America’s Most Haunted: Ghost Tours That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
Looking for a unique family adventure that combines history with a little mystery? Ghost tours can be a fun way to explore American history and local legends with older kids and teens. From educational cemetery walks to historical haunted hotels, these tours offer exciting experiences that blend storytelling with real history.
As someone who’s explored ghost tours across the country and is an avid listener of paranormal podcasts, I’ve learned that these experiences can be both thrilling and educational for families. I’ve taken my own kids on several tours, and I’ve seen firsthand how they spark curiosity about history and local legends.
Whether we’re investigating with EMF detectors or hearing stories in historic cemeteries, these tours have become some of our most memorable travel experiences. My podcast obsession has taught me what makes a great tour – engaging storytelling, historical accuracy, and guides who know how to balance spooky fun with real facts.
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1. Nightly Ghost Tours Across the US
Ghost tours operate in over 200 US cities across the country, making it easy to add a little mystery to your family vacation.
In Baltimore, families can explore the city’s fascinating history on the Baltimore Bewitched: Raven’s Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour. This walking tour visits historic sites like the Admiral Fell Inn and locations connected to the famous writer Edgar Allan Poe. You’ll learn about local legends and historical facts as you stroll through the charming streets of this historic city.
What Kids Will Love: Many tours offer special equipment like EMF detectors that make kids feel like real ghost investigators!
2. Ghost Hunting Experiences
For brave families with older teens, ghost hunting experiences offer hands-on historical exploration using special equipment.
Gettysburg offers overnight ghost hunts in authentic 19th-century homes connected to Civil War history. The Jennie Wade Birthplace House was the childhood home of the only civilian to die in the Battle of Gettysburg and continues to be haunted by the spirits of Civil War figures.
These small-group experiences (limited to 10 guests) provide specialized equipment like REM pods and laser grids, teaching kids about paranormal investigation techniques.
Age Recommendation: 14+ for overnight experiences
3. Historic Cemetery Tours
Cemetery tours provide excellent opportunities to learn about local history and notable historical figures.
The Oak Grove Cemetery Tour in Fall River, Massachusetts, explores the stories of the community’s most famous residents, including the Borden family and their connection to the famous Lizzie Borden case. Lizzie Borden was tried for the brutal murder of her father and stepmother with a hatchet, but was released without charges.
These walking tours focus on history and genealogy, teaching kids about life in different time periods while visiting a historic burial ground.
Educational Value: Great for kids studying American history or interested in historical mysteries!
4. Sleep Over in a Haunted Hotel
History-loving families can book overnight stays at historic hotels with fascinating backstories.
The Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg offers a unique opportunity to sleep where history happened. This bullet-riddled bed and breakfast played a central role during the Battle of Gettysburg, and staying here helps families connect with Civil War history in an immersive way.
Roamed by soldiers from both sides of the bloody fray, this historic lodging house is a prime locale for a spooky sleepover – if you dare to shut your eyes.
5. Daytime Historical Home Tours
If nighttime tours aren’t your family’s style, many historic sites offer daytime educational tours.
The Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa offers daytime tours of this preserved 1912 home, which was a silent witness to the murder of eight people in 1912. Still unsolved, the crime has fascinated and enthralled the public for decades. The daytime setting makes it less intense while still providing fascinating historical context.
Perfect For: Families who love true crime podcasts and history mysteries
6. Haunted Pub Crawls (Parents’ Night Out!)
While the kids are with a sitter, parents can enjoy evening historical walking tours that stop at historic taverns and pubs.
The Annapolis Haunted Pub Crawl combines Revolutionary War history with visits to colonial-era establishments like the Middleton Tavern. Drink in stories of revolutionary ghosts and frightful specters as you sip on a beverage in Annapolis’ most haunted watering holes. After all, there’s no better way to honor the spirits than with a drink in hand. These adults-only tours offer a fun way for parents to learn about maritime history and local legends.
7. Late-Night Ghost Tours
If a regular ghost tour just doesn’t do it for you, take things up a notch with a dead of night ghost tour. These tours usually happen late at night for an ultimate spooky experience.
The Savannah Terrors Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour explores the historic southern city after dark, visiting sites like Colonial Park Cemetery and historic homes. The nighttime setting adds drama to the historical storytelling as you explore one of the South’s most historically rich cities.
8. Holiday Ghost Tours
Who says the holidays aren’t filled with dread? While most people are celebrating Christmas with lights, many don’t bother to explore the other side of the cities they are visiting.
The Colonial Ghosts of Christmas Past tour in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers Christmas-themed historical tours that explore how the holiday was celebrated in colonial times. These tours reveal forgotten traditions and historical legends from America’s early days, providing a different perspective on holiday history as you stroll through this beautifully preserved colonial town.
Ghost Tour Planning Tips for Families
- Check age requirements before booking—most tours recommend ages 10+
- Book early during October and the holiday seasons when tours fill up quickly
- Dress appropriately for walking tours (comfortable shoes are a must!)
- Bring water and snacks for longer tours
- Talk to your kids beforehand about what to expect
- Consider daytime tours if your children are sensitive to scary content
Ghost tours offer a unique way to make history exciting and memorable for kids. Whether your family loves mysteries, history, or just trying new adventures, these tours provide educational entertainment that everyone can enjoy together!
