I don’t know about you, but spooky season is one of my favorite times of the year. Bonfires, hay rides, and haunted houses are always on my list of October activities. The cool thing is, you can create your very own variation on the haunted house in your barn, which could be a real treat for your family and friends.
Below you will find some ideas for creating a haunted barn that won’t break the budget. Whether you’re decorating for a group of young children or all adults, it’s easy to tailor things to your intended audience.
Make it Dark
The top priority for creating any kind of haunted house is to make it dark. Most barns are naturally dark, especially at night, but you can make them darker by putting up tarps or trash bags over areas that may let in light. You can also switch out your lightbulbs for darker colors such as red or black. Another idea is to use strobe lights in certain areas of the barn, which will add a perfectly eerie effect.
Create a Spooky Atmosphere
Creating the right atmosphere is also important for a good haunted barn. A great idea is to use fog which can really make things spooky. You can do this with dry ice, so long as it’s used in a well ventilated area, or you can rent a smoke or fog machine from a party supply company. Of course, we can’t forget spooky music. Create a playlist and then use your laptop or phone connected to a speaker to add an even more dramatic atmosphere.
Add Creepy Decor
Once you have your lighting and atmosphere in mind, it’s time to add some creepy decor. This is where you can let your imagination run wild. Use fake blood, fake body parts, old dolls, or create creepy scenes for your guests to walk past. You can also easily make ghosts to hang from the rafters using old sheets or light-colored cloth. When it comes to haunted decor, use what you have, shop at yard sales, or even borrow items from friends to save money.
For a really spooky time, have family members or friends dress up in creepy costumes to add to the haunted barn experience.
Of course, one final factor is to create a clear path for your guests to take through the barn. You can set up dividers with tarps or use lighted markers to follow on the floor. Another idea is to create a different scene in each stall and simply have your guests go door to door. But no matter what ideas you come up with for your haunted barn, your guests are sure to get a thrill out of it!
