Brighton Asylum
Legendary haunted asylum with Hollywood-quality scares
3 haunted experiences near Palisades Park.
This Halloween season, fear can be found across Palisades Park's neighboring areas, from the intense scares of Brighton Asylum in Passaic to the historic chills at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York.
If you're seeking an indoor fright or a unique architectural experience, these locations offer distinct ways to get into the autumnal mood.
A diverse calendar of seasonal events and exhibitions.
VIP second-floor and gated outdoor viewing of the Village Halloween Parade.
Terrifying new Broadway thriller inspired by the iconic film series.
Nation's wildly creative public event where anyone in costume can march.
See all haunted houses, trails, and scare attractions in your area.
Posted warnings at nearly every haunt advise against entry for pregnant guests and anyone with heart conditions, and they're not just legal boilerplate: expect startle scares, strobe bursts, uneven floors in darkness, and crowds that occasionally bolt. Lights-on daytime tours, midway areas, and pumpkin-patch haunts offer the atmosphere without the physical jolts. When in doubt, ask your doctor, not the ticket booth.
Book a mid-evening timed slot, eat dinner first so the queue isn't hangry, and pick one flagship haunt plus the midway rather than a four-attraction death march. Shared adrenaline is the whole point: the queue is the conversation time, so skip fast passes on a quiet night. End somewhere warm and lit for the debrief, and check closing times before planning dessert.
Closed-toe shoes with real tread are non-negotiable; trails are dark, rooted, and often muddy after rain. Add layers you can zip while standing in outdoor queues, and skip dangling scarves, heels, and anything you'd mourn if it snagged a cornstalk. Leave costume masks at home, since most haunts ban them for guests, and keep hands free for railings and unexpected sprints.