How to Save on Haunted Houses in San Antonio

San Antonio is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and spooky legends that come alive every October. From the haunting corridors of the Menger Hotel to the eerie whispers of the Tower of the Americas, the city transforms into a hub for immersive, high-quality haunted attractions during Halloween season. But with premium experiences often come premium prices — ticket costs can easily climb above $40 per person, and when you factor in parking, food, and photo packages, a family outing can cost well over $200. The good news? With smart planning and insider knowledge, you can enjoy world-class haunted houses in San Antonio without breaking the bank.

This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to saving money on haunted houses in San Antonio — whether you’re a solo thrill-seeker, a group of friends, or a family looking for affordable Halloween fun. We’ll walk you through practical steps, uncover hidden discounts, reveal the best times to visit, and share real examples of how others have slashed their spending while maximizing the scares. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to experience the most terrifying haunted houses in the city at a fraction of the cost.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Compare Haunted Attractions Before Booking

Not all haunted houses in San Antonio are created equal — and neither are their prices. Start by compiling a list of the top-rated haunted attractions in the area. Popular options include The Basement: San Antonio’s Most Haunted, Haunted Hayride at The Alamo City Farm, 13th Gate, and The Slaughterhouse. Each offers a different experience: some are indoor walkthroughs, others combine hayrides and outdoor zones, and a few feature interactive actors and elaborate sets.

Visit each venue’s official website and compare ticket tiers. Many offer early bird pricing, group discounts, or “fright nights” with reduced rates. Avoid purchasing tickets at the gate — prices are often 20–30% higher than online. Some venues even offer “pay-what-you-can” nights for charity, so keep an eye out for those rare opportunities.

2. Book Early for Early Bird Discounts

Most haunted houses in San Antonio roll out discounted tickets 6–8 weeks before Halloween. Early bird tickets can be 25–50% cheaper than standard pricing. For example, in 2023, The Basement offered $19 tickets for early bookings (regular price: $39), while 13th Gate had a $25 pre-sale rate (normally $45). These deals often sell out fast, so mark your calendar.

Set a reminder for mid-August and check websites daily. Sign up for email newsletters — many venues send exclusive discount codes to subscribers. Some even offer a “first-time visitor” promo code worth $10 off. Don’t skip this step: early booking isn’t just about savings — it also guarantees entry on your preferred date, avoiding sold-out nights.

3. Leverage Group Discounts and Bundled Tickets

Many haunted houses offer group pricing for parties of 10 or more. Even if you’re not a large group, team up with friends from different neighborhoods to hit the 10-person threshold. For instance, Haunted Hayride at The Alamo City Farm offers $22 per person for groups of 10+, versus $30 individually.

Some venues also bundle tickets with other attractions. 13th Gate, for example, offers a “Fright Pass” that includes access to three haunted houses and a haunted maze for $65 — a 30% savings compared to buying each separately. Look for “family packs” or “couple deals” — these are often buried in the footer of the website or listed under “Special Offers.”

4. Visit on Weekdays or Early Evenings

Weekends — especially Friday and Saturday nights — are the most expensive and crowded. Tickets on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are often $5–$15 cheaper. Some venues even offer “Midweek Mayhem” nights with half-price admission after 7 p.m. and shorter lines.

Arriving early (between 6–7 p.m.) can also save you money. Many haunted houses start their lowest-priced “pre-opening” sessions during these hours. You’ll experience fewer crowds, faster entry, and sometimes even complimentary snacks or photo ops. Plus, the scare factor remains high — the actors are just as intense early in the night.

5. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Before purchasing tickets, check if the haunted house is listed on cashback platforms like Rakuten, Honey, or Ibotta. While not all venues participate, some do — especially larger chains like 13th Gate or The Basement. For example, in 2022, Rakuten offered 5% cashback on 13th Gate tickets purchased through their portal.

Also, review your credit card rewards. Some cards offer bonus points for entertainment purchases. If you’re planning multiple visits, consider using a card that gives 3–5% back on “entertainment” or “travel” categories. Even a $10 rebate on a $200 outing adds up.

6. Look for Local Sponsorships and Community Events

San Antonio’s local businesses often sponsor haunted house events as part of community outreach. Check with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Visit San Antonio’s official website, and local Facebook groups like “San Antonio Halloween Events.”

In 2023, a partnership between the city’s tourism board and The Slaughterhouse allowed free admission for first responders and their families on October 12. While these aren’t always advertised widely, they’re real. Also, schools and nonprofits sometimes host low-cost haunted houses as fundraisers — tickets may cost only $5–$10 and support a great cause.

7. Avoid Upsells and Add-Ons

Haunted houses are experts at upselling. Photo packages, VIP fast passes, glow sticks, and souvenir T-shirts can add $20–$50 to your total. Decide in advance what you’re willing to spend. If you’re there for the scares, not the merch, skip the extras.

Some venues offer “no-photo zones” — this is your cue. Avoid paying for professional photos unless you’re certain you want them. Many guests take their own photos before or after the attraction, and most haunted houses allow this in non-interactive areas. Pro tip: Bring your own flashlight or phone light — you’ll see more details in the dark without paying for a “light kit.”

8. Combine Visits with Free Local Activities

Plan your haunted house trip around other free or low-cost San Antonio attractions. For example, visit the San Antonio River Walk in the afternoon — it’s free and beautifully lit at night. Then head to a haunted house in the evening. You’ve already paid for parking or transit, so you’re maximizing your outing.

Some venues offer discounts if you show a receipt from a nearby restaurant or museum. For instance, 13th Gate once gave $5 off for visitors who dined at The Esquire Tavern — a local favorite. Ask at the ticket counter: “Do you have any partnerships with nearby businesses?” You might be surprised.

9. Volunteer or Work the Event

Many haunted houses hire seasonal staff — actors, ticket takers, safety monitors, and makeup artists. If you’re willing to work a few hours, you can often get free admission for yourself and sometimes even a friend. The Basement, for example, offered volunteer slots in 2023 that included free entry for the entire season.

Volunteering also gives you behind-the-scenes access. You’ll see how the scares are built, meet the creators, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry. It’s a win-win: you save money and become part of the experience.

10. Use Public Transit or Carpool

Parking at haunted houses can cost $5–$10 per vehicle. If you’re driving solo, that’s an extra expense. Coordinate with friends to carpool — split the cost and reduce emissions. San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit offers weekend service to many popular destinations, including the North Star Mall area where several haunted houses are located.

Download the VIA Transit app and check schedules in advance. Some routes even run later on weekends during Halloween season. You might save $10–$20 in parking and gas by taking public transit — and avoid the stress of navigating crowded lots.

Best Practices

Plan Your Route in Advance

San Antonio is a large city. Don’t just pick the first haunted house you find. Map out your destinations using Google Maps or Waze. Group venues by neighborhood — for example, visit all the attractions in the northwest corridor (near I-10 and Loop 410) in one night. This minimizes travel time and fuel costs.

Also, check traffic patterns. Weeknights after 8 p.m. tend to have lighter traffic. Avoid major events like Spurs games or festivals that might cause detours and delays.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Before you start researching, decide your maximum spending limit. Is it $50? $100? $150? Write it down. Every decision — from ticket type to snack purchase — should be filtered through this number. Budgeting prevents impulse buys and keeps your Halloween fun financially sustainable.

Follow Social Media for Flash Sales

Haunted houses often announce last-minute deals on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow your top 3 venues and turn on notifications. Flash sales can drop ticket prices by 40% for just 2–4 hours. One venue in 2023 offered $10 tickets for 30 minutes after a TikTok post hit 10K views. You won’t see those deals on their homepage.

Visit Multiple Attractions Strategically

Instead of spending $100 on one haunted house, consider visiting three smaller ones for $25 each. Smaller, local haunted houses often have lower overhead and can offer equally intense experiences. The “Cursed Attic” in Alamo Heights, for example, is a 20-minute walkthrough that costs $15 and is packed with original scares — no crowds, no lines.

Use online reviews to compare scare intensity. Look for keywords like “felt real,” “actors were terrifying,” or “no cheap jump scares.” Avoid places that rely on fog machines and loud noises alone — those are often overpriced and underwhelming.

Bring Your Own Supplies

Snacks, water, and even a light jacket can save you money. Concession stands inside haunted houses charge $6 for a soda and $8 for a candy bar. Bring a reusable water bottle — many venues have water fountains. If you’re sensitive to cold, bring a thin hoodie — indoor haunted houses are often air-conditioned to 60°F for atmosphere.

Go with a Group of 4–6 People

Smaller groups of 4–6 are ideal. Large groups (8+) can slow down entry and reduce the scare factor — actors are trained to engage with smaller, more intimate groups. Plus, many discounts cap at 10 people. A group of 5 gives you the best balance of savings, social fun, and immersive experience.

Check the Weather Forecast

If you’re visiting an outdoor haunted hayride or trail, rain can ruin the experience — and you won’t get a refund. Always check the forecast 24 hours before. If rain is expected, reschedule. Some venues offer rain checks, but not all do. Better to be safe than sorry.

Know the Rules Before You Go

Each haunted house has its own policies. Some ban cameras, others don’t allow touching actors. Some require signed waivers for minors. Read the fine print. Violating rules can lead to ejection — and no refund. Being informed saves you from frustration and lost money.

Leave Your Phone in Your Pocket

Yes, it’s tempting to record. But most haunted houses have strict “no phone” policies. If you’re caught filming, you may be asked to leave. More importantly, being distracted by your phone ruins the immersion. You paid for the experience — be present. Save the recording for after, in the lobby.

Tools and Resources

Official San Antonio Tourism Website

Visit visitsanantonio.com — the city’s official tourism portal. It features a curated list of Halloween events, including haunted houses, with pricing, dates, and links. It’s updated weekly and verified by local partners.

Eventbrite

Search “haunted house San Antonio” on Eventbrite. Many smaller, independent haunted attractions list here with discounted early-bird tickets. Filter by “Free” or “Under $20” to find budget-friendly options. You’ll find hidden gems like “The Haunted Bookstore” or “Ghostly Garden” — often under $12.

Reddit: r/SanAntonio

The r/SanAntonio subreddit is a goldmine for local tips. Search “haunted house deals” or post a question: “Anyone know where to find cheap haunted houses this year?” Residents frequently share codes, volunteer opportunities, and insider info. It’s real-time, unfiltered, and reliable.

Google Maps + Reviews

Search “haunted house San Antonio” on Google Maps. Sort by “Highest Rated” and read recent reviews (last 30 days). Look for comments like “great value,” “cheap but scary,” or “no hidden fees.” Avoid places with reviews saying “overpriced” or “felt like a scam.”

Facebook Groups

Join these groups for real-time updates:

• San Antonio Halloween Events
• San Antonio Local Deals & Discounts
• San Antonio Parents Network

Members post flash sales, free tickets, and even giveaways. One group member in 2023 won two free tickets to 13th Gate through a trivia contest.

Price Tracking Tools

Use Keepa or CamelCamelCamel (even for non-Amazon sites) by pasting the haunted house ticket URL. These tools track price history. If the price has been $39 for 3 weeks and drops to $29, it’s likely a real discount — not a fake “sale.”

Local Radio and Podcasts

Listen to San Antonio’s KENS 5 or KSAT 12 for weekend Halloween segments. Local podcasts like “The Alamo City Chronicles” sometimes feature interviews with haunted house owners and announce exclusive promo codes for listeners.

Library Pass Programs

San Antonio Public Library offers free or discounted admission passes to local attractions through its “Culture Pass” program. Check your local branch or visit sanantonio.gov/SAPL. Some passes cover one haunted house ticket — free. Bring your library card and ID.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Garcia Family — $180 Down to $45

The Garcia family of four planned to spend $180 on tickets to 13th Gate and The Basement. Instead, they:

• Booked early bird tickets for $25 each (total $100)
• Used a $10 coupon from their credit card’s entertainment portal
• Car pooled with two other families (split $10 parking)
• Volunteered 3 hours at The Basement and got free tickets for two more people
• Used a free library pass for one child’s admission

Final cost: $45 — a 75% savings. They visited three haunted houses in one night and had a blast.

Example 2: Jake, a Solo Traveler — $40 to $12

Jake, a college student, wanted to experience The Slaughterhouse but couldn’t afford the $40 ticket. He:

• Followed the venue on Instagram and caught a 72-hour flash sale: $12 tickets
• Took VIA Transit to save $8 in parking
• Went on a Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. — no lines, lower crowd pressure
• Didn’t buy any merch or photos

Total spent: $12. He said it was “the scariest night of his life — and the cheapest.”

Example 3: The Alamo Heights High School Group — $200 to $0

A group of 15 students from Alamo Heights High wanted to go to Haunted Hayride. Their drama teacher organized a fundraiser:

• Students sold Halloween cookies and haunted house-themed bookmarks
• They raised $225 in one week
• Used the funds to pay for tickets and snacks
• One student volunteered as a makeup assistant and got free admission for the whole group

Result: 15 students experienced the attraction for $0 out-of-pocket. The school posted photos on their website — the event went viral locally.

Example 4: The Martinez Couple — $60 to $30

Mrs. Martinez and her husband planned to visit two haunted houses. They:

• Found a “Couple’s Night” bundle on Eventbrite: $30 for both (normally $60)
• Used a $5 discount from a local food blog newsletter
• Visited on a Thursday night — 20% cheaper than weekend pricing
• Shared a $10 Uber ride

Total: $30. They said it was “more intense than our anniversary dinner — and way more fun.”

FAQs

Are haunted houses in San Antonio worth the money?

Yes — if you plan smartly. High-quality haunted houses in San Antonio feature professional actors, intricate sets, and immersive storytelling. When you save through early booking, group discounts, and off-peak visits, the value skyrockets. A $25 haunted house experience with genuine scares is worth far more than a $50 generic attraction.

Can I get free haunted house tickets?

Yes — through volunteering, library passes, charity events, or social media giveaways. Many venues offer free admission to first responders, military personnel, or students with ID. Check each venue’s website for “Community Access” programs.

What’s the cheapest haunted house in San Antonio?

Smaller, independent attractions like “The Cursed Attic” ($15), “Ghostly Garden” ($10), or “The Haunted Bookstore” ($12) offer the best value. They’re often less crowded and more creatively intense than big-name venues.

Do haunted houses offer refunds if I change my mind?

Most do not. Tickets are typically non-refundable. But many offer rain checks or allow you to reschedule for another date — if you contact them within 24 hours of your original visit. Always read the fine print before purchasing.

Is it safe to go to haunted houses alone?

Yes — if you choose reputable venues. Stick to well-known, licensed attractions with visible staff and security. Avoid unlicensed “pop-up” haunted houses in warehouses or private homes. Always tell someone your plans and estimated return time.

Can I bring my kids to haunted houses?

Many venues have “family-friendly” or “mild” versions of their attractions. Check age recommendations — some are 13+, others 16+. The Alamo City Farm’s hayride is rated for ages 8+, while 13th Gate is strictly 18+. Always call ahead if you’re unsure.

Do haunted houses close if it rains?

Outdoor attractions like hayrides may close or delay if there’s heavy rain. Indoor haunted houses usually stay open. Always check the venue’s social media or website before heading out.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the best deals. Popular venues sell out on weekends by mid-September. Early bird tickets are often gone by October 1.

Are there haunted houses open after Halloween?

Some do — especially in December for “Holiday Horror” themes. 13th Gate and The Basement occasionally run “After-Halloween” nights through early November. Check their websites for extended dates.

Conclusion

Haunted houses in San Antonio are more than just seasonal attractions — they’re cultural experiences that blend art, storytelling, and adrenaline. But they don’t have to be expensive. With the right strategy, you can enjoy spine-chilling thrills, world-class scares, and unforgettable memories without overspending.

This guide has shown you how to save through early booking, group discounts, volunteer opportunities, public transit, and local resources. Real people — families, students, couples — have slashed their costs by 50–90% using these exact methods. You can too.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to spend less — it’s to experience more. The best haunted houses aren’t the most expensive; they’re the ones that make your heart race, your skin crawl, and your friends scream in unison. That kind of magic doesn’t come with a price tag — it comes with preparation.

Start planning now. Bookmark this guide. Set reminders. Follow the right social accounts. And when October arrives, walk into that haunted house knowing you’ve outsmarted the system — and got the full scare for less.