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FAQ's

  • What are the hours of operation?
  • What forms of payment are accepted?
    We only accept cash at the ticket booth. You can buy tickets online using Debit, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Just click on the "BUY TICKETS" button at the bottom of the page.
  • Where are you located?
    We're located at the corner of Historic Fourth and Floyd in downtown Sioux City, Iowa. Our address is: 1229 4th Street Sioux City, Iowa 51101 Look for our ticket booth and entrance in the parking lot on the west side of the building.
  • What is included with admission?
    Tons and tons of fun!! Admission can be purchased separately for Nightmare On 4th Street or The Fear Factory. You can also buy the combo ticket that includes admission to both haunts. Tickets can be used one time only.
  • Are there any age restrictions?
    Scare Central is recommended for adults and teens, but younger kids may come if parents choose to bring them. Carrying babies through is NOT allowed. There are no special prices for children and no refunds if anyone decides not to enter or finish the haunt.
  • Do you offer refunds?
    No, we do not offer refunds. If you buy a ticket and are too scared to enter you will be asked to leave without a refund.
  • How long should we allow for a visit and what should we bring with us?
    Depending on how fast you walk, it takes 10-15 minutes to go through one haunt. On our busiest nights the wait in our admission lines may be up to two hours at peak times. We suggest you bring comfortable walking shoes. We do NOT recommend wearing flip flops. We may or may not allow customers in Halloween costume entry depending on the costume. This decision will be made at the door by our door attendant. We do NOT allow weapons or other props into the haunts.
  • What time does the line start forming?
    Early in the season, the line may be very short, but as we get closer to Halloween the crowds get larger and it is better to arrive at opening time to ensure minimal waiting times.
  • How long is the wait in line?
    In general, we try to keep the wait time to less than 30 minutes. However, on many Friday and Saturday nights in October and on Halloween the lines will be much longer. Buy your tickets early to avoid the ticket booth line and try to come earlier in October if you would like to avoid the longer lines!
  • Do you close if it rains?
    Scare Central is a rain-or-shine facility. In very rare occasions we may be closed due to excessive snow fall. Watch our Facebook page for the latest updates.
  • How long does it take to go through the haunts?
    That depends on many factors. First you must buy your tickets, then wait to enter the haunts. Once you enter, you go through at your own pace so the length of the experience varies from group to group. To walk through both haunts might take half an hour, plus time in lines. The lines get longer the closer it gets to Halloween.
  • If I get there at 10pm and I buy a ticket for both haunts, will they close before I get a chance to see both shows?"
    We keep the haunts running until the last patron has exited. We’ll stop selling tickets at closing time, but the shows will keep running.
  • Can I make a reservation?
    No. Scare Central is first come, first served.
  • Does Scare Central offer group rates?
    Yes, we offer a discount for groups of 100 or more. Group ticket sales MUST be arranged in advance. To arrange for group tickets, email info@scarecentral.com and include your name, contact information, date of visit, and size of group. We will then contact you to make arrangements.
  • I bought my ticket in advance…do I still have to wait in line when I arrive?
    You are able to skip the sometimes lengthy ticket booth line, but you will have to wait in the queue lines for the haunts.
  • Is Scare Central wheelchair accessible?
    Unfortunately the haunts are not wheelchair accessible. Many of the hallways are simply too narrow and windy to allow a wheelchair to fit.
  • Are the monsters allowed to touch you?
    The actors in Scare Central will not touch you. However, they do get very close. Occasionally you may brush up against their costumes or props. You may also come into contact with some of the sets.
  • Is there a lot of smoke in the haunts?
    We do use fog machines at Scare Central to help create the atmosphere. The fluid we use in our fog machines is oil based and non-toxic.
  • Are there strobe lights?
    Yes! We do use strobe lights.
  • Is it a ride?
    Visitors walk through the haunts at Scare Central.
  • Is it dark?
    Yes! There are very dark areas in both Nightmare on 4th Street and The Fear Factory.
  • Is it a maze? Can I get lost?
    Scare Central is not a maze. Many areas of the haunts are confusing, but the staff will help you find your way out if necessary.
  • Can I go in if I'm pregnant?
    No! Our haunted houses are not recommended for visitors who are pregnant, have heart conditions or are in general poor health.
  • Can my friends and I wear our Halloween costumes when we come to the haunted houses?
    No. For safety reasons, we are sorry to say that except for small children, patrons are not permitted to wear costumes. We do make exceptions on Halloween weekend. Admittance is at our discretion.
  • Are your attractions open if it rains?
    Yes! Our haunts are indoors. The area for the ticket booth line and que lines to enter the haunts are outside.
  • Once we've used our ticket can we go through again with the same ticket?
    No. A new ticket is required for each visit.
  • Do your attractions have security?
    Yes. Scare Central uses our own security personnel and Night Patrol officers for our security team. We seldom, if ever, have a problem that actually requires security but we have it just in case.
  • Can we be thrown out of the haunts for any reason?
    Yes! We do not allow foul language, pushing, vulgar behavior, weapons of any kind, alcohol, etc. We have a list of rules posted just like anyone else that must be adhered to for your own safety. Violation of these rules will usually bring a warning and then being asked to leave without a refund.
  • Can we be injured at your haunts?
    We've never had any serious injuries at our haunts since we began operating in 1998. Running is the main cause of minor injuries. Be sure to follow the rules and DON'T run!
  • Is smoking allowed?
    Smoking is NOT allowed in the que line or in the haunts!
  • Can we take photos of your haunts?
    NO! Photography of any sort is not allowed in the haunts. Haunted attractions are dark and peoples eyes (especially the actors) adjust to the low light. When you flash your camera you're not only ruining other customers' experience but you're hurting the actors' eyes. Also, the fog used inside the attractions ruins flash photography.
  • What can't we bring with us inside your haunts?
    No pets! No weapons! No alcoholic beverages! No cameras! No smoking! No laser pointers or flashlights! No food or beverages!
  • And the #1 most often asked question… Is it scary???
    Yes!!!
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