In the mood for a little spook and fright this Halloween?  Utah's Salt Lake City is home to Nightmare on 13th (801/467-8100), one of America’s scariest haunted houses, complete with two mazes and more than 13 other rooms to get your pulse racing. Get everyone in the family to put on their Halloween costumes and explore the Electrocution Maze or Phantom Hall for some serious frights.

If this thrill seems too scary for younger children, Thanksgiving Point offers Barnyard Boo, a day full of less-spooky activities like face painting, Boo bowling, pony rides and more. You will have several chances for Halloween fun, as the haunted houses are open from September 18th through October 31st in 2009 and little ones can wear kids costumes any time. At only $20 for five activities, it’s a bargain that shouldn’t be overlooked. Although not in the actual city, Thanksgiving Point, in Lehi, is only 26 miles, so if you’re traveling by car, it’s worth the trip.

There’s more than just skiing and snowboarding to this mountainous area. Everybody loves candy and families can satisfy their sweet tooth and save some money at the Sweet Candy Factory (801/886-1444). This confectionary haven offers free 40-minute tours, Monday through Thursday from 9am-3:30pm (by appointment only), of the factory and the candy making process. Sweet’s Quality Candies makes more than 250 different kinds of treats, including their famous Cinnamon Bears.

Thanksgiving Point (888/672-6040) also offers low budget activities, especially at its Farm Country. For $3.50 each, everyone in the family can milk cows, gather eggs, feed pigs and learn all about running a farm. Thanksgiving Point also houses the Museum of Ancient Life, which has the world’s largest collection of mounted dinosaurs. Young kids can dig for fossils and explore ancient creatures, while your older ones can take part in plenty of hands-on activities. At $8 per child (3-12 years old) or $10 per adult, it’s both educational and affordable. If you’re there on a Monday, Museum Mondays are specially designed for family fun.

Salt Lake also has options for the critter-lovers in your family. The Tracy Aviary (801/596-8500) has about 400 birds, most of which are endangered. Daily free bird shows are included with the admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids (4-12 years old), and they offer a $3 Pelican Feeding Encounter. You can print out a Bird Scavenger Hunt before you visit and your kids will have a blast finding out all the answers.

Then there’s the Hogle Zoo (801/582-1631) with a special Boo at the Zoo event on Saturday, October 24th. Bring the young ones in their costumes for some trick-or-treating fun.

Out-of-towners:  For ideas on where to stay in your Halloween costumes, check out the resources of the Salt Lake  tourist office.