Too old to Trick or Treat and too young to die? Experience Haunted Rochester's Fear at Frontier and Fear at Southtown, each with four uniquely themed haunted attractions.

My husband and I hit Fear at Frontier with 14 14-year-olds in tow. Appropriately enough, "Insanity" was the theme of the first attraction we visited. Extensive use of strobe lights and other special effects made "Insanity" the favorite of many in our group, including my kid. "There was a midget monkey dude in there - I almost crapped my pants when he jumped out at me!" he said.

"Black Hole," another attraction, included areas of total darkness. For once, the 14-year-olds were happy to have adults around. "Are the parents behind us?" they asked. You bet. We were navigating by the sounds of your screams.

Painstaking attention to details - a rat-clogged toilet, rows of blood-splattered bandages - help willing victims suspend their disbelief. And of course, nothing says "Halloween" like a chainsaw-wielding maniac.

At Fear at Frontier, ghouls don't grab patrons, but they do jump out and surprise them. Darkness and the anticipation of being scared keep the tension high.

We arrived before Fear at Frontier opened and toured three of the four attractions before the crowd hit around 8:15 p.m. As the night goes on, lines get long. It gets cold, too, so dress warmly.

Recommended for ages 9 and up, most patrons appeared to be high schoolers. Top-notch security guards, and lots of ‘em, lessen the fright factor for concerned parents.

Visit Haunted Rochester's Fear at Frontier and Fear at Southtown on October 25, 28, and 29, 7-10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on October 26, 27, and 30. Admission is $15, discount coupons available at Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Party City and Papa John's Pizza. Visit hauntedrochester.com or call 262-3829 ext. 3411.