The nation’s oldest continually-operated Haunted House is giving families a once-in-a-nightmare chance to explore the town where Halloween villains live during their “offseason.” The classic h and more—are back. And they’re just DYING to meet you. BOOville at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is open October 10–31, 2023.

Wander through woods where werewolves howl and cackle-filled cauldrons set the hairs on your arms on end. Sounds will surround you like zombie moans and groans. Look up above and listen to cawing of crows.

The sounds will rattle you but The Children’s Museum Guild witches say what really sets the scary scene are eye balls aglow and The Grim Glacier’s peaks covered in snow. Is it a monster, witch, demon or snake that’s your foe? Only the Grim Reaper will truly know? The Den of Disguise will play tricks on your eyes. You know something is there. Trouble is, it could be anywhere.

The Children’s Museum knows all about chills and thrills as their 100 witches have been haunting grownups and children for longer than those at any other Haunted House in the country—59 years! They supply live actors, monsters and intense special effects. This year, WItch Guilda will guide visitors through BOOville and its Shore of Shadows, Tomb Room, Ghosts in the attic, over a Bridge of Doom into Carnage Commons. Will you stop there or check out the Lab of the Living Day, Caged Cadavers, Ghoulish Grounds or the Crop of Destruction?

BOOville opens October 10, 2023 and runs through October 29, 2023 at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It is closed on Mondays.

Fear not, there is something for all ages (and scare levels). Tone down the terror during AES Indiana’s Lights-on Hours—think of it like a trick-or-treat trail (for children who may scare easily). Families can crank up the creepy for AAA’s Frightening Hours (with lights off, for those who dare to be scared).

Tickets are $9 and available by calling 317-334-4000 or wave a magic wand or mouse over the spidery web at childrensmuseum.org/haunted-house.

Here are some other wicked wonders the witches whipped up:

• Twilight Fright
  Presented by the Indianapolis Colts and Donatos Pizza
  Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, 6:30–9 p.m.
  • For those families with older children who look forward to going through the Haunted House during AAA’s Frightening Hours, Twilight Fright is perfect! This fun, energetic event takes place outdoors in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® and features a DJ, outdoor games, sports challenges, an arcade, prizes, and appearances by USA Track & Field and Naptown Roller Derby athletes. Pizza, Kona Ice, and soft drinks included. All children leave with a goody bag.
  • Member price is $20, non-members is $25 per person, youth and adult.
  • childrensmuseum.org/twilight-fright
• Feast with the Witches
  Presented by Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP
  • Enjoy a delicious “BOO-fet” meal with the friendliest of witches! In addition to the meal, this event includes fab-BOO-lous entertainment (Magic show by Abracadabra Magic), fun Halloween-themed games, crafts, and activities, and of course—a tour of BOOville during AES Indiana’s Lights-on hours. All children leave with a goody bag.
  • Dates and times
    • Breakfast Feasts:
      • Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 9 a.m.
      • Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, 9 a.m.
    • Lunch Feast:
      • Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, Noon
  • Member price is $20, non-members is $25 per person; children under 2 are free (does not include museum admission)
  • childrensmuseum.org/feast
• Halloween After Dark
  Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 7–11 p.m.
  Exclusively for adults 21+
  • Grab a beer, explore select museum exhibits, including The Children’s Museum Guild’s 59th Annual Haunted House, BOOville! during AAA’s Frightening Hours, Guests can also attend The Verdict, an interactive mock trial, and be part of the jury that determines the fate of some pesky ghosts who have been causing all sorts of hullabaloo in the museum.
  • Member price is $9 non-members is $8 per person (youth and adult)
  • childrensmuseum.org/after-dark
• Sensory-friendly Haunted House is now part of the Museum My Way event
  October 10, 2023 from 4-7 p.m.
  Advance registration required
  • This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together!

For more information, wave your wand or click on the spidery web at https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house

High resolution photos are available upon request. Click on https://vimeo.com/childrensmuseum/review/869686758/3cfedf3f77 for high resolution video.