Why do parents insist on taking their small children to HHN?

[PatriciaH]

We said the same thing this year. Did not see any little kids last year but this year we saw a ton. We actually loved last year much better. The smoking in line was out of hand this year and we got a refund on our Frequent Fear Pass the first night we went.

 

[hardrockinclub7]

I was there last night and saw a three year old. UNBELIEVABLE. This is terrible parenting. I was so upset when i saw him. and then there was a 10 year old girl getting scared out of her brains. terrible. absolutely terrible. I mean come on. This is rated PG13.

 

[cali99boy]

I'm not sure. Some kids can handle it better than others.
I remember going to something like HHN when I was little and I didn't cry or any of that (I wasn't one to make a noise even if I was scared lol). I turned out ok... I think

 

[magicmouse2]

Bumping this up found it on search. I have a 10.5 and 9 year old and considered taking them to HHN as they can handle scary things a lot better than me! I looked at the website and didnt see anything on there that would scare them but if the general consensus is that it is too intense for under 12s I guess I will skip the event for a couple of years. DH will probably take DS 16.

 

[aurorasleeping]

Honestly, I don't think the website (even the videos from past years in the drawers) really show/explain how truly scary the event is to some. The key here is of course "to some". I've only been actually scared at HHN a coupla times (been going multiple times each year since 2001)...and everytime involved clowns. (I don't like clowns).
All the zombies and chainsaw weilding maniacs in the world can jump out at me...with little reaction from me (sometimes I might take a picture)...One clown running out of fog or foam towards me and I scream and usually manage to leap onto the nearest sturdy looking person. (which is thankfully usually someone I know) (By the way I'm 22)
I've seen kids enjoying HHN...and I've seen kids having absolutly meltdowns from the same stimuli.
Since I like to think most parents actually do think of their kids first, I'd suggest to all parents, that they visit HHN first (either one year, or even get a frequent fear pass if your local or will be in orlando for a while) without the kids...most parents are pretty aware of what will (or won't) traumatize their kids. Use your own best judgement...and obviously if a kid doesn't want to go, don't make them, thinking they will like when they get there...I've noticed that doesn't usually happen...

I'm refering basically to the 10-12 age group here. I honestly don't believe that any kid under 10 should be taken to hallween horror nights.

 

[phamton]

My kids are all horror fanatics like their mom. We never had a chance to go to HHN until the yougest was 14 though so I can't say how they would have taken it. I suspect they would have handled it fine at a younger age. It is not recommended for kids under 14 years old but all kids are different. Some 30 year olds can't handle it while some 9 year olds might be OK.

 

[macraven]

i think the pg 13 statement is appropriate.

as a parent, would you take your children to a movie that was rated pg13 when they are under 13? let that be your guide.

if you take littles to hhn, you will see drinking and smoking and hear some raw language in the park. i think that is the beer and shots effect from that............



if you take the kids to hhn, dont expect a refund if you find out during that evening hhn was too over powering for your kids. tickets state, no refunds.

last year i heard one family demanding refunds on their 5 tickets. they said they didn't realize how intense it would be for kids under 12.
they didn't get the refund. it is posted many places hhn is an intense event.

 

[ChrisFL]

Honestly, I don't think the website (even the videos from past years in the drawers) really show/explain how truly scary the event is to some. The key here is of course "to some". I've only been actually scared at HHN a coupla times (been going multiple times each year since 2001)...and everytime involved clowns. (I don't like clowns).
All the zombies and chainsaw weilding maniacs in the world can jump out at me...with little reaction from me (sometimes I might take a picture)...One clown running out of fog or foam towards me and I scream and usually manage to leap onto the nearest sturdy looking person. (which is thankfully usually someone I know) (By the way I'm 22)

I dont like clowns either!

 

[F-L-A]

You're in luck... You get to see Jack everywhere you turn this year.

 

[magicmouse2]

My kids are not scared of clowns (and freaky clowns). We are buffy/Angel fans and have seen all sorts of freaky creatures in these shows which I know some parents say should be PG rated. My kids just arent scared of things as I mentioned earlier I had thought of getting us all tickets and DH and DS visiting the haunted houses whilst the girls and I just walked round and took in the scenery and a few scare actors jumping out. They know it is all make up and special effects. I am not a bad parent and if I thought for one moment they would be traumatised or see something they hadnt already seen on TV I would not take them at all. And in all honesty we have a dog more scary looking than chainsaw Wolf!!! before the flames start - we think we will try out a kids club for the girls under 12 and take DS 16. Hope its good!!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

You're in luck... You get to see Jack everywhere you turn this year.

Jack, Eddie, the Caretaker, the Director, and the Storyteller will have their signature houses. In addition, the People Under the Stairs and Norman Bates will have houses.

That's right, 7 houses.

 

[AlexandNessa]

magicmouse2, if your girls aren't scaredy cats, they may be fine as far as the haunted houses and scare actors. But, be warned, the two times we went, there was A LOT of alcohol available, and LOTS of rowdy crowds, using some not-so-innocuous language. I'd be more concerned about exposing kids to that than some of the scare actors. You can get those types of crowds anywhere, but in our experience, it was a little more prevalent at HHN. JMHO. I'm sure others would disagree, but this is just our experience that the event is not appropriate for younger kids.

 

[Metallicat]

Jack, Eddie, the Caretaker, the Director, and the Storyteller will have their signature houses. In addition, the People Under the Stairs and Norman Bates will have houses.

That's right, 7 houses.

And all in the Studios too. I can't wait! this will be my 7th year in a row going to HHN on halloween night. This year sounds like it's gonna be a good one. I just love the fact they are bringing it back "home". DD and I will be at HHN the 26th, 29th & 31st. Linda

 

[aurorasleeping]

You're in luck... You get to see Jack everywhere you turn this year.

Yeah lucky me Although last year he wasn't really scary...just annoying. Very annoying.
I mean seriously who thought giving him a bullhorn would be a good idea?!?
(Ok..so maybe I'm a little bitter...I got picked on, by Jack, every single night I went last year...)

 

[VanishedPsycho]

Jack's not really "everywhere" this year (thankfully). He will be appearing in the show on Hollywood Blvd periodically through the night, he will be in the film shown in the lagoon show too, but his main role is in the Psycho Scareapy house.

 

[hauntedmansion]

Some children have not been raised in closets..and know full well that this stuff is just make believe! i attended with friends who had their 7 and 8 y.o daughters with them and they had a blast! Sure they were scared (not traumatically so) and enjoyed themselves a great deal! i saw adults freaking out more than they did. It depends on the kid...and the kid depends on the parent..so flame away and keep your scaredy cat
i'm scared of mickeys not so scarey halloween party kids at home!