Spooky Season in North Texas
When fall rolls around, North Texas transforms into a playground for thrill seekers and families alike. Haunted houses, ghost walks, and eerie attractions fill the calendar in Frisco, Southlake, Argyle, Flower Mound, and Denton County.
Whether you want to scream, laugh, or learn a little haunted history, there’s a perfect Halloween destination just a short drive away.
Here’s your complete guide to the best haunted attractions and ghost tours to visit in 2025, from family-friendly frights to full-on fear factories.
1. Dark Hour Haunted House
Location: 701 Taylor Drive, Plano, TX
Distance: 25 minutes from Frisco or Argyle
Dark Hour is North Texas’s premier haunted house experience, known for movie-quality sets, special effects, and year-round themed shows. Each Halloween season features new storylines and monsters, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same.
Why Go:
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Immersive sets that rival theme park experiences
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Two haunted attractions in one ticket (Dark Hour & Goblin Shadow)
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Recommended for ages 10 and up
Family Tip: For younger visitors, Dark Hour hosts special “Family Nights” with lights-on tours.
Learn More: Dark Hour Haunted House
2. Cutting Edge Haunted House
Location: 1701 E. Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 40 minutes from Southlake or Flower Mound
Built inside a 100-year-old abandoned meat packing plant, Cutting Edge Haunted House holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s most extensive walk-through haunted attraction. It combines live actors, massive sets, and an eerie soundtrack for an unforgettable scare.
Why Go:
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Nationally ranked haunted house
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Multi-story maze experience lasting nearly an hour
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Nightly live drum line adds an adrenaline rush
Learn More: Cutting Edge Haunted House
3. Parker House Haunted Attraction
Location: 8550 W. University Drive, Denton, TX
Distance: 20 minutes from Argyle or Lantana
A North Texas favorite, The Parker House blends local lore with terrifying realism. The story centers on a deranged mortician and her haunted funeral parlor, creating an immersive mix of history and horror.
Why Go:
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Themed sets inspired by Texas ghost stories
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Haunted hayrides and escape rooms are available
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Local favorite for both teens and adults
Learn More: The Parker House Haunted Attraction
4. Miss Molly’s Hotel Ghost Tour
Location: 109 W. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 45 minutes from Southlake or Colleyville
For those who prefer real ghosts to fake ones, Miss Molly’s Hotel offers guided ghost tours inside one of Texas’s most haunted buildings. Initially built in 1910, it served as a boarding house and later a brothel. Visitors claim to hear phantom footsteps and catch cold drafts in empty rooms.
Why Go:
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Authentic Texas history with a paranormal twist
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Perfect for couples and history lovers
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Tours available by appointment year-round
Learn More: Miss Molly’s Hotel Ghost Tours
5. Denton Ghosts Walking Tour
Location: Downtown Denton Square
Distance: 15 minutes from Argyle or Flower Mound
Since Denton is now the Halloween Capital of Texas, its Ghosts of Denton Tour is a must. Local storyteller Shelly Tucker leads groups through historic downtown, sharing spine-tingling tales of haunted theaters, courthouses, and local legends.
Why Go:
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Family-friendly, rich in history
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Runs Friday and Saturday evenings in October
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Great way to explore Denton’s vibrant downtown
Learn More: Ghosts of Denton Tour
6. The Haunted Shadows Lake Trail
Location: 7801 Main Street, The Colony, TX
Distance: 25 minutes from Frisco or Highland Village
Hidden deep in the woods, this outdoor haunted trail is ideal for those who love nature with a side of fear. Haunted Shadows Lake Trail lets small groups walk through a mile of darkness armed only with flashlights. You never know who, or what, might be waiting.
Why Go:
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Perfect for teens and adults
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An outdoor setting adds realism and suspense
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Great local alternative to big-city haunted houses
Learn More: Haunted Shadows Lake Trail
7. Grapevine Night Watchman Ghost Tour
Location: Downtown Grapevine, TX
Distance: 25 minutes from Southlake or Colleyville
If you prefer a lighter scare with historic charm, Grapevine Night Watchman Ghost Tour blends Texas legends, haunted landmarks, and family-friendly storytelling. Guides in period costumes lead visitors through Grapevine’s Main Street while sharing stories of 19th-century spirits.
Why Go:
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Great for families with children 8+
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Walkable and educational
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Combines history, humor, and hauntings
Learn More: Grapevine Ghost Tour
Family-Friendly Alternatives
If haunted houses aren’t your style, North Texas also offers several spooky-but-sweet Halloween experiences:
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Celina’s Trick or Treat on the Square: Local shops hand out candy in a safe, family environment.
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Flower Mound’s Pumpkin Patch at Double Oak Ranch: Hayrides, mazes, and photo ops with giant pumpkins.
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Southlake’s Boo Bash: A community event featuring costumes, crafts, and live entertainment.
These options make it easy for families with young children to join in the fun without the nightmares.
Why Haunted Attractions Matter to North Texas Lifestyle
For residents in Lantana, Argyle, and Flower Mound and nearby cities, these seasonal events do more than entertain; they build community. Haunted houses, ghost walks, and Halloween festivals bring neighbors together, support local businesses, and create shared traditions that make suburban living in North Texas so special.
They also showcase how diverse the area has become: from family festivals in Celina to adrenaline-fueled haunted mazes in Denton, there’s something for every Halloween enthusiast.
Whether you crave screams, ghost stories, or family memories, North Texas delivers. Haunted houses near Frisco, Southlake, and Argyle capture the spirit of the season, equal parts community, creativity, and just enough fright to make your heart race.
From Cutting Edge’s massive haunted maze to Denton’s charming ghost tours, every corner of North Texas offers a unique way to celebrate Halloween.
So grab your flashlight, rally your friends, and explore the haunted side of your neighborhood; you might uncover a few new local legends along the way.
