Field of Screams is a seasonal haunted house with multiple themed mazes and scare zones across several locations

Field of Screams operates haunted attractions in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York during the fall season, typically from late September through early November. Each location features outdoor mazes, indoor haunted houses, and roaming scare actors — not a single building but a collection of experiences spread across a property. The attraction is known for live performers who interact with visitors, practical effects like fog and lighting, and maze layouts that change yearly.

The experience is designed for adults and older teens who are comfortable with jump scares, darkness, and close contact with costumed performers. Field of Screams does not use extreme gore or graphic violence as its primary draw, though the intensity varies by zone. Most visitors spend two to four hours moving through all available attractions at a single location.

Key Takeaways

  • Field of Screams has three separate locations — Columbus and Sandusky in Ohio, and Youngstown in Ohio — each operating independently with different mazes and themes.
  • Tickets are purchased in advance online or at the gate, with prices varying by date, with weekend dates typically costing more than weekday visits.
  • The attraction operates only during fall season, usually from late September through early November, with hours expanding as Halloween approaches.
  • Visitors move through outdoor mazes and indoor haunted houses at their own pace, encountering live scare actors throughout both types of attractions.
  • The experience involves darkness, fog, strobe lighting, and performers in close proximity, so visitors should assess their comfort level before purchasing tickets.

What each location offers and how they differ

Field of Screams operates three separate properties, and each one has its own set of mazes and haunted houses. The Columbus location typically features the largest number of attractions and draws the biggest crowds. The Sandusky location is smaller and often less crowded on the same night. The Youngstown location is the newest addition to the chain and may have different themes or layouts than the other two.

Each location changes its maze designs and storylines from year to year, so returning visitors will encounter new paths and scenarios. The haunted houses at each site are permanent structures, but the décor, props, and actor placement shift seasonally. Before visiting, check the Field of Screams website for your specific location to see which attractions are running that season, since not every location offers every maze every year.

Ticket prices, hours, and when to visit

Ticket prices depend on the date you visit and whether you buy in advance or at the gate. Weekend nights, especially the week before Halloween, cost more than weekday visits. Online advance purchase is usually cheaper than buying at the entrance. Some dates may sell out, particularly Friday and Saturday nights in late October, so purchasing ahead reduces the risk of arriving to find no tickets available.

Field of Screams typically opens in late September and runs through early November, with hours expanding as the season progresses. Early-season weeknights might open at 7 or 8 p.m., while late October weekends often run from 6 p.m. to midnight or later. Check the website for your specific location's current hours before you go, since schedules change week to week and the attraction may close for weather or special events.

What to bring and what to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes — you will be on your feet for hours moving through outdoor mazes and indoor spaces. Dress for the weather, since most of the experience is outdoors and temperatures drop significantly after dark in fall. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt even if the day was warm. Avoid wearing anything you cannot afford to get dirty, since fog machines, mud, and outdoor terrain can stain clothing.

Leave your phone in your pocket or car if possible. Holding a phone or camera distracts you from the experience and makes it harder for scare actors to engage with you. If you do bring a phone, keep it secured so you do not drop it in the dark. Do not bring weapons, drugs, or alcohol — Field of Screams has a strict no-weapons policy and does not allow outside beverages.

How the mazes and haunted houses work

You move through attractions at your own pace with other visitors, usually in groups of two to eight people. Scare actors are stationed throughout the mazes and houses and will jump out, chase, or interact with you as you pass. The actors stay in character and do not break the fourth wall. If you ask them to stop or tell them you are uncomfortable, they will back off — the attraction respects that boundary.

Outdoor mazes are lit with colored lighting and fog, making it straightforward to get turned around. The paths are designed to loop back on themselves or dead-end, so you may pass the same actor multiple times. Indoor haunted houses use darkness, strobe lights, and tight corridors to disorient visitors. Some sections require you to crouch or squeeze through narrow spaces, so if you have mobility concerns or claustrophobia, ask staff about which attractions might be difficult for you.

Physical demands and what to know before you go

Field of Screams is not a passive experience — you will walk several miles across uneven outdoor terrain, climb stairs, and navigate tight indoor spaces. The attraction is not wheelchair accessible in most areas, though staff can discuss specific limitations if you call ahead. If you have a heart condition, severe anxiety, or other health concerns triggered by sudden scares or physical exertion, consider whether this attraction is right for you.

The experience involves live performers in close proximity, so if you are uncomfortable with strangers touching you or standing very close, this may not be the right fit. Scare actors will not intentionally harm you, but they may grab your arm, tap your shoulder, or stand inches from your face. If you have trauma related to violence or assault, the simulated threat and physical proximity may be triggering — you know yourself best.

Rules and what happens if you break them

Field of Screams prohibits running, fighting back against actors, or removing props from the attraction. Visitors who become aggressive toward staff or other guests will be removed without a refund. Do not attempt to film or photograph actors' faces — the attraction protects performer privacy. If you feel unsafe or witness someone breaking rules, alert a staff member when ready.

The attraction reserves the right to refuse entry or remove anyone who appears intoxicated, is behaving dangerously, or is not following posted rules. If you are removed, you will not receive a refund. Respect the actors and other visitors, stay on marked paths, and follow all staff instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my young child to Field of Screams?

Field of Screams is designed for adults and older teens. While there is no strict age minimum, the intensity of live scares, darkness, and close contact with performers frightens most children under 13. Many parents bring teenagers aged 14 and up without issue, but you know your child's comfort level. Some locations may offer a "family-friendly" time or reduced-intensity maze — call ahead to ask if that option exists at your location.

What if I get lost in the maze?

Staff members are stationed throughout the mazes and can point you in the right direction if you ask. You cannot get truly lost — all paths eventually lead out. If you feel panicked or claustrophobic, tell any staff member and they will walk you out when ready. Do not wander off marked paths trying to find a shortcut, as that is where you risk getting actually stuck or injured.

Do I have to go through every attraction, or can I skip some?

You can skip any attraction you want. Your ticket gives you access to all mazes and haunted houses at that location, but you choose which ones to enter. If one attraction sounds too intense or you are running out of time, you can move on to another one instead. Staff at each entrance can tell you what to expect inside before you commit.

Is there a way to avoid the scariest parts?

No single "straightforward" route exists through the mazes, since scare actors are positioned throughout. However, visiting on a slower night (weekday rather than weekend) means fewer actors and less intensity. Arriving early in the evening rather than late also tends to be less crowded and less chaotic. If you want minimal scares, Field of Screams may not be the right choice — the entire point is the scare experience.

Can I get a refund if I do not finish all the attractions?

Refunds are not issued for partial visits or if you decide to leave early. Once you purchase a ticket, it is valid for that night only and cannot be transferred or refunded. If you have a medical emergency or safety concern, speak to a manager on-site about your specific situation.