‘Tis the season to be spooky, and there are plenty of opportunities to get a good fright as well as participate in a good cause around the Bay.

Maddi Smyth- Opinion Editor

   Haunted houses pop up left and right now that the spooky season has begun, so the sheer number of attractions to choose from can be overwhelming. In order to haunt the local scene, horror fans should look no farther than the Tampa Bay area.

   One of the closest and most popular attractions, the Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park, is in nearby Dade City and features 6 different fright opportunities in one consolidated location. With a 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 2,000 reviews on Google, Scream-A-Geddon seems to be a fan-favorite. From the classic walk-through haunted house to zombie paintball games, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this event. 

   For horror fans looking for something a little more compact, there is the Murder House in the Tampa neighborhood of Ybor City, off of Channelside Drive. It features a walk-through scare tour with actors and gruesome scenes for those with darker tastes. But this haunted house also uses some of its events as fundraisers for Big Cat rescue. That means participants can donate money to support large rescue cats such as lions and tigers while they enjoy the attraction.

   Those looking for a brand-new fright might try Scarehouse Pinellas, located off Creekside Drive in Largo. This is the second annual opening of this young haunted attraction and it features eight different dates to enjoy the haunted house, from October 4 all the way up to October 26. The haunted operation is 10,000 square feet of entertainment that is partnered with SPCA Tampa Bay to raise money for stray cats and dogs with the power of fear.

   Whether you enjoy a good fright or are looking for something less terrifying to enjoy your fall season, there is a haunted house for everyone here in Tampa.