Haunted houses offer frightful fun before Halloween

Looking for a scare this Halloween season? Several haunted attractions in the foothill area offer spine-tingling experiences for thrill-seekers, though parents should check age recommendations before bringing young children. From twisted hospitals to cursed swamps, local haunted houses feature elaborate sets, professional actors and Hollywood-style special effects. Most attractions operate on weekends throughout October, with some extending into early November. Sacramento Scream Park Location: 4909 Auburn Blvd., SacramentoFeatures: Four haunted attractions, including Ravenwood Sanitarium, Silverthorn Amusement Park, Miss Hallow's Academy and Cursed Magic, escape game "AI or Human?", food trucks, gift shopTickets: Start at $29.99, higher prices on weekends and late October, fast passes available for additional feeHours: Most days in October through Nov. 2Special event: Glowstick Fright Night on Nov. 1-2 (pitch-black walkthrough with glow sticks only)Age recommendation: Not recommended for children under 12Parking: Free.Website: screamparkcalifornia.com Heartstoppers Haunted House Location: 2300 Mine Shaft Lane, Rancho CordovaFeatures: Four attractions including Deadlands, House McCutchen, Blightwoods and Misery Mine, hourly stage shows, live music, ghost town carnivalTickets: $27.50 for early October, $39.50 thereafter, $49.50 for expedited admission with carnival ticketsHours: Fridays and Saturdays starting Oct. 2; also Oct. 26, Oct. 30 and Nov. 1Age recommendation: Ages 13 and older; younger children must be accompanied by adultWebsite: heartstoppershaunt.com Corbett's House of Horror's Fear Farm Location: 46500 County Road, Davis (off Interstate 80 at E. Chiles Road)Features: 15 acres with scarecrow corntrail, zombie paintball attack, Medical Mayhem and CarnEvil attractionsTickets: $55 for all attractions, individual attraction tickets start at $12.50, sold on-site onlyHours: 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in OctoberSpecial note: Paintball attraction requires visitors to be at least 4 feet, 2 inches tall; arrive early, as it sells outParking: FreeWebsite: corbettshouseofhorror.com Preston Castle Location: Ione, Amador CountyFeatures: Historic castle tours with actors and Hollywood effectsTickets: Start at $35, $50 for VIP passHours: Fridays and Saturdays during final three weekends of OctoberWebsite: prestoncastle.org