Halloween Haunt at Kings Island, 2025 Halloween Special
The 2025 Halloween Haunt at Kings Island opens on September 19 and runs through November 1. I’m already primed for it and if you love Halloween events, you should be too. This event is one of the biggest seasonal fright nights in Ohio, combining rides, scare zones, haunted mazes, and new thrills. From the moment the sun sets, the park transforms into a fear-filled playground.
What makes it unique is how seriously Kings Island invests in the atmosphere: fog, lighting, costumed actors, and haunted mazes. I’ve been to a few haunt nights, and I can say: this year promises changes that may make this one of their best.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Halloween Haunt Overview
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Halloween Haunt presented by SNICKERS® |
| Dates | Select nights Sept 19 – Nov 1, 2025 |
| Location | 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, Ohio 45034 |
| Time | Typically park gates open at ~6 PM for Haunt nights |
| Entry Fee | Park admission covers rides & scare zones. Haunted mazes require Haunted Attractions Pass ($10+, maze access or bundle) |
| Crowd Size | Large. Expect heavy attendance especially weekends after sundown |
| Main Attractions | Haunted mazes (new “Order of the Dragon”, “Cornered”), multiple scare zones, live shows, themed food & drink |
Halloween Haunt at Kings Island 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
Visiting on a Haunt night? Here’s what you need to know:
- The 2025 event runs Thursday through Sunday nights across the season (check calendar for exact dates).
- Gates typically open around 6 PM for Haunt, park eligible rides may close earlier; check official hours.
- Location is at Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH 45034.
- Best entry point: Arrive early (5:30-6:00 PM) to avoid long lines; head to the Action Zone or Coney Mall areas early to catch new mazes.
- After the park “night” hours begin, rides and mazes operate under night lighting so expect shorter daylight and all-night atmosphere.
- Finish the night at one of the live shows or scare-zone walkthroughs before closing.
History & Origins
Halloween Haunt at Kings Island traces back to the park’s “FearFest” era in the early 2000s. Over time it evolved into the current format under Cedar Fair ownership. The event gained popularity by combining the amusement-park rides with haunted attractions at night.
In recent years, the park expanded its offerings: more scare zones, more immersive mazes, higher production value. For 2025 they’ve added a new centerpiece maze associated with the Conjuring franchise, and they’ve changed the ticketing model: haunted mazes are no longer included with standard admission they require an upgraded pass. That shift reflects both guest demand and the park’s strategy to raise the experience level.
How to Participate In Halloween Haunt at Kings Island, 2025
If you want a full Haunt experience, here’s how to join:
- Buy your park admission for a designated Haunt date online in advance.
- Decide if you want to add the Haunted Attractions Pass (for access to mazes) or Express Pass (skip lines) — both are extra.
- Age note: The event is not recommended for children under 13 because of the intense atmosphere.
- Costume rules: While this is a night-event, standard park costume restrictions apply (no full masks that hide identity, no weapons).
- Season pass holders can attend but still must purchase the maze-access upgrades this year.
- Volunteers/crew positions may exist (through the park’s employment section) if you want behind-the-scenes access.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
Let me share what I’ve learned over years of haunt nights:
- Arrive early to beat the worst of the crowd. On busy weekends the queues build fast after dark.
- Best photo spots: The Action Zone night-rides in motion, Coney Mall with fog lighting, International Street lit up late.
- For less-crowded zones: Try the early part of the night in Rivertown or near Soak City exit.
- Accessibility: The park offers wheelchair/stroller rentals; plan ahead if you have mobility concerns.
- Weather prep: Fall nights in Ohio can get chilly. Layer up, bring a light jacket, and maybe a compact umbrella in case of rain.
- Crowd tip: If you only want scares, skip the rides lines and focus on the mazes/scare zones later in the night when ride queues get long.
Costumes & Themes
2025 has a bold theme: the “Order of the Dragon” maze, and the inclusion of the horror-franchise experience The Conjuring: Beyond Fear. You’ll want a costume that suits: maybe vampire-hunter gear, or a lore-heavy detective vibe, or classic horror-movie look.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Past years’ trends: black-and-red wardrobe, subtle gore makeup, accessories that glow under fog-lighting. My tip: Nothing too bulky, because mazes are tight and you’ll want full mobility. If you’re just there for the rides and less-scary fun, a subtle themed shirt works great.
Entertainment & Highlights
Here’s what makes the night memorable:
- Haunted Mazes: “Order of the Dragon”, “Cornered”, “Alien Abyss”, “KillMart” each maze packs unique scares.
- Scare Zones: Haunted sections throughout the park: Rivertown, Coney Mall, International Street, each with themed performers roaming.
- Live Shows: At intervals, you’ll catch high-energy horror shows like “NyteWalkers” or the Opening Ceremony cast reveal.
- Rides at Night: The regular roller coasters and thrill rides take a new tone under darkness. One ride I love: The Beast at night.
- Food & Drink: Seasonal menu with themed items, “cursed cocktails” (21+), spooky snacks. Great for a mid-night fuel stop.
Travel & Accommodation
Here are some practical logistics:
- Nearest airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about ~25 minutes away by car.
- Parking at the park: On-site parking is available; arrive early to get a good spot.
- Nearby hotels: Mason, OH and nearby areas have multiple hotel options. Book early if visiting on a weekend Haunt night.
- Public transport: Limited direct transit; driving is the most practical mode. Ride-shares and taxis work fine.
- Tip: If staying nearby, plan for return late at night rides often keep going well past 10 PM.
Food & Local Experiences
Don’t skip the themed eats. I tried a few last year and here’s what I found:
- Seasonal menu includes things like “Blood-Moon Burger”, “Witch’s Brew” cocktails, Halloween themed desserts.
- On-site restaurants inside the park will have special Haunt offerings — check the map when you arrive.
- Local Mason eateries: If you want a less-haunted dinner before the event, try places near I-71 exit 22.
- Merchandise: Grab limited-edition Haunt gear; these sell out fast on busy nights.
Safety & Rules
Here are key rules you should know:
- Bag checks at entry. Don’t bring large backpacks that block aisles.
- No weapons or realistic weapon props are allowed. Costumes must comply with park policy.
- The event is intense: not recommended for children under 13. Consider that before attending.
- Re-entry policy: Once you leave after 6 PM on Haunt nights, you may not be allowed back in. Plan accordingly.
- Stay alert around rides and dark zones: atmosphere may be disorienting.
Photography & Social Media Tips
Want to capture impressive content? Here’s how I do it:
- Best light: After twilight when the park lights turn on, fog and spot-lights give dramatic shots. I use a camera with good low-light performance.
- Use hashtags: #KingsIsland, #HalloweenHaunt, #KIHaunt2025, #OrderoftheDragon — these help your posts get more visibility.
- Respect other guests: Don’t use flash in mazes or scare zones (it’s unsafe and less effective).
- Professional gear: If you’re using big cameras or tripods, check park policy; sometimes motors or rigs may be restricted.
- Share your story: Post short clips of rides at night, your maze reactions, themed food — it makes for great content and memories.
Conclusion
In short: The 2025 Halloween Haunt at Kings Island offers one of the top haunted event nights in the region. With new mazes, upgraded passes, the mystique of night rides and immersive scare zones, it’s something I’ll be marking on my calendar. If you’re looking for a mix of thrill rides and serious haunt atmosphere, this event hits that sweet spot. Arrive early, grab your maze pass, stay warm, and be ready for plenty of screams. You’ll thank yourself later.
See you in the fog.
FAQs
No. The park admission covers rides and scare zones, but haunted mazes require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass.
Yes but it’s not recommended for children under 13 due to strong scare content.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Arrive around 5:30-6 PM when the gates open for the Haunt nights.
Costumes are allowed for guests, but you must follow the park’s costume policy (no full face masks, no realistic weapons).
No. On-site parking has its own fee.
September 19 – November 1
