Scary attractions, fake blood, and terrifying movies [1] are all part of the fun of Halloween [2] — that is, if you're a fan of spooky things. Taking your kiddos to a haunted house may seem like a rite of passage, but depending on how old they are, a trip to the frightening attraction could end up being more of a horror to you than the house itself.

Read through for 13 things you should probably know before you take your kids to a haunted house.

You should test out your kid's skittishness well before you consider the idea of this at all.

If your kid jumps at the sound of a door closing a little too aggressively, maybe this isn't the best idea you've ever had.

If the house says it’s “kid-friendly,” first find out if anyone who works there even has kids.

Is this thing Scooby-Doo level or "I watched It as a kid so your kid will be fine" type of scary?

Make sure your kids are in closed-toe shoes so they can run in fear safely.

If you get scared and need to make a run for it, at least you'll know your kid can attempt to catch up with you without stubbing a toe.

If you choose to go in before encouraging your kids to go to the bathroom, you’d better have a change of underwear with you.

Actually, just bring some either way. Humans have less control over their bowels and bladder when they're scared — isn't that fun?

The shirt you’re wearing is going to be ruined after your kids collectively pull on it in fear through the entire thing.

Keep your favorite top at home if you don't want it hanging to your knees the next time you wear it.

You’ll have to explain that the blood is fake 40 times.

It’s just ketchup!

Really you’ll have to explain the whole concept of fantasy vs. reality for the foreseeable future.

"It was fake! Yes, I know it looked like that man's legs were cut off, but they were just buried under the couch cushion, I swear!"

If you let your kids eat sugary treats from the food trucks outside the house, you risk fear-barfing.

Haunted house employees live for fear-induced bodily functions . . . proceed at your own risk.

If your child is scared, don’t let them lead or follow the group as they’ll get spooked first or from behind.

Stick that kid right in the middle — the ruthless employees don't care that scaring your child makes your life a living hell.

You might end up being more scared than your kids.

Whether it's their piercing screams that get you or the scary things in the house, you're in for a long night.

Unless you like horror, in which case you’ll be supremely disappointed that your kids are wusses — adorable yes, but wusses.

Guess you're going back to watching Disney Junior Halloween [3] specials.

Your electric bill is likely going to rise what with your kids demanding to sleep with the lights on from now on.

Night lights just aren't going to hack it anymore.

Or you’re going to wake up in the middle of every night to find them in your bed.

It's like you took a nightmare home with you.