There are plenty of ways to measure how scary an Indianapolis haunted attraction is. I’m going with this one: two preteen boys walking side by side, knees bent, ducked down, shrieking or jumping out of their skin every 60-90 seconds, arms wrapped around each other for the entire experience.
Neither was willing to go first. Neither was willing to be left behind. Together, they had developed a very specific survival strategy: stay low, stay close, and absolutely do not become the leader.
I took my kids and their friends to The Thirteenth Hour Haunted Attraction in Indianapolis, and the battle over who had to walk in front became its own part of the entertainment. The attraction delivered the fear, and we loved it!
While the kids were busy trying to figure out the safest position in line, I kept coming back to something else: this place is beautiful.
Terrifying, yes, but also beautiful. The creativity, the detail, the artistry—it all deserves your attention, even when your instinct is to duck down and keep moving… quickly! This is a very well-designed haunted house set, and I’m super impressed with the time and talent put into it. Over the past three years of being a part of The Children’s Museum Guild, I’ve certainly learned a thing or two about Haunted Houses.
A Haunted Attraction You Want to Look At
What we loved the most about The Thirteenth Hour was how much there was to appreciate beyond being scared. You can feel the creative work behind the experience. There is an entire world here, and walking through it gives you a new appreciation for the people who build these places.
The attraction connects five themed experiences into one story. Its 2026 lineup includes Cartocker Expeditions, Widow’s Revenge Cemetery, Gothic, Sharpe Family Orphanage, and RIFT / 13. I asked one of the actors in the waiting area if they change the theme each year, and she said no; they add to it and expand, and the actors bring their own interpretations.
Gothic is new for this season, with elaborate sets, costumes, performers, and custom audio. That attention to creating a world was what stood out to me. I wanted to take in the artistry while the kids were very occupied with the possibility of whatever might happen next. It’s an interesting combination: admiring something while also being afraid of it.
Nobody Wanted to Go First
Taking kids and their friends added a whole other layer to the night. There was no shortage of discussion about the walking order. Apparently, the front of the group was a position everyone thought someone else should hold.
The two preteen boys settled the issue by staying in the back together. They kept their legs bent so they could walk ducked down, with their arms around each other and neither getting ahead of the other.
For all the artistry inside The Thirteenth Hour, the kids’ reactions were a pretty spectacular show, too.
Should You Take Your Kids to The Thirteenth Hour?
My biggest advice for parents is to know your child’s appetite for being scared.
This is an intense haunted attraction, and our group was very scared. I’d recommend it for older kids and teens who actively want that experience. That’s my judgment as a parent, rather than an official age recommendation.
Having friends along can make it a memorable outing, but enthusiasm from the group doesn’t automatically mean every child will enjoy the same level of fear. Talk about what they’re signing up for before buying tickets, and give them room to be honest.
The Thirteenth Hour is a no-touch attraction, meaning the actors will not touch guests. It does use loud noises, fog effects, and strobe lights, so families should review the attraction’s visitor guidance before attending.
And if your child’s plan is to avoid being first, I can confirm they may have some competition.
Want to see the incredible artistry of The Thirteenth Hour with your younger kids? Kids Day Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 24, from 2–4 pm offers a lights-on, no-scare walkthrough where families can admire the elaborate sets without the frights. Kids can trick-or-treat through the haunted house and meet friendly characters along the way—a chance to appreciate all those amazing details at their own pace. Tickets are only $6 per person for this event.
Plan Your Visit to The Thirteenth Hour
The Thirteenth Hour is located at 915 S. Shortridge Road in Indianapolis. The experience includes indoor and outdoor areas with uneven walking surfaces, so wear comfortable, secure shoes and dress for the weather.
General Admission starts at $29.99 and includes all five haunted attractions, with standard wait times. Fast Lane starts at $39.99 and cuts your initial wait by at least half, although you’ll still use the standard line for the final attraction, RIFT / 13. Instant Access starts at $54.99 and lets you arrive anytime during operating hours on your ticketed night and bypass both the General Admission and Fast Lane lines at every haunted attraction. Prices vary by date and may increase as the dates approach, so check current ticket options before planning your visit. Several discount ticket options are available, including a family four-pack.
The traffic line to get into the parking lot will likely be long; this is a VERY popular attraction, and for good reason.
