Ages 16 Up Things To Do
Experience for ages 16+
by The Odd Macabre
Ghost tours and paranormal investigations, imaginative crafts, and challenging games that are thought-provoking and exciting for older teens and adult audiences.
Paranormal Investigations
The Real Ghost Hunting Experience
Explores some of St.Augustine's most haunted areas. Eye-opening evidence with fascinating factual histories and true stories. Investigations where you learn self-intuitiveness, communication techniques, and use paranormal equipment. Go beyond the typical ghost tour… Investigate.
Candle Making and More
Our haunted parlor is the perfect setting to craft something magical
Blend your brew, create your own label, and mix and pour your very own soy wax candle in this creative candle making experience.
Interactive Ghost Walk Tours
Explore the haunting histories of the Old City.
The Ghostorian's Grimoire is a collection of stories bound in mysticism detailing the hidden secrets, sordid affairs, triumphs, and tumultuous events, that still linger and haunt the Oldest City. This Ghost Walk is historically accurate, well-researched, and evidence-based. Includes interactive elements and requires group participation.
Solve the riddles and puzzles finding 13 great locations
Self Guided Games - See the City your way!
An amazing way to see St. Augustine Florida. Whether it's your first visit or you've lived here your entire life, there is something new for you to discover in St. Augustine with over 14,000 years of documented history, and The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery is the way to find it!
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect
Our age 16 and up experiences are designed for curious minds that want more than a passive walk through the old streets. Whether you are joining a paranormal investigation, crafting a candle in our haunted parlor, or solving the riddles of the 13 Keys, you will be an active participant. Each activity is led by knowledgeable guides or self-guided with clear instructions, and all necessary equipment is provided. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an open mind. Groups are intentionally kept small to ensure everyone can engage, ask questions, and get hands-on with the tools and stories.
Because these experiences involve mature themes, historical accounts of tragedy and death, and sometimes dimly lit or confined spaces, they are best suited for those 16 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the paranormal investigations and ghost walks. Candle making and the self-guided games are less intense but still contain content that may not be appropriate for younger children. We strive to balance historical accuracy with respect for the past, and our guides are trained to handle sensitive topics with care.
Why Ages 16 and Up?
St. Augustine’s history is rich, complex, and at times deeply unsettling. The stories we share are not campfire tales invented for a thrill; they are drawn from documented events, personal accounts, and ongoing paranormal research. For younger audiences, the emotional weight and graphic nature of some histories can be overwhelming. At 16, most participants have the maturity to process these narratives thoughtfully, engage in critical thinking, and appreciate the cultural and historical context. This age threshold also allows us to incorporate more advanced investigative techniques and interactive puzzles that require logic, collaboration, and patience.
Our candle making experience, while creative and relaxing, is set in a parlor with its own haunted reputation. The atmosphere is intentionally eerie, and the stories shared during the session touch on local legends and unexplained phenomena. It is a crafting experience with a macabre twist, and we find that older teens and adults enjoy the blend of creativity and the supernatural. The self-guided games, though suitable for families, include riddles and historical clues that are challenging for younger children. The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery is designed to be a mental workout as much as a sightseeing adventure.
Behind the Scenes: Our Approach to the Paranormal
The Odd Macabre is not a typical ghost tour company. Our paranormal investigations are rooted in a respect for both the living and the dead. We use a combination of traditional ghost hunting equipment—EMF meters, spirit boxes, digital recorders, and temperature gauges—alongside techniques drawn from parapsychology and intuitive development. Before each investigation, participants receive a brief training session on how to use the equipment and how to communicate respectfully with any spirits that may be present. We emphasize that not every session yields dramatic evidence, but the process itself is educational and often deeply personal.
Our locations are chosen based on historical documentation and a track record of reported activity. We work closely with property owners and local historians to ensure that the stories we tell are accurate and that our presence does not disturb the sites. The investigations are conducted in small groups, and we encourage participants to keep a journal of their experiences. Many return multiple times, drawn by the possibility of a personal encounter or simply the thrill of the unknown. We also offer private investigations for those who want a more intimate experience.
Extending Your Macabre Adventure
If you find yourself captivated by the darker side of St. Augustine, there are many ways to continue your exploration. Our Experiences in St. Augustine FL page lists all current offerings, including seasonal events and special investigations. For those traveling, we also offer Experiences in Savannah GA, another city steeped in haunted history. You might also enjoy our guides to Exploring St Augustine and The Oldest City of St Augustine, which provide deeper context for the locations you will visit.
For a deeper dive into specific haunted sites, we recommend reading about The St Augustine Lighthouse and The Ximenex-Fatio House Museum. Both locations are featured in some of our investigations and ghost walks, and their histories are essential to understanding the paranormal landscape of the city. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, these experiences offer a unique way to connect with the past and perhaps encounter something that defies explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior experience with ghost hunting or candle making?
No prior experience is necessary for any of our activities. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know, from using paranormal equipment to pouring a perfect candle. The self-guided games are designed to be intuitive, with clear instructions provided at the start.
What should I bring to a paranormal investigation?
We provide all paranormal equipment, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. We recommend a small flashlight, a notebook and pen for recording observations, and a fully charged phone for photos. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as some investigations involve walking and standing for extended periods.
Are the experiences wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by location. The candle making parlor and the starting point for the ghost walks are accessible, but some investigation sites and portions of the self-guided games may have limited accessibility due to historic architecture. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific needs, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can I book a private group experience?
Yes, private bookings are available for all experiences. This is a popular option for birthdays, corporate events, and paranormal enthusiast groups. Private groups can often customize the focus of the experience, such as spending more time on EVP sessions or historical storytelling.
What Our Guests Are Saying
“The paranormal investigation was unlike anything I’ve ever done. The guides were respectful, knowledgeable, and the equipment actually picked up some unexplained readings. I left with chills and a new perspective on the city.”
“I’m not usually into crafts, but the candle making in the haunted parlor was so fun and atmospheric. The stories they told while we poured wax made it feel like a séance and a workshop rolled into one.”
“The 13 Keys game was the highlight of our trip. It took us to places we never would have found on our own, and the riddles were challenging but fair. We learned so much about St. Augustine’s hidden history.”