Safe as (haunted) houses

Austin’s House of Torment scares up spot among top haunted attractions in the U.S.

The Boogeyman, a new attraction this year, is coming for you at House of Torment in Austin.

What’s scarier than a haunted house? An unsafe haunted house.

Fortunately, the Haunted Attraction Association (yep, it’s a thing.) has come up with a safety-minded list of the 45 top-rated haunted attractions in the U.S., and an Austin spot — House of Torment — is among them.

The association certifies haunted attractions based on 10 criteria, including protection of customers and education of industry professionals — because there’s nothing more frightening than an unschooled haunted house carney, except maybe an actually hazardous spook show.

An attraction must be a member of the association to be considered for the list.

“The safety of our guests is the No. 1 priority,” says John Eslich, owner of Factory of Terror in Canton, Ohio, and former president of the association. “The certification is a symbol of excellence that honors those attractions that are making strides above and beyond to focus on the safety and education of their employees while developing a world-class haunting experience for guests.”

Aside from being certified by the Haunted Attraction Association, House of Torment has been featured on the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and on the Huffington Post. The haunted house, located at 2632 Ridgepoint Dr. in the Walnut Creek area, opened September 11 and will close November 13.

House of Torment is known for its detailed Hollywood-style sets, iconic scary characters, and “towering animatronics monsters.”

The 2021 version of the haunted house offers three new features with all-new sets, costumes, and special effects: Operation: Laughing Place, The Boogeyman, and The Forsaken.

Two other places in Texas appear on the Haunted Attraction Association’s list of certified haunted houses: Creepy Hollow Haunted House, near Houston, and 13th Floor Haunted House in San Antonio.

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Schlitterbahn sneak peek shows off new kids park with 70 water features

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels furbidden forest aerial

Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn

The Fur-bidden Forest is one of three new play areas.

Central Texans may not be yet stocked up on sunscreen, but New Braunfels’ iconic Schlitterbahn is giving a sneak peek of summer fun during its Spring Preview Days. The dry run of the water park’s new rides and amenities takes place from April 18 to May 23 and May 27 to 30.

Guests can ride some of Schlitterbahn’s most popular attractions, including the breakneck drops of its water coaster, Master Blaster, and the more leisurely Kristal River. But the biggest draw might be the chance to see the park’s new additions.

Chief among them is Schatze’s Storybrook Park, a new kid’s area based on the park’s canine mascot’s interpretation of classic fairy tales. The centerpiece is a tyke-sized version of the Master Blaster, but the section also boasts 70 interactive water features, spray toys, splash pads, and a whimsical 1,200-gallon tipping water bucket. It also features enough puns to fill a Laffy Taffy factory, like “Fur-bidden Forest” and “Three Little Pugs.”

Schlitterbahn’s other splashy improvement is the Oberbahn Biergarten, a sudsy new area with a new restaurant and tap bar. The space also gives guests an opportunity to chill under new Oberbahn cabahnas. Yes, ca-bah-nas.

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels dog mascot Schatze Schatze greets guests at his new Storybrook Park.Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn

The other new features include:

Renovated resort rooms and pool area
A Shipwreck Bar expansion
New food options
A new Refresh Station
Upgraded souvenir shops

“Each season, we look for new ways to elevate the guest experience while staying true to what makes Schlitterbahn special,” said Darren Hill, general manager at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, via a press release. “This year, we’re excited to introduce several new additions that enhance both the thrill and comfort of the park.”

Daily tickets start at $39, and season tickets start at $105. The park also offers discounted passes for groups, military members, and first responders.

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