Brave a haunted house, shiver at scary science or scream your way through a roller coaster ride. This month, get a chill down your spine at one of these Halloween haunts.

Science That Spooks

Are you afraid of the dark? The Museum of Discovery’s newest exhibit, In the Dark, explores nighttime, as well as darkness found in ecosystems like caves, the deep sea and underground. Visitors learn about the sometimes creepy critters and how they adapt to their dark surroundings. In the Dark opens Oct. 3. Included with general museum admission.

Tricks & Treats

Boo at the Zoo is a no-brainer for families—and not because a zombie got the munchies! The Little Rock Zoo’s festival is sweet enough to please little ones, but has enough bite to thrill older siblings. Don costumes and trick-or-treat through the zoo, which will be all decked out with lights and decorations. Older kids ages 8 and up looking for a scare can check out a haunted house, while tots fly in a bounce house. Activities also include dance contests, free carousel rides, glitter tattoos, a dance party and more! Boo at the Zoo will open 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 & 19; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24-Nov. 1. $10, or $20 all-inclusive armband.

Old Haunts

Scaredy-cats beware: central Arkansas’ haunted houses are not for the faint of heart. That said, if your family is serious about its scares, don’t miss EMOBA’s annual Haunted Cathedral. A scarecrowtorium graveyard leads visitors into the attraction, which is located in the former First Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock (1208 Louisiana St.). The multi-level haunted house makes use of its historic structure with features like a nightmarish claustrophobic den, strategically-placed actors and a winding maze. Safety pins are available for those who don’t want to be scared by actors. Haunted Cathedral will open Oct. 10-11 & Oct. 17-Nov. 1: 7-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 7 p.m.-midnight Fri. & Sat; must arrive 30 minutes before closing. Tickets are $20 Fri. & Sat.; $15 Mon.-Thu. For info: 372-0018.

Looking for a scare? Meet EMOBA’s “Kustomer Scare Liaison” Agatha Von Pettigrave.

Chills & Thrills

The monsters come out at night at Magic Springs Water & Theme Park. The annual Halloween festival, Magic Screams, offers plenty of family attractions—including rides for kids and a haunted house for younger children. Little ones can visit a trick-or-treating area and play family games. Plus, on Oct. 11, Wolverine will visit and families can enter a super hero costume contest. But scarier monsters and activities emerge from the shadows at dusk. Several of the park’s big kid rides will also be open, including SkyShark, X-Coaster, The Gauntlet, Wild Thang and Big Bad John. Magic Screams will open Oct. 11-Nov. 2: 4-11 p.m. Sat. & Oct. 31; 4-9 p.m. Sun. $29.99; children under 48” inches $19.99; children under 3 free; tickets available at Walgreens for $19.99.