October in Rhode Island is when the Ocean State trades its breezy summer shorelines for crisp autumn nights, glowing pumpkins, and just enough spookiness to send chills down your spine. The state’s compact size makes it easy to explore several haunted attractions in a single weekend, while its farms and small towns set the stage for family-friendly harvest fun. Whether you’re seeking a scream-filled haunted trail or a gentle pumpkin patch for the kids, Rhode Island offers something for every Halloween mood.
Haunted Houses and Scary Attractions
For those who crave heart-pounding thrills, Rhode Island is home to several haunted houses and outdoor scream parks that deliver professional scares with Hollywood-style effects, live actors, and plenty of jump scares.
Scary Acres, Hope
One of Rhode Island’s most infamous haunts, Scary Acres sits just minutes from Providence but feels like another world once you step into its haunted cornfield. Known for its terrifying actors and immersive props, this attraction includes themed areas like haunted barns, creepy woods, and fog-covered trails where you never know who—or what—might be lurking. Scary Acres has earned a reputation as one of the state’s must-see Halloween attractions, best suited for teens and adults who can handle a serious scare.
Haunted Labyrinth, Cranston
Running for over three decades, the Haunted Labyrinth is Rhode Island’s longest-operating haunted house. Each year it transforms with a new theme, ensuring that repeat visitors never see the same fright twice. What makes it unique is its volunteer-driven mission: proceeds benefit local youth programs. Don’t be fooled by the charitable cause—inside, you’ll face professional-grade scares, elaborate sets, and a maze-like layout that keeps you disoriented until the very end.
Field of Screams, West Greenwich
Field of Screams combines three attractions in one location: a haunted maze, a darkened asylum, and a trail through the woods. Each section offers a different kind of scare, from tight corridors with flashing lights to open fields where chainsaw-wielding actors chase unsuspecting visitors. It’s a one-stop shop for thrill-seekers who want variety and value for their Halloween outing.
13th World, Cumberland
Another haunt with a regional reputation, 13th World offers over 30 themed scenes and more than 60 actors. The experience blends movie-quality sets with unexpected scares around every corner. Popular with both locals and out-of-state visitors, it’s one of the larger productions in southern New England.
Corn Mazes and Kid-Friendly Harvest Fun
Not all Halloween activities need to involve screams. Rhode Island’s farms provide the perfect setting for family-friendly fun, offering corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches that let kids embrace the holiday spirit without the nightmares.
Confreda Greenhouses & Farms, Hope
Confreda’s corn maze is one of the largest in New England, spanning acres of farmland with winding paths that challenge kids and adults alike. Families can ride hay wagons, pick their own pumpkins, and enjoy seasonal treats like cider donuts and kettle corn. By day, the maze is cheerful and perfect for kids; by night, it transforms into something far spookier as part of Scary Acres.
Salisbury Farm, Johnston
A family favorite for decades, Salisbury Farm is famous for its traditional autumn atmosphere. Its corn maze is designed to be both fun and educational, with trivia questions scattered along the way. Kids love the farm animals, hayrides, and pumpkin patch, while parents appreciate the rustic setting and local produce.
Escobar’s Highland Farm, Portsmouth
Located on Aquidneck Island, Escobar’s corn maze is another family-friendly highlight. Each year the farm unveils a new design, often themed to celebrate history or pop culture. The maze is navigable for kids but still challenging enough to keep adults entertained. On select nights, Escobar’s hosts flashlight mazes for those who want an extra thrill without stepping into full-scale haunted territory.
Pumpkin Festivals and Seasonal Attractions
Beyond haunted houses and corn mazes, Rhode Island hosts a number of events that celebrate the Halloween season in ways that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
This nationally recognized event features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lining a walking trail. Each pumpkin is illuminated, often themed to tell a story or celebrate pop culture icons. For kids, it’s a magical walk filled with glowing lights and cheerful music. For adults, the artistry of the carvings is breathtaking. The 2025 edition features a “Trivia” theme, adding interactive fun as families test their knowledge while admiring the displays.
Great Pumpkin Festival, Riverside
Community-based pumpkin festivals pop up across the state, but the Riverside festival stands out for its scale. Families gather to paint pumpkins, enjoy carnival games, and sample fall treats. Costume contests for kids and pets add to the festive spirit.
Harvest Fair at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
Though not strictly a Halloween event, this October fair offers everything from pony rides to sack races. Its old-fashioned charm makes it perfect for families seeking seasonal fun without too much fright.
Ghost Tours and Spooky History
For those who want a mix of history and hauntings, Rhode Island’s ghost tours are a perfect middle ground between family entertainment and spooky fun.
- Providence Ghost Tour: This walking tour through College Hill introduces guests to haunted houses, eerie legends, and tales of local spirits. Suitable for older kids and teens, it’s spooky without being overly graphic.
- Ghosts of Newport: Along the cobblestone streets of historic Newport, families can join a candlelit stroll past colonial buildings, graveyards, and mansions rumored to be haunted. The stories are more atmospheric than terrifying, making it a good option for families with curious kids.
Family tips for the best possible experiences:
- Check Age Recommendations: Many haunted houses list age minimums or parental guidance recommendations. Stick to corn mazes, pumpkin festivals, and ghost tours for younger children.
- Dress for the Weather: October nights in Rhode Island can be chilly, especially near the water. Layers, hats, and gloves make outdoor events more comfortable.
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Popular attractions like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and Scary Acres often sell out quickly. Online reservations save time and stress.
- Plan a Day-Night Combo: Visit a farm or pumpkin patch during the day, then head to a haunted house after dark for a full day of Halloween fun.
Rhode Island may be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to Halloween festivities. From bone-chilling haunted houses like Scary Acres and Field of Screams to family-friendly corn mazes at Salisbury Farm and Escobar’s, the state offers something for everyone. Add in pumpkin festivals, ghost tours, and the dazzling Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and you have a calendar full of options for October fun.
Whether you want to be terrified in a haunted trail, lose yourself in a corn maze, or simply sip hot cider while your kids paint pumpkins, Rhode Island has you covered. This Halloween season, bundle up, grab your flashlight—or your courage—and dive into the Ocean State’s perfect mix of scary haunts and family-friendly attractions.
