This Halloween season, haunted car washes are back—bringing fog, lights, sound effects, and costumed characters to your nightly rinse. Families stay in the car the entire time while the scares happen outside the vehicle. Below are the confirmed 2025 options in and around Southwest Ohio, plus one to watch for updates.
Tunnel of Terror at Tommy’s Express — Dayton, Ohio
Address: 4476 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH
Dates: October 18, 23, 25
Hours: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Admission: $20 per vehicle for non-members; select Unlimited Wash Club memberships include entry
What to expect: A fully themed tunnel with fog, lighting effects, a spooky soundtrack, and jump-scare moments from actors positioned along the wash path. You remain in your vehicle; doors locked and windows up are recommended. For a gentler experience, some guests use their hazard lights to signal a reduced scare level. Lines can form—arrive early.
Tunnel of Terror at Tommy’s Express — Franklin, Ohio
Address: 1221 E 2nd St, Franklin, OH
Dates: October 18, 23, 25
Hours: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Admission: $20 per vehicle for non-members; select Unlimited Wash Club memberships include entry
What to expect: The same signature Tunnel of Terror experience closer to Cincinnati’s northern suburbs and Dayton’s south side. Expect similar special effects and costumed actors, with the same safety-from-your-car setup.
Prime’s Haunted Car Wash — Florence, Kentucky
Address: 7600 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY
Dates: Weekend nights in October (starting mid-October), plus Halloween night
Typical Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 7:30–10:00 p.m.; Sundays 7:00–9:00 p.m. (often a milder scare); Halloween 8:00–11:00 p.m.
Admission: Around $20 per car; past years have included a basic exterior wash and a coupon for a future interior cleaning
What to expect: A theatrical take on the haunted car-wash concept with zombies, clowns, witches, and other characters appearing throughout the tunnel. Families who prefer a toned-down version usually opt for Sunday nights.
Editor’s note: Prime promotes Florence, KY as one of two 2025 locations (along with Fishers, IN). Specific nights and any on-site promotions can vary—check the venue’s latest post before you go.
Tips for Families
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Stay in your vehicle with doors locked and windows up.
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For a milder experience, ask on arrival if the site honors hazard-light signals.
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Consider the ages and scare tolerance of younger kids; sound and lighting can be intense.
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Arrive early; queues are common.
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Weather can impact operations—check the site’s latest update the day you go.
Why Haunted Car Washes Are Worth the Drive
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Safe and contained: all interaction stays outside your car.
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Quick but memorable: many tunnels run only a few minutes, but the effects amplify the experience.
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Budget-friendly: admission is per car, not per person.
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Something different: a seasonal twist on a weekly chore.
