While there are plenty of fall and Halloween events in Kansas City to look forward to this year, for some it’s not Halloween without a good scare. If you really want to send chills down your spine, you’ll find this guide to local haunted houses, ghost tours, Halloween pop-up bars, and even a couple of spooky events for younger kids helpful. While some are meant for adults, others allow teens or younger kids with an accompanying adult. Make sure you double check to see if tickets or reservations are required!
Haunted Houses
Exiled: Trail of Terrors
This is a haunted trail in the woods of Bonner Springs, KS. It is a one mile hike and the terrain is rugged, so make sure you have the physical stamina (and the right shoes) before you take on this haunted attraction. Kids must be at least 12 to enter.
The Beast, The Edge of Hell, and Macabre Cinema
These haunted houses in the West Bottoms have been an annual favorite for thrill seekers for years. While you can buy tickets to a single haunted house, many opt to take advantage of a discounted combo ticket. For an upcharge, you can get a VIP ticket to bypass the lines. There is also a $20 add on for the Beast Jump. All three haunted houses are scary in different ways. The Beast has an open floor plan meant to make you get turned around and the optional Beast Jump. The Edge of Hell is a multi-story experience set up as the levels of hell. Macabre Cinema is back in 2022 with four floors of thrills in a haunted 1930s movie theater. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ghost Tours
Alexander Majors House
In October, this historic site offers all ages and 21+ informational ghost tours as well as
paranormal investigations.
APex Paranormal
Check out their variety of ghost tours at haunted historic sites around the metro.
Belvoir Winery
The inn and winery will be hosting events in October including paranormal investigations.
Full Moon Ghost Hunt
Get a tour of the spooky halls of The Beast haunted house and hear stories about the history of the building. Paranormal investigation equipment will be used to help with your investigation.
Ghost Tours of Kansas
This company is offering bus and walking ghost tours in Topeka.
Ghost Tours with Pioneer Trails Adventures
Enjoy a ghost tour of Independence, MO from a seat on a covered wagon.
Glore Psychiatric Hospital
While public tours are available of the former psychiatric hospital (check Groupon for discounted tickets), if you want an actual ghost tour of the site here are some upcoming dates from Ghost Hunts USA.
Haunted and Historic Places Tour
Downtown Lee’s Summit is hosting ghost tours of its prominent buildings on October 15.
Haunted Fort Leavenworth Tour
Take a tour of haunted homes in Fort Leavenworth on October 21 and 22.
Haunted Taxi Tours
If you’d like to check out multiple haunted sites, consider a private haunted taxi tour to visit several spots around the metro, led by your own personal tour guide.
Haunted Trolley Tours of Atchison, Kansas
If you are up for a day (or night) trip, consider visiting Atchison, located about an hour northwest of the metro. Atchison is believed to be the most haunted town in Kansas, and there are an abundance of tours available to frighten you.
The Elms Hotel & Spa
If you are looking for a night away, book the paranormal package that includes an overnight stay and their haunted tour.
Other Events
Dark Forest
Visit Powell Gardens for this immersive experience with Quixotic. You’ll journey through the woods with paranormal forces and supernatural beings. Event dates are October 21-23 and 27-30 from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Full Moon Escape Room
Enjoy an escape room experience inside The Beast haunted house. This is geared towards adults and teens but kids under 13 are allowed with an accompanying adult.
Halloween Haunt at Worlds of Fun
On Fridays and Saturdays (and select Thursdays) from September 16 thru October 29, the
Halloween Haunt runs from 6 p.m. – midnight. The park comes alive with creepy shows and haunted houses and scares around every corner. It is not recommended for kids under 14.
Mom tip: If you are considering a season pass for 2023, buy one this fall and use it for the remaining 2022 dates.
Hemlock Hill House
I spoke with the owners and they said their spooky Halloween display in downtown Overland Park should be up by October 14. It will be viewable from the street this year versus the typical walk through.
The Basement
This “live escape room” located in the West Bottoms is an immersive theater experience where there is a live performer in the room with you to heighten the experience. There are two escape room experiences to choose from: The Basement and The Study.
The Exit Room
Located in Lee’s Summit, The Exit Room offers spooky themed escape rooms. Gather a group of friends and see if you can escape before the clock runs out!
Zombie Forest Night at Louisburg Family Farm
Dress like a zombie and come explore the corn maze at night! This event takes place on October 15 from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
For Younger Kids
Jack’s Hollow Haunted Drive-Thru
This drive-thru Halloween event in Gardner, KS is open on most Friday and Saturday nights in October from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. In 2022 you must have a reservation. The event is free but they do ask for small cash donations or an unwrapped toy that they will donate to a local Secret Santa organization.
Haunted Huzzah at the KC Renaissance Festival
Visit the Kansas City Renaissance Festival the weekend of October 15-16 to celebrate Halloween early with family-friendly events. Make sure to come in costume!
Night of the Living Farm
This annual event at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead has tons of Halloween activities for kids including a scary and non-scary hayride. This year the event is October 21-22 and October 28-29.
Mom tip: If you want to ride the scary hayride go straight there when you enter. The line gets long and this way you can shorten your wait time and have more time for all the other activities afterward.
Halloween Pop-Up Bars
Apparition Halloween Pop-Up Bars
FUNHOUSE at Fringe Beerworks in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Netherworld in the Iron District in North Kansas City, MO.
Sanderson Sisters & Spirits at Deep Roots Restaurant & Bar in Kansas City, KS.
Stranger Things Hellfire Pub at Vignettes Bar in North Kansas City, MO.
The Rocky Horror Pop-Up Bar at 9th and State in Kansas City, MO.
PH Coffee “Amuck! Amuk! Amok!
This Hocus Pocus themed pop-up bar is on Thursdays – Saturdays this October. There are themed drinks, decor, and live entertainment from the Kansas City Public Theatre. There are two seatings each night and tickets are required.
Something Wicked at Julep Cocktail Club
Make reservations for this Night in the Underworld, Seven Deadly Sins experience. Costumes are strongly encouraged!
Creature Double Feature
Visit the Conductor Club at Pierpont’s on Thursdays – Saturdays for their Halloween craft cocktail bar. Reservations are encouraged and must be made on Open Table!
