Photo courtesy of The Mortuary Haunted Mansion on Facebook
Sure, every old house in New Orleans has a story — and more often than not, a spooky past — but what if you want to be scared in the here and now? Fortunately, there are some fantastic haunted houses in the greater New Orleans area.
Read up and choose the haunt that fits your fancy (and don’t forget to wear your costume when you go).
The Mortuary Haunted House
Friday, September 14 – Sunday, November 3, 2024 (not every day)
4800 Canal Street, New Orleans
The cobwebs and monsters in the house are fake, but the cemeteries surrounding it and the ghosts inside are real. This haunted house was established in 2007 in the actual former mortuary that was in operation till 2004. The Mortuary features multiple floors, all with gruesome tableaus that include a mangled medical scene, a crypt, and a bizarre circus. The haunt changes every year, so you might be surprised.
New Orleans Nightmare
Friday, September 14 – Thursday, October 31, 2024 (not every day)
319 Butterworth St., Jefferson
This haunted house replaced the beloved House of Shock, which closed in 2017 after 25 years. It bills itself as the largest and longest outdoor haunted attraction in Louisiana and stands on the House of Shock’s former site near the Huey P. Long Bridge.
The two-story Spanish colonial mansion features a courtyard and has escape rooms and high-tech features throughout its attractions with creepy names like Cursed Voodoo and Museum Macabre. The haunted house doesn’t have the satanic/heavy metal themes of its predecessor but promises to be plenty scary (and therefore inappropriate for kids under 12).
Boo at the Zoo
Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
The Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans
This annual Halloween event at the Audubon Zoo is family-friendly (only kids up to 12 are allowed to trick-or-treat). It features haunted-house games, entertainment, Ghost Train, and more. The kids will hear stories, trick-or-treat, and meet some of the zoo’s animals. The proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital. Member tickets are $12, non-member tickets are $38 (includes a trick-or-treat bag and a wristband for kids).
“Haunted House” Decorations
There’s no shortage of “haunted houses” this time of year around New Orleans, but not all are child-friendly. So, while parental discretion is always advised, these fabulous haunted houses are set up in and around private homes every year, and they’re as thrilling as they’re safe for at least the older kids. You can check the listings in the newspaper for more Halloween displays set up in private homes as the dates get closer.
St. Charles Avenue and State Street
Local resident Louellen Berger has been arranging her 50-plus krewe of skeletons on the front lawn of her mansion every Halloween, drawing appreciative crowds and an occasional local celebrity. While some of the puns are too satirical for the little ones to get — as Berger’s installations spoof local politics and play on the only-in-New-Orleans themes — the whole setup is a spectacular treat for all ages.
Magazine and Second Streets
A spooky-fabulous display featuring music, holograms, lights, and projections that would awe anyone passing by. Expect a story with a plot, dancing ghosts, creepy apparitions, and dazzling lights.
State and Claiborne Streets
One of the most elaborate skeleton-pirate ship displays in town, skillfully lit and exquisitely arranged. There’s no music and no projections, but it’s well worth a peek.
Are you visiting New Orleans this fall?
Take advantage of Alder Hotel’s specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!
Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!