Ooh-Spooky! Creepy Fun in DFW this October

Tall cylindrical hut made of stacked pumpkins with a thatched roof, surrounded by colorful gourds and squashes arranged in decorative patterns outdoors.

Fall is the time for all things spooky. As September gives way to October, we start to see yards fill up with creepy figures, stores fill up with pumpkin-themed everything and local businesses advertise activities ranging from adorably spooky to downright bone-chilling. Indeed, the Halloween season strikes again. If you are one of those who loves the feeling of being scared (and it’s definitely not for everything, so it’s okay if you’re not!), the Dallas/Fort Worth area has a number of activities that will make you scream in delight (or possibly fear- it’s hard to say!). From creepy restaurants to terrifying haunted houses, DFW has quite a few activities designed to give you nightmares. If you’re wanting a seriously spooky scare this Halloween season, look no further than these spine-tinging spots in Dallas/Fort Worth. 

Five spots that will give you goosebumps in DFW 2025

    1. Haunted Castle Cafe, Plano– Step into a spooky haunted castle that just happens to serve excellent food and drinks! Guests of all ages will love this haunting spot, with pictures that “move,” creepy blacklight images, themed food and desserts and more. The vibe of this eatery is spooky year-round but it is especially fun during the Halloween season. 
  • Six Flags Fright Fest, Arlington– Haunted houses, scare zones, themed food, ghouls galore- Six Flags Over Texas is the place to be in DFW if you want to be scared. Stroll through haunted areas en route to the six haunted houses on property, each scarier than the next. Enter if you dare! 
  • Pumpkin Nights, Arlington– Stroll along a half-mile path of lighted pumpkins, spooky vibes and family-friendly Halloween fare. Stop for photos at the scattered photo opps and enjoy the play areas suitable for both kids and adults. Before and after your stroll, hang out in the vendor area to shop and eat for Halloween-themed items and enjoy the live entertainment including fireeaters and more. 
  • The Boomont, Dallas– Dallas’ haunted hotel experience is ready for new victims, erm, guests! Enter this haunted space, posing for pictures and searching for clues to help you solve a mystery along the way. Perfect for all ages, this spot is a fun new addition to the 2025 DFW Halloween scene. 
  • Autumn at the Arboretum, Dallas– Skip the spooky and go for sweet at the Dallas Arboretum at the annual Autumn at the Arboretum Festival. This year’s theme is Mundo Mexico, celebrating Mexican culture. With thousands of pumpkins and gourds and set along the beautiful backdrop of White Rock Lake, Autumn at the Arboretum is the perfect spot to make fall memories and snap some beautiful photos.  

DFW-area lodging

Looking for a great spot to stay while you enjoy some time in Dallas/Fort Worth? Look no further than Traders Village in Grand Prairie. Not only is Grand Prairie situated right in the middle of DFW, giving visitors easy access to both the Big D and Cowtown, it also offers a number of amenities you won’t find anywhere else. Check out all the awesome rides Traders Village offers on the weekends, and take advantage of the great steals and deals you’ll find at the flea market. The live entertainment and food are the cherry on top. Book your stay at Traders Village Grand Prairie today!