Haunted Attraction Association Names Top Haunts

The Haunted Attraction Association is the only association in the haunt industry. They’re it. The only official “voice” of the haunted attraction world. Lead by long-time veterans of the haunt industry, the organization’s members represent the cream of the crop of haunted attractions of every kind around the world. That includes haunted houses, haunted hayrides, scream parks, mega-haunts, Halloween festivals, haunted outdoor trails, home/charity haunts, corn mazes, and amusement park Halloween events. PHEW. Yeah. They cover it all.

You’ll notice what they DON’T cover: those “extreme” experiences that get a lot of press this time of year, and have shown up in more than one “haunt documentary” over the years that amount to semi-legal torture rooms. Just a little commentary from your good buddy Mr. Dark here, but those are NOT haunts, family. At best, they’re some kind of twisted “performance art” that doesn’t resemble a haunted attraction. At worst? They’re the sick outlet for certain demented individuals to get their jollies. As a haunter with over 30 years of experience, they don’t represent us or our industry. Get it? Good.

The HAA has released the list of their top haunts this year. That list is made up of haunts that are members of the association, while also satisfying a list of 10 criteria related to the mission of H.A.A. – to protect customers, promote haunted attractions, and educate industry experts and employees. The Top Haunts certification rewards those attractions that have been in operation for at least 10 years and are not only leaders in delivering some of the best scares in the business, but also in setting the bar high for best practices in safety.

“Haunted houses are a fun Halloween tradition throughout the globe,” said H.A.A. President, Spencer Terry, of Fear Factory Haunted Attraction in Salt Lake City, UT.  “That said, visitor safety will always be our number one priority, even before thrills and scares”.

This year, 57 haunts made the list! Let’s roll it!

All of these haunts have been around for a long time, have proven to be the top of the game, and work hard to offer a safe experience for guests and employees alike. That’s what this honor means, and you can expect to have a fantastic time at any of them this Halloween season.

Oh, look, a LOT of these are on our Top 13 Haunted Attractions of 2023 list! What a coincidence! Guess we have good taste.

Get to one of these haunted attractions this Halloween season and get terrified. It’s good for you! And check out the HAA at their website by clicking here or visit their Facebook over here for more information about this important organization.