What The 13th Floor is and where to find it

The 13th Floor is a chain of haunted house attractions with locations in multiple US cities. Each location operates as a walk-through horror experience where actors, sets, and special effects create a themed environment designed to frighten visitors. The attraction is not a single building but a franchise model, meaning each city's version is independently operated but follows a similar format.

The 13th Floor has locations in cities including Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Antonio, and others, though the specific locations and operating status change year to year. Most locations operate seasonally, typically from September through October around Halloween, though some run extended hours or year-round versions. You can find the location nearest you and current operating dates by searching for "The 13th Floor" plus your city name.

Key Takeaways

  • The 13th Floor is a walk-through haunted house where actors and effects create horror scenarios, and it operates seasonally in multiple US cities.
  • Tickets are purchased in advance or at the door, with prices varying by location and date, typically ranging from $20 to $40 per person.
  • The experience lasts 30 to 45 minutes and involves navigating dark rooms, encountering costumed actors, and exposure to loud sounds and strobe lighting.
  • The attraction has age restrictions and content warnings because it includes intense scares, gore effects, and themes that may disturb younger visitors or those sensitive to horror.
  • Physical contact between actors and visitors is typically prohibited, though the experience is designed to feel immersive and threatening.

How long the experience lasts and what happens inside

A typical visit to The 13th Floor takes 30 to 45 minutes from entry to exit. You move through a series of themed rooms and hallways in small groups, usually 6 to 15 people per group, depending on how the location manages flow. The path is one-way, so you cannot backtrack or skip sections.

Inside, you encounter costumed actors playing characters tied to that year's theme. Themes vary by location and season but often include zombies, serial killers, supernatural creatures, or storylines set in abandoned hospitals, asylums, or other institutional settings. The actors use dialogue, sudden movements, and proximity to create fear. Sets include props, lighting effects, strobe lights, fog machines, and sound design meant to disorient and unsettle you.

The experience is designed to be immersive, meaning actors may follow you closely, block your path, or create the impression that you are in danger. However, physical contact is not part of the standard experience—actors do not grab, restrain, or touch visitors without consent, though the staging is meant to feel threatening.

Ticket prices and how to purchase them

Ticket prices vary by location and date. General admission typically ranges from $20 to $40 per person, with higher prices on peak nights like Halloween weekend. Some locations offer discounts for advance online purchase or group rates for parties of 10 or more.

You can purchase tickets online through The 13th Floor's website for your specific location, or buy them at the door if availability remains. Online purchase is often recommended because peak nights sell out, and buying ahead guarantees entry at a specific time slot. Some locations use a timed-entry system, meaning you choose your entry time when you purchase.

Refund policies vary by location. Most do not offer refunds for changed plans, but some allow rescheduling to a different date if you purchase in advance. Check the specific location's policy before buying.

Age restrictions and content warnings

The 13th Floor is not recommended for children under 13, and many locations require visitors under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. Some locations have separate "family-friendly" versions with reduced intensity, though these are not available at all sites. Check your location's age policy before purchasing tickets for younger visitors.

Content includes simulated gore, fake blood, strobe lighting, loud sudden noises, and themes involving death, violence, and psychological horror. If you are sensitive to any of these elements—including flashing lights, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy—you should review the specific warnings for your location before attending. Some locations offer a "lights-on" or reduced-intensity option if you notify staff in advance.

What to wear and bring

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking through multiple rooms and may need to move quickly or navigate uneven surfaces. Avoid loose jewelry, scarves, or items that could catch on set pieces or that you might lose in the dark. Leave bags, phones, and valuables in your car or a find location—most haunted houses do not have coat check services, and you cannot safely carry items through the experience.

You will not need to bring anything. The attraction provides the entire experience. If you wear glasses or contacts, consider whether you want to keep them on—some people remove them to avoid losing them, but this affects your ability to see the sets and navigate safely.

What happens if you want to leave early

If you become too frightened or uncomfortable during the experience, you can exit at any point by asking a staff member or actor for help. Most locations have staff positioned throughout to information visitors who need to leave. Once you exit, you typically cannot re-enter the same experience on the same ticket, though policies vary by location.

If you think you might need to leave, tell staff when you arrive so they know to watch for you. Some locations allow a companion to exit with you if you become distressed, though this is not may provide at all sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can actors touch me or grab me?

Standard policy prohibits actors from touching visitors without consent. However, the staging is designed to feel threatening and immersive, so actors may come very close, block your path, or create the impression of danger. If you have a specific concern about physical contact, tell staff when you arrive.

What if I have a medical condition like epilepsy or a heart condition?

Strobe lighting and sudden loud noises are core elements of the experience. If you have photosensitive epilepsy, a heart condition triggered by stress, or severe anxiety, contact your location in advance to ask about accommodations or whether the experience is safe for you. Some locations offer modified versions with reduced intensity.

Can I bring my phone to take pictures or video?

Most locations do not allow phones or cameras during the experience because they distract from the immersion and create safety hazards in dark spaces. Some locations have a photo opportunity area at the end where you can take pictures with props or actors. Check your specific location's policy.

What if the experience is not scary enough for me?

Intensity varies by location and by the specific actors working that night. If you have attended multiple haunted houses and find The 13th Floor too mild, you might seek out attractions marketed as "extreme" or "hardcore," though these are less common and may have different rules about contact and intensity.

Is there parking at The 13th Floor?

Parking availability depends on the location. Most urban locations have street parking or nearby lots, while suburban locations typically have dedicated parking. Check your specific location's website or call ahead to confirm parking details.