Spooky Season Guide: Haunted Houses, Pumpkin Patches and More

JOPLIN, Mo. — With Halloween right around the corner, residents across the Joplin area have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the spooky season, from haunted houses and eerie trails to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and family-friendly farm activities.

Whether visitors are looking for a night full of screams or a fall outing with family and friends, attractions throughout southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas offer a variety of ways to enjoy the season.

Carthage, Missouri

Carthage offers both haunted attractions and traditional fall activities for visitors looking to get into the Halloween spirit.

Rip at Myers Inn , located at 529 W. Airport Drive, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. Visitors can also visit Myers Forest of Fears , located at 3935 S. Garrison Avenue, which operates during the same hours.

For those looking for a more relaxed fall experience, RockBarn Pumpkin Farm , located at 11321 County Road 165, offers hayrides, pumpkin painting, s'mores by the campfire, photo opportunities and cornhole.

RockBarn is open Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m.

Carl Junction, Missouri

Those looking for a frightening night out can visit Wolfman's House of Screams , located at 26267 King Lane in Carl Junction. The attraction is open from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Joplin, Missouri

Joplin has several options for visitors seeking Halloween thrills.

The Aftermath , located at 2520 Jaguar Road, is open from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Another option is Werehouse , located at 3819 E. 20th Street.

For an outdoor experience, Drachenmoor — All Ages Haunted Trail , located at 2333 Crow Road, offers a haunted trail experience for visitors of all ages.

Webb City, Missouri

The Cadaver Zone , located at 25088 Kafir Road in Webb City, offers another opportunity for visitors to test their nerves this Halloween season. The attraction is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Asbury, Missouri

Visitors can also head to Waco SchoolHouse Haunt , located at 148 Rose Street in Asbury. The attraction is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Exeter, Missouri

For a mix of family activities and Halloween scares, Exeter Corn Maze , located at 20946 Farm Road 1057, offers a variety of attractions for visitors.

Activities include a family corn maze, three to five haunted houses, a haunted corn maze, hayrides, pig races, a petting zoo and go-karts.

Hours are 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays.

Pittsburg, Kansas

Visitors willing to travel into southeast Kansas can find additional fall activities at two local farms.

OL' Yale Farms , located at 306 S. 250th Street, offers a pumpkin patch, farm animals, fresh doughnuts and fall photo backdrops. The farm is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wood Farms Pumpkin Patch , located at 1108 S. 200th Street, offers hayrack rides, a corn box, a bounce pad, a zip line, a giant slide and a sunflower field. The farm is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oronogo, Missouri

Thisleknot Creek Farm , located at 24270 Julep Lane in Oronogo, offers another option for families looking to enjoy the fall season.

Visitors can explore a grass maze, shop for pumpkins and attend special events. Small pumpkins cost $3, while large pumpkins cost $4. Admission is $8 per person for ages 3 and older.

The farm is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Plan a spooky season outing

From haunted houses and trails to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, the Joplin area offers a range of activities for visitors looking to make the most of the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Before heading out, visitors should confirm operating dates, hours, admission prices and age restrictions directly with each attraction, as schedules and offerings may change throughout the season.