Don’t let the creaky floors and spooky stories get to you, these haunted houses are fun for the whole family
Whether or not you believe in ghosts or goblins, there is a lot of entertainment value in spooky stories. Unfortunately, a lot of those spooky stories come with legitimate scares that might be too much for kids. If you’d still like to get in on some of the Halloween action this year, this list is for you. These “haunted” houses for kids have their legends and even offer a bit of history to boot. The best part? You can book most of these tours all year, not just during the Halloween season.
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Munster Mansion | Waxahachie, TX
Munster Mansion has been a dream project of Charles and Sandra McKee since 2002; the couple has gone to great lengths to build a replica of the home from the 1960s sitcom, The Munsters. Not only does the outside look like the fictional one, but so does every room of this house, and they’re not finished yet either. More and more props from the show (or exact matches) are added each year. Since the McKees actually live here, the home is only open for public viewing during the Halloween season, but you can book a private tour through their website at other times of the year.
Online: munstermansion.com
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Whaley House | San Diego, CA
Now a museum in Old Town San Diego, The Whaley House is rumored to be haunted by several ghosts. Yankee Jim Robinson is famous for (literally) hanging around, as the location of the mid-19th Century Greek Revival home was built over the gallows where he met his demise. Owners Thomas and Anna Whaley have also been spotted on the grounds and several of their children, which puts a new meaning to the term, Home Sweet Home. Stop by for a tour, enjoy the museum shop, and listen to pianos playing, silverware tinkling, and children giggling. Check out all the spooky happenings here.
Online: whaleyhousesandiego.com
St. Augustine Lighthouse | St. Augustine, FL
Boasting an “all ghosts, no gimmicks” tour, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers the Dark of the Moon Tour paranormal experience every weekend throughout the year. The tour features stories of the history and hauntings of its lighthouse and is the only tour that allows visitors in at night. Electromagnetic field meters are available to rent if you so choose.
Online: staugustinelighthouse.com
Merchant’s House Museum | New York, NY
The Merchant’s House Museum is not only a National Historic Landmark but is also said to be the most haunted house in New York City. Seabury and Gretchen Treadwell invite you to take a peek at their home and don’t forget to admire the museum’s contents, which include some of the best early 19th-century furnishings in New York. Various tours are offered around Halloween and throughout the year.
Online: merchantshouse.org