Some people celebrate fall with pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters and PSLs.
Others prefer to spend October screaming in the dark.
If you’re part of the second group, Central Arkansas has plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping this spooky season. From haunted houses and creepy trails to haunted forests and immersive attractions, there’s no shortage of places to test your courage—and maybe find out which one of your friends screams first.
So grab your bravest people, leave the flashlight at home and check out these Central Arkansas haunted attractions for the 2026 spooky season.
Fear Factory 501 | Jacksonville
Ready to step inside a nightmare?
Fear Factory 501 brings an industrial-style haunted experience to Jacksonville, complete with live scare actors, dark and disorienting corridors and plenty of surprises around every corner. The attraction also features an outdoor midway where you can grab food, take photos and catch your breath between scares.
The 2026 season opened September 25 and runs on select nights throughout October.
If your ideal Halloween night involves a group of friends, a little friendly competition and seeing who can make it through without running for the exit, Fear Factory 501 belongs on your list.
2026 season: Opened September 25
Where: Jacksonville
The Reaper Haunted House | North Little Rock
If you’re looking for a serious scare without going far from Little Rock, The Reaper Haunted House in North Little Rock is ready for you.
The attraction combines an indoor haunted house with outdoor elements, including more than 20 frightening scenes designed to keep you guessing what’s coming next.
The 2026 season opened September 26, with additional dates throughout October and Halloween weekend.
This is one to put on the calendar if “a little spooky” isn’t quite your speed.
2026 season: Opened September 26
Where: North Little Rock
Haunted Hotel of Arkansas | Little Rock
No, you won’t actually be checking in for the night—but you might wish you could.
Haunted Hotel of Arkansas has been bringing scares to Little Rock for years, transforming its space into a multi-room walk-through filled with live actors, elaborate sets, special effects and plenty of jump scares.
The 2026 season runs through November 1, with weekday and weekend nights available throughout the season.
It’s a classic choice for anyone who likes their Halloween scares indoors, immersive and unapologetically creepy.
2026 season: Now–November 1
Where: 10800 Arch Street, Little Rock
Creepy Trail of Willow Creek | Little Rock
Prefer your scares with a little fresh air?
Creepy Trail of Willow Creek takes you into the woods for an outdoor Halloween experience that combines a creepy trail, live actors and eerie scenes throughout the route.
The 2026 season runs October 2 through October 31, every weekend in October. And this year, the experience has gotten even bigger with an extended trail and the addition of the Creepy Cabin.
It’s a great choice for anyone who thinks the woods are already just a little too quiet at night.
2026 season: October 2–31
Where: 2811 Willow Springs Road, Little Rock
Creepy Works | Conway
Sometimes Southern hospitality isn’t quite what you were hoping for.
Creepy Works in Conway leans into what it calls “Southern inhospitality,” creating a haunted attraction filled with creepy rooms, live actors and plenty of opportunities to question why you agreed to go in the first place.
The 2026 season opened October 2, making it an easy option for a spooky night out in Conway.
Grab your friends, head north and see how long it takes before someone says, “I’m never doing this again.”
2026 season: Opened October 2
Where: Conway
Holland’s Haunted Forest | Vilonia
If a haunted house isn’t quite enough for you, how about getting scared in the woods?
Holland’s Haunted Forest in Vilonia takes the classic haunted trail concept and sends visitors into the darkness for an evening of screams, creepy characters and things that are probably better left unseen.
The 2026 season opened October 2, with select dates throughout October.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stay close to your friends—and maybe let someone else walk in front.
2026 season: Opened October 2
Where: Vilonia
The Royal Haunted House | Benton
For a haunt with a little local character, head to downtown Benton for The Royal Haunted House.
The annual attraction takes over the historic Royal Theatre and returns for its seventh year in 2026. This year’s haunt runs October 15–31 on select nights.
It’s a fun way to combine a night downtown with a little Halloween fright—and because the haunt is inside a historic theater, the setting is part of the experience.
2026 season: October 15–31
Where: 111 S. Market Street, Benton
THE BARN | Donaldson
Ready to get way out of your comfort zone?
THE BARN in Donaldson takes you down a dark country road and into a haunted experience where the setting itself is part of the scare.
The attraction opens October 2 for the 2026 season and offers select dates throughout October.
It’s a little bit of a drive from Little Rock, but for serious Halloween fans, sometimes the best scares are the ones that require a road trip.
2026 season: Opened October 2
Where: Donaldson
Make a Night of It
The best part of haunted-house season might not actually be the haunted house.
It’s getting your friends together, arguing about who is going to go first, grabbing dinner afterward and laughing about who screamed the loudest.
Whether you prefer a haunted hotel, a creepy trail through the woods or a full-on haunted house experience, Central Arkansas has plenty of ways to make October a little more thrilling.
So pick your haunt, gather your bravest people and get ready to scream your way through spooky season.
Just remember: If someone says, “I’ll go first,” they’re probably lying.
Haunted attractions are seasonal and schedules, admission prices and operating hours can change due to weather or other circumstances. Check each attraction’s website or social media before heading out.
Lindsay Jordan, Marketing Coordinator, Little Rock Regional Chamber
