the mommy avenger

This month has been loaded with fun Halloween adventures and last night we got to go to the one we’ve long been anticipating–Fear Factory. Fear Factory is a family favorite for us and one we always insist on taking visitors to.

Last year, Fear Factory earned a top 10 spot in Buzzfeed’s 2022 List of the 20 Most Terrifying Haunts. We’ve been to tons of great haunted attractions, many of which are on the same list Fear Factory has been placed on. It has also been named one of the top 10 in the United States by USA Today & Travel Channel. We would agree that it is near the top of the list for the country and since living in Utah, we always have it at the top of our list to visit every Halloween.

We’ve been to Fear Factory the last few years and each year there are new elements to the haunt. I love this and think it keeps it fresh and wanting you to come back for more. Fear Factory does a great job of switching things up and making it so you can’t let your guard down. This year, there was even more added, new rooms, new effects that kept us jumping. I don’t know how it is possible, because I love this place every year, but all the changes and additions this year have made it the best year yet. They are always upping the ante and this year, they have outdone themselves!

When you arrive at Fear Factory, your senses are instantly on high alert. Sinister looking buildings of what was the old Portland Cement Works of late 1800’s Salt Lake City are the grounds for this dilapidated destination. This, too, is purportedly actually haunted. Once again, Ghost Adventures has been on the scene to see if the rumors of hauntings are real. A freak accident of one of the workers in the factory seemed unfortunate enough, but over time, more and more deaths started happening. Enough to make you wonder if there was something dark about the property. Eventually, the factory closed after multiple “accidents”, suicides, dismemberments, electrocutions and beheadings. Maybe it wasn’t all just a coincidence these things kept occurring. Other companies tried to make their start in the same location, all the close shortly thereafter. After having been abandoned for some time, in 2010 Fear Factory, the Halloween attraction we know today, opened its doors. It’s really interesting to note this history before embarking on the haunt itself. 

In order to get into Fear Factory, you have to sign a waiver. Also another indication that we were in for something a little more intensive than most. We got situated and made our way through the entrance and we were transported to a dark, menacing realm where anything could happen to scare you out of your mind.

At one point, we even found ourselves walking between buildings, high above the ground, looking down on the concrete far below us. That is an unnerving sight to see while you are trying to escape a terrifying maze! I loved it! We weaved through 6 buildings and passed through amazing sets, unlike those I have ever seen before. Considering this girl goes to multiple haunted houses each year, that is really saying something! The special effects were really incredible. The ambiance is amazing. Each room we entered was better than the next and I was so impressed.

I love haunted houses all around, but to me, the best ones always have an added thrilling level to them. At Fear Factory, it is known as the Touch of Fear. This is the option to wear a glow necklace that indicate to the inhabitants of the haunted buildings that you are willing to be touched. This always elevates the experience for me and I highly recommend opting for this. If it becomes too much for you to handle, just rip the necklace off and no one will touch you again. Whenever we go with someone that hasn’t been to haunted houses, we highly encourage them to do this, too. They always protest at first, but if they wear the necklace, afterwards, they are always so glad because it enhances the experience so much.

We went with a big, fun group and everyone of us loved completely different components of the attraction. What one person loved, another thought something else was even better. It’s kind of a personal thing just what frightens you or appeals to your senses most. But, rest assured, there is something for everyone in this factory full of fear. One thing we could all agree on, though, was that Fear Factory was incredibly fun and a family favorite.

I love that being onsite, even before or after you have gone through the factory, there is so much entertainment to see. Actors in incredible costumes give a taste of what’s to come and give an overall vibe while you wait. Lots of photo opportunities, some vendors, and the best magician I have ever seen. As we were leaving the factory, we got drawn into his magic and ended up staying an additional 45 minutes completely mesmerized and in shock at the tricks he showed us.

Fear Factory is definitely a favorite of mine and I do think it lives up to the hype and is deserving of the Top 10 list Buzzfeed included them on. Well done, Fear Factory! 

There is still plenty of time to go visit it for yourself before the Halloween season is over. Go check out their calendar and pick up tickets to go have an amazing time! You won’t regret it……or maybe you will…….

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}