How to Start a Haunted Attraction Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
If you’re looking for a fun and profitable small business idea, opening a haunted house attraction is tough to beat! Haunted houses are super popular around Halloween, but with smart planning you can keep those doors creaking all year long. Here’s my advice for anyone wanting to start their own spooky attraction biz:
Pick the Perfect Haunted House Location
Choosing the right spot is key for maximum scares. Look for buildings near busy roads or entertainment districts so you get lots of foot traffic. Warehouses, old factories, or empty retail spaces make ideal blank canvases to transform into terror chambers. The creepier the building, the better for setting that eerie haunted house mood.
Conjure Up a Spine-Tingling Theme and Story
Every good haunted house needs an original backstory and theme to freak out guests. Develop an immersive world, like an abandoned asylum, haunted hotel or zombie virus outbreak. Make sure all the scenes, props, and scares tie together to bring the horrific story alive. The more creative and detailed you go, the better the experience. Have fun coming up with chilling tales to unsettle your customers!
Need a Haunted Attraction Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Design a Maze of Scares
Map out how victims…err, guests will flow through the attraction, maximizing every nook and cranny for non-stop flights. Use a twisting path to disorient. Dead-ends force nervous doubling back. Stash ghouls in hidden lairs to jump out when least expected. Leave a few open areas to build suspense between shocks. Always end with an epic finale escape room!
Deck the Halls with Scary Props
Cobwebs and store-bought decorations alone won’t cut it. You need awesomely creepy props like coffins, body parts, tombstones, and monsters galore. Take inspiration from horror films and use lighting, sounds, fog, and startle scares to ratchet up the terror. The more customized and theatrical, the better the experience.
Cast Your Scare Actor Dream Team
No haunted house is complete without actors scaring the pants off patrons. Hold auditions to find natural “scarers” who love improv, costumes, makeup and going all out. Provide training on scare tactics and safety. Rotate roles so actors don’t get bored. Keep them pumped up and in character to take your haunt over the top.
Spread the Word Far and Wide
Once your haunted house is looking terrifyingly amazing, it’s time to market it! Advertise on social media, flyers, local media and anywhere you can. Play up that spine-tingling theme in all promotions. Offer discounts on slow nights and keep momentum up even off-season. Consider hosting expanded events like zombie runs or a haunted hayride to keep the screams coming year-round!
Prioritize Safety and Precautions
Running a safe operation is key. Install proper lighting, identify trip hazards, monitor lines and capacity limits. Enforce rules like no running and review actor scare etiquette. Keep first aid supplies and emergency response plans ready just in case. Stay current on all building codes and permits for your area.
With ingenuity, planning, and commitment to epic scares, you can launch the hottest haunted house attraction around. Add in business savvy and marketing, and your haunted empire will thrive for Halloween 2023 and far beyond! Just remember — the scarier the better!
Need a Haunted Attraction Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Haunted Attraction Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to find a good haunted house location?
Drive around your area and look for vacant commercial buildings like warehouses, old stores, or factories that could house a haunted attraction. Check industrial areas off major roads or near entertainment districts. Talk to real estate agents about short-term leasing options.
How much does it cost to start a haunted house?
Costs vary widely based on size and special effects, but plan for at least $10,000 — $30,000 to design, build and promote a small haunted house. Budget more for elaborate sets, animatronics and quality props. Ongoing costs for staff and operations will need to be covered by ticket revenue.
What safety precautions should I take?
Make sure your haunted house complies with fire codes, building permits, disability access and other regulations. Have fire extinguishers on site and clearly mark emergency exits. Limit occupancy and have crowd control staff. Prohibit running and drugs/alcohol. Review scare etiquette with actors and security staff.
How long does it take to build and open a haunted attraction?
It takes at least 2–3 months to find a location, design sets and themes, acquire props, build, hire actors, and promote your haunted house. Longer lead time allows for more detailed sets and preparation. Aim to open in late September to get the most business closer to Halloween.
Can a haunted house operate year-round?
While Halloween is your busiest season, many haunted houses are able to operate on weekends year-round, especially if you offer varied attractions like zombie runs or expanded themes. Off-season gives you time to improve and change up your haunted house to encourage repeat customers.
Do I need special insurance?
Yes, you’ll need liability insurance in case a guest gets injured. You may also need short-term insurance for the building or productions insurance for props and sets. Work with an insurance agent experienced in amusement park and haunted house coverage.
How can I make my haunted house really scary?
Use detailed sets and environments that immerse guests. Create a cohesive backstory and creepy soundtrack. Play on phobias with dark passages, claustrophobic spaces, startling scares, disorienting elements and intimidating actors. Take guests out of their comfort zone for an intense, unsettling experience.
What’s the best way to promote a haunted house?
Start early with an engaging social media presence and creepy viral marketing. Distribute flyers and posters locally. Seek earned media through press releases and interviews. Run promotions and contests. Partner with local businesses and community groups to spread the word. Time advertising peaks in October.
How can I ensure customers have a safe experience?
Provide adequate lighting, identify trip hazards, keep the flow through the house orderly, monitor capacity, prohibit running, keep first aid supplies on hand, and train staff on emergency procedures. Review rules and scare etiquette before guests enter. Have security to handle any issues.
