October 11

What to Expect at an Interactive Haunted House

Indiana has plenty of haunted attractions, but how do you find the scariest one in Indy? If you're looking for more than a typical walk-through, no-touch spook house, consider an interactive haunted house this year. Here's what you need to know about extreme haunts.

READ THE RULES AND FAQS

Haunts described as "extreme," "intense," or "hands-on" vary in what that means. These details should be on their website or at the entrance. If not, contact them to ask.

Some things to be aware of:

  • Some haunts have safe words, others don’t.
  • Some may brush your shoulder; others might pick you up.
  • Some require waivers, others don’t.
  • Some allow opting out of physical contact; others don’t.

The make-believe world stops being fun when the boundaries between real and pretend get blurry, so make sure you go in with an understanding of what makes the attraction extreme and interactive. (Nightmare on Edgewood's FAQs are here.)

ACTORS DO THE TOUCHING, NOT YOU

Keep your hands to yourself. Don’t touch the props—they’re not made for it and can break. Also, don’t touch the actors. They're trained in appropriate ways to touch you—you aren’t trained to touch them.

REPORT ISSUES BEFORE YOU LEAVE

If you have a problem, speak to management before you leave. Issues are easier to resolve on the spot, while everyone involved is still present. If the issue can’t be fixed right away, exchange contact information.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT NIGHTMARE ON EDGEWOOD

Nightmare on Edgewood is, and always will be, a full-contact haunted house under the leadership of brothers Kevin and Paul Cook. Safety is the priority, especially when it comes to physical interaction. All actors undergo background checks and are trained on safe, appropriate touching, with a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.

Unlike some haunts, everyone at Nightmare on Edgewood is allowed to get physical. Certain characters may even use R-rated language or more extreme contact, but safety always comes first.

The actors won’t harm you, but Nightmare on Edgewood is one of the most intense haunted houses in the area. While it’s not for everyone, we’re confident you’ll find it among the scariest in Indy.

Here's what else you need to know:

  • There is no safe word at Nightmare on Edgewood, but you can exit (without a refund) at any time.
  • Our physical contact ranges from a light brush on the shoulder to separation from your group, or even being picked up or pinned down.
  • You don’t have to sign a waiver to enter.
  • To avoid physical contact, you must purchase a Chicken Ticket. Otherwise, you will be touched!

To prepare for an interactive, hands-on haunt, make sure you understand the rules and boundaries (or lack thereof). Read up, ask questions, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!