Haunted Houses

Wondering where to go for dark, haunted mazes, monsters lurking in the shadows, mad surgeons, torture chambers and hands-on experiences with slimy guts? Here are some of Orange County’s Halloween-spirited sites--most geared toward older kids and adults.

Buena Park

* Knott’s Scary Farm & Halloween Haunt

The county’s largest Halloween extravaganza. Hosted by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and the Crypt Keeper from “Tales of the Crypt.” Two scare zones, 10 walk-through mazes and rides re-themed for Halloween. Recommended for ages 13 and older. No costumes allowed.

Where: Knott’s Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd.

When: Today, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Admission: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Advance purchase recommended. Call the Knott’s ticket line at (877) TKTS 2 DI or Ticketmaster at (714) 703-2555 or (213) 365-3535.

Information: (714) 220-5200 or https://www.halloweenhaunt.com

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* Medieval Times Haunted Castle

Special Halloween addition to the two-hour dinner theater show. Includes a medieval torture chamber, haunted maze and dancing. Costumes welcome.

Where: 7662 Beach Blvd.

When: Show times are Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Saturday, 6 and 8:15 p.m.; Sunday, 5 and 7:15 p.m.

Admission: $35.95 for adults $23.95 children.

Information: (800) 899-6600

Costa Mesa

* Piecemakers Country Store

Recommended for children 7 years and older. Includes games, hot dogs, kettle corn, musical entertainment.

Where: 1720 Adams Ave.

When: Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.

Admission: $1

Information: (714) 641-3112

Huntington Beach

* Dark Wrath Keep

Large haunted house in an old bank building. Produced by Spooky Fx.

Where: Huntington Beach Mall, 7777 Edinger Ave.

When: Thursday through Sunday 8 to 11 p.m.Admission: $8

Information: (714) 381-1516

Irvine

* Irvine Youth Center

Where: Heritage Park, 14301 Yale Ave.

When: Friday, for ages 6 to 12, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, for ages 3 to 6, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $1

Information: (949) 724-6750

La Habra

* La Habra Children’s Museum

Spooky and fun, but not too scary. Geared toward ages 3 to 8. This year’s theme is “Primordial Ooze,” featuring dinosaurs and the prehistoric era.

Where: 301 S. Euclid St.

When: Today, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Admission: 75 cents for children 2 and older.

Information: (562) 905-9793

Laguna Niguel

* Halloween House 1999

Sponsored by Laguna Niguel Recreation Department. Dark and scary, mostly for older kids and adults.

Where: 27752 El Lazo Road, behind Laguna Niguel City Hall

When: Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m. (recommended for ages 8 and older); Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. (recommended for ages 8 and older); Friday, 8 to 10:30 p.m. (extra-scary session recommended for ages 10 and older), Saturday, 5 to 7 p.m. (least-scary session recommended for ages 5 and older.) Saturday, 8 to 10:30 p.m. (recommended for ages 8 and older.)

Admission: $5

Information: (949) 362-4351, Ext. 1 or (949) 425-5100

Orange

* The Block at Orange

Realm of Darkness Haunted House by Bloodline Productions. Super-scary haunt geared toward older kids and teens.

Where: 20 City Drive

When: 7 p.m. to midnight, nightly through Halloween.

Admission: $9 for ages 12 and older. $6 for children younger thanr 12. (Not recommended for children younger than 12 unless accompanied by adult.)

Information: (888) 4-Nightmares. Times and prices subject to change. Call for information.