From ValleyScare to the jack-o-lantern spectacle at the Minnesota Zoo, the Twin Cities celebrate Halloween

Every October, lovers of the dark, bloody and macabre search for the scariest horrors in haunted houses and hayrides. And the Twin Cities offer a variety of destinations to choose from. After a break, ValleyScare is back to scare you. New this year: Oakblood Forest is one of the cheaper ones.

But what if you love Halloween but don’t want a zombie chasing you? There are all sorts of alternative attractions—ghost tours, Nickelodeon Universe, or the Halloween parties on First Avenue—that keep the spooks away.

Whether you’re looking for thrills or just to relax, remember that Halloween is so popular in these areas that many attractions have timed entry tickets. So plan accordingly.

Abandoned Hayride: A ride through the darkness with surprises around every corner. Sets and scares have been revised this year. After a ride in the wagon, venture on foot through “Forsaken,” a moonlit maze where monsters lurk. Anyone brave enough to try the Exiled attraction must sign a waiver on site. (Hours vary; see website for details. $19-$149. 7410 Hwy. 212, Chaska. theabandonedhayride.com)

Anoka Haunted House: Operated by the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus; Proceeds benefit local organizations and the “creatures” who live in the house are local high school students raising money for their extracurricular activities. (Hours vary, weekends October 11-26. Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3200 St. Francis Blvd. NW., Anoka. anokahauntedhouse.us)

The Dead End Hayride: As if a haunted hayride under the cover of night wasn’t spooky enough, guests can also be treated to screaming scenes as they stroll through the 160 acres of woods and fields. (Select days and times through November 2nd. $26-$81. 28186 Kettle River Blvd. N., Wyoming, Minn. thedeadendhayride.com)

The immersive experience: Navigate a haunted house, take a haunted hayride, or try to survive the Chainsaw Massacre unscathed. For families and those wanting to keep their Halloween costume, Fun Fest, a low-scare daytime attraction, features pumpkin painting, spin art and an illuminated haunted house tour. (7-11 p.m. Fri-Sat; 7-10 p.m. Thu-Sun. Ends Nov. 2. Haunting Experience: $28-$54; Chainsaw Massacre: additional $15; Fall Fun Fest: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., select dates . $20-$27. 10900 E. Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove.

Nowhere Haunted House: Nowhere Entertainment is open year-round and offers escape rooms, an arcade and mini golf. During the spooky season, it offers a haunted house with macabre horrors. On more than 18 evenings, frightening actors can come and grab you. The attraction also offers a behind-the-scenes tour with lights on and Low Scare Saturdays. (Haunted House: Fridays through Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m., ends October 31. $30; Low Scare: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays from October 5 to 26 and October 17 to 18. $15, children Ages 3 and under: Lights on Tour: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays, October 6-27, $12, ages 3 and up: Thursdays, October 10-24, $5,300 .com)