Blood, Sweat & Tears Go into This Ridgewood Maze

The Stewarts take maze-planning seriously!

All of Ridgewood LOVES the Halloween maze. My kids count down the days every fall until the maze opens and they are there the first day! If you’re new to Ridgewood, you’ll find the famous Halloween maze on Sheridan Street where the Stewart family invites strangers–yes, strangers, into their backyard every year to confuse, scare and lose themselves in a homemade Halloween maze–for free! Two years ago, the maze was even featured on Rachel Ray’s Haunted House Tour: See Inside 3 Impressively Creepy Haunted Houses!

This unique Ridgewood tradition has been going on for 20 years! Every fall, the Stewart family designs and constructs a Halloween maze that attracts people of all ages and from all over! The maze is constructed with 7-foot-tall stakes, simple twine, clear glass, one-way glass with a floor covered in hay. I remain in awe of the blood, sweat and tears that this family puts into this cherished tradition.

When you see the size of the maze, you’re likely to assume that it will be a no-brainer. But I, sadly, never make it through. The average first-timer spends 50 minutes trying to find their way out. Every year, as I wander the maze opening doors and navigating narrow passages, just as think I’m nearing the finish, I find myself exactly where I started. Lucky for me, there are people sitting on their deck yelling out helpful tips when you need them: “That’s the 3rd time you tried that door! You’re going the wrong way!”

The design of the maze changes every year. Each box of the maze is 27″ x 27″. When you enter through a door, there could be a door right behind you that you could easily overlook (and I usually do) and will keep you searching for the way out a little longer.

Last year, they were kind enough to post the detailed plans on November 1 after the maze closed. No wonder I got stuck:

The whole town would like to thank you, Stewart family,
for bringing so much joy and excitement to kids both big and small year after year!

Watch this video to see how the Stewart family does it:

When to go:
For little ones, go when it’s light out. After school on weekdays is less crowded.
For older kids and adults, the maze becomes a little creepier after the sun sets. Expect creepy creatures and scary, giant clowns lurking around corners. Don’t be surprised if you are chased or feel a real hand grabbing from behind a wall.

The maze is usually open 4pm to 9 p.m on weekdays, and Noon to 9 pm on weekends.
In the event of rain, they will close. Admission is free.

Where is it
The maze is located at 124 Sheridan Terrace, Ridgewood.