It's spooky in Topeka. Here's where to get your thrills and chills through Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner. For those who enjoy scaring themselves or others silly, here are haunts to escape from in Topeka this season.

Topeka Haunted Woods’ Manor of the Dead

This local haunt is hoping to become Topeka’s all-around resort of terror. In addition to the mile-long trail, this year has family-friendly hayrack ride, Airsoft gun zombie maze and more. NOTO Escapes will also be there.

Chris Hockman helped design and build the trails, costumes and props. He also acts and manages other actors. He has been in the business for six years doing business as Twisted Family Productions, a fundraiser for Dream Acres. Forest Park Conference and Retreat Center, owner of the land, also donates.

Dream Acres provides a supportive living environment for people living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

“A large percentage of adults with fetal alcohol syndrome, even though they might physically be 18, they're mentally anywhere from like 8 to 10,” Hockman said.

Hockman also donates money from his own pocketbook.

“I like doing it and I like giving back to the community,” he said.

Topeka Haunted Woods, 3158 S.E. 10th St., will be open 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6-28. Tickets for Manor of the Dead are $15 ($20 at the door). Haunted Hayrack Ride are $7.50 ($10 at the door). Combo tickets (trail and hayrack ride) are $20 ($25 at the door). Combo fast passes in front of the line tickets are $30 ($35 at the door). Haunted Hunt — Airsoft target maze — tickets are $10 ($25 at the door). Combo Hunt Past Pass front of the line combo and pass tickets are $35 ($40 at the door).

Fear Zone

Linda Buchheister, Topeka, visited this haunt, also an outdoor trail, as part of a woman’s night out with her adult daughters.

“They were fabulous!” she said. “I mean they (the Fear Zone creators) did a great job, and I can tell you I'm not a person that gives compliments. The costumes and the layout and the timing of things was done excellently.”

Although Buchheister said some small children might be overwhelmed, others would enjoy the scare.

“My kids, when they were under 15 years old, would have loved it. I think mine would be scared. They think that's cool.”

Owners Kelly and Scott Heston, like Haunted Forest’s Hockman family, have many plans for their site. In addition to the haunted woods, Monster Splat, which allows visitors to ride in jeeps and shoot glow-in-the-dark blasters, will be there for the second year.

A disc jockey and food trucks are also planned.

The Hestons describe the event as a family business.

“There's times I’ll get in costume,” said Scott Heston. “Sometimes my daughters will be driving vehicles. My son, he was 11 last year. He got into a Chucky costume and was out there.

“My wife is normally up front running all the tickets.”

There will be lots of surprises too this year. More actors have been added to the troupe.

Fear Zone, 3909 S.W. Burlingame Road, is open 8 to 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 6-28. A foam party will be Oct. 7, and a trunk-or-treat will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 21. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for a fast pass. Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a waiver of liability.

Halloween Block Party

For the younger crowd and the lovers of all things scary, a costume parade and contest will be at Ross Elementary. Sponsored by Fellowship Crest, candy will be strewn about. Divisions for the costume contest are 5 and younger, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 and older.

A special category will be held for seniors and groups of two or more who wish to strut their stuff. An inflatable obstacle course, a pumpkin patch for 18 and under, hot dogs, water and live music will be available. All will be free of charge.

The event, at the playground behind Ross Elementary, 1400 S.E. 34th St., will be 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Parking is at Indiana Avenue Church of Christ, 3510 S.E. Indiana Ave. The organization is looking for volunteers to make the magic happen.

Keynundrum

This escape room offers several scary scenarios to choose from, including "Murder of Crows," "Murder Hotel" and "Kidnapped." For those who still have nightmares about their school years, there is also "Chaotic Classroom."

Not everyone finds their way out.

Keynundrum, 2900 S.W. Atwood Ave., is open 5-8:30 pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Here's where to get thrills and chills through Halloween in Topeka