Haunted Houses and Ghost Stories

For some, Halloween is not Halloween without a scary story or a good haunted house. We've compiled a list of the Chicago area's most interesting haunted events - from overnights in museums to walks through cemeteries. Have fun!

These guys are serious: ghosts exist, but so do ghost stories that aren't real. Learn how to tell the difference, and how to find what's there at this tweens and teens event at Bartlett Nature Center.

Summer Place Theatre is performing scary and funny stories, songs and poems through October 16 at Naperville Riverwalk. Leave kids under 5 at home, and check your fear at the entrance.

All Hallows Eve: Village of Fear

Naper Settlement | Naperville
October 19 - October 20, 6:30-10 p.m.

Haunting creatures, eerie entertainment and must-see horrors invade the 12-acre grounds. New features include the Magical Starlight Theatre's hair-raising homage to Harry Potter in the Chapel and Kidz Kabaret's haunted schoolhouse, Too Cruel for School. Witness the Salem Witch Trials, meet the Addams family at home and enjoy both live and possibly dead entertainment on the Spooktacular Stage. Not recommended for young children under 8 years old.

Spooky Seas

John G. Shedd Aquarium | Chicago
October 26 - October 27, Evening only 6:30-10 p.m.; overnight 6:30 p.m.-9 a.m.

Enjoy themed presentations, animal encounters, dinner and breakfast, gallery activities and a live DJ with dancing. Take a scavenger hunt for animal "tricksters" in Wild Reef; participate in a special relay race to find food while avoiding the giant jelly parachute; and experience close encounters with the aquarium's creepy creatures, such as tarantulas, lizards and snakes. Plus, meet Chicago Bear J'Marcus Webb. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Halloween Haunted Ghost Story Train

Fox River Trolley Museum | South Elgin
October 19 - October 27 (Sunday,Saturday)

A spooky ride on a "haunted" trolley along the Fox River to a campfire along the shore of the Fox complete with ghost stories, hot chocolate and s'mores. Advance reservations required at www.foxtrolley.org/reservations.html. Oct. 19-20, 26-27.

A Haunting in the Valley

A Haunting in the Valley | Schaumburg
October 26 - October 27 (Friday,Saturday) , 6:15-9:30 p.m.

Costumed guides lead scheduled groups along a trail of Halloween fun, adventure, and magic. Also includes refreshments, games, live owl display, and a bonfire.