Halloween In Cincinnati: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Cincinnati that are sure to be a scream.
— Barbie Carpenter

Haunted Cincinnati Tours

Cincinnati's bravest can sign up for Haunted Cincinnati Tours, which puts them right in the middle of the spooky action. On the Ghosts of the Queen City tour, guests are supplied with infrared thermometers and electromagnetic meters to detect any paranormal activity in some of the city's most notorious spots. Or they can search for paranormal activity in nearby Wilder, Kentucky, at Bobby Mackey's Music World, which was featured on the Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures. Tickets start at $50 for the tours and adventures, which run from late September through Halloween.

520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Get Directions

HallZOOWeen

Families can enjoy a day of Halloween fun among wild animals at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's HallZOOWeen, held on weekends in October. Costumes are encouraged, and children can trick-or-treat throughout the zoo grounds. Families can stop by the pumpkin patch, hop aboard a train, ride the Scare-ousel or catch a spooktacular magic show. Admission is $14 for adults (ages 12 and older) and $10 for children ages 2 to 12.

3540 Beldare Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220 | Get Directions

Dent Schoolhouse

Cincinnati's notorious Dent Schoolhouse, known for being haunted, welcomes visitors in September and October. Formerly a public school, Dent Schoolhouse is now home to ghosts and goblins waiting to terrify its visitors. Families with children can visit this haunted spot when the schoolhouse opens for a Lights On Tour. Tickets are $7 for the Lights On Tour and $20 for general admission in the significantly spookier evenings.

5963 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45248 | Get Directions

Terrifying highlights from the haunted Dent Schoolhouse.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Cincinnati? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Ohio, Cleveland and Columbus.