the mommy avenger

It’s that time of year again – the crisp air, the smell of chainsaws, and of course, Halloween! As a family that loves to embrace every gory, thrilling, spine-chilling detail of the spooky season, there’s one place that’s become an annual tradition for us: Castle of Chaos in Salt Lake City. Trust me, if you’re looking for a haunted house experience that will make your heart race and your voice soar into a scream, this is it.

From the moment you step inside Castle of Chaos, you’re no longer just a spectator – you’re part of the show. One thing I love about this haunted attraction is that they don’t just scare you with jump scares and creepy decor (though there’s plenty of that too). The actors here interact with you, touch you (if you’re brave enough to opt for the “Hands On Horror” experience), and truly make you feel like you’re part of some twisted horror movie. As someone who’s done her fair share of haunted houses, Castle of Chaos still gets me every time. I know I’m walking into a carefully orchestrated scene, but my heart still pounds like I’ve never been scared in my life!

This year, I opted for the Level 4 Extreme Hands On Horror pass. I’ll be honest, I was terrified, but in the best possible way. The actors can physically move you, take you into hidden rooms, and make sure you don’t leave without feeling like you’ve escaped something straight out of your worst nightmare. If you’re on the fence about this, I say DO IT. You’ll be screaming, laughing, and maybe even a little hoarse by the end, but that’s what makes it so worth it.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Is this the kind of place I can take the kids? My answer? Probably not. Castle of Chaos isn’t exactly a walk in the pumpkin patch. It’s intense, dark, and, depending on what level of interaction you choose, pretty hands-on and aggressive. Our older kids? Absolutely love it. They crave the heart-pounding excitement and love comparing who screamed the loudest. But for younger kids, I’d wait a few years. We’re lucky to have adventurous kiddos, but I always say know your child’s limits. For level 4 Extreme, you have to be 18 or older, 16-17 year olds need parental consent.

What’s also amazing about Castle of Chaos is how they keep it fresh. This isn’t one of those haunted houses where you experience the same scares year after year. Each time we visit, they’ve added something new to make sure you’re never comfortable (but isn’t that the point?). There’s something uniquely fun about fighting for survival while bonding as a family.

For us, Castle of Chaos is more than just a haunted house. It’s become a family tradition. It’s the place we go to scream together, laugh at our own reactions, and challenge ourselves to face our fears head-on. Every year we visit, we leave with a story to tell – and a renewed love for the spooky season.

If you’re in Salt Lake City during Halloween season and looking for a haunted house experience that’ll leave your heart pounding and your voice gone, Castle of Chaos is your go-to. Just remember to take a deep breath before you step inside… you’ll need it.

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