ScareHouse, at Pittsburgh Mills, brings back crowd-favorite characters to celebrate 20 years of scares

ScareHouse is holding a reunion with its original characters this year in celebration of providing 20 years of scares in Western Pennsylvania.

Longtime ScareHouse visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane as all-time favorite characters, including the original ScareHouse bunny and Creepo the Clown, make an appearance.

“We realized we’ve done this for so long, that the characters are becoming well-known. We thought let’s make this a family reunion and bring back characters,” co-owner Scott Simmons said.

The popular haunted house attraction is in its second year of hosting its spooky attractions at the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer. It was previously located on Locust Street in Etna before the company announced plans to relocate in August 2019.

Simmons said expanded parking and exhibition space were a couple reasons the company relocated to the mall.

“It certainly sounds a little unusual — a haunted house in a shopping mall — but the fact is we have plenty of parking, and everything is indoors even while it’s raining,” he said. “It’s in a much more controlled environment.”

The mall has been great for the company, which has seen traction stay the same compared to last year. Simmons said the crowds will become larger as Halloween approaches.

This year the experience feels more traditional compared to last year, he said. Scare techniques have been changed to ensure customers’ safety. Previously, characters were behind plexiglass during scenes to spook visitors, but this time characters wear masks in order to be able to give a “proper” scare.

“I think that people feel like Halloween is back,” Simmons said. “People are excited to get out there and do Halloween activities.”

For extra fun, there are also two year-round ScareHouse attractions on 2420 Penn Ave. in the Strip District: Bold Escape Rooms and Steel City Axes.

ScareHouse is open at Pittsburgh Mills on select dates through Nov. 6. People are encouraged to buy tickets in advance, but walk-ins are welcome. Capacity is limited to ensure safety.

Facial coverings are required for those not fully vaccinated. Hand sanitizer stations will be available to use.