Looking for the perfect haunt? Here's some local and out-of-town scare attractions

For those unafraid of things going bump in the night, or for those looking for a real scare this Halloween season, the Globe-News has created a list of shrills and thrills for those who dare, including three Amarillo destinations, Amarillo Scaregrounds, 6th street Massacre, and The Institute. Two out-of-town destinations, The Blackness in Plainview and Nightmare on 19th in Lubbock, are also open for the valiant willing to go the extra mile for their scares.

Amarillo Scaregrounds

Topping out the list with possibly the most chances to scream is Amarillo Scaregrounds. The space is filled with five haunts including Terror, Insanitarium, The Basement, B-Trail, and Xcape Room Village. Each haunt has its own eerie theme and phobia that it focuses on, sure to leave visitors up at night.

The Scaregrounds was created by husband and wife duo Joey and Vona Adams, who have "always loved anything spooky." After years of managing and running Terror on 10th, the couple decided to create the Amarillo Scaregrounds, a place filled with screams of joy and terror.

"Terror focuses on phobias and things that go bump in the night. The Insanitarium is a zombie infested asylum, leading to the basement, which includes the coffin ride to the other side. Our newest b-trail replaced its predecessor, the blackout maze, meant to disorientate; we've got something for everyone, no matter their fears," said Joey Adams, co-owner of the Amarillo Scaregrounds.

A haunter at Amarillo Scaregrounds prepares for customers in this file photo.
A haunter at Amarillo Scaregrounds prepares for customers in this file photo.
A zombie is seen at the Amarillo Scaregrounds in this file photo, haunting an electric room in the basement maze.
A zombie is seen at the Amarillo Scaregrounds in this file photo, haunting an electric room in the basement maze.

According to the co-owner, this year's ticket booth will now be located outside in the parking lot. In years prior, the ticket booth was located indoors, just inside the double door entrance.

Some new attractions this year including a shooting gallery and wall ball join some of their well-loved attractions, including the escape rooms and axe throwing.

The Amarillo Scaregrounds is open every Friday and Saturday leading up to Halloween and Halloween night, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. According to Adams, the Scaregrounds does have a happy hour between 7 and 8 p.m., where attendees must say the secret words "happy hour" to receive a $10 discount on admission for either the HooDew or Pepsi Pass.

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate. The HooDew pass is available for $40 and includes access to all four haunts. The Pepsi Pass is available for $45, with access to all four haunts including the Xcape Rooms and patio games. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free.

For more information, visit them online at http://amarilloscaregrounds.com .

The Institute

The Institute Haunted House, located at 8951 FM 2219 Suite 2, is open Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Halloween weekend.
The Institute Haunted House, located at 8951 FM 2219 Suite 2, is open Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Halloween weekend.

The Institute Haunted House presents its theme for the year, "Horror through time." This eerie institution is located at 8951 FM 2219 Suite 2, open from 7 to 11 p.m. every weekend Friday and Saturday, leading up to Halloween weekend, where they will be open from Friday to Halloween night on Monday.

This is the Institute's second year at their current location. They are prepared to give each individual a good fright for the night. As previously reported by the Globe-News, co-owner Joshua Wilson has spoken of individuals who physically could not tolerate the true terror that the Institute possesses and needed assistance leaving the facility.

Some attendees have expressed that this is the "scariest haunt in Amarillo," but it is up to you to determine if you are brave enough to find out. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in person or online at https://www.ahaunt.com/?fbclid=IwAR06R6ni-l1r2gYHeQ2dF44PmuCC39WsSJu59rjjFgH6hgQsR56__6l57xA .

6th Street Massacre

Rounding off the Amarillo list, and rumored to offer a real paranormal encounter is the 6th Street Massacre, located on the historic Route 66 at 3015 Sw. 6th Ave. They are open every Friday and Saturday leading up to Halloween, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

6th Street Massacre, located at 3015 6th Ave., is open Fridays and Saturdays up to Halloween.
6th Street Massacre, located at 3015 6th Ave., is open Fridays and Saturdays up to Halloween.

As rumored by the location itself, the place is often haunted and cast members affected by much more than the Casper the friendly ghost. This year also includes a very specific guest character, Pennywise, who is known for causing the most screams this year and sniffing out the weak.

For those wanting to experience the potential of a real haunting for themselves, prepare for a real scare at the 6th Street Massacre. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in person at the gate.

Road trips for the bold

Creepy dolls are among other frights at local haunts open on weekends throughout October.
Creepy dolls are among other frights at local haunts open on weekends throughout October.

For those individuals who believe they are impossible to scare, here are a few more destinations for you. If the haunts themselves don't get to you, the drive home alone just might.

First stop is The Blackness, located at 501 E 6th in Plainview. It is open every Friday and Saturday leading up to Halloween, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

This Spooktacular location has a total of four attractions, including two haunted houses The Blackness, and Immoral Evil along with a Blacker Maze and Oddities museum. Attendees can pay entry to each attraction, or $20 for all four; tickets can be purchased in person at the door.

For those wanting to experience the potential of a real haunting for themselves, prepare for a real scare at the 6th Street Massacre.
For those wanting to experience the potential of a real haunting for themselves, prepare for a real scare at the 6th Street Massacre.

The next stop is Nightmare on 19th Street, located at 602 East 19th St. in Lubbock. Titled as the scare factor's third most scariest haunt in Texas, it is West Texas's only scream park with four horrifying attractions including Castle Dominus, Blood Moon Manor, Krampus 3D, and Karnevil.

This scream fest is open throughout the month of October on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and Thursdays, Sundays and Halloween night from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in person or online at https://www.tixr.com/groups/nightmareon19thstreet/events/nightmare-on-19th-street-50126 .

Whether you prefer your scares in town or out of town, this list has extreme scares for you. Just be sure to lock your doors at night — who knows what's lurking in the dark. And if this list is too scary, don't worry; another less nightmare-inducing list of Halloween and fall-related activities is coming soon.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo haunted houses give thrills and chills for those who dare