

• Address: 6660 Chilson Road, Howell.

• Phone: 810-534-5063.

Tunnel of Terror, Rochester

Prepare to experience a voyage of fright and terror at the Haunted Tunnel of Terror in Rochester. Wind through seemingly endless pitch-black corridors with mayhem and madness lurking around every corner. It’s a test of limits for the psyche as your phobias endure the ultimate test.

The annual Friendly Monster Food Drive is a chance for the littlest kids to go through with the lights on. Parents are admitted free during this time.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15; Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

• Hours: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; the Friendly Monster Food Drive runs from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

• Price: $10 per person; Friendly Monster Food Drive, $2 or two food products.

• Address: 400 Sixth Street, Rochester.

• Phone: 248-652-7777.

Dementia at Hampton, Rochester Hills

The Dementia Haunted House is not recommended for those under 13-years-old. Walk through the dark walls of Dementia — but be warned. Multiple haunted rooms await you. Fear is the common denominator among the daring. Keep watch behind you — there is always someone lurking there.

• Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.

• Hours: Fridays, 5 p.m. to dusk (less scary tour) for 12-years-old and under; Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. to midnight; Sundays, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

• Price: $16 per person.

• Address: 2600 Club Drive, Rochester Hills.

• Phone: 248-852-3250.

Detroit Zoo Boo, Royal Oak

The annual Detroit Zoo Boo is a perfect attraction for kids around the Halloween season. Kids will love exploring the zoo at night, especially when roaming ghosts and goblins visit some exhibits like the renowned reptile house. Activities include a trick-or-treat trail filled with activities, a Zombie Zone with themed games, a Ghouly Games tent, and live entertainment via the Zoo BooRevue tent. Tickets are limited, so book soon.

Also, last year’s highly anticipated Halloween movie “The Curse of Skull Rock” returns to the Wild Adventure 3-D/4-D Theater. The 3-D glasses and 4-D effects will have movie watchers jumping out of their seats. “The Curse of Skull Rock” costs $4 per person with regular Zoo Boo admission.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 23; and Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30.

• Hours: Evenings.

• Price: $7 in advance and $10 at the gate for ages 2 and up. Children 2-years-old and under are admitted free of charge. There is no charge for parking.

• Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak.

• Phone: 248-541-5717.

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, Dearborn

Greenfield Village is transformed for Halloween with over 800 jack-o-lanterns, spooks, and dressed-up characters in a mire of fog. The landmark still retains its turn-of-the-century charm as kids trick-or-treat at village buildings, visit the craft shop or chat with a witch. The headless horseman also makes an appearance. Dinner packages are available at the Eagle Tavern.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 23; and Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30.

• Address: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn.

• Phone: 313-271-1621.

Ghost Circus/Museum Mystery Tours at the DIA, Detroit

In honor of Halloween, the Detroit Institute of Arts will host a Ghost Circus by the Aerial Angels as part of its Friday Night Live program on Friday, Oct. 28.

The museum also hosts Museum Mystery Tours on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30. Tours are led by costumed characters through the American wing. Dimmed lighting, sound effects and scary tales help set the mood, but the overall experience is kept family-friendly.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 and 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

• Price: Adults, $8; seniors, $6; 6- to 17-year-olds, $4; college students, $5; children 5-years-old and under, free.

• Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit.

• Phone: 313-833-7900.

Erwin Orchards Corn Maze and Barn of Horrors, South Lyon

The Barn of Horrors with the Mystery of the Black Hole features state-of-the-art animatronics, special effects and robotics — but no live actors. It includes the Terrorifying Corn Maze with night-time “Corn Stalkers,” where your worst nightmares come to life. In addition, there is a corn maze for daytime attendees; Mr. Bee’s Big 3-D Adventure; a Children’s Spooky Barn; wagon rides; a hay maze; and a Halloween costume contest.

• Dates: Daytime Barn of Horrors, Saturdays and Sundays only until Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Barn of Horrors with the Mystery of the Black Hole, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. until Saturday, Oct. 29.

• Price: Night-time Barn of Horrors, $12 per person; Corn Stalkers Maze, $8; combo, $17. Daytime mazes and attractions, $5 or less.

• Address: 61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon.

• Phone: 248-437-0150

The Realm of Darkness Interactive Haunted House, Pontiac

In three rooms of the building, paranormal activity is stirring. People have seen some unexplained things, heard voices and noises, and items have been moved from where they were originally. Books were being re-stacked, some props were being physically moved from one side of the room to the other, and there were clocks that seemed to be pulsing. Come and see for yourself the inner-workings of the obscure and the eerie.

• Dates: Thursday, Oct. 13, Sunday, Oct. 16, Thursday, Oct. 20, Sunday, Oct. 23, 7 to 11 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. to midnight; Friday, Oct. 21, Saturday, Oct. 22, Friday, Oct. 28 through Monday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Monday, Oct. 24 through Thursday, Oct. 27, 8 to 11 p.m.

• Price: Adults, $20; children 11-years-old and under, $12.

• Address: 37 Turk, Pontiac.

• Phone: 248-338-0029.

Haunted Castle of Beverly Hills

The Haunted Castle of Beverly Hills is a non-profit, haunted Halloween venue aimed toward kids 9-years-old and under. The event donates 100 percent of the proceeds to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, and other local charities.

While the Haunted Castle is known for its Hollywood-esque design and suspenseful sets, there’s none of the gore found at some other haunted attractions. Crawl through hidden passageways and wade through the swamp — but avoid the bottomless pit. If you like Disney’s Haunted Mansion, but crave a scarier thrill, the Haunted Castle is just the ticket.

Bonfires will be available — weather permitting — along with concessions to purchase.

• Dates: Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16; Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23; and Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30.

• Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.

• Price: The Haunted Castle is $11 per person, or a family pack for a family of four or more is $36. Hayrides are $4 per person or $12 for a family of four or more.

• Address: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School, 32460 Pierce Road, Beverly Hills.

• Phone: 248-644-8620

Boo Bash at Addison Oaks County Park, Leonard

Addison Oaks County Park features a Haunted Horror House to get into the Halloween spirit.

A DJ will emcee the dance on Friday nights, with trick-or-treating beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturdays. There will be a campsite decorating contest at the campground.

Campers can enjoy games, pumpkin carving, gourd painting, a doughnut on a string eating contest, inflatable bouncers and spooky fireside stories. Patrons can come out for the day on Saturday or camp out for the weekend. Campground rates apply, and all additional activities are free.

• Days Open: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 23.

• Price: Visit www.destinationoakland.com for rates.

• Address: 1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard.

• Phone: 248-693-2432.

Haunted Forest Inside Wojo’s Greenhouse, Ortonville

The Haunted Forest at Wojo’s Greenhouse is sponsored by the St. Anne’s Youth Ministry to raise money for their mission trip and local food pantry.

Each of the 17 scenes are set up in the greenhouses. Get caught up in a vortex, walk through an emergency room, or tread lightly in the cemetery where witches sweep in cackling, in addition to many surprises.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, a special visit from Wolfman Mac is planned, along with a dance team demonstration on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

Admission costs include free entertainment in the family fun center, a bonfire, s’mores, crafts, games, prizes and face painting. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase on-site.

• Dates: Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

• Hours: 7 to 11 p.m.

• Price: Adults, $10; kids, $6.

• Address: 2570 Oakwood Road, Ortonville.

• Phone: 248-627-3965.