Take a trip to “The Halloween House” located on 267 Old County Road, Smithfield, RI. Once there, embark on the Scare Haunt Tour, a Halloween experience like no other. Here, you can see over 50 Halloween animatronics and inflatables, all designed and built by 12-year-old Bradyn Willis.
From a young age, Bradyn has always had a fascination and passion for animatronics, lights, music, and electronics. Specifically, all things Halloween themed. He channels his passion through his spooky and impressive animatronic creations and inflatables which he researches, draws up, animates, and builds from scratch. Believe it or not, if he has all the materials, he can fully build and animate a creature in as little as one day. He even voices the animatronics, using his own voice and a voice changer. What once began three years ago as a small collection, has significantly grown over the last couple of years to the display that is well known and loved by many today.
The tour route was designed and executed by Bradyn, so it’s only fitting that he’s the one to lead the way. Your tour begins in the driveway where he will tell you about each animatronic. Its name, where they came from, and even how they work. You’ll then be led through Bradyn’s sections of themes, including movie monsters, pumpkins, skeletons, and clowns. Once you enter the Scare Haunt “haunted house” (an enclosed canopy tent with a few fun surprises) be careful, you never know what might be around the corner! Bradyn is such a talented and creative boy, who puts his heart and soul into crafting the most unique experience for his friends, family, and Halloween lovers alike.
The tour is free, but Bradyn designed a box where tour goers can leave a donation for the Autism Speaks Foundation. Bradyn is not only passionate about his creations, but also about giving back to a community that he himself is part of, and hopes others feel the same way. Scare Haunt is open most nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the week (8:00 p.m. on the weekend). The only exception is Tuesday and Wednesday nights, when tours don’t begin until 6:30 p.m. Scare Haunt will be up and running until November 8, and it’s well worth the visit. If you find yourself lucky enough to be around the neighborhood on Halloween night, like years past, Bradyn will be there, playing a music and lights show he creates, handing out candy with his mom Christina, and giving tours.
