Kids have enjoyed listening to ghost stories around the campfire or sharing urban legends with their classmates for generations, and while visiting haunted houses or ancient graveyards can be exciting for some children, others, especially younger kids, are too frightened to take part in haunting activities.
Fortunately, there are places throughout the country where the whole family can hear spooky tales with just the right amount of horror so no one experiences nightmares later that night. And the best part is that these haunted places offer excellent opportunities to learn about history as well.
The Not-So-Spooky Haunted Places to Visit with Kids Throughout the U.S.
Every major city and small town has an urban legend or two linked to its history. But there are some U.S. cities with a strong reputation for being significantly haunted, and that’s why we created this list of the most haunted places to visit in America that are also family-friendly.
Savannah, GA
The Haunted 17 Hundred 90 Inn in Savannah, Georgia
The city of Savannah is considered to be haunted due to the death and destruction that occurred over the years from tragedy, sickness, and natural causes. Multiple fires swept through the town centuries ago, leaving many homes and businesses scorched beyond repair. This Georgia town also endured the effects of Yellow Fever, violent crimes, and the heinous abuse of slaves. All that evil left behind some serious residual energy that spirits are known to cling to.
While Savannah is filled with many haunting places, there are a few locations considered suitable for children of all ages to visit, allowing them to learn about history while they listen to some age-appropriate ghost tales at the same time.
The Pirate’s House Restaurant
The Pirate’s House Restaurant, built in 1734, is the oldest building in Savannah. It has become a staple eatery in town, beloved by both tourists and locals for its delicious entrees and peaceful atmosphere. But there’s something that lurks in the shadows of this establishment that can be difficult to explain.
Several spirits are believed to haunt the restaurant. They’ve been known to knock glasses off the tables or send dishes flying off the shelves and onto the floor. There’s a rumor that the ghost of a small boy haunts the building; no one knows of his origin, but he is often seen on the front steps of The Herb House, which is connected to the restaurant.
Owners have also witnessed the ghost of a young woman dressed in 18th-century clothing who enjoys mingling with the patrons. One lady recalls seeing her walk by a couple of ladies at the bus stop, dressed in her usual 18th-century gown. The ladies thought she was a tour guide dressed up for work. When one of them asked her why she was dressed up, the other asked who she was talking to. It seems the young woman had vanished into thin air.
Bonaventure Cemetery
The site of the Bonaventure Cemetery, located near the scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, was first purchased as a private cemetery in 1846 before it became a public cemetery in 1907. It features some impressive, beautiful sculptures; ancient architecture; and plenty of folklore, including urban legends and ghost tales.
The cemetery is famous for its hauntingly stunning atmosphere and Southern Gothic charm. But it gained global fame when it was used as the setting for the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which later became a feature film.
While fans of the film and book often visit this popular location, it is also well known among those who are interested in all things paranormal. The Bonaventure Cemetery is believed to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in the South, with its most famous ghostly resident being the spirit of a little girl named Gracie Watson.
Gracie died in 1889 at the age of six from blood poisoning following a severe attack of pneumonia. Her father commissioned a local artist to create a life-size marble sculpture, depicting little Gracie, to be displayed at her grave.
The statue has become a major tourist attraction because of its beauty and the claims that it is haunted. It’s been said that the statue that sits at Gracie’s grave will cry tears of blood, and some have even claimed to see it move on its own.
The cemetery is open to the public every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
If you want the ultimate haunted experience in Savannah, make sure to join a local Savannah ghost tour!
St. Augustine, FL
The haunted streets of St. Augustine – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
The beautiful beach town of St. Augustine may be home to sandy shores, but there are also dozens of haunted locations within this tourist town. The city is considered to be haunted by many entities due to its long history filled with tragedy, violence, and the casualties of war. It is one of the oldest cities in the nation, founded on September 8th, 1565. And that means the land has endured centuries of death, battles, epidemics, and disasters.
If you want to take your kids along on a ghost hunting adventure that isn’t too frightening, here are some of the best haunted places to go in the St. Augustine area that the experts say are family-friendly.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse was erected by the Spanish crown during the construction of Castillo de San Marcos in an effort to prevent enemy ships from taking Anastasia Island. Today, it is one of the most haunted lighthouses in America, with many reports from people who have seen ghostly apparitions while on the property. Visitors often share stories of ghost sightings, hearing disembodied voices, and other forms of strange supernatural activity.
Several tragic events occurring at the lighthouse could be the reason behind the hauntings. The property has a long history of death and tragedy and was repeatedly damaged by severe storms, hurricanes, and pirate attacks. Years ago, it was fully restored and rebuilt using a rugged stone material that strengthened the structure to help it withstand the storms.
One of the most well-known ghost stories we hear from the lighthouse is about a man named Joseph Andreu. Andreu was a lighthouse keeper from 1875 to 1876, when he died due to a case of yellow fever.
Those who climb the lighthouse steps to the top claim to see Joseph’s ghost as they make their way to the top. His presence is often accompanied by the distinctive sound of heavy work boots clanking against the metal stairs and the odd aroma of whale oil and brass polish.
The lighthouse and maritime museum offer even the youngest child a fun way to learn more about the history of lighthouses and how they’ve been an essential part of maritime history for centuries, while also hearing some haunting tales that are not too spooky.
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is an exceptional location to visit when you want your kids to learn more about St. Augustine’s history. This monument is the oldest and largest masonry fort in the United States. It was built between 1672 and 1695 by the Spanish people, who used a unique, durable, and porous shell stone named coquina, known to absorb cannon fire. The purpose of the monument was to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route from enemy forces. While the Castillo de San Marcos may have been successful in fending off fire from cannons, it was not successful in its defense against the ghosts and spirits who inhabit the location.
According to the lore, the monument is haunted by the ghosts of two lovers who were forced to be apart while they were alive, and now they spend the afterlife together. Hauntings have been reported as far back as 1833, when a lieutenant, who was studying architecture at the monument, heard a strange echo coming from behind a dungeon wall. When he went to investigate further, he found a hidden chamber behind the wall. He opened the door, and a puff of stale smoke flew out, leaving behind the distinctive aroma of sweet-smelling perfume. Inside the chamber were two skeletons, side by side, believed to be the couple who were destined to be together.
Visitors to the monument have witnessed the vision of a woman in white who often whispers at night, gliding along the walls as if she’s searching for someone. There have also been reports of ghostly apparitions of soldiers seen walking around the monument.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is open to the public for tours of the upper and lower levels year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
New Orleans, LA
The haunted streets of New Orleans – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Even if you are not too familiar with the paranormal, it’s likely that you have already heard about how spooky and mysterious NOLA can be. This is the town that has inspired tales of horror and is believed to be home to actual vampires, witches, voodoo queens, and several ghosts.
There are many haunting historic places throughout New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter district. Some may be too scary for little ones to enter, but there are a few kid-friendly places in the Big Easy where they can enjoy a little spooky magic of their own.
Muriel’s Restaurant
Muriel’s is a historic Creole restaurant located in Jackson Square. This establishment is well-known in town for its delicious and authentic Louisiana entrees and for being one of the most famous hot spots for paranormal activity in the city.
Muriel’s opened its doors in 2001, but the location has been through several transformations throughout history. During the early 1700s, the land was home to Claude Trepagnier, an explorer who helped clear the site for the city. Years later, the Royal Treasurer of French Louisiana, Jean Baptiste Destrehan, built a grand home there that was admired by all.
In 1788, a fire destroyed the Destrehan home, and the land was purchased by Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who rebuilt the mansion. That home was owned by several prominent figures, including the president of the Louisiana State Senate, Julien Poydras. It was later transitioned for commercial use, serving the town as a saloon, factory, grocery store, and restaurant.
There are a number of resident ghosts at Muriel’s, including one of the former owners, Jourdan, who is often seen as a shimmering glimmer of light, wandering the lounge. He is often blamed for moving objects throughout the restaurant. His presence is so prominent at the establishment that the owner of Muriel’s set up a Ghost Table to keep him content. The table is set every day with a fresh white linen tablecloth, a serving of bread, and a glass of red wine. It’s been said that the level of wine in the glass will fluctuate from time to time.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
The Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in New Orleans may not necessarily be haunted, but if you are in town for their annual Ghosts in the Oaks, held in October, you and your family are in for a treat during spooky season.
Carousel Gardens features 17 fun attractions for the entire family to enjoy. You can take a walk through the Botanical Garden, explore the 30-acre Couturie Forest, or spend some time in the play areas. There are also two cafes on site where you can grab a bite to eat during your visit.
The Ghosts in the Oaks annual event takes place mid-October from 5 PM to 9 PM. Activities include unlimited amusement park rides, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and other festive fall activities.
San Antonio, TX
The Alamo – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
San Antonio is home to some of the most historic battles in U.S. history, including the epic Battle of the Alamo. This Texas town offers plenty of opportunities for kids to learn fun facts about history while also hearing a few good ghost stories and urban legends, all with just the right amount of horror involved. Here are a few of our top picks for kid-friendly haunted locations in San Antonio.
The Alamo
Founded in 1718, Mission San Antonio de Valero, later known as The Alamo, is a former Spanish mission turned fortress for San Antonio during the Texas Revolution. It is where the epic Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836 and an important location in American history. It is also said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the spirit of the Duke, actor John Wayne.
The hauntings at the Alamo began not long after the battle ended. According to the legend, when General Santa Ana sent his men to lay siege to the fort, they were met with six ghostly figures who were guarding the site. The ghosts, referred to as the Six Diablos, carried flaming swords that they wielded over their heads as they gave Santa Ana’s men a fierce warning to leave.
The diablos have been seen by some visitors and staff members at the Alamo at times, as well as the ghost of an unnamed little boy who stays on the roof of the fortress, peering below as if he’s looking for a lost loved one.
But perhaps the most famous ghost to make his presence known at this San Antonio location is actor John Wayne, who directed and starred in the 1960 feature film, The Alamo. It’s been said that Wayne became so obsessed with getting every detail in his film perfectly accurate that his spirit now visits the site from time to time because he loved it so much. He’s often seen dressed in his usual cowboy-esque attire, briefly greeting others as he passes by and fading away before they realize they just spoke to a legend.
Tours of the Alamo are free, but you will need to make a reservation. You can book a guided tour or enjoy a self-guided experience. You can also visit the new Alamo exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center or check out Surrounded! The Alamo Augmented Experience.
Donkey Lady Bridge
A bridge located on Old Applewhite Road in San Antonio is home to a creepy tale of a mysterious cryptid, said to be a half-human, half-donkey creature known as the Donkey Lady.
There are several variations of the story, but the most popular version involves a farmer who snapped one day, murdering his family. He spares his wife for a short time, but then traps her inside their home as he sets it on fire.
But the farmer’s wife survives, disfigured; she emerges from the house and rushes to the Medina River, where the bridge is located.
As the story goes, her body was never found, and it’s believed that the farmer’s wife, aka the Donkey Lady, now lurks on the bridge, seeking revenge against her husband.
While there’s nothing to really see or do at the bridge, it is a unique urban legend to share as you are driving through the area that your older kids can later share at a sleepover or camping trip.
Salem, MA
Salem Witch House – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Salem is another location, like New Orleans, that is synonymous with all things spooky. Home to the well-known Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this town has seen its share of cruel punishment and death. Along with the location’s association with the trials, there are also several other spots within this New England town that host some mysterious secrets of their own.
Most tween and teenage kids learn about the Salem Witch Trials in school, so visiting these places, like the Witch House, would be an excellent learning experience. But if your little ones are too young to visit these places, Salem also offers several other great family-friendly and ghost-friendly historic landmarks to check out.
Rockafella’s Restaurant
Rockafellas Restaurant was founded in 2003 by Terrance Marchino, Kevin Marchino, and David McKilop. It was established in the historic Daniel Low Building, which was built in 1826 and intended for use as Salem’s First Church. For many years, the church used the upper level of the building for worship and the lower level for various commercial businesses that helped support the church.
The lower level was used to sell everything from crockery to dry goods and home furnishings. In 1867, Daniel Low opened his jewelry business on the first floor. He began a mail-order business soon after, when he designed a silver souvenir witch spoon, which later prompted him to create one of the very first mail-order catalogs.
The rich history of the Daniel Low building and its connection to once being a place of worship make it an excellent spot for a good haunting. While you are dining with the family at this popular eatery in Salem, be on the lookout for some of the resident ghosts in the building.
There are two ghosts who are frequently seen at the restaurant, known as the Lady in Blue and the Man in Black. The lady, known as Sarah, has been seen so often that there is a drink named after her at the bar. There is also a large painting in the restaurant titled The Lady in Blue. Dress that honors her. Staff members have reported seeing her in the reflection of the restaurant’s computer screen, and a short time later, the computer crashed and died.
While the ghost of Sarah is said to be mostly friendly, the Man in Black isn’t always as kind. He’s been known to lash out at patrons, frightening them so that they will leave. People have mentioned hearing ghostly moans and a great feeling of unease when entering the basement of the establishment.
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Trials are an essential part of American history that many children learn about in middle or high school. The trials lasted from February 1692 to May 1693 and resulted in the execution of 19 individuals and several deaths in prison. More than 200 people were accused of witchcraft during this period in colonial Massachusetts.
While there are several locations throughout Salem directly linked to the trials that are also known to be haunted, if you are looking for a non-spooky option that also allows you to share the story of the witch trials with your child, you should visit the Salem Witch Museum.
The Salem Witch Museum is located in downtown Salem at 19 1/2 Washington Square. It was founded in 1972 and shares the history of the events that led to the Salem Witch Trials. The museum breaks down the complicated history of the witch hunts and those who were accused of performing witchcraft through informative presentations and guided tours. It is open year-round from 10 AM to 5 PM and between July and August from 10 AM to 7 PM. Extended hours are offered throughout the month of October.
Gettysburg, PA
The haunted Brickhoues Inn in Gettysburg – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Gettysburg is the place to go when you want to hear stories about the haunted history of America. During the Civil War, an epic three-day battle took place within this community that changed the course of history. The Battle of Gettysburg was a great turning point for the Union Army, giving it the advantages it needed to eventually win the war. But this battle was also known as the bloodiest of the war, where 51,000 casualties and deaths occurred on the battlefield.
If your child is learning about the Civil War, a trip to Gettysburg is the best way to make long-lasting memories and help them gain more knowledge for their history lessons. And while many of these historic places are believed to be home to haunting spirits, there are tours available in the area that focus more on the historical aspects of each location, making it less spooky for everyone.
Farnsworth House Inn
The Farnsworth House Inn is a Victorian-style bed & breakfast where guests are treated to suites and a dining experience straight out of the Civil War era. This inn was built in 1810 and named in honor of Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, who died on the battlefield along with 65 of his men.
Paranormal experts who have stayed at the inn claim to have made contact with several different entities. One of the most commonly seen is a little boy around the age of 5 named Death. According to the story, Jeremy died after being struck by a covered wagon. After his death, his mother was so grief-stricken that his spirit remained to comfort her.
Jeremy will often show up with other children around. He can be heard laughing or will tug at people’s sleeves. He has also been known to roll a marble or small ball across the floor in hopes that someone will play with him.
Tillie Pierce House
The Tillie Pierce House is another bed & breakfast in Gettysburg that is believed to be haunted. If you are looking for a place to stay where you may have a pleasant ghostly encounter and learn about a young heroine of the war, this is your best bet. Guests are treated to 24-hour hospitality inside this six-room inn with modern amenities, a sitting room, and access to a beautiful garden.
Matilda J. “Tillie” Pierce was fifteen years old when the Battle of Gettysburg took place in her hometown. Instead of fleeing the city, Tillie took charge and got involved by carrying water and food to injured soldiers. She later began helping military surgeons and nurses as they cared for the wounded or performed serious operations such as emergency amputations. Even though Tillie was very young and didn’t have any prior experience in the medical field, she remained brave and did what she could to help during a crucial time in our country’s history.
It’s been said that Tillie’s ghost haunts her former home as well as the ghosts of some of the soldiers she helped. People have claimed to hear phantom footsteps following them on the way to their rooms at night. They noticed doors opening and closing on their own. And they have seen the ghost of a woman lurking in the corners of their rooms.
Spooky Spirits and Friendly Ghosts Throughout America
There are so many ways to share fun and exciting ghost tales with your children no matter their age. You can always look into the historic side of haunted places if things become too spooky for your little ones. But if your older kids are brave enough to be more adventurous, visiting a location where real ghostly encounters have been reported could be a great option when you want to make memories together you’ll never forget.
One of the best ways to explore the haunted history of popular landmarks in your hometown is to join in on a walking ghost tour through US Ghost Adventures. They offer a broad range of tours with varying levels of spookiness in major cities all throughout the United States. Visit their website today to find a tour near you.
Last Updated on Friday, April 17, 2026 by Lavania Oluban
