These spooky haunts are created in the yards of individual homes and run through Halloween night — and they’re free (donations appreciated)—but make sure you check the individual dates as they differ. For even more, check out Hollywood Gothique for spooky fun all over Los Angeles. Happy Halloween!
EAST VALLEY
One wrong turn takes you deep this backyard that conjures up the heart of a Louisiana swampland during The Great Depression. Farmers have turned to cannibalism and decaying scavengers are desperate for survival. Chaos stirs into a ghastly occassion . The Backwoods Maze is a high intensity walk-through attraction not recommended for children under the age of 10. Oct. 28-31, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. 1912 North Pepper Street Burbank.
BEYOND FRONTIER EARTH SPACE RESORT — Burbank
It’s the 21st year of this haunt that changes yearly. More than a yard decorated with tombstones and ghouls, this haunt features an extensive walk-through maze that takes you through several separate rooms. October 22-31. 907 N. California St. Burbank 7 p.m. -10 p.m. Free. Donations welcome and go to Family Services of Burbank.
After a three year absence, this beloved yard haunt is back, but this time as a “Halloween Magic Show.” Boney Island was formerly all skeletons in an animated amusement park for a decade, but expect something just a little different this year. Word has it that the show is more whimsical than scary (think Tim Burton). Boney Island is the brainchild of The Simpsons producer, Rick Polizzi. All ages will enjoy. 4602 Morse Ave., Sherman Oaks. Sunday -Thursday (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (6 p.m.-10 p.m.) through Halloween.
WEST VALLEY
HART STREET HAUNT— Reseda
This yard haunt in a neighborhood with lots of decorated houses is filled with mannequins of all shapes and sizes. There is no walk-through maze, but you do have to maneuver along a walkway (with some scary creatures who may pop out!) between some fences to get to the front door for candy; the escape route takes you past a upright coffin. Monsters only come out on Halloween night, ut you can see the yard now. 19521 Hart Street, Reseda. On October 31 only until the trick or treaters go home.
THE HAUNT WITH NO NAME…YET — Tarzana
It’s been 2o years without a name— but it works! This yard haunt is located in a wide front yard of a quiet, dark residential area. The lighting is creepy in an old-fashioned Gothic way. The decorations include a stone gate, tombstones, ghosts floating from trees, fog, shadowy figures and more. 19351 Hatteras Street ,Tarzana. October 29 and 30. 7 p.m.- 10 p.m., October 31 dusk to 11 p.m.
FALLEN ANGEL CEMETERY — Woodland Hills
A yard haunt that is spooky, not gory. It’s a decorated front yard with light and sound effects to create the impression of lightening, thunder, wind, and rain. 23830 Berdon Street Woodland Hills. Contact: (818) 716-6659. Nightly through October 31, dusk till 10 p.m.
THE HOUSE AT HAUNTED HILL — Woodland Hills
This is a high tech, outdoor haunted display for all ages created by an Emmy award winning lighting designer and featured on HGTV. It has a fully scripted story and original score. Located in a dark neighborhood with no sidewalks and very limited parking. You may have to walk a few blocks, so be prepared. 4400 Saltillo, Woodland Hills. Oct. 28 and 29 7 p.m.-midnight, Oct. 30 and 31 7 p.m .– 10 p.m.
FOREST OF MIRRORS — Woodland Hills
The graveyard features many actors prepared to scare! It is littered with skulls and ancient tombstones and surrounded by eerie fog, scary sounds and inhabited by strange beings. Created in a house once owned by Buster Keaton, The Forest of Mirrors mixes magic and landscaping to create a creepy illusion by featuring over 50 giant mirrors hidden with foliage and angled so you can’t see your reflection. 6124 Lederer Ave, Woodland Hills. Only open on October 31, 6 p.m. to midnight.
If you know of more haunts in the San Fernando Valley, please comment below!
