A local guide to which Connecticut haunts work for toddlers, tweens and teens this Halloween

Every October, parents ask the same question: is this going to be too scary? Connecticut has everything from pumpkin-headed characters to full-blown haunted forests. Here's how this year's attractions break down, from gentle to terrifying.

For little kids

Pumpkintown U.S.A., East Hampton (Sept. 23–Oct. 31). Completely non-scary: pumpkinhead characters and seasonal displays, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Phantom Fall Fest, Lake Compounce, Bristol (Sept. 19–Nov. 1). Go during the day for fall activities and family fun. After 6 p.m. the park turns into five haunted houses and scare zones, so plan to leave before dark.

Forest of Fear, Danbury (Oct. 9–10, 16–17, 23–24 & 30). The Not-So-Scary sessions from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. are made for younger kids. The full haunted forest starts at 6:30.

Haunted Trolley: In Search of Sasquatch, East Haven. An after-dark trolley ride hunting for Connecticut's Bigfoot at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. The early Sunday sessions are the most family-friendly.

For kids 8 to 12

Haunting at the Ridge, Powder Ridge, Middlefield (Fridays–Sundays, Oct. 2–31). Ride a chairlift up to a haunted mountain trail. The 6 p.m. sessions are geared to families and recommended for ages 8 and up; late-night sessions get more intense.

The Dark Manor, Baltic (daytime matinees Oct. 17–18 & 24–25). The daytime matinees are the lower-scare way in. Nighttime sessions are not recommended for kids under 13.

Haunted Hollow Tours, Glebe House Museum, Woodbury (Oct. 24). Guided tours through Woodbury's historic Hollow and old cemetery. Daytime tours welcome families; evening tours are 13 and up.

For teens and adults

Fright Haven, Stratford (select nights, Sept. 26–Nov. 13). More than 20,000 square feet of indoor scares, including Hotel Hex and The Dreamhouse.

Harvest Fair After Dark, Fairfield (Oct. 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24 & 30–31). Right in town on Merwins Lane, with a haunted hayride, a carnival-themed haunt and a wooded walking trail.

Legends of Fear, Fairview Tree Farm, Shelton (October weekends). A 30-minute haunted hayride, then a 45-minute walk through The Hallow.

Trail of Terror, Wallingford (select nights through Oct. 30). An elaborate outdoor trail with theatrical sets and live characters. Not recommended for kids under 10.

Haunt on Eden, Mount Southington (select nights, Oct. 2–Nov. 7). Dark passages and live characters. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Scarrybrooke Park Haunted Trail, New Milford (select nights, Oct. 16–30). Nearly a mile of wooded trail, a hayride and heavy special effects. Not for kids under 12.

Nightmare on Main, Museum of Connecticut Glass, Coventry (Oct. 2–3, 9–10 & 16–17). A guided theatrical tour built around local history, recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Orchard Trials, Lyman Orchards, Middlefield (Fridays–Sundays, Oct. 2–31). An interactive haunt through the darkened orchard, with four new scenes this year.

A note for parents: age guidelines are each venue's own recommendation. If your kid is on the fence, the early or daytime sessions are a low-risk way to find out.

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