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It's difficult to ascribe appropriate ages to many of these haunts and displays. Some young kids love the atmospheric chills, some big kids can't stand them. The beauty of these free haunted homes and displays is that for the most part, you can view from a distance, and edge closer if your kids aren't scared.

We've noted when the creators of these haunts have specifically said that these are intended for older kids, but you know your kids best! These haunts range from adorable lit-up lawns to haunted house walkthroughs with jump scares. It may help give you a sense of the level of terror by checking out Instagram or Facebook pages, which we've linked to where available.

Free Haunted Houses and Amazing Halloween Decorations in the Valleys

1. The Haunted Storage Yard at Burbank Self-Storage — 3203 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank 

You won't find a peep about this Halloween display on the website, but locals know that Burbank Self-Storage puts on a free haunted house in its warehouse annually. This walking tour takes guests of all ages inside the warehouse to see terrifying displays. There's candy for trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

 
Each year at Rotten Apple there's a different theme. Photo courtesy of the Rotten Apple 907

2. The Rotten Apple 907 — 907 N. California St., Burbank

The family who lives at #907 takes the holiday very seriously and has for decades. Preparations for this private haunt begin months in advance, with a different theme every year to entertain their neighbors and lure other people's neighbors. Admission is free, but donations are collected for VBAS (Volunteers of Burbank Animal Shelter). 

3. The Spooky Hollows Home Haunt — 16418 Gilmore St., Van Nuys

Rumor has it that a group of devoted followers has set up a camp near the Sepulveda Basin to await the awakening of Mr. Sticky. The Cult of Mr. Sticky is a show/display that visitors can watch for free from the sidewalk. Shows last 15 minutes and run from 7pm - 10pm with five-minute breaks in between performances. This free display and show (not a walkthrough!) takes place in front of a private residence, so please be respectful of the neighborhood and neighbors. There is plenty of parking on Odessa, next to the golf course.

4. The Hatteras Halloween House — 5758 Burnet Avenue, Van Nuys 

Get ready for another season of thrills and spooks at this fantastic yard display in Van Nuys. While viewing is free, the team has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for next season. Beware, there are some spooky surprises and pop-outs in this yard.

5. 999 Happy Haunts — 3552 Prospect Ave., Glendale 

There are 999 happy haunts in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, but you can see 999 happy haunts for free at this creatively decorated house in Glendale. See the singing pumpkins, plenty of ghouls, and more at this fun yard display.

6. Coffinwood Cemetery — 27159 Waterford Dr., Valencia

This cemetery is sure to scare even the most hearty of Halloween-goers. But if you have a little one who's not so sure about braving this haunt, Fridays are non-scare nights and are kid-friendly. On Fridays, there are no "live" haunted creatures and guests are welcome to check out the decorations without worrying about ghouls jumping out. Coffinwood Cemetery operates on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. 

7. Five Point Haunt — 26949 Winding Trail Ct., Valencia 

Formerly known as the "Stoney Point Haunt," this terrifying cemetery is sure to give you the spooks. There is a creepy clown merry-go-round, a haunted graveyard, demon-possessed dolls, and more.  

8. Witch City — 25420 Via Jardin, Santa Clarita 

A coven of evil witches is seeking to satisfy their spells and may even attempt to cast a hex on passersby at this elaborate yard display. 

9. Insane Haunt Productions — 20205 Soladera Way, Santa Clarita 

Insane Haunt Productions puts on a creative, spooky home haunted house every year. It's on the scary side and is recommended for ages 13 & up.

10. Fillmore Graves Jack-o-Lantern Farm — 14318 Emelita St., Sherman Oaks

This yard haunt has an eerie abandoned cemetery feel with old shacks and tombstones. And, of course, lots of jack-o'-lanterns. Because this is a home haunt, and isn't on any haunt lists, you do run the risk of it being a quiet evening. But there's almost always something spectacular to see here, including lots of singing jack-o'-lanterns! 

11. Rotting Hill Cemetery — 4848 Sancola Ave., North Hollywood

Three animated ghouls perform a song and dance outside the home in North Hollywood. The show repeats every five minutes during operating hours. Check Instagram for updates.

12. Laurie Strode "Halloween" House — 1115 Oxley St., South Pasadena 91030

Older kids who are fans of the movie Halloween can visit some of the iconic film locations in South Pasadena. The owners of the Laurie Strode house leave a pumpkin on the front doorstep for fans to take photos with. (Note that the home was recently purchased by new owners, so this may have recently changed). 

Just a five-minute walk away is also the Michael Myers house at 1000 Mission St in South Pasadena. There's a museum next to the Michael Myers Halloween house called SugarMynt Gallery that contains even more Halloween movie memorabilia. 

RELATED: The Best Safe-and-Spooky Trick-or-Treat Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

 
The Wexler House in Toluca Lake goes all out every year! Photo by Daniel Deitch 

13. Toluca Lake — South of Riverside Drive and north of the golf course

As the turrets of Hogwarts silhouette against the evening sky, Toluca Lake is a fantastic place to amble and take in the amazing decorations. The neighborhood that is South of Riverside, between the lake and Ledge Ave. is a great place to stroll and see the sights. The old Bob Hope estate on Moorpark was Halloween central for decades (parents who grew up locally tell stories of getting full-sized candy from the Hopes), and now that street is a perfect place to begin your sightseeing adventure. 

14. Burbank — California Street, N. Clybourn Ave., and N. Valley Street are all good starting points

Burbank just might be Halloween Central in Los Angeles. With so many studios located here, this has long been the home of the people who make the magic happen behind the cameras. And during the Halloween season, they tend to bring that magic home and set it up on their lawns. Cruise around in your car, and when you see a great neighborhood, park and explore on foot.

15. Pasadena — Hudson Ave. and Claremont St.

Pasadena charm meets spooky celebration in this residential neighborhood in Pasadena that goes all for Halloween.

RELATED: The Best Halloween Events in Los Angeles for Kids

 
The Witch's House was built in the 1920s as a movie set and needs no decorations. Photo by Ricardo Herrera

Free Haunted Houses and Amazing Halloween Displays on the Westside & Mid-City 

16. The Witch’s House (Spadena House) — Walden Dr. and Carmelita Ave., Beverly Hills

It’s not that this house is decorated for Halloween—the house itself is kind of a Halloween decoration! The house was built in the 1920s as a movie set, for films that include Hansel and Gretel. So this truly was built to look like a dilapidated Witch House. It’s Halloween and Los Angeles history rolled into one, and it’s a great place to see something naturally spooky.

17. Jack's Halloween Display — Culver City 

Join the party on Halloween night; see the sights and trick-or-treat, too! The location of this free Halloween display won't be revealed until it's closer to Halloween. When it is revealed, stop by with younger kids before 7pm, as the night event may be too scary for those under 10.

18. Culver City Dinosaurs — 8958 Carson Street, Culver City 

This adorable display is perfect for younger kids who love dinosaurs. This house is home to impressive dinosaurs that remain out front all year. They get a spooky takeover in October, but they dress up the dinosaurs for all seasons. 

19. 10th Street Spooky Walk — Santa Monica

This neighborly haunt has been entertaining local families for 20 years, with a spooky path through a haunted garden maze and plenty to look at for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. Timid visitors are welcome by daylight, but the walk is definitely spookier on Friday and Saturday nights and on Halloween.

RELATED: Best Pumpkin Patches near Los Angeles

 
The Holiday House is a treat for little kids with loads of atmosphere, but no scares. Photo courtesy of the Holiday House

20. The Holiday House — McLaughlin Ave. & Charnock Road, Mar Vista 

This house goes all out with inflatables, decorations, and music playing. 

Free Haunted Houses and Amazing Halloween Decorations in South LA and the South Bay

21. The Haunted Dome — 10717 Stagg Street, Sun Valley

Scary scarecrows are the star of this free Halloween yard display. 

22. Necromancy Nightmare — 2617 W. Grand Ave., Alhambra 

The fog seeps onto the street from this spook yard display in Alhambra. Approach if you dare; there are monsters afoot! 

23. Casa del Muerto — 2172 Eucalyptus Ave., Long Beach

The Day of the Dead reigns over this spooky house in Long Beach with plenty of skeletons, music, and a cemetery.  

24. Terror on Ticonderoga — 11131 Ticonderoga Dr. Los Alamitos

A host of spooky souls are ready to scare at this home/yard display in Los Alamitos. There is a 13 and over scare area on the property for extra-brave visitors. 

RELATED: Take a Ghost Tour in Los Angeles and Discover the Terrors of Tinseltown

 
Scare House on Quill puts on an elaborate display with a changing theme. Photo courtesy of socalhauntlist.com

25. Scare House on Quill — 7503 Quill Dr., Downey

The theme changes each year at this elaborate Halloween yard display in Downey. 

26. Torrance — Seaside Ranchos Neighborhood

While this neighborhood is known for the elaborately decorated homes at Christmastime, don't sleep on the haunted Halloween decorations. This is a spot where people adore their decor. And we are just thrilled to appreciate their labors.

Originally published September 20, 2011. Updated October 6, 2024