When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Fear Factory
Why Fear Factory is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Fear Factory, located at 666 W 800 S in Salt Lake City's industrial district, is one of the world's most acclaimed haunted attractions and a top destination for groups seeking thrilling and memorable experiences. This massive haunted house spans six buildings, some reaching up to six stories high, and includes two underground passages, immersing visitors in a highly detailed and spine-chilling environment. Celebrated as Salt Lake City's #1 haunted house and featured on the Travel Channel, Fear Factory has been ranked third in the world by BuzzFeed and among the top 10 in the US by USA Today and the Travel Channel. The attraction offers varied ticketing options such as VIP, Instant Entry, Rockstar Elite, and Behind the Sets & Screams tours, providing flexible choices for visitors who want to customize their scares. Since its inception over a decade ago, Fear Factory has cultivated a reputation for innovation and entertainment excellence, including the introduction of season passes and an online store selling exclusive Fear Factory gear, props, and masks. Additionally, the venue offers private meeting spaces for birthdays and other events, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather and celebrate with a spooky twist. With its combination of intense scares, high-quality production, and communal atmosphere, Fear Factory stands out as a premier spot for friends and thrill-seekers looking to share unforgettable Halloween fun.
Here's what people think of Fear Factory
As of recent, Fear Factory holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2762 reviews.
With over 2,700 reviews averaging a 4.4-star rating, Fear Factory enjoys widespread acclaim among patrons. Reviewers consistently praise the attraction's meticulous and immersive sets, with several highlighting the exceptional detail and creativity that bring the haunted environment to life. The actors receive frequent commendation for their professionalism and their ability to deliver genuine scares, enhancing the overall experience. Many visitors also appreciate the value offered by the 'bounce back' ticket option, allowing return visits at discounted prices, which encourages multiple adventures within the season. Positive feedback often notes the combination of accessibility and intensity, making Fear Factory suitable for a range of scare tolerance levels and group dynamics. On the critical side, some reviewers mention challenges related to parking availability, noting the limited number of stalls on-site can be an inconvenience during peak nights. A few guests have also pointed out that the intensity of scares may be overwhelming for very young or sensitive visitors despite the general emphasis on entertaining fear. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall consensus remains highly favorable, marking Fear Factory as one of the best haunted attractions in Salt Lake City and beyond. Its reputation for innovation, high production values, and engaging scares secures its place as a must-visit destination for Halloween enthusiasts and groups of friends seeking a thrilling night out.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
DJ
We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Fear Factory during their Halfway to Halloween event, and I can confidently say this is the BEST haunt we have ever experienced! The scale, quality, value, production, and level of immersion are truly second to none. From the moment we stepped through the gates, we knew this haunt was going to be something extraordinary. A magician wowed guests with mind-bending card tricks, food trucks offered tempting treats, and countless eerie photo ops set the tone for a night of excitement and dread. The “heart”-pounding anticipation of venturing into this living, breathing factory of fear created an energy that was electric. This particular event was lights out— nearly 90% of the attraction was engulfed in darkness, which created an intense, psychological atmosphere unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Every sound, every whisper, every step became more chilling and suspenseful as we navigated the pitch-black corridors. It’s immersive horror done right. There simply isn’t a haunt like Fear Factory. The breathtaking industrial architecture paired with relentless scares and detailed production make it an absolute must-visit for any horror enthusiast. If you’re looking for an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience, this is the place. Five stars simply isn’t enough — this haunt deserves all the stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Also, this attraction will make you work those legs with 18 flights of stairs! Last but not least, a huge THANK YOU to Spencer and the entire Fear Factory staff. Your creativity, professionalism, and passion made our night unforgettable. Spencer, you and your team truly delivered an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come. Do not miss this haunt. If Fear Factory isn’t already on your must-visit list — it should be! Trust me, you’ll want to say you survived it.
Christopher McHugh
Fear Factory was a blast! Even though it was super crowded and some scares were stolen, the experience was still top-notch. I opted for the general admission and I see why the price is what it is. The animatronics were out of this world—massive and clearly worth every penny. The actors were fantastic, guiding us when lost and keeping the experience alive. They did a stellar job incorporating a variety of fears, from water to clowns and beyond. Really well done! Here comes the spoiler. My only gripe was the ending. It felt anticlimactic compared to other haunted houses I've been to. No coffin drop, no chainsaw chase—just a dark smoky tunnel to navigate with your hand on the wall. Not the best, honestly. I was more concerned about inhaling smoke than feeling genuine fear. Bit of a letdown. That said, it was still a great experience and I’d love to do it again!
Jared Henricksen
Here is my honest opinion. It was a lot of fun and my family and I were very entertained. The staff are incredible and so fun to interact with. Here are the things I didn't like and made it so I will probably never go back again. It is very gory and extremely LOUD. At every single turn, someone or something jumps out at you. By 30 minutes in, you are so numb to it, that nothing scares you anymore. It was way overkill and even my little girl was bored with the scares. Other haunted houses have far less jump scares and that builds the suspense more. Also, we were constantly being told to hurry up by staff. We felt so rushed, even though we were walking at normal speed. We never even attempted to stop, but we're still being rushed along. It took a lot of the fun away. The sets were incredible, but no time given to even catch your breath. Plus, hundreds of stairs, up and down. We were quite winded and still pushed along. I am glad we tried it, but we will not be back. Other local houses are more chill and less gory and pushy.
Brandon Day
A lot of fun, great staff, creepy location, good props, and plenty of jump scares. They worked with us to get my mom through the lower levels, she has some physical mobility issues. Very friendly and responsive to our requests there. A+++. Fog machine was rough, so much heavy fog at the end we about choked. Great experience overall
Thomas Mason
Absolutely loved my experience at Fear Factory in Salt Lake City! The atmosphere was incredibly immersive, and the set design was top-notch, making every corner a thrilling surprise. The actors were intense and fully committed, really enhancing the scare factor. I appreciated the variety of scares—there was something for everyone. The staff was friendly and organized, which made the entire experience seamless. I can't recommend Fear Factory enough for anyone looking for a heart-pounding, unforgettable night out! Five stars all the way!
How to reach Fear Factory
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Why Fear Factory may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Fear Factory with your friends? Fear Factory is more than just a haunted house—it's an immersive adrenaline-pumping experience that promises to bring your group closer together through shared thrills and unforgettable scares. Rated an impressive 4.4 stars with over 2700 reviews, this haunt offers a blend of high production value and edge-of-your-seat excitement that few entertainment venues can match. The moment you and your friends step inside its sprawling six-story complex with six buildings and two underground tunnels, you're thrust into a labyrinth of fear where every corner hides something to jolt your senses. It’s a perfect destination for groups because the scares are amplified when experienced collectively — from screams bouncing off the walls to moments spent clutching each other tightly in the face of unexpected terrors. Sharing that rush of terror combined with strategically designed scare tactics allows for bonding like no other outing. Whether you are adrenaline junkies or casual thrill-seekers, Fear Factory’s intense atmosphere will give your social gathering a spectacular edge, making it ideal for celebrating milestones, birthday parties, or simply an unforgettable night out with friends or family.
What kind of activities and scares does Fear Factory offer for groups?
Fear Factory offers a variety of elaborate haunted attractions designed to keep your group engaged and on edge from start to finish. The complex spans six buildings across six stories, with two tunnels underground, creating a highly immersive setting that feels more like a terrifying adventure than a simple haunted house. Inside, guests traverse multiple themed areas featuring a cast of actors portraying clowns, demons, undead creatures, and iconic horror characters, ensuring there’s something to scare every type of visitor. The scares rely heavily on animatronics and high-tech effects, such as strobe lights that create illusions of floating or lunging figures, bringing scenes to life with astonishing realism. One major highlight is a notorious chainsaw sequence towards the end, where actors chase groups with roaring chainsaws in tight, fog-filled spaces—this crescendo scare perfectly builds tension and excitement for visitors. The experience typically lasts around 45 to 50 minutes, packing intense action and detailed scenes into every moment. The layout and multi-building approach provide ample space for groups to explore together and experience surprises from every angle rather than being confined to a single crowded space. This diverse environment helps keep the energy high and makes it easy to stick as a group while enjoying the relentless scares.
Why is Fear Factory the perfect place for group meetups with friends or family?
Fear Factory excels as a group destination because its attractions are designed to foster shared emotional experiences that friends and family can talk about long after leaving. The size and layout ensure that groups can navigate the haunt together, with plenty of opportunities to scream, laugh, and support each other through tense moments—building a sense of camaraderie and team spirit. The haunt’s popularity means that socially it’s a lively place with many other groups enjoying the challenge of staying together through the scare zones. Additionally, the staff and actors often interact dynamically with visitors in ways that encourage group participation and make everyone feel involved rather than passive observers. Beyond the haunted walk-throughs, there's entertainment in the waiting areas, such as pool tables and engaging characters, which help maintain group excitement and interaction before entering the haunt proper. The combination of intricate set designs, multiple storylines woven into the haunt, and high-quality makeup and costume effects create an unforgettable backdrop that makes any meetup feel special and thrilling. The venue also accommodates different budgets, with weekday ticket pricing being slightly lower, making it more accessible for groups planning extended nights out.
How does Fear Factory’s reputation and reviews guarantee an exciting group experience?
Fear Factory’s solid 4.4-star rating backed by nearly 3,000 reviews reflects consistently positive feedback regarding its scare intensity, innovative design, and compelling atmosphere. Customers frequently highlight the scare factor as extremely effective, with some noting how the haunt has evolved over the years to add more technologically advanced fright elements and props that feel shockingly lifelike. Reviewers emphasize that the haunt's experience surpasses typical haunted houses with its story-driven scares and high production value. The horror elements are varied enough to appeal not just to hardcore fans but also to teenagers and casual thrill seekers, expanding its group appeal across ages and tastes. Several visitors recount moments of hilarious panic and heart-racing scares that brought their group closer together in shared terror and laughter. While a few past critiques mention issues with crowds or pacing, the overall consensus remains that the intense and immersive experience is well worth the visit, especially for groups seeking something intense and memorable. The haunt’s recognition as one of the top haunted houses nationally adds assurance that you’ll be getting a premium experience worthy of planning outings around.
What preparation tips can make your group visit to Fear Factory smoother and more enjoyable?
Planning ahead can help your group maximize the fun and manage the intensity of Fear Factory’s haunting attractions. Given the unpredictable terrain, including uneven floors and low fog effects used during key sequences—especially the chainsaw chase—wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes is essential to avoid trips or falls as you navigate quickly through the haunt. Arriving 30 minutes before opening can reduce wait times, which can otherwise extend due to the haunt’s popularity, allowing groups to enter more smoothly. During busier nights, bring patience and get ready for lines; however, Fear Factory often includes entertainment options in waiting areas to keep guests engaged. It’s best to be mentally prepared for a continuous barrage of jump scares that require quick reactions and group coordination, so discussing a meet-up point in case someone gets separated can be helpful. Since the haunt includes sudden loud noises, strobe lights, and intense visual effects, guests with sensitive conditions should be mindful before attending. Finally, group photos before or after the haunt capture the fun and fear shared, making for memorable keepsakes.
What makes Fear Factory’s design and setup stand out for group visitors?
The innovative layout of Fear Factory sets it apart from many haunted attractions by utilizing an expansive multi-building and multi-level setup that adds depth and complexity to the experience. This design enables groups to feel like they are on a horror adventure traversing different realms rather than a linear haunted house tour. The use of two underground tunnels and a catwalk between buildings adds unique thrills and spatial variety, which keeps visitors physically and emotionally engaged. Attention to detail in the sets, such as 3D-enhanced clown sections and massive animatronics, make the environment richly immersive. Large-scale props like a gigantic heart or dummies in an electric chair contribute to the eerie realism. Lighting effects, including strategic strobe usage and pitch-black smoke rooms, not only disorient but also enhance the group’s sensory experience, making every step unpredictable. This dynamic setup ensures groups face new fears at every turn and share a variety of intense moments together, strengthening the social experience beyond mere individual scares. Actors’ performances are coordinated with the space so that surprises can come from unexpected directions, keeping groups alert and immersed.
How does Fear Factory ensure a thrilling but safe experience for groups?
Fear Factory balances its high-intensity scares with important safety considerations to ensure guests can enjoy the haunt without serious risk. The recommendation of good footwear and caution during foggy, uneven-floor sections shows a proactive approach to minimizing physical hazards during intense chase scenes. Staff closely monitor crowd movement, encouraging guests to keep moving but also ensuring the flow does not cause dangerous overcrowding. Actors follow strict safety protocols while delivering scares, avoiding any physical contact that could harm visitors. Emergency exits and clear signage are part of the complex’s design to provide safe retreat options if a group member feels overwhelmed. While the design aims to surprise and shock, it also preserves guest welfare as a priority. This creates a controlled environment where friends and family can push their comfort zones together, knowing that precautions are in place. This balance between heart-pounding excitement and thoughtful management is key to making the group experience both thrilling and responsibly conducted.
In summary, Fear Factory offers groups an unmatched combination of immersive scare zones, innovative design, and high-energy entertainment perfect for bond-building with friends or family. Its reputation, carefully crafted attractions, safety measures, and variety of horror styles make it a standout venue for anyone looking to create lasting memories in a uniquely thrilling setting. With thoughtful preparation, your group can fully embrace the intense fun that Fear Factory delivers.