There’s a chill in the air . . . and little ghosts and goblins everywhere are on the hunt for a good scare! These haunted trails, haunted hayrides, and haunted houses range from cute to scary, so be sure to pay attention to age recommendations.
If you have younger or spook-sensitive kiddos, be sure to look for events offering daytime or special scare-free times as well. Some lean more into the Halloween theme, while others are a bit more seasonally fall focused.
Parental discretion is always recommended. If you’re unsure whether a particular event or venue listed below is age-appropriate for your kids, call ahead!
Haunted Trails
A Nightmare at West Main (Batavia)
October 13 and 20, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Take a haunted walk through the spooky trails at West Main Community Park. Not for kids under 10. Pre-registration is required.
Halloween Trick or Treat Trail (Oak Brook)
October 14, 2023 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Come in costumes for a spooky walk in the park. This 1/2 mile walk in the woods includes games and crafts before participants head to the trick or treat trail and a leisurely haunted wagon ride. Please note, you will need to register for a specific time slot. Each time slot is designated for one hour.
Haunted Forest Walk (Woodridge)
October 20 – 21, 2023 | Friday & Saturday: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Saturday Matinee: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Features scary characters around every dark corner — the Saturday matinee will be more suitable for kids 9 and under. Hayrides are available from the parking lot to the event at Hawthorne Hill.
Ackerman Woods Spook Trail (Glen Ellyn)
October 26-27, 2023 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm on Thursday, 4:00 – 9:00pm on Friday
Games, treats, and walk a spooky trail at this scary event. Trail is less scary from 4pm – 6pm and geared towards older kids from 6pm – 9pm. Everyone over age 3 must register and pay a $5 fee.
Worth Park District Haunted Trail (Worth)
October 27-28, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Spooky creatures and other haunts along the Worth Boat Launch Trail. $10 per person.
Oswego Cemetery Walk
October 5, 2023 | 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Participants are guided through a cemetery visit with spirits from the past. Registration is required and a flashlight and comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Tales and Tombstones (Lombard)
October 6-7, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Held at the Lombard Cemetary. Participants will be guided through a candlelit walk through the cemetery. Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required.
Campfire in the Park Spooky Stories (La Grange Park)
October 18, 2023 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Spooky stories and s’mores provided by the La Grange Park Library.
Haunted Hayrides (Eaton Preserve, Plainfield)
October 20, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Non-scary hayrides offered from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Increased pricing and scary experiences after 6:00pm. Must register in advance.
Haunted Forest Walk (Woodridge)
October 20, 2023 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm and October 21, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Haunted Forest trail featuring scary characters and horrors around each corner. The session on October 21st will be more suitable for children under age 9.
Spooky Trail (West Chicago)
October 26-28, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm and open until 9:30pm on October 28th
Haunted trail full of ghosts and ghouls in Reed-Keppler Park. Register ahead of time to avoid waiting in line.
Spooky Stories and a Hayride (Barrington)
October 6, 2023 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Halloween stories, spooky hayride through Citizen’s Park and s’mores. Pre-registration is required.
Haunted Trail (Itasca)
October 21, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:00pm Family Friendly Hour, 7:00pm – 9:30pm Scary Hours
Located at the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary. Age 11 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Ongoing Haunted Events
Goebbert’s Farm Haunted Hayride (South Barrington)
September 9 – October 31, 2023 | Daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (open until 3pm on Labor Day and Halloween)
Hop on the wagon and travel a corn stalk trail to the Haunted Barn. Included with admission wristband.
Sonny Acres Farm Haunted Wagon Ride (West Chicago)
September 29 – October 29, 2023
29W310 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
Spooktacular fun awaits for all ages on the wagon ride during the day. Nighttime brings scarier fun.
Haunted Houses
Please note that some of these haunted houses do not allow children or may be very scary, while others host family-friendly times. Check out the websites, call if you have questions, and use your parental discretion.
Canyon Trail Cemetery Halloween Display
Check Facebook for dates/times/updates to this event.
371 Canyon Trail
Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@canyontrailcemetery.com
Elaborate and extensive residential Halloween display that goes all out with moving parts and special effects, including some elements that pop out.
Goebbert’s Farm Haunted House
September 9 – October 31, 2023 | 9am – 6pm
40 W. Higgins Rd.
South Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 428-6727
10-room haunted house designed to scare school-aged children. Entry included with farm admission.
Disturbia Haunted House
Opens September 22
1213 Butterfield Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 896-2466
Not recommended for children ages 12 and under.
13th Floor Haunted House
Opens September 15, 2023
5050 River Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
(708) 571-3326
info@13thFloorChicago.com
Not recommended for children ages 12 and under.
Bengston’s Haunted Barn
September 15 – October 31, 2023
13341 W 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491
(708) 301-3276
Kids under age 12 must be with an adult.
Six Flags Fright Fest
September 17 – October 31, 2023
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Parkway
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 249-1776
Six Flags recommends not bringing children after 6pm — their scariest frights are at night!
Basement of the Dead
Opens September 22, 2023
42 West New York Street
Aurora, Illinois 60506
(630) 896-2466
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Opens September 29, 2023
5520 West 111th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 639-3279
Hellsgate Haunted House
Opens September 39, 2023
301 W. 2nd Street
Lockport IL 60441
(605) 301-4283
Sonny Acres Farm Haunted Barn
September 29 – October 29, 2023
29W310 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 231-3859
Days and times may vary; check their website for the most updated information.
Dungeon of Doom
September 29 – December 16, 2023
600 29th Street
Zion, IL 60099
(847) 262-3666
No one under the age of 12 can enter this haunted house. The experience features gore, suggestive themes, and intense situations that are designed for an adult audience.
Hinsdale South Haunted House
October 26, 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
7401 S. Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
Visit Hinsdale South High School’s Student Council haunted house for one night only. Admission is $3.
There are so many fun events happening this fall to keep your entire family happy. Check out our excellent fall fun list for all the best ones!
