For the not-faint-of-heart

If your idea of Halloween fun is being greeted by chain-saw toting madmen dwelling in haunted houses or hayrides leading into terrifyingly dark forests, then check out these events. Most are are not recommended for small children.

October 18, 2009; 7:30 PM • by Marge Weimer

Creepy Hollow Hayride

What to expect: A narrated tractor-drawn hayride. You will ride through dark woods filled with tons of creepy surprises. May not be appropriate for small children.
Date: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2 – 10 and Friday-Sunday, October 16 – 31
Time: Gates open at 7pm, first hayride leaves at 7:30 pm
Location: Creepy Hollow on Stone Horse Creek Road in Glen Allen
Cost:See Web site for details
Contact: 804-346-FEAR

Scream Forest

What to expect: An intense walking adventure through their creepy forest on a haunted trail. A haunted house awaits your escape.
Date: Friday and Saturday, October 2-10, Friday through Sunday, October 16-31
Time: 7:30pm to Midnight, gates open at 7pm.
Location: Creepy Hollow on Stone Horse Creek Road in Glen Allen
Cost:See Web site for details
Contact: 804-346-FEAR

Kings Dominion Halloween Haunt

What to expect: Mazes, scare zones, Halloween inspired musical acts and a special kids Hal-O-Fest for the wee ones.
Date: Friday through Sunday, October 2 to 31
Time: Fridays 7pm to Midnight, Saturdays 10:30pm to Midnight, Sundays 10:30am to 10:00pm
Location: Kings Dominion, off exit 98 on Interstate 95
Cost: See Web site for details
Contact: 804-876-5000

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

What to expect: Mazes, haunted houses, scare zones and other attractions.
Date: Every Friday through Sunday, October 2 – November 1
Time: Fridays and Sundays, 10am – 10pm, Saturdays 10am to 11 pm
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, One Busch Gardens Blvd. Williamsburg, Va.
Cost:See Web site for details
Contact: 800-343-7946

Eerie Nights Ghost Tours

What to expect: A 1.5 hour walking tour in Richmond combining history and Halloween gore. Tours are for mature audiences; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: Thursday through Saturday, October 3 to 31
Time: Thursday – Saturday, 8pm and 10pm
Death at Dusk Tours- Every Sunday at 6 pm
Midnight Tours- last two Saturdays in October
Location: Tours begin at 17th Street Farmers Market, 100 N. 17th Street
Cost: General Admission $13, Seniors $10, Groups of 10 of more $10
Contact: 804-833-1845

Blood Lake Haunted House

What to expect: Two haunted indoor attractions and a terrifying trail to navigate. Blood Lake is designed to disorient, frighten and entertain a mature audience.
Date: Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 31
Time: Thursdays 7:30pm to 10:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm to 11 pm
Location: Cobblestones Park, 13131 OverHill Lake Lane, 3/4 mile north of I-295 Staples Mill Road Exit
Cost: Single haunt ticket $8, Terror Trio Pass $20, which saves $4. You save an extra dollar when you purchase online, for a savings of $5.
Contact: 804-343-3700