the mommy avenger

Raising teens and adults comes with this shift—you stop being the one who plans everything, and you start hoping they’ll want to hang out at all. But there are a few things that still pull us all together, no matter how old they get. Haunted houses are one of those rare things in our family. We’ve been chasing them for years. Every October, we’re first in line, plotting out which haunts to hit, who’s brave enough to go first, who’s going to scream the loudest. And through all of them, Fear Factory has always been the one we circle back to.

There’s just something about that place. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s built into a real old cement factory and the whole setup already feels haunted without even trying. Maybe it’s the way they stage everything—massive, eerie, immersive. Or maybe it’s just become our thing. Either way, when Fear Factory announced they were bringing back their Halfway to Halloween event, we didn’t even hesitate. This family’s going. We look forward to this every year!

It’s strange and kind of perfect, walking into a full-blown haunted house in the middle of summer. Outside, it’s sunny, the air is warm, everyone else is talking about barbecues and graduations—and here we are, stepping into fog machines and dim red lights and blood-streaked walls like it’s October. It’s like flipping a switch. You’re not just visiting a haunted house—you’re sneaking into Halloween early, like you’re part of some secret club that knows how to celebrate it right.

And let me tell you, Fear Factory does not let up just because it’s off-season. The scares are real. The actors are all in, every time. They’re not just jumping out from behind corners—they’re crawling on walls, following you in dead silence, whispering things you don’t quite catch until it’s too late. The sets are insane—full-on nightmare material—and somehow it feels even more intense when it’s not October. Like you’re not ready for it, so everything hits harder.

What makes it even better this year? Halfway to Halloween falls on a Friday the 13th. That night already carries this weird, spooky weight to it, and Fear Factory knows exactly how to tap into that. You can feel the energy shift when you walk in. It’s darker. The actors are sharper. The air’s thick with the kind of excitement that makes you nervous and giddy all at once. You don’t get that kind of atmosphere from just any haunted house, and definitely not in June.

If you’re even thinking about going, get your tickets now. This isn’t a months-long event—it’s a one-weekend deal, and it sells out fast. We’ve learned that the hard way before. Tickets are available for this weekend–June 13th & 14th, 2025. Go to fearfactoryslc.com and just lock it in. Pick your time slot (we always go later, it’s way creepier), and get ready for a night you won’t stop talking about. Also, don’t wear sandals. Trust me.

I know not every mom is into haunted houses, but for me? It’s been this ongoing thread of connection with my kids. When they were little, they clung to my arms. When they were teens, they started leading the pack. Now that they’re grown, we go shoulder to shoulder, all equals, still jumping, still laughing, still dragging each other through dark hallways. Fear Factory gives us that space to be ridiculous and brave and scared and loud—together. It’s the absolute best!

So if your crew is up for something different this weekend—something a little wild, a little spooky, and a lot of fun—this is it. Fear Factory’s Halfway to Halloween is weird in all the best ways. It’s not Halloween season, but it kind of feels like it should be. And honestly? That’s the beauty of it.

We’ll be there, probably screaming, definitely laughing, and making memories that’ll last way beyond one spooky night. Hope we run into you in the dark.