Every fall, as soon as the weather starts to cool and pumpkin spice everything hits the shelves, our family starts planning one of our favorite traditions: a night at Fear Factory in Salt Lake City. We’ve gone every year for as long as I can remember — and clearly, we’re not the only ones obsessed.
This year, the secret’s officially out. According to HauntWorld, the ultimate source for all things spooky and haunted, Fear Factory has been ranked the 4th scariest haunted house in the entire country! (Yes, fourth. As in, only three places in America are scarier.)
But honestly? I’m not surprised.
Fear Factory is a serious experience. The whole thing is built inside an actual abandoned factory, with six buildings, two underground tunnels, and a history that’s… well, let’s just say it’s not made up. Over eleven documented deaths have happened there, and that eerie energy is part of what gives Fear Factory its authentic, heart-racing vibe.
When HauntWorld described it, they said it perfectly:
“Abandoned in 1987 and reborn decades later, Fear Factory has become one of the top-rated Halloween attractions in the world… Visitors sign a waiver before entering because this attraction pushes boundaries.”
And trust me, they’re not kidding about the waiver. Once you step through those gates, you’re signing up for dark tunnels, shaky catwalks, heart-pounding drops, and jump scares that come out of nowhere. Even though I scream through half of it, I’m always grinning by the end — and so are my kids (after they stop pretending they’re “too cool” to be scared).
Fear Factory’s team, led by co-founder Rob Dunfield, works all year to make sure those few short weeks in September and October are pure Halloween magic. As Rob said,
“We work all year to make sure that for eight weeks in September and October people know they can come to Fear Factory and be entertained in a way that helps them satisfy their Halloween passion — whether that’s being scared out of their minds or enjoying the sights and sounds of the season.”
That’s exactly what keeps us coming back. The scares are epic, but so is the atmosphere — the lights, the fog, the actors, the sound effects — it’s like stepping into a movie.
This year’s season is already in full swing! Fear Factory’s 2025 season runs from Friday, September 12 through Saturday, November 1, starting with weekends and ramping up to nightly hours closer to Halloween. You can check out their full schedule, special Ghost Tours, and ticket info on their website: www.fearfactoryslc.com.
If you’re local to Utah (or anywhere nearby), this is a must-do fall experience. Bring your teens, your friends, your coworkers — whoever you can convince to hold your hand when the chainsaws start revving.
We’ll be there again this year, probably screaming our heads off, laughing, and loving every second. Maybe we’ll see you in line!
the mommy avenger 
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