Halloween fun frights, far out and right nearby

With Halloween right around the corner, you don't have to look far for chills and thrills. Here are attractions in the region that celebrate the haunted holiday.

Morey's Piers: Terror on the Boardwalk. The Wildwood amusement park will transform itself into an all-out panorama of panic, using the peaceful seaside location to play on people's unease.

"There is a tension where it's like opposites attracting. We tried to enhance the effect of the beach and the sea," says Jack Morey, executive vice president of Morey's. "In the summer, it's normal; we know why people are there. But in the fall and winter, you don't feel like you belong against the naked backdrop of Mother Nature."

The pier builds on its centerpiece, the Ghost Ship, a rusting, abandoned cargo vessel now inhabited by restless, unearthly beings. "There has been an insatiable appetite from the public after this became a permanent anchor attraction," said Dino Fazio, director of pier operations. "The scene will be set to make you scream."

New attractions are "Cornstalkers," the type of corn maze "you don't want to get lost in," Fazio said, and "CarnEvil," a sprawling carnival maze where twisted clowns run rampant. If fear leads to hunger, pumpkin funnel cake, ice cream, and other food will be available all over the park.

Spooky Tours at Stenton Mansion. Explore the mysteries of Philadelphia's most authentic historic mansion, and the ghosts of its past, on a free Halloween tour. Former inhabitants Sarah and James Logan, who both met an untimely demise there, might make an appearance. Pumpkin painting and spice cookies and cider will satisfy artistic and gastronomic palates. Stenton was built by James Logan, William Penn's secretary, between 1723 and 1730. It is located in the historic Logan section at 4601 N. 18th St. (the corner of 18th and Windrim), just four blocks east of Wayne Junction.

Halloween Moonlight Costume Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia. Nothing evokes the Halloween spirit better than the sight of supernatural creatures dancing under the moonlight. The Spirit of Philadelphia will hold a costume cruise and party for those 21 and older in a unique location along the Delaware River. The Spirit's decks offer a view of the skyline; indoors, a DJ will spin music all night. A Moonlight Menu will include a cheesesteak station, baked ziti, and a dessert du jour. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes.

The Annual Pumpkinland Event in the South Street Headhouse District. This is one of Philadelphia's most family-friendly events. Activities include Sleepy Hollow Farm's pony rides, Make-N-Take arts and crafts and pumpkin decorating at Queen Village Art Center, a Wilby Band kids rock band performance, face painting, a roaming magic act, and balloon art. Children can also enjoy the pumpkin patch farm experience. Youngsters in costume can take part in a parade and a contest around the Shambles later in the day.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure. As Six Flags turns into a "scream" park for its 20th anniversary, its yearly Fright Fest unveils new shows and attractions. Doc Swan's Magical Comedy show, the Haunted Wagon Tales ride, and the Broadway-inspired musical Demon Barber of Main Street promise new chills. Old favorites like Professor Slither's Creepy Critters animal show, Mr. Six Spooktacular's Street Party, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail will make a comeback, along with popular shows the Dead Man's Party, Hypnosteria, the Ghoulmaster's Ghosts, and Fright Fest Freak Show, among many others. Fright Fest will culminate in the Mouthful of Misery eating contest on Saturday and Sunday, featuring 20 contestants and their meal of giant Madagascar hissing cockroaches. MTV's Jackass star Raab Himself will host.

Halloween Flashlight Tours at Laurel Hill Cemetery. A mainstay in Philadelphia, this historical tour will guide visitors through winding pathways among gravestones and sculptures. Encounters with spirits (played by local actors from the Not Ready for Afterlife Players) will mark the journey, which ends in a feast of cookies and hot apple cider over fire pits. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes.