Looking for thrills in Fresno County? Here are 12 things to do this spooky season
Don’t let the scorching temperatures fool you: Fall has arrived in Fresno.
Fresno County has plenty of fun spooky thrills and attractions to enjoy with friends and family.
From ghostly mini golf to a spooky hayride and haunted houses, here are seven things to do in and around Fresno ahead of Halloween.
Hobbs Grove
Hobbs Grove in Sanger was named one of the top haunted attractions in 2023 by the Haunted Attraction Association.
Guests can venture into the depths of the grove, wander through a haunted house, explore a mysterious forest or climb aboard a scary hayride.
In addition to concession stands, “The Midway offers spooky music, photo opportunities, fire pits, palm and tarot reading and more, according to the Hobbs Grove website.
Hobbs Grove opens Friday, Oct. 4.
- Where: 14265 Goodfellow Ave, Sanger
- When: 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight Friday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday; Oct. 4 through Nov. 2
- How much: $28.50 to $37.50, or $18.50 to $27.50 for children depending on activity. Discounts available on certain dates
- Info: 559-356-3958, Instagram, Facebook or HobbsGrove.com
Ghost Golf
Get in the Halloween spirit by playing a round of haunting miniature golf.
At Ghost Golf in Fresno, you can make your way through 18 holes of ghosts, ghouls and mummies as you try to take the perfect shot.
The family-owned business also offers arcade games and a mummy-themed shooting gallery.
Admission gets you unlimited rounds of indoor mini golf plus unlimited plays, according to the Ghost Golf website.
- Where: 5179 Blackstone Ave., Fresno
- When: 2 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
- How much: $18 kids 11 and older, children age 10 and under play free
- Info: 559-800-0811 Instagram, Facebook or Ghost.Golf
Mystery at Kearney Mansion
If curling with a mystery novel is your cup of tea, join the Fresno County Historical Society at the Kearney Mansion for a delightful mystery.
The 2024 version of “Mystery at Kearney Manson” centers on a wedding reception gone terribly wrong. The groom has been murdered, and the search is on for his killer.
“This afternoon experience includes a scrumptious three-course grazing menu served throughout the Kearney Mansion and featuring savory and sweet delights,” the historical story said on its website.
Interview suspects, find clues and work to solve the mystery as you sip unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
- Where: Kearney Mansion Museum, 7160 West Kearney Blvd. in Fresno
- When: 11 a.m. Oct. 26
- How much: $150, drinks available for sale
- Info: 559-441-0862, Facebook or ValleyHistory.org
Raisin Hell Ranch
Raisin Hell Ranch offers two outdoor haunted attractions set in a creepy cornfield with more than 25 rooms in total. It opens to the public on Friday.
“As you enter the Raisin Hell Hotel, the cornfield comes alive with demented characters and creepy corpses!” the attraction said on its website, noting that a stroll will “take you through some of the most demonic places that you could ever imagine.”
The fun doesn’t stop there.
After exploring Deadwood, you can check out Sinister, which organizers described as the “desolate domain of psychotic freaks and depraved maniacs that are not very welcoming to visitors.”
“We will have Food Trucks, a Full Bar and music in the Courtyard area” said the organization
“Raisin Hell Ranch prides itself on being the scariest haunted attraction in the Valley!” owner Darren Schmall said.
- Where: 7409 Road 32, Madera
- When: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 4 through Oct. 31
- How much: $15 to $45, depending on the date.
- Info: Facebook, Instagram or RaisinHellRanch.com
Night of Terror
Fresno County’s Team Skream returns with its annual outdoor haunted house, Night of Terror.
The nonprofit organization has been creating haunted attractions since 2012. All proceeds go to local charities.
Where: 9886 E. Belmont Ave., Sanger
When: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26
How much: $15 donation
Info: Facebook, Instagram or Teamskream.com
Walker Maze
This clown-themed maze inside a circus tent is guaranteed to give you a spooktacular fright. It’s owned by the Walker family.
There’s a scary version for thrill seekers as well as a less-spooky version for children and those who have issues with noise, scares and lights.
Where: 4333 E Turner Ave., Fresno
When: 6 to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday
How much: Free
Scare Factory
Housed in a former Walmart, Fresno’s newest haunted house has 66,000 square feet of scares divided into three mazes and three escape rooms.
There’s a spooky maze inspired by classic horror movie “Friday the 13th,” and an exorcism-themed escape room. Visitors can stroll through Killer Clown Town, break out of a psych ward or attempt to free chained-up prisoners.
It’s scheduled to open on Friday.
Where: 3680 West Shaw Ave., Fresno
When: 6 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday; 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; Oct. 11 through Nov. 3
How much: $12 to $15 for escape rooms, $27 to $40 on mazes depending on the day
Info: 559-825-6986 or ScareFactory559.com
Warnor’s Boo Fest
Beer tasting, food trucks, tattoos and horror movie screenings are in store at Warnor’s Boo Fest.
Attendees can watch “Poltergeist” and “Paranormal Activity” and enjoy a spooky behind-the-scenes tour of Warnors Theatre.
Event proceeds go toward the restoration of the historic theater.
In addition, Warnors Center for the Performing Arts will host a family movie night at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 with a showing of “Hocus Pocus,” face painting and concessions. That event is free to Fresno city residents.
Where: Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Fulton St,. Fresno,
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26.
How much: $49.25 donation
Info: 559-264-2848 or warnorscenter.org
Zoo Boo
Celebrate Halloween at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo with pumpkins, a pirate ship, trick-or-treating and more.
A “spectacular drone show” will light up the savanna during Zoo Boo on Thursdays and Fridays.
“Everyone is encouraged to dress in costumes,” organizers said, noting that the Oct. 31 event is for ages 21 and older.
Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave, Fresno
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17, Oct. 26 and Oct. 31.
How much: $16 to $18 for zoo members, $20 to $22 for non-members
Info: 559-498-5910 or fresnochafeezoo.org
Haunted High Tea
If haunted houses aren’t your cup of tea, head to Teazer World Tea Market’s River Park location for an after-hours tea party.
“All guests will receive a special Halloween party favor and enjoy a specialty high tea menu that will not be offered at any other time,” organizers wrote in an Instagram post.
Costumes are encouraged at the 18-and-up event.
Where: Teazer World Tea Market, 71 East Via la Plata, Fresno
When: 10 p.m to midnight, Oct 26.
How much: $60
Info: 559-438-8884 or Instagram
Howl-o-Ween Pooch Parade
Dogs and their owners can flaunt their most festive Halloween finery at the Tower District Business Association’s annual dog parade.
The pet-friendly event features trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
Where: 1295 North Wishon Ave., Fresno
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 27.
How much: Free, $10 registration
Info: Eventbrite
Planet Pumpkin
Pick up pumpkins and enjoy fun fair activities such as a Ferris wheel, carousel and giant slide at Planet Pumpkin in Fresno.
Other attractions include face painting, juggling, weekend DJ shows and a photo booth for professional pictures.
Planet Pumpkin also has a variety of food vendors with offerings such as Hawaiian-style shaved ice and corn in the cob.
Where: 720 E Nees Ave in Fresno
When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, through Oct. 31.
How much: Free
Info: 559-347-7500 or Instagram
This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
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