Costume Ideas For Halloween Teenage Girls

Halloween is the time when teenage girls can dress up in a variety of costumes. The teenagers themselves will have clear ideas as to who they want to dress up like. If they want they can get ideas by searching the internet. A lot of information is available on the web. There are catalogs which give information about costumes for girls. Besides, there are many stores that keep many costumes for Halloween.

Teenagers are at an age when they love dressing. They would like to go to the Halloween party and if there is a prize they would want to win it. They take care to dress perfectly. Since Halloween is associated with the supernatural, the girls would naturally like to dress up like a witch, a vampire, a ghost, a devil or a sorceress. Such effect can be obtained by adding accessories that will transform the teenager into that character for the time being. They would like to cast a spell on the audience that they face. A painted face and long hair with hats and wands where necessary will create the wanted effect.

Girls would also like to dress up as a detective, a gangster, an outlaw, a pirate or a barbarian. This will need a bold look. They also like to wear the costume of a cave girl. Some might prefer to look like an angel, a fairy or a Greek goddess. This will need veils and wings.

Still some others might want to wear a sexy outfit. They can dress up as a French maid, a nurse, a sexy Santa, a warden, a stewardess, Cleopatra etc. Many present day film and television personalities can also be imitated. This will give them something that they can identify with.

Movie and television shows that are popular can also give many ideas for costumes. Some of them are the characters from the Star Wars and Harry Potter movies. Television sitcoms and cartoons that are extremely popular are also liked by girls.

Teenagers would also like to dress up like popular television personalities, movie stars, singers, pop stars and other famous political figures. All this can be possible by dressing up like the person they want to portray.

Costumes of various periods are also popular. Girls can dress up as people belonging to the Victorian era, or the Egyptian women. Each era has its own style, which can be imitated. Costumes of Cleopatra, Helen of troy and Quee
1000
n Elizabeth can be worn.

Famous real life personalities like Paris Hilton, Jennifer Anniston, Angelina Jolie, and Amy Winehouse can also be imitated.

Girls can easily transform themselves into another character by dressing up themselves in those clothes. Girls have a natural flair for dressing. They love to apply make up. They would also like to put on a mask if it is necessary. Long false nails, eyelashes and hair extensions can be used by them. The face can also be painted to suit the personality. They can wear different kinds of boots or shoes. This can also accompanied with scarves or hoods as the costume demands.

With such a vast variety of costumes available, teenage girls can definitely make their own costumes or order for them in a store or order online. As the girls start planning they can add newer accessories to make the character come alive. This would go a long way in making the Halloween a party a grand success.

By: robertjames

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Robert James is an expert author, who is presently working on the site Halloween Costumes, Costumes for Halloween. He has written many articles in various topics. For more information about Teen Costumes, Girls Costumes. Visit our site Adult Costumes, Sexy Costumes.

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Witch Halloween Fancy Dress

We love to look our best every day of the year – with the exception of Halloween! On October 31st we wear outrageous fancy dress costumes; for one night only we make ourselves look as gruesome as we can. Most Halloween fancy dress is gory and dramatic but, if you prefer a softer image, there are oodles of Halloween costumes that are gorgeous and sexy too.

So if you don’t want to go gruesome this year, check out the sexy witch costumes or blazing hot red devil outfits. There are great quantities of Halloween fancy dress available and we have huge varieties of witchy costumes to choose from. It’s the Halloween equivalent of the little black dress! And we all have at least one of those in our wardrobe!

Short witch dresses
Bring some drama to the party by wearing a short witchy costume; they’re sexy and fabulous to wear. You’ll find glitz and glamour in black shiny or floaty materials. Lace and corsets go exceptionally well with all ladies Halloween costumes and look especially good with short witches’ costumes. Add volume and a little buzz to your dress by wearing a petticoat, it really adds the finishing touches to an otherwise flat skirt. Add a long pointed witch’s hat and carry a broomstick. With all the fancy dress costumes and accessories available to us we can be as sassy or as demure as we want to be. But if you’ve got it flaunt it!

Long witch dresses
If you’re in the mood for a long and sexy Halloween costume, check out the full length witches’ dresses. Black and gold or black and silver maxi dresses are perfect for Halloween. Throw in long handkerchief sleeves with shimmering thread and pointed hems and you’ve got a bold exciting costume. Jewelled chokers and lace petticoats complete the outfit. Splash out on a gorgeous full wig and dramatic make up to accentuate your eyes.

A good quality witch costume is a great investment. It will save time and money in the long run because you’ll wear it to more than one party. So don’t be a skinflint, splash out on the goods and you’ll not regret it on the day.

By: Joe Denver

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rd.com

Lots more fancy dress costumes wigs and accessories at adshires

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DEVIL COSTUME MAKEUP HELP!?

I have this costume….
.
http://www.devilhalloweencostumes.net/wp…

What makeup should i wear? Help me out please….. I wanna look hot.

i need some sexy devil costumes pref short and lowcut please can you send me the links to some

oh and im 16 size -6-8

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Is anyone doing anything for this very jolly occasion? Having / going to a party? Maybe you're just going to run through the streets scaring the living daylights out of any kids who happen to cross your path? Me, I'm not doing anything,,,as usual…saving the pennies for my wee holiday in two weeks but I'd love to hear about anyone elses plans. Lighten the mood a little!

M xx

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Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

» Halloween Devil Costumes For Women at Article Notices

Halloween Devil costumes for women are the ultimate outfit for any dress-up event and party, and quite often you are able to get them at extremely low cost. Whether you make a search online or visit a retail store you are without any …

Halloween » Blog Archive » Runnin’ with the devil

That’s right — the top devil finishers. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes, particularly devil costumes, and prizes will be awarded for the most creative outfits. The race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday with registration opening at …

Dontcha Want Some Articles? » Devil Costumes

One classic costume that is always popular are Devil Costumes. This can be a simple as a red little pitchfork and a cape, but you can go all out and get a full costume with pitchfork, a cape, and red horns. A devil costume is also a …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Popular Devil Costumes for Halloween | aLoveLinksPlus Blog

With Halloween only a few weeks away it’s time to find the attractive devil costume that will totally attract fun people and make your Halloween “scary great”. Take a look at these devil costumes. …

Lisa’s Lounge: 2nd Annual NHL Coaches in Costume

Brent Sutter: He wears his Devil costume from last year, and convinces brother, Darryl to wear one too, in the GM box above. They both have to throw their pitch forks down in disgust everytime Pavel Datsyuk scores. …

She Devil Costumes For A Hellish Transformation

She Devil Costumes For A Hellish Transformation.Halloween events are the ideal way to bring people together and to share the fun and magic of dressing up as different characters or monsters from the world of film, mystical figures and …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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Halloween is almost here, so hopefully you already have an idea as to what you want to be. Whether you want to make your own costume or order one, you can look for some inspiration online. There are many different themes and unlimited choices, so it shouldn’t be too hard for you to find the best costume.

If you find one that you want, you should shop around first before buying it. Many online stores carry the same costumes, and some sellers charge less than others. Find a website that sells discounted Halloween costumes at a price that fits within your budget.

If you want to make your own costume, you still need to order the appropriate accessories and shoes. There are so many to choose from, including: stockings, fake blood, wigs, hats, tiaras, shoes, boots, high heels, garter belts, gloves, glitter, make up, vampire fangs, and so forth.

Most discounted Halloween costumes come in different sizes. Whether you are petite or plus-sized, you should be able to find the perfect costume and accessories. If you have children you’re shopping for as well, you will be glad to know that they are extremely affordable.

 

Some popular categories and themes include: historical, fairy tale, fairies, vampires, witches, Star Wars and Star Trek, superheroes, super villains, and pirates. Within each of these categories are dozens of choices. Whether you want to be a gangster, cowboy or girl, pirate, comic book character, etc, you’ll have plenty of discounted Halloween costumes to look through.

Angel and devil costumes are pretty popular.Girls can be devils these days too, as there are countless sexy red devil costumes on sale. If you want to go with this choice, check and see if the costume includes the pitchfork and horns. Or, if you want to be an angel, make sure you don’t forget the halo and wings!

Also popular this year are Michael Jackson costumes. Everyone wants to pay homage to the King of Pop, whether in the form of a Thriller era costume, Billie Jean/Moonwalking costume, Bad costume, or Smooth Criminal era costume. There are some great websites that sell each of these, so if you want one, you can choose from your favorite MJ era!

Whether you want to just order the costume, accessories, or both, make sure you do so at least ten days before Halloween, so that you can receive the package in time. It will be wise to check out the shipping and handling options at online discounted Halloween costumes websites.

OK, I do not want to put any undue pressure on you, but did you realize that it is getting close to Halloween? If you go buy your costume at a store, you are going to pay FULL price and be wearing the same thing that others in your town are wearing. This is where the internet comes in handy!

By shopping online, you can choose from ANY costume out there and show up at your Halloween party dressed to impress! The best part is that there is a website where there are discounted Halloween costumes in just about every genre, shape and size.

Witch and devil costumes remain to be two of the most popular kinds of costumes during the Halloween season. These costumes are Halloween favorites that have a classic appeal to individuals of all sexes and ages. These costumes are fairly easy to pull off and are available in a wide range of options. Here is a better look at these 2 popular costumes.

The Witch Costume

The typical witch costume begins with a black dress. The dress is usually loose, and appears like a robe. However, there have been different variations with regards to the style of the witch’s dress – the length of the dress can range from mini-skirts to floor-length; the dress can have long sleeves or none at all; some dresses have jagged, uneven hemlines at the bottom, while others have straight hemlines that fall to the floor; and the like. Many choose to wear plain black or black-and-white striped tights or stockings underneath the dress. It depends on the individual’s preference which dress she will be wearing. A general rule is to wear black shoes; for the more traditional ones, you can wear black pointed-toed shoes that have buckles.

Make-up is an important aspect of the witch costume. Some people choose to color their faces green. Prosthetics can be worn to add some warts, wrinkles or crooked noses for a more realistic effect. For a mystical effect, wear some glittery make-up to make you shimmer. Meanwhile, the witch’s hair is usually worn long.

The most important accessory of the witch costume is the pointed hat, usually in purple or black. The witch hats are generally a solid color, but some hats have designs, such as stars or moons, sewn into them. Other accessories are optional. You can carry an old-fashioned broom to fit in with your outfit, a long black cape, or for an even more mystical touch, a couple of spell books.

The Devil Costume

The typical devil costume also begins with a dress or a catsuit. In comparison to the witch costume, the devil outfit is usually in red. Together with this, you have to wear a cape that is either in red or in black. A very common variation to the devil costume is the sexy devil costume. In this variation, the red dress is usually figure-hugging. The top is quite revealing and the hemline is very short. Some choose to wear red leather booty-shorts to make it look even hotter. Red fishnet stockings and high-heeled shoes add more flair to the outfit.

A devil costume will not be complete without some horns. Two small, red, pointed horns are usually attached to a black headband that you can wear. Some people also wear a long tail on their back. Aside from these, a pitchfork is another important accessory to catch people’s attention. The make-up for a devil costume should include dark eye make-up and blood red lipstick.

Witches and devils are very enticing characters to portray, especially during the Halloween season. They can be scary, deceivingly sweet or sexy, depending on the wearer. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old – just remember to add your own personal touch to your character. Whether your goal is to scare people, tempt them or just look fabulous, you can’t go wrong with the classic witch and devil costumes!

Christine Shoemark is the webmaster of Adult Costume Shop. Stand out in the crowd in a Witch Costume or a Devil Costume at your next dress up party. Halloween Costumes of the Witch or Devil kind; the perfect scary or sexy costume choice.

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Sexy Costumes For Women: From Halloween Bashes To The Bedroom

All Hallow’s Eve is famously known as the night little kids go door-to-door in hideous costumes and gorge themselves with too much sugary candy. But Halloween isn’t just for kids; it’s also the perfect time for adults to let loose, dress up and celebrate in style. There are so many sexy costumes for women available, you’d be crazy not to grab yourself at least one!
When on the hunt for the perfect Halloween ensemble, shop around first. Let your imagination wander: What do you want to wear? What would you feel comfortable in? How much are you willing to spend? How sexy do you want your costume to be? Remember that sexiness is an inner disposition of mind. That is, if you feel sexy, you will look sexy. So make sure you choose a costume that you feel super comfortable in.
You can parade yourself into your next All Hallow’s Eve blowout like you own the place when you’re dressed in a sexy costume. Look for a full costume that includes all the accessories you will need. There are a ton of full costumes available.
For a playfully innocent look, grab a feather duster and purchase a French maid costume or a lacy naughty maids dress. Unleash the evil inside as a wickedly sexy witch or play devil?s advocate as a sexy She-devil. Or how about getting your lover?s heart pumping as a sexy nurse? Even simple sexy office ho or ironic sexy nun costumes are attainable and affordable.
But don’t limit your costume-wearing to a once-a-year Halloween party. Sexy costumes are perfect any time of the year. Try wearing your sexy costume in the bedroom! Role-playing is a fun, erotic way to enjoy your time with your partner in a way you’ve never experienced before. When in costume, you can be whoever you want to be! Teach your man who’s boss in a sexy C.E.O. outfit or hot cop uniform. Get your man to clean up his act while you wear that sexy French maid outfit. Bring in accessories like fake weapons for a thrilling night of debauchery.
Whether you’re hosting your own Halloween bash, joining someone else at theirs or simply engaging in some Q.T. with your man, a sexy costume is exciting to wear! Sexy costumes
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for women enable you to look fantastic and have fun at the same time.

By: Blondie

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sexy Halloween costumes and bedroom fantasy costumes for women are real confidence boosters! Get yourself a Sexy costumes and give that luster back to your connection.

Sexy Witch And Devil Costumes For Halloween

The Witch Costume
The typical witch costume begins with a black dress. The dress is usually loose, and appears like a robe. However, there have been different variations with regards to the style of the witch’s dress – the length of the dress can range from mini-skirts to floor-length; the dress can have long sleeves or none at all; some dresses have jagged, uneven hemlines at the bottom, while others have straight hemlines that fall to the floor; and the like. Many choose to wear plain black or black-and-white striped tights or stockings underneath the dress. It depends on the individual’s preference which dress she will be wearing. A general rule is to wear black shoes; for the more traditional ones, you can wear black pointed-toed shoes that have buckles.

Make-up is an important aspect of the witch costume. Some people choose to color their faces green. Prosthetics can be worn to add some warts, wrinkles or crooked noses for a more realistic effect. For a mystical effect, wear some glittery make-up to make you shimmer. Meanwhile, the witch’s hair is usually worn long.

The most important accessory of the witch costume is the pointed hat, usually in purple or black. The witch hats are generally a solid color, but some hats have designs, such as stars or moons, sewn into them. Other accessories are optional. You can carry an old-fashioned broom to fit in with your outfit, a long black cape, or for an even more mystical touch, a couple of spell books.

The Devil Costume
The typical devil costume also begins with a dress or a catsuit. In comparison to the witch costume, the devil outfit is usually in red. Together with this, you have to wear a cape that is either in red or in black. A very common variation to the devil costume is the sexy devil costume. In this variation, the red dress is usually figure-hugging. The top is quite revealing and the hemline is very short. Some choose to wear red leather booty-shorts to make it look even hotter. Red fishnet stockings and high-heeled shoes add more flair to the outfit.

A devil costume will not be complete without some horns. Two small, red, pointed horns are usually attached to a black headband that you can wear. Some people also wear a
1000
long tail on their back. Aside from these, a pitchfork is another important accessory to catch people’s attention. The make-up for a devil costume should include dark eye make-up and blood red lipstick.

Witches and devils are very enticing characters to portray, especially during the Halloween season. They can be scary, deceivingly sweet or sexy, depending on the wearer. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old – just remember to add your own personal touch to your character. Whether your goal is to scare people, tempt them or just look fabulous, you can’t go wrong with the classic witch and devil costumes!

By: C.Shoemark

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Witch Costume or Devil Costume – Popular Halloween Costumes for any Halloween Party or Fancy Dress Occasion. Adult Costume Shop, the Costume Shop of choice.

Technorati Tags: devil costumes

How can i make my little red riding hood costume?

okayy. so i've decided that i want to be little red riding hood for halloween. i have an old plain devil costume that i can use but i dont knnow how i should make it. the devil costumes all red && im not sure how i should make the cape && i am not allowed to spend much money so yeah, any suggestions?

Any ideas of cheaper ways to put the costume together? I want to go a an angel, and my boyfriend as a devil but the costume its is almost 60 dollars… Cheaper suggestions?

Technorati Tags: devil costumes

Haunted houses rivaling Holloywood horror flicks – Yahoo! News

TOLEDO, Ohio – The towering stone walls of the Gothic prison are scary enough in the daytime.

Some say it looks like Dracula’s castle.

Now add a crisp, moonlit evening, and mix in 50 demons and devils breaking out of rusted cells and it becomes the perfect setting for a haunted house.

“You can’t get any more creepy than this,” said Myron St. John, who’s in charge of terrorizing the former Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. “It’s like doing a haunted house on a $20 million movie set.”

Not even Hollywood can match the haunted houses.

Big-budget special effects, elaborate sets, and exotic locations are turning what once were neighborhood haunts into weekend destinations for those who love to scream.

In New Orleans, there’s an old mortuary surrounded by cemeteries and the city’s iconic above-ground tombs.

Old Tucson Studios in Arizona transforms from a movie set for Westerns to the spooky town of Nightfall where a haunted mine and heckling gargoyles are certain to startle and delight in the desert.

And there’s a pair of haunted houses in Kansas City, Mo., that end with terrifying slides, one dropping visitors five floors down into the devil’s arms.

“For us, it’s a true theatrical production, but the applause comes in the form of screams,” said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, whose family operates four haunted houses within a few blocks on the edge of downtown Kansas City.

Antique tractors take customers on hay rides to the different attractions where 150 actors roam about.

Animals play a role too — there are pythons and an anaconda at The Edge of Hell, and a live alligator inside the Beast. Watch out for the headless horsemen galloping on the streets outside.

Just within the last five years, haunted houses have become much more elaborate with innovations in technology, said Billy Messina, co-owner of Netherworld in Norcross, Ga., near Atlanta.

It’s not unusual to find people working on the attractions who have worked in movies with special effects and costumes.

“We have giant animatronic monsters that are 20 feet tall,” he said. “People are used to seeing this at the movies. They want to see it here.”

Some of the most popular haunted houses partner with hotels to offer packages that include tickets. Others offer the chance to bypass the lines, which can grow to two hours on busy weekend night in October

“Haunted house fans are like roller coaster fans, they will travel” said Sean Kelley, program director of the haunted house at Eastern State Penitentiary in downtown Philadelphia.

More than 100,000 people visit the shuttered prison each fall. “When you walk into the old cell blocks, you really feel it,” Kelley said. “You see furniture tipped over on side, the graffiti. You really get the sense that the people just left.”

Near the end, those brave enough to enter are given flashlights and they must find their way out — with a few surprises along the way.

Money raised from the haunted house helps pay for preservation of the prison, which was closed to non-paying visitors in 1971.

Those too scared to visit in the dark during Halloween can still take tours of prison year-round.

The old Ohio State Reformatory — midway between Columbus and Cleveland — has tours during the spring and summer. It’s where “The Shawshank Redemption” and several other movies have been filmed.

But it really comes alive during Halloween.

The haunted house takes guests through the six-story cell block and the basement morgue.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Ky., is another place that relies on its past to frighten anyone who enters. Perched atop a hill, it operated as a tuberculosis hospital until 1961.

“People say why don’t you have a year-round haunted house,” said owner Tina Mattingly. “I say ‘I do. We just don’t have actors in there year-round.”

The haunted house tour in the fall includes a trip through the “body chute,” an underground tunnel used to transport bodies out of the building.

“You could put nothing in there or fill it up props, people will get scared,” said Mattingly, who lives on the site with her husband while the restore the property.

Other haunted houses with a unique story include:

• The USS Nightmare, in Newport. Ky., is a dilapidated 1934 steamboat that sits on the Ohio River across from downtown Cincinnati.

“Disney with all their artists couldn’t have made a boat look more spooky than this,” said Allen Rizzo, a licesned riverboat captain who runs the attraction.

The massive steam engines and generators are part of the show. A floating barge next to the boat has laser tag and games for those who don’t want to go onboard.

• Students at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem are involved in every aspect of the school’s annual haunted house, from designing the sets to scaring the guests.

“They all like to gather and tell stories about who they scared that night,” said Ed Roberts, a dorm counselor who started the school fundraiser in 1987.

It brought in $70,000 last year even though its open just six days.

• The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, Calif., isn’t technically a haunted house, at least not the kind with actors in costumes.

It’s worth mentioning for its quirkiness alone.

Built by the Winchester rifle heiress, the quirky mansion has stairs that lead into a ceiling and doors that lead nowhere. It’s also said to be haunted.

Look for the stairs with 13 steps, the room with 13 windows, and a chandelier with 13 gaslights.

___

If You Go …

TICKETS: Some haunted houses have a limited number of tickets so it pays to check in advance. Weekend nights, especially those close to Halloween, can get very crowded. Waits can be as long as two hours at the most popular haunts.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable shoes, heels don’t work while running from ghosts. Make sure cell phones and glasses are secure too.

TIPS: The people behind the masks say that the more you scream, the more they come after you. And wearing glowing necklaces might make you feel safer, but it just makes a better target for the monsters.

HAUNTED HOUSES:

OHIO STATE REFORMATORY: Mansfield, Ohio, http://www.mrps.org/

THE HAUNTED MORTUARY: New Orleans, http://www.themortuary.net/

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS: Tucson, Ariz., http://www.oldtucson.com

THE EDGE OF HELL: Kansas City, Mo., http://www.edgeofhell.com

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY: Philadelphia, http://www.easternstate.org/

WAVERLY HILLS SANATORIUM: Louisville, Ky., http://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/

USS NIGHTMARE: Cincinnati, http://www.ussnightmare.com/

THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY AT OREGON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF: Salem, Ore., http://www.nightmarefactorysalem.com/

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE: San Jose, Calif., http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/

NETHERWORLD: Norcross, Ga., http://www.fearworld.com/

TOLEDO, Ohio – The towering stone walls of the Gothic prison are scary enough in the daytime.

Some say it looks like Dracula’s castle.

Now add a crisp, moonlit evening, and mix in 50 demons and devils breaking out of rusted cells and it becomes the perfect setting for a haunted house.

“You can’t get any more creepy than this,” said Myron St. John, who’s in charge of terrorizing the former Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. “It’s like doing a haunted house on a $20 million movie set.”

Not even Hollywood can match the haunted houses.

Big-budget special effects, elaborate sets, and exotic locations are turning what once were neighborhood haunts into weekend destinations for those who love to scream.

In New Orleans, there’s an old mortuary surrounded by cemeteries and the city’s iconic above-ground tombs.

Old Tucson Studios in Arizona transforms from a movie set for Westerns to the spooky town of Nightfall where a haunted mine and heckling gargoyles are certain to startle and delight in the desert.

And there’s a pair of haunted houses in Kansas City, Mo., that end with terrifying slides, one dropping visitors five floors down into the devil’s arms.

“For us, it’s a true theatrical production, but the applause comes in the form of screams,” said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, whose family operates four haunted houses within a few blocks on the edge of downtown Kansas City.

Antique tractors take customers on hay rides to the different attractions where 150 actors roam about.

Animals play a role too — there are pythons and an anaconda at The Edge of Hell, and a live alligator inside the Beast. Watch out for the headless horsemen galloping on the streets outside.

Just within the last five years, haunted houses have become much more elaborate with innovations in technology, said Billy Messina, co-owner of Netherworld in Norcross, Ga., near Atlanta.

It’s not unusual to find people working on the attractions who have worked in movies with special effects and costumes.

“We have giant animatronic monsters that are 20 feet tall,” he said. “People are used to seeing this at the movies. They want to see it here.”

Some of the most popular haunted houses partner with hotels to offer packages that include tickets. Others offer the chance to bypass the lines, which can grow to two hours on busy weekend night in October

“Haunted house fans are like roller coaster fans, they will travel” said Sean Kelley, program director of the haunted house at Eastern State Penitentiary in downtown Philadelphia.

More than 100,000 people visit the shuttered prison each fall. “When you walk into the old cell blocks, you really feel it,” Kelley said. “You see furniture tipped over on side, the graffiti. You really get the sense that the people just left.”

Near the end, those brave enough to enter are given flashlights and they must find their way out — with a few surprises along the way.

Money raised from the haunted house helps pay for preservation of the prison, which was closed to non-paying visitors in 1971.

Those too scared to visit in the dark during Halloween can still take tours of prison year-round.

The old Ohio State Reformatory — midway between Columbus and Cleveland — has tours during the spring and summer. It’s where “The Shawshank Redemption” and several other movies have been filmed.

But it really comes alive during Halloween.

The haunted house takes guests through the six-story cell block and the basement morgue.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Ky., is another place that relies on its past to frighten anyone who enters. Perched atop a hill, it operated as a tuberculosis hospital until 1961.

“People say why don’t you have a year-round haunted house,” said owner Tina Mattingly. “I say ‘I do. We just don’t have actors in there year-round.”

The haunted house tour in the fall includes a trip through the “body chute,” an underground tunnel used to transport bodies out of the building.

“You could put nothing in there or fill it up props, people will get scared,” said Mattingly, who lives on the site with her husband while the restore the property.

Other haunted houses with a unique story include:

• The USS Nightmare, in Newport. Ky., is a dilapidated 1934 steamboat that sits on the Ohio River across from downtown Cincinnati.

“Disney with all their artists couldn’t have made a boat look more spooky than this,” said Allen Rizzo, a licesned riverboat captain who runs the attraction.

The massive steam engines and generators are part of the show. A floating barge next to the boat has laser tag and games for those who don’t want to go onboard.

• Students at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem are involved in every aspect of the school’s annual haunted house, from designing the sets to scaring the guests.

“They all like to gather and tell stories about who they scared that night,” said Ed Roberts, a dorm counselor who started the school fundraiser in 1987.

It brought in $70,000 last year even though its open just six days.

• The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, Calif., isn’t technically a haunted house, at least not the kind with actors in costumes.

It’s worth mentioning for its quirkiness alone.

Built by the Winchester rifle heiress, the quirky mansion has stairs that lead into a ceiling and doors that lead nowhere. It’s also said to be haunted.

Look for the stairs with 13 steps, the room with 13 windows, and a chandelier with 13 gaslights.

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If You Go …

TICKETS: Some haunted houses have a limited number of tickets so it pays to check in advance. Weekend nights, especially those close to Halloween, can get very crowded. Waits can be as long as two hours at the most popular haunts.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable shoes, heels don’t work while running from ghosts. Make sure cell phones and glasses are secure too.

TIPS: The people behind the masks say that the more you scream, the more they come after you. And wearing glowing necklaces might make you feel safer, but it just makes a better target for the monsters.

HAUNTED HOUSES:

OHIO STATE REFORMATORY: Mansfield, Ohio, http://www.mrps.org/

THE HAUNTED MORTUARY: New Orleans, http://www.themortuary.net/

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS: Tucson, Ariz., http://www.oldtucson.com

THE EDGE OF HELL: Kansas City, Mo., http://www.edgeofhell.com

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY: Philadelphia, http://www.easternstate.org/

WAVERLY HILLS SANATORIUM: Louisville, Ky., http://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/

USS NIGHTMARE: Cincinnati, http://www.ussnightmare.com/

THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY AT OREGON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF: Salem, Ore., http://www.nightmarefactorysalem.com/

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE: San Jose, Calif., http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/

NETHERWORLD: Norcross, Ga., http://www.fearworld.com/

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