Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest

Every year Six Flags' Magic Mountain turns off the lights, conjures up the dead and invites everyone into the haunted world of "Fright Fest." Running through October 31st, this Halloween event offers scare seekers a night full of terrifying mazes, satanic scare zones, creepy stage shows and enough spine-tingling fun to drive even the Looney Tunes battier!

Unlike other haunted theme parks, Six Flags allows park goers who are already enjoying the rides during the day to pay an additional fee to experience "Fright Fest." So, for one low price, you can enjoy, as their slogan promises, "thrills by day" and "frights by night."

"Fright Fest" offers up seven haunted mazes this year, five scare zones, two spooky stage shows and even lets you experience a handful of their already killer coasters in the dark. Their DC Universe, home to all superheroes like Batman and Superman, gets overrun by some familiar villains in "Suicide Squad: The Six Flags Fright Fest Experience." Don't expect to be rescued by your heroes once the light goes off; the sinister squad is out in full force, and they'll stop at nothing to have you running away in fear -- but they will stop for a quick photo-op if you ask nicely.

The mazes are located throughout the park, and all differ in theme. One of my favorites was "Toyz of Terror 3D," where we found ourselves in a defunct toy factory run by some terrifying toys. Set up more like a funhouse you would find at a creepy circus you'll be greeted by clowns, devilish dolls, and frightening furries. It was a great homage to our childhood memories tainted with devilish nightmares.

Another standout was "Willoughby's Resurrected," which took me on a trip through the family's Victorian mansion that has become inhabited by evil spirits. In this maze, there is a scare around every corner -- in front of you, beside you and behind you, there is always someone waiting to spook you. After a while, you won't know whether to laugh, cry or keep screaming, but the only thing that matters is how much fun you're having. If you're able to take in the scenery around you, it is really quite beautiful, with hints of gothic Victorian charm throughout.

New to "Fright Fest" this season is "Dead End," which is an extension of "Willoughby's Resurrected." Here evil brother Malachai haunts the halls of the estate, and he does not take well to visitors. You will be handed a flashlight, which works only about half of the time and left to find your way out in the dark. Look out for the dead ends, because as much as Malachai wants you out, the other spirits would love for you to stay. You won't want to miss this one.

Other mazes making a return this year include, "Chupacabra," "Vault 666," "Red's Revenge" and "Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising." There are plenty of scares to go around so make sure you schedule the time to check them all out.

The scare zones are scattered sporadically around the park, which make the monsters almost impossible to avoid. They are out to elicit genuine scares so hold on to your little ones! Prepare to meet the dead up on "Exile Hill," steam spewing mechanical beasts in "TERRORtory Twisted," evil spirits at "Demon's Door" and everything in between that fills our nightmares. Horror fans should definitely make their way through "Nightmares - A Twisted Fantasy," where our favorite fairytale characters have taken a devilish turn for the worst. This scare zone light up the night with blacklights, making the experience all the more surreal.

If you're looking for some family fun, "Fright Fest" might not be what you're looking for once the sun goes down. The park does, however, offer "pint-sized frights by day." The kids can take part in "Witch Hazel Pumpkin Patch Crafts" and even trick-or-treat in Bugs Bunny World.

For the parents, a number of dining establishments are serving up ghoulish beverages to help take the edge off. Anyone looking for a break from the frights can join other revelers at 'Voodoo Nights" or "Club 6-Feet Under," both offering live music to show off your best Monster Mash.

Six Flags' "Fright Fest" was a lot of fun, with just the right amount of tricks and treats. So, take advantage of these last few days of Halloween fun at a theme park that promises great "Monstertainment."

"Fright Fest" runs Friday - Sunday through Oct 31. They are located at Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy in Valencia. For tickets or information visit www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/fright-fest-night

This story is part of our special report: "10 Days of Halloween". Want to read more? Here's the full list.