It’s scary out there

HALLOWEEN IN ATLANTA: THE BIG BOO

We already know that otherworldly creatures roam Atlanta yearround, thanks to the city being a main filming site for productions such as “The Walking Dead,” “Zombieland,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Stranger Things.” However, when the Halloween season rolls in, we welcome many new sinister spectres and wandering souls. Check out our list for the best things to do during Halloween in Atlanta.

BY LIESL MERKEL

SCOTT WHITE Scarecrows in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden Woodland Spirits

Encounter ghostly visitors in the shadows, up in the trees, deep in the vistas and waiting in plain sight as you explore outdoors in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Sept. 18-Nov. 8 Fernbank Museum of Natural History www.fernbankmuseum.org

Fright Fest

During the day, find family-friendly frights but as the night creeps in, beware of much scarier sights. Heart-pumping rides, new haunts and themed treats are captured within this seasonal spectacle. Sept. 18-Oct. 31 Six Flags Over Georgia www.sixflags.com/fright-fest

Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night

Enjoy family-friendly entertainment during the day including a brand new magic show. Then, glow by night with not-so-spooky fun and a parade after the sun sets. Sept. 18 – Oct. 31 Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com

Netherworld Haunted House

Two haunts - Rise of the Netherspawn and Return to Planet X in 3D - will terrorize guests in the best possible way with incredible over-the-top special effects, ghastly makeup, elaborate costumes and skilled stunt actors. Laser tag, escape rooms and behind-thescenes tours are also available. Sept. 24-25 Oct. 1-3, 6-10, 12-17, 19-31 Nov. 5-7,12-13 Netherworld Haunted House www.fearworld.com

Ghost Train

Saturday. Also, visit the gold museum and go gem panning, all by reservation only. Sept. 29-Oct. 30 Pine Mountain Gold Museum www.facebook.com/ PineMountainGoldMuseum

Awesome Autumn

Scarecrows in the Garden is back during October, where scarecrows decorated by business and nonprofit organizations line the garden paths. Fest-of-Ale allows visitors to view the scarecrows on Tuesdays-Sundays with specialty ales and music. Goblins in the Garden will be held (check website for dates) with special programming. The month of October Atlanta Botanical Garden www.atlantabg.org

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland

These popular nighttime tours of the historic cemetery will feature costumed docents leading tours through the beautifully lit Victorian gardens. Oct. 14-31 Oakland Cemetery www.oaklandcemetery.com

Self-Guided Virtual Ghost Tours

Take a 90-minute ghost tour around the historic Lawrenceville area, courtesy of Aurora Theatre. Oct. 17-31 Lawrenceville www.auroratheatre.com

Boo at the Zoo

Join the animals for Halloween activities throughout the zoo, decorations and much more to celebrate the season. Oct. 23-24; 30-31 Zoo Atlanta www.zooatlanta.org

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert

Enjoy a screening of this Disney favorite with composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live. Oct. 29-30 Atlanta Symphony Hall www.atlantasymphony.org

NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE

OAKLAND CEMETERY Clockwise, from top left: Netherworld Haunted House; Boo at the Zoo, (Zoo Atlanta); Capturing the Spirit of Oakland, (Oakland Cemetery)