These haunted houses are kicking off Halloween in KC, including scary new attraction
Halloween season in the Kansas City area will kick off this week with something old and something new — but we aren’t talking about weddings.
Full Moon Productions has been scaring local folks since 1975, and its Beast, Edge of Hell and Macabre Cinema haunted houses will return to continue its reign of horror for a 50th year in the West Bottoms. But plan ahead: Timed ticketing is replacing the first-come-first-served approach that led to long lines in the past.
Meanwhile, Overland Park native and horror movie director Darren Lynn Bousman is introducing “Exiled: Crooked Rose Woods,” an outdoor scare experience in Bonner Springs.
The attractions will begin operating Saturday, Sept. 13, although “Exiled” will offer discounted preview dates Sept. 13, 14 and 20 before a grand opening Saturday, Sept. 21.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to go get scared.
West Bottoms haunted houses
When will they operate?
The Beast and Edge of Hell will open on Friday, Sept. 13, and Macabre Cinema on Friday, Sept. 27.
The attractions are open Fridays and Saturdays in September, then Thursdays-Saturdays in October and Nov. 1-2. The earliest time slots will range from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the latest time slots from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Where are they?
The haunted houses are in large multistoried commercial buildings built around 1900: The Beast, 1401 W. 13th; Edge of Hell, 1300 W. 12th; Macabre Cinema, 1222 W. 12th.
How much do they cost?
Tickets for each house can be purchased online for $35 for Thursdays and Fridays, $40 for Saturdays and $65 for VIP any night (plus $5 purchase fee for all tickets); combo tickets are also available. Tickets (without the $5 purchase fee) will be available at the door if time slots are available
What ages are appropriate?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
What about parking?
Parking is free in lots and on streets.
Are there security measures?
Kansas City Police officers and an internal security team will be on hand. Officers are assigned to each haunted attraction and patrol the area.
Other things to know
▪ Restrooms are available at each haunted attraction.
▪ With uneven surfaces over multiple floors, sandals and flip-flops are not recommended. There are no accommodations for wheelchairs.
▪ No photography or video recording is allowed; also, no pets, weapons, smoking, laser pointers, flashlights, food or beverages.
▪ There are no refunds if patrons are too scared to make it through a haunted house.
Where can I get more information?
“Exiled: Crooked Rose Woods”
When will it operate?
Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 5, then Thursdays-Sundays from Oct. 10 through Nov. 3, plus Oct. 30. Earliest time slots will range from 7 to 8 p.m. and latest time slots from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
Where is it?
The address is 12829 Loring Road in Bonner Springs, at the Zip KC zipline park off Kansas 32.
How much does it cost?
Tickets can be purchased online for $59 to $199 (plus taxes and fees), depending on the level selected, with 20% off Friday, Sept. 13-Saturday, Sept. 14, and $10 off Friday, Sept. 20.
What are the levels and what do they include?
Level One, Torment (PG-13): A 1-mile hike through a dark forest filled with horrors.
Level Two, Anguish (R): The trail plus carnival attractions and characters.
Level Three, Annihilation (R): Includes access to the Opulence Tent, with an open bar and additional interactions.
What ages are appropriate?
Not suitable for those younger than 16 because of violent, offensive language and sexual content.
What about parking?
Parking is available onsite.
Other things to know
▪ The experience involves climbing hills, bending and stooping.
▪ Expect to get dirty.
▪ Closed-toe shoes are required.
▪ Flashlights, phone lights and any other light sources are prohibited; participants will be provided with small LED lights to navigate the trail.
▪ Alcohol will be available for purchase throughout the carnival area.
Where can I get more information?
