Why not plan a little Halloween road trip through Southwest Riverside County this year? See home haunts in Wildomar, Murrieta, and Temecula.
Patch Staff
MURRIETA, CA—Local Southwest Riverside County neighborhoods are lit up with Halloween frights this weekend and through Halloween night. Whether the homeowners were inspired by local Halloween decoration contests, as in Murrieta, or have stepped up their game to create spooky-fun “Home Haunts” for the local kids turned teens, the number of front yard haunts has risen in 2024.
When you go, remember not to park in neighbors' driveways and to have a good time! This year, home haunts are outdoing themselves from Wildomar to Temecula. The haunted house hobby is in full swing, with many homeowners making their props or showcasing beautiful authentic animatronics. You'll find light shows, creepy headstones, and interactive displays, and even tidbits to purchase at a few.
Patch spoke with Temecula Valley Explorer, who compiled a list of some of the best private haunts this area has seen in years. None are as delightful as the haunt established by a Wildomar family known as the Nightmare on Cottonwood Corner in Wildomar, an all-ages fest of ghoulish fun.
The Nightmare on Cottonwood Corner is located at 36143 Stable Lanes Way in Wildomar. The home haunt is open from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31. When you go, check out the animated light shows nightly at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. This haunt is free to stroll through. However, the talented haunt designers accept and appreciate a $5 donation.
“Don’t miss this family-friendly interactive and spooky Halloween display Maze and light show,” Temecula Valley Explorer said, adding that this one is just 20 minutes north of Temecula.
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Also, in Wildomar, find a The Haunting on Satinwood Way. This home haunt, put on by Black Spot Creations, runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 31. The Haunt is free to visit, and coffee and cake pops are available for purchase for anyone who wants to wait rather than walk through. When you go, look for some freaky animatronics, such as Pennywise the Clown and others.
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Further south in Murrieta, a few home haunts stood out among the city of Murrieta’s Halloween Yard contest.
The Ellison Pirate House, located at 38165 Sevilla Avenue in Murrieta, runs nightly through Halloween, Starting at dusk until 9 p.m., and donations are greatly appreciated to help fund future events, according to TVE. Here, you will find family-friendly Electronics pyrotechnics, bubble foggers (you just have to see them to believe them), lights and water displays, and more.
Sevilla Avenue has several homes participating in this Halloween tradition; all are free to attend. Across the street from the pirate house, look for The Martin’s Spooky Amusement Park. Here, you’ll see family-friendly animatronics and light-up displays after dark.
Temecula is offering some amazing haunted houses, mazes and more in 2024.
Three Temecula Home Haunts captivated TVE with their stunning displays, enormous walls, and varying levels of scariness.
The Anton Haunt, located at 42330 Wyandotte Street in Temecula, is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, and on Halloween night. “If you Don't want to be scared, ask for a glow stick to carry,” she said. Still, this particular haunt is not suitable for small children who don't like to be scared! Saturday nights have haunt actors who will curl your hair with the scares!
McGrew Haunted House, located at 32559 Angelo Drive in Temecula, is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The tickets cost $5 per person, but they are well worth the visit for a haunt under construction since July. You’ll recognize the enormous maze walls, topped by dragons and other ghastly creatures. Proceeds from the visit go to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Kraklow Family Home Haunt, located on 33099 Sage Court in Temecula. If you like the Kraklow Family Christmas Lights, you’ll love their Halloween display. Drive by or walk up; this wicked setup starts at 6:30 to 9 or 10 pm., beginning Thursday, Oct. 24, through Halloween. See decorations, animatronics, a light show and more. Tune in to 89.7 FM to get the full freaky treatment.
Finally, Wolf Creek Island, located on Whitetail Lane in Temecula, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and Halloween night. The Wolf Creek Island has some of the freakiest displays you’ll see—a light show with a rumbling volcano, running nightly. Again, tune your car stereo to 89.7 FM for the full effect.
Happy haunting! And special thanks to Temecula Valley Explorer for her spook-tacular suggestions.
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