For the second installment of my October “Places to Go” series, I can think of no better place to write about than the amazing, the horrifying and the elaborately perfect haunted attraction that is Hobb’s Grove. Hobb’s Grove is a terrifying, multi-attraction experience located just East of Fresno in a forested area of Sanger, CA. Rightfully named one of the 19 Terrifying Haunted Houses You Should Experience Before You Die by Buzzfeed, Hobb’s Grove offers visitors three haunted attractions: The Forest, The House and The Hayride.
Now, before you pile the kids in the car and head towards Sanger, there are a few things you should know. First off – Hobb’s Grove is not an amateur level haunted house. Hobb’s Grove is high-end Hollywood special effects scary and I personally would not recommend this as an experience suited for young children – as it’s pretty terrifying even for adults (ask me about the year my husband let go of my hand and took off running for the final stretch of the forest — actually, wait, don’t… I’m still bitter). For your (brave) tweens and teens however, the Hobb’s experience is one not to miss this time of year.
In my personal opinion, on a scare-scale of 1-10 with 1 being as scary as a marshmallow and 10 being “I think I peed my pants and I also want my mommy” The Forest rates an 11, The House a solid 8 and The Hayride a 6.5. When going through The Forest and House you’ll be traveling in small groups. If you’re one of the more easily spooked in your group, I recommend not being the group’s leader or tail – stay in the middle of your group. On The Hayride, super scared visitors can feel slightly more secure by scooting towards the center of the hayride’s trailer vs. sitting near the outer edges or along the back.
Each of the attractions have entrances that branch off of the midway, which offers concessions (I can smell the fresh kettle corn now just thinking about the place!) costumes, fire pits and on weekends, live music. You may think you’re safe from scares in the midway, but I wouldn’t allow yourself to be completely at ease – every now and then a wandering ghoul may sneak up behind you quietly, and wait for just the perfect moment to scare the living daylights out of you. (Yes, I know this from experience, can you tell?)
If you love a good scare and want to see one of the most well-done seasonal attractions the Central Valley has to offer – do not miss the opportunity to visit Hobb’s Grove this year. Lines are longer on weekends, so plan accordingly and arrive early in the evening, especially if you’re planning to do all three attractions as there is a cut-off time for the lines to ensure everyone gets through before Hobb’s closes for the night.
Prices for Hobb’s Grove vary depending on the night you go (special event nights offer more for visitors, but increase the price a bit) and how many attractions you want to experience. For more information, visit their website or take a look at the chart below. Hobb’s Grove is located at 14265 E Goodfellow Ave Sanger, CA 93657 and is fairly easy to find – just look for the signs along your way.
Special thanks to Hobb’s Grove for sharing their amazing images with us!
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I am appalled that you gave us a 6.5 …… in fact I challenge you to come again and this time we’ll be sure you scream for mommy.
I think varying levels of terror are ideal! I’m a big chicken so the “safety” (or seeming safety) of the center of the hay trailer is my preference ;). Not saying the hay ride is not scary just that it offers slightly less physical vulnerability lulling a rider into a slightly higher sense of security. All three attractions are fantastic!