The Top Ten Halloween Attractions in Dallas and Ft. Worth

From hayrides to haunted houses, pumpkin festivals to theme parks, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween and the fall season in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Here are ten of the top attractions in the area (in alphabetical order) for the 2008 season.

The Boneyard at Six Flags Mall, open now through November 1

Billing itself as one of the largest haunted houses anywhere, the Boneyard is located at Six Flags Mall and features live and animatronic thrills in over 50 scary scenes. Dark mazes and spooky hallways await you, even a freight elevator, as well as a Halloween festival with food, music and games. Not recommended for young children, as the Boneyard's attractions can be gory.

The Boneyard is located inside Six Flags Mall at the corner of Division and Highway 360 in Arlington and is open weekends beginning at 7:00 p.m. Their phone number is (817) 451-2663. Their website is www.theboneyard.com.

Cutting Edge Haunted House in Ft. Worth, open now through November 1

Located inside of a 1920's era meat packing plant in downtown Ft. Worth, Cutting Edge is largely considered the scariest haunted house in the Metroplex. The frights aren't limited to the usual chain saw killers or something out of the movies; Cutting Edge throws everything but the kitchen sink at you. Without ruining the surprises, rest assured there will be plenty of mind-blowing moments. Worse yet, some parts of the tour are in complete darkness, which may be the most terrifying moments of all.

Cutting Edge is located at 1701 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ft. Worth. They are open daily from 7 to 10 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $26.50 for adults, $22 for children 10 and under. Their phone number is (817) 348-8444 and their website is www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com.

Dallas Halloween Costume Party at the Green Elephant, Saturday, October 25

The annual costume party at the Green Elephant has been a Dallas Halloween tradition since 2002. The event raises money for West End charities, which purchases toys for needy kids every Christmas. Drink specials will be offered during the event, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5.

The Green Elephant is located at 5627 Dyer St. Their phone number is (214) 265-1338. Their website is www.DallasHalloweenBash.com.

Dallas Scaregrounds, open now through November 1

Actually three haunted houses in one, Scaregrounds is a thrill house geared to adults. Each themed attraction has their own unique identity, from a chamber of horrors to a haunted graveyard. Located on Irving Boulevard near the Market Hall area, Scaregrounds also features a "monster maze" and a festival food, games, and live Halloween themed entertainment. One of the most popular haunted houses in the Dallas area.

Dallas Scaregrounds is located at 2001 Irving Blvd. in Dallas. They are open from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. except Fridays and Saturdays, during which they are open from 7:30 p.m. to at least 1 a.m. Admission to the Scaregrounds is $18 per person, while the Festival costs $2. For more information, call 214-346-2111 or visit www.dallasscaregrounds.com.

The Great Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum, every day in October

If trick or treating or haunted houses is not your cup of tea, the Dallas Arboretum celebrates fall with an autumn festival that features chrysanthemum and marigold garden displays across the grounds as well as kid-friendly activities like a hay-bale maze and a pumpkin patch. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $ for children 12 and under, with kids 2 and under free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb grocery stores.

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Rd. Parking is $5. Their phone number is (214) 515-6500. Their website is www.DallasArboretum.org.

Haunted Hayrides at Loyd Park, October 24-25

This family-friendly hayride in Grand Prairie has beautiful views, as the 791 acre park is decked out for the Halloween season. The park is located on the northwest side of Joe Pool lake.

The hayride will begin at sunset and lasts until 11:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per vehicle. Loyd Park is located at 3401 Ragland Rd. in Grand Prairie, and you can find more information by calling (817) 467-2104 or visit www.loydpark.com.

The Monster Movie Mash in Addison, Friday, October 31

Bring your kids, in costume, to Addison Circle Park on Halloween night to enjoy an outdoor screening of both "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Admission is free and the event begins at 7:00 p.m.

Addison Circle Park is located at 15650 Addison Road. For more information, call (800) 233-4766 or visit www.addisontexas.net.

Screams, open Fridays and Saturdays through November 1

The largest Halloween theme park in the world, this Waxahachie landmark has a large following, and offers five spooky attractions. There are dozens of things to do, including four haunted houses, a maze, a Monster Museum, classic monster movie screenings, games, face painters, a graveyard, a 3-D pirate adventure, plenty of food and drink, and many more attractions.

Screams is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and on October 30 from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. It is located at 2511 FM 66, 1.6 miles west of Interstate 35 East, near Waxahachie. Admission is $21.99 (good for all attractions) for ages 6 and up, free for kids 5 and under. Their phone number is (972) 938-3247, and their website is www.screamspark.com.

Six Flags Over Texas Fright Fest, now through November 2

Six Flags continues its annual tradition of offering Halloween shows and attractions, including a musical street festival every night during which zombies and assorted ghouls dance around the park. Contests for 2009 Six Flags season passes are held, and a number of in-park haunted houses thrill and entertain. There are even activities for children, including a Looney Tunes "Trick or Treat." Some attractions require an additional fee.

Six Flags Over Texas is located at I-30 and Highway 360 in Arlington. Daily hours vary. Tickets are $49.99, but tickets purchased online are only $29.99. Their phone number is (817) 640-8900 and their website is www.sixflags.com.

Tayman Graveyard, open Fridays and Saturdays through November 1

This family friendly attraction featuring four different Halloween attractions, including a spooky funeral home, haunted mine shafts and hayrides, and even a "Sinister Swamp." A concession stand will be open as well. Proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 202 of Grand Prairie.

Tayman Graveyard is open from 7:30 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday. It is located at 4721 Cecelia Ave in Midlothian. From Highway 67, exit Shiloh Road, go west on Shiloh to Tayman Drive and follow the signs. Admission is based per location and ranges from $7 to $12. A combo ticket to all four attractions is $30, but you can save $5 with a coupon from their website, www.taymangraveyard.com. For more info, call (469) 955-1416.