MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – When the sun goes down during the fall season, North Central Florida transforms into a playground for thrill-seekers. From haunted corn mazes to full-blown scream parks, there is no shortage of spooky stops to explore this Halloween season.

As part of our 352 After Dark series, we’re visiting some of the area’s most haunting attractions to give a firsthand look at what’s lurking in the dark. Whether you’re after family-friendly frights or full-on horror, here’s your guide to the best local haunts in and around the 352.

Gainesville Fear Garden

Located at 3536 NW 8th Avenue inside the Makerie Workshop, guests are invited to face their fears from Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. The event is open nightly from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Admission is a $13 donation per person, tax included.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

For those willing to travel to Orlando, Universal Studio Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights continues to reign as one of Florida’s most famous scare experiences. Running Wednesday through Sunday from Aug. 29 to Nov. 2, the park transforms from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., with tickets starting at $89.

Scary Train at Kirby Family Farms

Closer to home, Kirby Family Farm’s Scary Train in Williston offers a haunting ride through the countryside on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25, plus Sunday, Oct. 26, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 or $25 at the gate.

Fear Reach Scream Park

Located at 1255 South Dora Blvd., Fear Reach Scream Park operates Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, with hours from 7 to 10 p.m. (and until 11 p.m. on select nights including Oct. 18, 25, 31 and Nov. 1). Tickets start at $30.

A Nightmare on Pine Street

Fans of outdoors chills can visit this annual haunted trail at Wayne’s World of Paintball in Ocala, open Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is cash only–$15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

Newberry Cornfield Maze

Those seeking a more rustic haunt can head to Newberry Cornfield Maze, located at 20015 W. Newberry Road. Open Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 19 to Oct. 25, the maze runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Gate tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 10, while online tickets cost $27.50 for adults and $22.50 for children; the haunted house and other attractions are $5 each.

Scream-A-Geddon

Over in Dade City, Florida fear institution Scream-A-Geddon runs from Sept. 28 through Nov. 8, offering multiple haunted houses and scare zones from 7 to 11 p.m. most nights and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start at $29.95.

Phantoms in the Fort

For a fright with a historical twist, Ocala’s Phantoms in the Fort at the Fort King National Historic Landmark takes place Saturday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m., and admission is free.

The Peanut Patch & Corn Maze

Families looking for a mix of fun and fright can check out The Peanut Patch & Corn Maze at 8656 SW 75th St. in Gainesville, open Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, from 5 to 11 p.m. Gate prices are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 11, or $25 and $18 online.

Homestead Haunt

Homestead Park in Williston offers another terrifying experience, this one a “Cavern of Cosmic Horrors,” running Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25, with re-entry available for $5.

Stay Tuned for Our 352 After Dark Spotlight

Throughout October, the 352today team will visit several of these attractions to share insider looks, interviews and behind-the-screams stories. Follow along with our 352 After Dark series for coverage of each haunted stop–and maybe a few surprises along the way.