Ghost Tours with Kids: What to Look For
February 9, 2011 No Comments
A great guide can really make a ghost tour spectacular
They say that every city has its own unique energy. Certainly Los Angeles feels different than New York, and Chicago could never be mistaken for Orlando. But in some cities, the energy feels just a little more supernatural, like something could be lurking behind every doorway. Although these cities may be wildly different from each other, they tend to have certain things in common.
Port towns, particularly those once ruled by pirates, cities steeped in violence or bloodshed, and places once known for voodoo or other alternative religious practices generally have the highest incidences of reported ghosts. Whether you actually believe in spirits or not, ghost tours are a great way to learn the more colorful history of a given city. But are they appropriate for children?
Mode of Transport
Walking tours are the most common
By far the most common ghost tours are one-hour walks. The tour generally covers less than a mile, and the group stops frequently to listen to stories. These walking tours generally stay outside on the sidewalk rather than entering any of the properties. This is probably the easiest type of tour to experience with children, since you can easily break away from the group if the kids get scared or bored. Strollers may be acceptable, since the tour stays outdoors, but some tour operators ask guests not to bring them because of narrow streets and crowds. Call in advance if you want to bring a stroller.
Some tours cover more ground and provide transportation. Trolleys and carriages are particularly popular modes of transport, but some ghost tours actually use customized hearses! If you are sure your kids will make it through the full trip, these tours are an excellent option. You will make several stops along the way to get out and take pictures, which gives the kids a chance to stretch their legs.
Interior Tours
Some tours go inside a haunted building
Some ghost tours actually go inside one or more buildings. A common type is the in-depth, single-building tour such as the Sorrel-Weed House in Savannah, Georgia or the Old City Jail in Charleston, South Carolina. Another option is a paranormal investigative tour that covers four or five buildings in a single night, such as those offered in various locations at various times by the International Society for Paranormal Research.
The room was illuminated only by photo flashes
Note that some outdoor walking tours actually do go inside a haunted building, or at least allow you to get very close. Tour guides are generally long-term local residents who have built excellent relationships with the owners of the properties along their routes. On a tour in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, we were permitted to go up the stairs and peek in the windows of one of the houses, with the owner’s permission.
On a tour years ago in New Orleans, the guide was extremely theatrical. He had us stand in the doorway of an apartment building, just outside the front door, while he drew us into a story about the building across the street. The place he was describing was the scene of a gruesome multiple murder, where body parts were found strewn throughout the building and grounds. Just as our guide got to the climax of the story, he proclaimed, “And when the police arrived, it probably looked something…LIKE THIS!” At that moment, he used his cane to swing open the doorway behind us. We all spun around to view a dimly lit apartment with arms, legs and torsos scattered about! After our collective scream, the tour guide started laughing. It turned out that was his apartment, and he decorated it with theatrical props for tour groups. It was the last stop of the tour on a bitterly cold night, so he invited the whole group inside for hot chocolate and we had a very pleasant visit.
Pub Stops
Your tour may include a short break at a local watering hole
Although some tours do not permit guests to consume alcohol during the tour, others build in a pub stop for refreshments and restroom visits. If children are permitted on the tour, then they are also allowed inside at any stop. If it bothers you for your children to be exposed to any drinking, then you may want to choose a tour without a pub stop. In general, though, ghost tour participants are interested in the subject matter and not likely to get drunk. On the rare occasion that someone does overindulge, he or she generally loses interest and wanders away shortly after.
Age Requirements
Some tours are extremely intense
Not all ghost tours are appropriate for all ages. Pub crawls, particularly those that include alcoholic beverages in the price, are usually restricted to adults aged 21 or above. Late-night tours, often defined as those that begin after 10 p.m., may be limited to legal adults. Some in-depth tours have age restrictions, especially those that distribute EMF meters and other research equipment. Teens may be allowed on these tours with parental supervision.
In general, early-evening walking and trolley tours welcome all ages. Always call or visit the company’s website to ask about age requirements before booking your tour. Although any tour guide can have a bad night, we have consistently found that companies that welcome kids are excellent at keeping the kids interested and involved.
The Scare Factor
Ghost tour guides are good at setting the mood
Whether or not a tour is “scary” depends on dozens of factors. Ghost tours differ from Halloween haunted houses in that a ghost tour guide will not try to “scare” you. But they are great at setting the mood, whether by carrying a lantern and dressing in period clothing, or simply modulating their voices for a creepy effect. Being scared also depends on your personal beliefs about ghosts. Strange phenomena have been reported in all of the visited locations, from cold breezes to actual ghost sightings. If something unusual happens, crowd reactions range from disbelief to screaming to laughing.
When deciding whether to take your kids on a ghost tour, consider their individual temperaments. Are they afraid of the dark? Do they tend to take things in stride? Do they believe in ghosts? Outside walking tours are generally best for a child’s first ghost tour, since they will be on the street and well away from the haunted building. Interior tours tend to feel a bit more intense.
Material
The stories are always gruesome and sometimes salacious
By their nature, ghost tours focus on the seedy and violent underbelly of the city. You may hear stories of prostitutes, pirates, serial killers and plagues. Although the stories are factually presented and are not graphic, some parents are uncomfortable with their kids hearing about such matters. In our experience, most kids take in the stories at whatever level they are ready for, with more adult portions of the tale going right over their heads. Of course, you should always be prepared to answer any questions that might arise.
Choosing a Tour
A good company gives you factual information about known hauntings
Cities that are known for their ghosts and spirits tend to have a wide variety of ghost tours to choose from. Pick up brochures for every tour in town, and then start narrowing them down. Some won’t be offered on a night that you have free. Some won’t allow children. Some involve more walking or more time than you want to invest. Some are out of your price range.
Once you have narrowed down your options to just a few choices, ask around for local recommendations. The visitor center and your hotel concierge are both excellent sources of information. If you happen to meet other locals, ask who they prefer. We have found that each city generally has one or two highly-respected ghost tour companies. Always try to go with the best.
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