A Guide to Haunted Louisiana Experiences

A Guide to Haunted Experiences Across Louisiana

There is something magical about Louisiana in the fall! The weather finally begins to cool down, festivals fill our communities, pumpkins pop up everywhere, and our legendary folklore feels just a little more real after dark. From playful, family-friendly fun to spine-tingling adventures for older thrill-seekers, our state knows how to celebrate spooky season with plenty of personality. We love Louisiana—its stories, culture, food and wonderfully quirky traditions—and we cannot wait for your family to get out, explore and make some hauntingly good memories together!

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Corn Maze Weekends at LSU Botanic Gardens
Date: October 3rd, 4th, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 2026
Times: Morning (9 am - 11 am), Midday (12 pm - 2 pm), Afternoon (2:30 pm - 4:30 pm), Night Maze (ONLY 10/30): 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Burden Museum & Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane (I-10 at Essen Lane), Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: (225)763-3990

Corn Maze season is just around the corner! Get ready for some good old-fashioned fall fun every Saturday in October, plus Sunday, October 4!

Make your way through the corn maze, enjoy a hayride, visit the pumpkin patch, and take part in plenty of fall activities for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and make some sweet fall memories together!

Grab the kiddos and get ready for fall fun!

Tickets are $19.36 for General Admission (ages 13+), $16.78 for Youth (ages 3–12), and free for children 2 and under. Tickets are available for pre-sale only and will not be sold at the gate. All ages must have a ticket to enter. Tickets are limited.

Night Maze will be on October 30th from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Admission to Night Maze is $20 per person and free for children two and under.

Become a member! Members of the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens with a Family/Dual membership or above receive 4 discounted Corn Maze tickets. Sign in to your member portal to register for your member tickets.

• Corn Maze
• Sunflower Fields (weather dependent)
• Pumpkin Patch
• Petting Farm
• Gargantuan Games
• Corn Crib
• Spook-tacular Playground
• Temporary Tattoo Parlor
• Hayride
• Hay Mountain
• Picnic Area with local snack vendors

TICKET PURCHASE

Cajun Country Corn Maze - Zachary, LA
Dates: TBA (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; Haunted Maze Starts at Dusk)
Cost: $10.00 per person, 3 and under free (Credit Cards, Cash, Venmo)
Location: 14162 Peairs Rd., Zachary, LA 70791
Contact: For more information: (877)843-9421

There are many other attractions and fun for your family, like a Pumpkin or Candy Blaster, and they have different 'train' experiences that include being in a grain train that is outfitted with paintball guns and riders of all ages can shoot at targets or props at the designated area on the farm. 

Dark Woods Adventure Park - Natchitoches, LA
Open Date: Friday, 10/02/26-10/31/26
Cost: $38.04 General Admission, $51.49 Fast Pass Admission
Theme: "Dead Fall Trail" and "Alice's Madhouse in 3D: Descent"
This park leaves it to the parents' judgment as to what is appropriate for their child. You can purchase a glow necklace for an additional fee that will let monsters know not to scare. 

Parking & Accessibility: Plenty of parking available onsite. Our attractions are accessible to all—contact us for any specific accommodations.

Tickets: Secure your spot—buy tickets online for faster entry!

Your Safety First: We’ve implemented enhanced safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and updates!

Chaperone Policy: All guests 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old with
valid ID to be admitted to the park. Under this policy, one chaperone may accompany no more than three guests per day.

Your Safety First: We’ve implemented enhanced safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Questions? For details on ticketing, parking, our chaperone policy, and more, visit our website at https://www.darkwoodshaunt.com/attractions/.

Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable night of thrills, chills, and fun. See you there—if you’re brave enough!

Boo at the Zoo — New Orleans

This daytime Halloween celebration at Audubon Zoo includes trick-or-treat stations, animal presentations, costumes, and festive activities without the intense scares of a traditional haunted house.

• 2026 dates: October 16–18
• Ages: All ages; trick-or-treating is designed for children 12 and younger. Li’l Boo on October 16 is especially geared toward younger children.
• Location: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans
• Contact: 504-861-2537
• Details and tickets: Boo at the Zoo
  Official ticket page

Swamp Haunted Hikes — Baton Rouge

Families explore Bluebonnet Swamp at night while meeting costumed characters and learning about snakes, insects, rats, and other creepy critters. This experience is designed for younger children and does not use traditional scare tactics.

• Ages: Especially appropriate for younger children; admission applies to ages 3 and older. Children must attend with an adult.
• Location: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 North Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge
• Contact: 225-757-8905
• Details: Swamp Haunted Hikes
  Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

RISE Haunted Hayride — Tickfaw

RISE may be famous for its terrifying haunted houses, but its outdoor Haunted Hayride is the more family-friendly option. Guests ride through story-driven scenes filled with actors, effects, and plenty of playful scares.

• Ages: Advertised as appropriate for all ages. Children under 13 must ride with a parent or guardian.
• Location: 10342 Highway 442, Tickfaw
• Contact: 985-277-9666 or info@risehauntedhouse.com
• Details: RISE Haunted House and Haunted Hayride

Frightmare’s Dead Calm — New Iberia

Dead Calm lets visitors walk through Frightmare on Main Street’s full haunted trail without actors, jump scares, or gore. Guests can take their time exploring the sets and enjoying the eerie Louisiana atmosphere.

• 2026 dates: October 11 and 18
• Ages: No minimum age is listed; parental discretion is recommended. Children under 13 must attend with an adult age 18 or older.
• Location: 924 East Main Street, New Iberia
• Contact: 337-967-2072 or frightmareonmainstreet@gmail.com
• Details: Frightmare on Main Street

French Quartour Kids’ Haunted Tour for Teens — New Orleans

This teacher-led paranormal experience takes young visitors through haunted French Quarter locations using ghost-hunting equipment while sharing spooky stories and local history.

• Ages: Designed for teens and older guests
• Location: French Quarter, New Orleans
• Contact: 504-975-5355
• Details: French Quartour Kids

The Myrtles Evening Mystery Tour — St. Francisville

Explore the downstairs rooms of one of America’s most famous reportedly haunted homes. The tour focuses on the property’s history, folklore, ghost stories, and unexplained encounters rather than live actors or jump scares.

• Ages: The official website does not list a minimum age. Parents should know that stories may include death, murder, and other mature historical subjects.
• Location: 7747 U.S. Highway 61, St. Francisville
• Contact: 225-635-6277 or reservations@themyrtles.com
• Details: The Myrtles Evening Mystery Tours

New Orleans Haunted History Tours — New Orleans

These guided walking tours explore the ghosts, legends, vampires, mysteries, and darker history of the French Quarter. The tours are more atmospheric and story-driven than a haunted-house experience.

• Ages: Children are permitted on many tours; the company lists separate child pricing for ages 6–12 and admits children 5 and younger free on select tours. Verify the age guidance for the specific tour selected.
• Location: Various meeting locations in the French Quarter
• Contact: 504-861-2727 or webmistress@hauntedhistorytours.com
• Details: Haunted History Tours

Bigger Scares for Older Kids, Teens and Adults

Evil Visions Haunted House — Monroe

Northeast Louisiana’s long-running haunted attraction delivers dark rooms, live actors, gory scenes, and intense scares. The 2026 ticket listing places the attraction at its new Garrett Road location.

• 2026 season: September 25–November 1
• Ages: All ages are admitted with parental discretion, but the attraction includes gore and simulated violence. Best suited to older children, teens, and adults.
• Location: 2670 Garrett Road, Monroe
• Contact: Use the organizer contact option on the ticket page.
• Details and tickets: Evil Visions 2026

Dark Woods Haunted Attraction — Natchitoches

Dark Woods features two immersive experiences: the outdoor Deadfall Trail and Alice’s Madhouse in 3D. Expect live characters, elaborate environments, special effects, dark wooded trails, and intense scares.

• Ages: No minimum age is published, but all guests 17 and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone age 21 or older. One chaperone may supervise no more than three minors.
• Location: Timber Ridge Adventure Park, 4343 University Parkway, Natchitoches
• Contact: 318-228-1725
• Details: Dark Woods Haunted Attraction

The 13th Gate — Baton Rouge

This massive 40,000-square-foot attraction takes guests through 13 highly detailed horror-themed realms featuring actors, Hollywood-style makeup, special effects, underground passages, live snakes, and a zombie-filled graveyard.

• Ages: No strict minimum age is listed. Children under 12 should attend with an adult, and the attraction warns that it is not recommended for very young children.
• Location: 832 Saint Philip Street, Baton Rouge
• Contact: 225-389-1313 or the website contact form
• Details: The 13th Gate

Fright Trail — Scott/Lafayette

Take a dark journey through 20 acres of haunted woods filled with elaborate scenes, actors, fog, flashing lights, loud sounds, and uneven outdoor terrain. Saturday “Frights Without Lights” events increase the intensity by sending visitors through with even less lighting.

• Ages: Not recommended for children under 8. Children under 10 must attend with an adult.
• Location: 5305 Cameron Road, Scott
• Contact: 337-849-2012
• Details: Fright Trail
  Age and ticket information

Frightmare on Main Street — New Iberia

This outdoor haunted trail at the historic Hot Sauce House features live scare actors, immersive sets, special effects, fear zones, and a particularly dark Blackout Night on Halloween.

• 2026 dates: October 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31
• Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and older. Children under 13 must attend with an adult age 18 or older.
• Location: 924 East Main Street, New Iberia
• Contact: 337-967-2072 or frightmareonmainstreet@gmail.com
• Details: Frightmare on Main Street

The Lost Hollows — Lake Charles

Visitors travel along Deadly Pines, a lengthy outdoor haunted trail winding through dark woods and disturbing scenes. Closed-toe shoes are required, and the experience can involve uneven terrain.

• Ages: Children under 13 must attend with an adult. The attraction is best suited to older children, teens, and adults who enjoy intense scares.
• Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Contact: 337-415-9159
• Details: The Lost Hollows

Gothic Jail After Dark — DeRidder

This seasonal haunt unfolds inside DeRidder’s historic Gothic Jail—also known as the Hanging Jail—a location already known for its eerie history and reported paranormal activity.

• 2026 dates: October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31
• Ages: No official minimum age was published. Contact the organizer before bringing children; the nighttime haunted attraction is best considered an older-kid, teen, or adult experience.
• Location: 205 West First Street, DeRidder
• Contact: Beauregard Tourist Commission, 337-463-5534
• Details: Gothic Jail After Dark
  Gothic Jail information

RISE Haunted House and Risewell Asylum — Tickfaw

RISE offers two high-intensity walkthrough attractions featuring monsters, immersive rooms, actor-driven scares, dark passages, and unsettling asylum scenes. Families wanting fewer chills should choose the Haunted Hayride instead.

• Ages: No minimum age is stated for the haunted house or asylum. Children age 2 and younger are admitted free, but these attractions are designed to be intense and are better suited to teens and adults.
• Location: 10342 Highway 442, Tickfaw
• Contact: 985-277-9666 or info@risehauntedhouse.com
• Details: RISE Haunted House

New Orleans Nightmare — Jefferson

This large haunted attraction features multiple horror environments, intense sensory effects, mini escape rooms, and 2026’s licensed “Jason Universe: Survive the Night” experience. Its secret horror-themed bars are restricted to guests 21 and older.

• 2026 season: Select nights September 19–November 1
• Ages: The organizer warns that the event may be too intense for children 12 and younger. Secret bars are strictly 21+.
• Location: 319 Butterworth Street, Jefferson
• Contact: help@neworleansnightmare.com or the online customer-service portal
• Details: New Orleans Nightmare

The Mortuary Haunted Mansion — New Orleans

Set inside a former funeral home, The Mortuary is a multi-level haunted attraction filled with actors, dark corridors, loud effects, fog, flashing lights, animatronics, and potentially live snakes and other creatures.

• Ages: Guests younger than 18 must attend with a legal guardian. Because of its intensity and mature horror imagery, it is best suited to teens and adults.
• Location: 4800 Canal Street, New Orleans
• Contact: 504-483-2350 or contact@themortuary.net
• Details: The Mortuary Haunted Mansion
  Age and safety information

A quick note for families: Age allowed and age recommended are not always the same thing. Consider your child’s comfort with darkness, loud noises, gore, actors jumping out, fog, strobe lights, and enclosed spaces before purchasing tickets.

If helpful, I can set up “Check Louisiana haunt updates weekly” so newly announced attractions, dates, and policy changes don’t sneak past the guide.

Rougarou Fest 2026 — Houma, Louisiana

Rougarou Fest is a free, family-friendly festival with a spooky Louisiana twist. Inspired by the legendary rougarou of Cajun folklore, the festival combines Halloween fun with live music, cultural demonstrations, Cajun food, children’s activities, carnival rides and one wildly creative parade. Proceeds support the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and its coastal education work. Official festival information

Dates and hours

• Friday, October 23, 2026: 5:00–10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24, 2026: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25, 2026: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Location

86 Valhi Boulevard, Houma, LA 70360

The festival grounds surround the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Courtyard Marriott and South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

Admission and ages

• Festival admission: Free
• Recommended ages: All ages
• This is a playful community festival, not an intense haunted house.
• Some attractions, food, carnival rides or special activities may have separate fees.
• Costume-contest divisions include children 5 and younger and children ages 6–12.

2026 highlights

Friday, October 23

• Festival opens at 5:00 p.m.
• Kids’ games and Folklife Village
• Trick-or-treating at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Lot
• Outdoor showing of Gremlins at 7:00 p.m. with celebrity guest Zach Galligan
• Howling Contest at 8:00 p.m.
• Live music throughout the evening

Saturday, October 24

• Ghouls on the Run begins at 9:00 a.m.
• Folklife Village, coastal organizations and children’s games
• Rou-Ga-Con opens at noon inside the Civic Center
• Cajun Critter Pardoning at 3:00 p.m.
• Free costume contest at 4:00 p.m.
• Krewe Ga Rou Parade at 7:00 p.m.
• Pumpkin Lighting and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 25

• Cultural demonstrations and Folklife Village
• Children’s games and coastal exhibits
• Live music and community performances
• Rougarou Awards at 2:00 p.m.
• Festival closes at 5:00 p.m.

The complete entertainment lineup is available on the official 2026 schedule.

Krewe Ga Rou Parade

The parade features decorated boats used as floats, giant puppets, dancing zombies and witches, costumed ghouls distributing candy and the Rougarou Queen.

• Parade time: Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m.
• Rain date: Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m.
• Route: Approximately one mile, beginning at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
• Parade details and map

Costume contest

Registration is free and begins at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Registration closes at 3:50 p.m., and the contest begins at 4:00 p.m. Categories include pets, most creative, funniest, scariest, movie characters, ages 5 and younger, ages 6–12 and best overall. Each category is limited to 100 contestants. Costume-contest details

Parking and shuttle

Parking is available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, with accessible spaces along Library Drive. Nearby street parking is also available.

Free shuttle service from public parking lots in Downtown Houma is scheduled for:

• Friday: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 2:00–10:00 p.m., pausing during the parade
• Sunday: No shuttle service

Downtown shuttle stops were still listed as “to be determined” when checked. Parking and shuttle updates

Contact

• Phone: 985-580-7289
• Website: RougarouFest.org