By Kate Scriven
Last week you got the scoop on Thurston County’s best Trick-or-Treating for your sweet Princesses and Pirates. (And all sorts of other autumn and Halloween activities in Olympia can be found here.) But what if the costumes in your house look more like Zombies and Vampires? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
If you are like me and all it takes to make your skin crawl is a spider in the shower drain, check out the Haunted Family History Tour for mildly spooky fun. Or, visit the early shift at one of the Haunted Houses where they tame the terror for the little ones (and the weak-kneed parents) early in the day.
If truly terrifying houses of horror are your cup of tea, there are plenty of options that are assured to give you a satisfying fright. No matter what your preferred fear factor is, there is a little something for everyone this Halloween.
Haunted Halloween History Tour
The Olympia Center
222 Columbia St. NW in downtown Olympia
360-753-8380
Friday-Saturday, October 26-27
$10 per Person
Explore the dark corners of Downtown Olympia with a costumed OlyWalks guide. Hear spooky tales of tragedies, murders, ghosts and more. Pre-registration is required.
Haunted Halloween Family History Tour
Similar to the Haunted History Tour, but geared for the whole family with lighter tales and some surprise activities. Pre-registration is required.
302 93rd Ave SE in Tumwater
360- 357-3700
Friday -Sunday, October 26-28 and October 31st
7pm – 12:30am (tickets on sale at 5pm)
A truly terrifying version of this Thurston County favorite. Pricing varies depending on attractions seen at the farm and time of entrance. See the site for full details. Want to see the Corn Maze, but without the terror? Check out all the details here.
Lattin’s Cider Mill Haunted House at Capital Mall
Westfield Capital Mall – Next to Forever 21
360-491-7328
$5 for the less scary version
$8 for the SCARY version
Lattin’s Cider Mill is sponsoring a Haunted House conveniently located at the Mall! Along with the great location, the event has 2 levels of fright to choose from. The “less scary” version runs Monday-Thursday 5-7pm, Friday 4-6pm, Saturday 1-5pm, Sunday 1-6pm. The VERY scary version runs Monday-Thursday 7-9pm, Friday 6-9pm, and Saturday 5-9pm. Lattin’s favorites will be served including Apple cider, caramel apples, caramel popcorn, donuts, and more
2100 N. National in Chehalis
360-748-1489
Friday and Saturday 7-11pm
$9 per person / $8 with a Canned Food Donation
Located in the Chehalis Yard Birds Mall, this Haunted House is rated PG-13, and from the reviews, it’s to be believed. One of the scariest in the county, this one is not for the faint of heart!
4548 Marvin Rd SE in Lacey
360-455-3330
October 25 – 31st (closed Monday)
7-10 pm Weeknights, 7-11pm Friday and Saturday
$10 – 12
What started as a VERY spooky front porch in Lacey has become a full fledge Halloween tradition in Lacey. The “Morbid Mind” of Kevin Noah is behind this very scary (and very dark…cell phones are suggested to light your way) haunted barn. Check the website for discount coupons, event times, and detailed directions. On October 31st, the event is open from 5 – 6:45 for kids to walk through. The lights will be on and, while it will still be spooky, there will be NO scaring. Bring your treat bags for collecting goodies. $2 admission to this event.
Night of the Living Tribute Bands
206 5th Ave SE in Olympia
360-754-6670
Saturday, October 27th
8pm-doors open / 8:30pm Show Starts
$6 for OFS Members / $8 General Public
Ok, so this is not technically a “scary” event, however it is a tried and true Olympia Halloween Tradition! This all ages concert features classic songs from The Clash, The Cure, PJ Harvey, Devo, Scorpions, Nirvana, and Ozzy. What’s not to like?? Come dressed in your costume and be prepared to dance the night away! Tickets available here.
Whether you plan to terrify your teen or haunt your hubby, remember that many of these events are outdoors or have outdoor lines and dress accordingly. It is October in Thurston County, after all! We hope that you get your annual fill of fright from one of our picks and leave without your hair turning white.
Me? I’ll be home contemplating how to get that huge spider out of the shower drain without fainting from fear. Happy Halloween from Thrifty Thurston.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.
