Dad vs. Scarywood: Who Will Survive the Night?
When we think of our dads, many of us think of some of the biggest, baddest and bravest men we know or at least – that’s how I think of mine. Growing up my dad absolutely lived for a good scare, we were the “scary house” on the block during Halloween and my dad, his cronies and my brother could always be found lurking behind trees, on top of roofs or hidden in homemade scare props eagerly awaiting to see which neighborhood kids they could get to scream the loudest. Which is why I was elated to pay him back for all the childhood scare trauma he inflicted by treating him to a night at Scarywood, putting him to the test and seeing if he could in fact survive the night.
When the sun sets over Silverwood, the screams start echoing and not all of them come from the monsters. We traded the sunshine and roller coasters for fog, flashing lights, and jump scares galore. We explored every haunted attraction, snacked our way through the night, and watched Dad’s courage slowly fade with each new scare. (Spoiler: he survived… but just barely.)
Pharaoh’s Curse
We started our night with the eerie glow of Pharaoh’s Curse, where ancient tombs, hieroglyphs, and hidden mummies made every turn feel cursed. The detailed sets were incredible, and for a moment, Dad looked confident, until the mummies came to life. This haunt had the BEST jump scares that led to simultaneous laughs and screams.
Verdict: Pharaoh 1, Dad 0.
The Swine
If The Swine had a warning sign that said, “Enter at your own risk,” it would still underestimate what’s inside. Gruesome farmhands, pig masks, and buzzing chainsaws filled this twisted farmhouse of horror. I may have screamed louder than I’d like to admit while Dad managed to keep his cool.
Verdict: Dad survives the swine, but the swine wins for the most disturbing haunt of the night.
Chuckles 3D Sideshow
After all that darkness, we stepped into a world of neon nightmares. Between the dizzying colors, trippy 3D glasses, and jumpy clowns, it was hard to tell which way was up, or out. Dad claimed he wasn’t scared, but the clown who popped out behind him might disagree. I’m not sure what scared Dad more, the disorienting illusions or, the killer clowns. Hot Tip: Keep your kettle corn close! The clowns can’t resist it – unfortunately for them, nothing comes between Dad and his snacks.
Verdict: Clowns 1, Dad 0.
Blood Bayou
The grand finale: a twisting maze of fog, flashing lights, and heart-stopping jump scares. It felt like the ultimate test of nerves. Dad developed a new technique called “power walking through the fear,” and somehow, it worked. He made it to the exit with his pride mostly intact.
Verdict: Blood Bayou wins the night, but just barely.
Scare Zones Around Every Corner
Between attractions, the paths were filled with fog, creepy lighting, and wandering monsters who seemed to appear out of nowhere. Even walking from one haunt to the next felt like an adventure (and a mini heart attack waiting to happen).
Verdict: It’s a draw.
Snack Attack Survival
In true Dad fashion, he powered through terror with Kettle Korn and Hot Chocolate breaks. Because even the bravest dads need a little sugar boost to keep going. Pro tip: warm drinks and sweet snacks are the best way to calm your nerves after a good scare.
Verdict: Dad wins with snacks.
Final Score:
Scarywood – 3
Dad – 3 (barely hanging on)
Dad may have survived the night, but just barely. Between the jump scares, laughter, and snack breaks, our Scarywood adventure was the perfect way to wrap up our Silverwood series. It’s a night we won’t forget anytime soon… even if Dad might try to.
Until next time, Scarywood. You’re just as enchanting at night as you are during the day.
Tickets for 2026 are on sale now at scarywoodhaunt.com! Don’t miss out on this year’s brand-new haunt, Nightmares, as well as two new scare zones – Doom Town and The Wharf! Scarywood kicks off on October 2nd and is open select days through October 30th.
About the Conductor
I’m Sydney! I’m married to my college sweetheart, a mom of 2 little girls + 1 furry baby and about to enter my first year of dental school. Our family lives in Missoula, MT and we love all things outdoor recreation and fun. Rafting, hiking, running, reading, listening to music, spending quality time with friends and family, writing and taking weekend vacays are among some of my favorite hobbies.
I’m a former 2025 conductor alumni that’s hoping for another year of fun, learning, growth and all things Silverwood! I had the absolute time of my life being a part of the conductor program during the 2025 season last year and beleive that that experience allowed me to grow and expand in ways that I hadn’t even imagined.
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