PORTLAND, Ore. — The first weekend of October kicks off the start of spooky season. Whether you're looking for a good scream or prefer to sip on apple cider at the pumpkin patch, there are plenty ways to celebrate fall and the month of Halloween.
Here's a look at some of the haunted houses and pumpkin patches to check out around the Portland metro area.
Haunted houses
Scaregrounds PDX
When: Oct. 4-6, Oct. 11-13, Oct. 18-21, Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 2.
Where: Oaks Park, 7805 Southeast Oaks Park Way, Portland, Ore.
What: Oaks Amusement Park brings back three terrifying haunted houses at Scaregrounds PDX. The Silver Scream is a decrepit movie palace teeming with infamous villains of horror cinema. Those brave enough can also step into the Forbidden Fortress, which is haunted by a cursed king and his court. The last haunted attraction is called Slayers, where people can join the ranks of a secret organization of monster hunters.
The haunted houses open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25, and they can be purchased online or at the door. The attractions are recommended for people aged 13 and older.
Underhill Haunted House's Season of Screams
When: Oct. 4-5, Oct. 11-12, Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27, Oct. 31 and Nov. 2
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 North Ramsay Way, Portland, Ore.
What: Get a thrill by experiencing three themed attractions at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. New this year is the Witches Bog, where you'll have to make it out without getting captured or transformed by four witches. At the Underhill Manor, vampires have taken over the mansion and are throwing a ball. All you have to do is make sure you're not on the menu. At the Terror Ship, the ship has crashed on an alien world and there's nothing stopping the creatures from hunting you and the crew. There's also a Halloween, market with local vendors and artists. Children under the age of 10 (and adult scaredy cats) can check out the Kids Monster Fest.
Tickets are limited. General admission is $30 with additional fees.
Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Experience
When: Oct. 9-13, Oct. 16-20, Oct. 23-27 and Oct. 30-31. 7-10 p.m. nightly
Where: Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, Wash.
What: Screams from the screen to come life in this live-action horror movie experience. The drive-in lasts about two hours, depending on the film length. You'll want to lock your car doors because monsters may be lurking outside your window! Tickets can be purchased online.
Cinema of Horrors Haunted House
When: Oct. 4-5, Oct. 11-12, Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27, Oct. 31 and Nov. 2.
Where: Three Rivers Mall, 1301 Grade Street, Kelso, Wash. 98626
What: Check out four haunted houses at the Three Rivers Mall: Pumpkin Manor, Ripper Asylum: Sanity's End, Cursed Cove: Creatures of the Deep, and Funhouse Mania 3D. They're recommended for those 13 years and older but are open to guests of all ages; there will be a non-scary trick-or-treat night, so kids don't miss out on the fun. Tickets start at $16.99 online.
Pumpkin patches
Lee Family Farms
When: Sept. 21-Oct. 31, Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 31 hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 21975 Southwest 65th Avenue, Tualatin, Ore. 97062
What: Come experience the seven-generation family farm, with a u-pick pumpkin patch; hayrides; a family friendly corn maze; kids' activities; farm animals; and goodies, including apple cider doughnuts, apple and hard cider, and jams, jellies and produce. Tickets are $20 for seniors with ID and $25 for the rest!
Yesteryear Farms
When: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sundays 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 26801 SW Stafford Road, Wilsonville Ore. 97070
What: The free pumpkin patch is jampacked with hay pyramid and tube slides, farm animals, character appearances, refreshments, Friday night movies, weekend food trucks and more; along with pumpkins, there are cornstalks, mums, hay, crates and other outdoor decor! You can compete with family and friends inside the 10-acre corn maze, as well as feast on apple cider doughnuts, to win a game inspired by Clue. Tickets can be bought here.
Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., plus late Friday and Saturday nights until 7 p.m. in October
Where: 16511 NW Gillihan Road, Portland, Oregon 97231
What: There's a plethora of activities this spooky season, from pumpkin-picking hayrides, an antique tractor display and the "cow train" to The Maize. Adults can grab beer and hard cider on tap at The Patio Cafe, and families can explore the produce market, animal barn and Pumpkin Cottage Giftshop. During the weekend, there are specialty food booths with caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, kettle corn, corn-on-the-cob, potato pups, pulled pork and more. More information can be found here.
French Prairie Gardens
When: Oct. 5-27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 17673 French Prairie Road, St. Paul, Oregon 97137
What: Along with an over-12-acre pumpkin patch with over 20 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, there are the famous Pigtucky Derby Pig Races, Double Super Mega Ride n’ Slide, games in the huge corn maze, tractor wagon rides, obstacle courses, sunflower fields, farm animals and more. Tickets start at $5, and the weekday pumpkin patch pass is $17.99 for those 2 and up.
Heiser Farms
When: Weekends in October, with u-pick Monday through Friday
Where: 21425 Southeast Grand Island Loop, Dayton, Oregon 97114
What: Have fun at the corn and hay mazes, hay and fire engine rides, Grand Island Railroad and barrel train, petting zoo, pedal tractors, hay pyramid and slides, and more. You can also fire a pumpkin cannon for $10, which will go to breast cancer support. Admission is $8; kids under 2 are free with an adult.