Halloween In Connecticut: 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 Connecticut that are sure to be a scream.
— Lydia Schrandt

Lake Compounce's Haunted Graveyard

Since 1991, the Lake Compounce theme park in Connecticut has been raising funds for diabetes research with the annual Haunted Graveyard, one of New England's largest haunted attractions. Face your fears as you meander through the 23 seamlessly linked themed areas, including a corn maze, haunted house and zombie forest. The Haunted Graveyard opens its doors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during October. Tickets are $15.99 for children and $21.99 for adults, and a portion of proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 | Get Directions

Connecticut Renaissance Faire Haunted Knights

On designated Saturday nights during the month of October, the Connecticut Renaissance Faire transforms into a family-friendly Halloween village. Younger children can come in costume to enjoy a safe trick-or-treat with many of the fair's merchants. The young and the young at heart can compete for prizes in children- and adult-costume contests before watching the special Joust to the Undeath event, featuring the Headless Horseman and the Death Knight battling with flaming lances. Adult tickets are $16, youth tickets are $10, and children under 5 get in free.

347 Gilead St., Hebron, CT 06248 | Get Directions

Mystic Seaport Sights & Frights

Families with young children and teenagers can enjoy Halloween activities ranging from family-friendly to all-out frightening at Mystic Seaport's Sights & Frights in Connecticut the last two weekends of October. The streets of this 19th-century-themed village are lined with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, while musicians give seasonal performances and the tavern serves up Halloween fare. Children will enjoy the themed craft centers and nightly costume parade, while teenagers and adults can get their fill of frights with a tour of a haunted schooner. Tickets are $13, and children younger than 3 get in free.

75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355 | Get Directions

A local news anchor goes behind the scenes at Lake Compounce's Haunted Graveyard.

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

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Rhode Island, New York City and Boston.

Interested in more stories about Connecticut? Go to Patch and scroll the list of states to get great local coverage of your neighborhood.