[Times photo: Dirk Shadd]
Folks visiting The Pier in St. Petersburg from now through Oct. 31 can count on some scary encounters. Just imagine this haunting face suddenly leering from around a corner at the Castle of Illusions, the Great Explorations Haunted House in the pier rotunda.

ST. PETERSBURG -- If you thought the only activity at the end of The Pier was fishing in Tampa Bay, take another trip down the long hallway on the first floor.

You'll find a scary surprise.

Great Explorations -- the Hands-on Museum has built the Castle of Illusions there, its haunted house offering this year. It doesn't look like much as you are approaching it, but don't let your eyes deceive you. Once you venture inside, it's another story.

Without giving away the house's secrets, I'll say that the scariest and most startling part is at the very beginning!

In the middle of the house, you will find many other surprises. My favorite is a door that you can't seem to fit through. It's hard to know where to go from there. Are you trapped?

At the end of your tour, you'll be greeted by a monster that breathes air and some misty water on you.

The zoo says 'Boo!'
TAMPA -- Have you ever been surrounded by bats, ghosts, witches, black cats, Draculas, pumpkins ... and camels?
Fear at The Pier
ST. PETERSBURG -- If you thought the only activity at the end of The Pier was fishing in Tampa Bay, take another trip down the long hallway on the first floor.

The whole house has a black ceiling, walls and floor to keep the interior dark. I recommend it for kids ages 7 to 10, though there is no gore to rule out younger visitors. I also think some adults could get a good laugh from it, when their hearts stop racing!

The Castle of Illusions, which is wheelchair-accessible, is open through Oct. 31 at The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 per person or $1 with museum admission ($4 for ages 3 to 55, $2 for seniors, free for children 2 and under).

- Stephen Graves, 11, is in the sixth grade at Bay Point Middle School in St. Petersburg.

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