Want to see something scary? Check out these can't-miss haunted attractions in the region

A fan of slaughterhouse-sawmill fusions, creepy circus characters, virtual reality hayrides and Big Foot?

Gutsy enough to test your group's mettle against blood-loving cannibals in a frantic escape challenge?

For those who say yes indeed, this is your time of the year. Some very spooky haunted attractions are expected to entice visitors during the Halloween season.

There are more than 4,000 seasonal haunted houses and 300 theme parks that operate horror-themed events in the United States each year and over 3,000 haunts are charity-run fundraisers, according America Haunts, which tracks the industry.

For those who dare, there is no shortage of places to get your fright on in the region as the calendar turns from September to October and the spookiest night of the year draws closer.

Here are some options:

Andover Haunted House

This frightening Allegany County estate has been generating screams for 25 years. Four floors of terror await visitors inside the sinister abode at 5 W. Greenwood St. in the Village of Andover. This place is downright scary and is not recommended for children under 12.

This year’s theme is “Devil’s Playground.” There's also an escape room for people who dare. Opening night is Sept. 29 and the shivers continue from 7 to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 28. General admission is $20, $18 if tickets are purchased online. There is also group pricing available.

If interested, try the “The Quest for the Red Pearls” Escape Room for $15. All proceeds from the Andover Haunted House and escape room go to local causes.

More: When is Halloween 2023, and how long has the holiday been celebrated? You'll be surprised.

Bradley Farms

This fall pumpkin farm and corn maze attraction at 1543 Maple Ave. in Elmira turns up the scare-meter, at least a little bit, in October with a haunted hayride on the Phorsaken Path and the Undead Zombie Paintball Shootout.

The haunted manor house attraction is no more, but it has been replaced by an exciting new experience: a virtual reality hayride. The haunted goings-on take place from 7-10 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays, starting in October and continuing through the month. The two haunted events are not recommended for children 7 or under. The virtual reality hayride is fine for children over five.

For more information and ticket prices for the haunted attractions, visit the Bradley Farms Facebook page and check online for corn maze hours and other event details.

Hellstead Manor

For those who dare, take a trip just south of the New York state line to Hellstead Manor, 630 Harmony Road, Hallstead, Pa. The frightening attraction is open Friday and Saturday nights, 7 to 11 p.m., beginning Sept. 22 and continuing through Oct. 28.

The Manor, a creation of Emmy Award-winning special effects artist Eric Lusk, is ramping up the scares for its eighth year. The popular Wretched Woods has been expanded. The Manor House halls lead visitors to the “The Cannibillies," can your group escape be the next meal? Don't miss the brand new Swamp of Sorrows attraction.

Parking is free and concessions are available before or after the haunt. Admission to the haunt is $35.

Slaughterland Scream Park

Slaughterland at 666 Barrier Road in the Broome County town of Maine will be more frightening than ever this season with the addition of a fifth attraction — “The Bloodshed," described as a horrifying fusion of a sawmill and a slaughterhouse.

Other attractions include the voodoo-themed "Dark Magic," "Wendigo Woods," "Frightmares 3D" and "Cirque De Mort," a haunted circus of big top characters, clowns and oddities.

Opening night is Sept. 29 and the scary fun continues on Fridays, Saturdays and one Sunday, Oct. 8, through Oct. 28. Slaughterland Scream Park is not recommended for those under 12 years old. Visit the park's website for ticket prices. It starts getting scary at dusk.

Tagsylvania

Tagsylvania bills itself “The Fear of the Southern Tier.” The lucky 14th season at 3037 state Route 352 in Big Flats begins on Sept. 29. Expect frightful times at Tagsylvania’s four walk-through attractions: Orphan House (where the orphanage's children never leave), Motel 666 (where demons and other creatures summon a Ouija board), Jerkus Circus (where clowns collects souls) and Psycho Swap (where a thick fog leads to strange goings-on).

Guests are also invited to pay a visit to The Spirit Realm featuring a psychic and Tarot card reader. Tagsylvania is open throughout the Halloween season from 7 to 11 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and on Sunday, Oct. 8. Bundle prices are available.

Related: 150 Halloween jokes the whole family will love for spooky season

Wolf’s Museum of Gods & Monsters

There's probably not a better place to open a haunted attraction than in "Bloody Corners." That was the original name of Friendship, the Allegany County town where Wolf's Museum is located at 41 W. Main St.

The two-story, 1855 circa church features 12 galleries of macabre artifacts and horror movie props and other memorabilia. Look out for aliens, Bigfoot and other supernatural themes.

Recommended for ages 12 and above. Open on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 2 to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 4 to 8 p.m., during the scary season. Opening day is Sept. 23. General admission tickets are priced at $10.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: New York haunted houses, attractions to visit in 2023