Halloween Fun at Elitch Gardens Fright Fest in Denver

Updated for 2021, it's still a hit!

We love Halloween and we love amusement parks!

This weekend, we had the chance to check out Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens in Denver.  We finally crossed Elitches off our summer bucket list a few months ago, but now that the husband is home from deployment, the kids could not wait to go back with dad!  We timed out trip for the last weekend of Fright Fest to ensure he'd be home to enjoy it with us.


Fright Fest combines all the fun of summer Elitch Gardens with the water area transformed into a nighttime haunted house fest, with their "Family By Day, Fright By Night" plans.

The children's area features a pumpkin patch, trick or treat trail, costume contests, creepy coloring areas, and a ghouls gauntlet obstacle course, all designed with the youngest guests in mind.


The water park area features three separate haunted house areas--No Vacancy, a haunted hotel; Big Top Freaks with clowns and a carnival graveyard; and Seance, a haunted live performance.

Besides the three haunted houses, there are plenty of Halloween attractions after dark in the main park, including the three redone "TERRORtories" with ghouls just waiting for you, the redone Tea Cups complete with fog and strobe lights, and the main stage by the Ferris wheel featuring the Frights Alive hosts.


Things to know:
  • It does get cool at night in Colorado!  While we picked a lovely day to go, the air was a bit chilly in the evenings.  Make sure to bring a coat or hoodie.  Gloves are not a bad idea either!
  • A few of the food stands are closed for the season.  There are plenty of options still available if you walk around.
  • The three waterpark area haunted houses are an additional charge.  Different packages are available, so choose the best one of your family.

Whether you are planning on a scary evening or just one last fun day for the season at Elitch Gardens, we highly recommend checking out Fright Fest.  We are already looking forward to going again next year.


Disclosure: The 2018 post is written in conjunction with my partnership with USFamilyGuide, the 2021 updates were not sponsored. All opinions are my own. 

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