Enter if you dare: Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse

An old barn on 7-acre grounds, home to the unassuming Gateway Playhouse that presents musical performances and shows, transforms into a haunted playhouse, full of Halloween spooks and scares, now through Nov. 4.

Fog, moving floors, special effects and creepy characters are what you’ll experience inside the labyrinth of Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse. Don’t be surprised if you run into some deranged lab technicians and aliens, as this year’s theme is Brookhaven Laboratory Extraterrestrial Invasion.

For those who cringe and shudder at the thought of being scared (it can’t only be me, right?), you can still take part in the seasonal fun. The Gateway offers Monster Protection amulets, which are flashing LED necklaces that are worn throughout the haunt to signal the actors not to target you. Give me 20 of those!

You can also check out The Midway, where you can eat, drink and take a ride in the coffin attraction, as well as test your aim on the undead in the new Zombie Shooting Gallery.

And, since anyone under 12 years old is not recommended to attend this haunted walk-through, there’s a family-friendly Not-So-Scary House open on Saturdays and Sundays, from noon-4 p.m. Kids are invited to come in costume to enjoy a well-lit tour that features fun characters, as well as a treat at the end. A hay maze, pumpkin bouncy house and face-painting are also offered.

Frights and screams await you at the haunted playhouse; so, go have a “monstrously” good time. I’ll be a beacon on The Midway with my multiple Monster Protection amulets.

Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse
215 S. Country Road, Bellport
Open: Oct. 19-22, Oct. 25-29, Halloween, and Nov. 3-4
631-286-1133 · gatewayshauntedplayhouse.com