As we get closer to Halloween, we begin to see our neighbors delight us with their spookiest decorations. There are many Chicagoland residents who go all out with skeletons, spiders, lights, inflatables and more spooktacular fun.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Halloween yard displays across Chicagoland that are more geared for families. Warning: Some of these attractions still may be too scary for little kids, so use your discretion when planning your trip!
This article was recently updated on Sept. 30, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on family-friendly Halloween displays in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Best Halloween Decorations in Chicago
Afterlife Waiting Room
- Address: 6513 W. Raven St., Chicago
See a “Bettlejuice” scene with an open seat to take pictures. Donations are not requested, but are appreciated. The display is open dusk-10 p.m. daily until Nov. 5.
Dead on Damen
- Address: 7511 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Families can come to see a collection of Halloween displays featuring scarecrows, clowns, dolls, spiders, a graveyard, voodoo and a butcher shop. There will be live actors, refreshments and free food on Halloween night. See the display daily until 10 p.m.
Eerie on Estes
- Address: 2211 W. Estes Ave., Chicago
See mini themed zones where giant creatures roam, including a 12-foot skeleton and a giant dragon. This year’s theme is underwater terrors. The display gets larger when it gets close to Halloween. It runs from dusk-11 p.m.
Haunting on Eddy Street
- Address: 3731 W. Eddy St., Chicago
See a family-friendly Halloween display with Universal Monsters. This scene is great for photo ops with the kids. See it from dusk-11 p.m. daily.
Scary Eddie’s Haunted Walk
- Address: 6800 Loleta Ave., Chicago
Families can come check out this display from dusk-10 p.m. daily. It features a pumpkin patch, cemetery and circus. Also, 12-footers, DIY props and animatronics.
The Haunted Hearth
- Address: 3731 W. Eddy St., Chicago
Check out this family-friendly display for the spooky season. Skeletons make their appearance in September and the full yard starts getting spookier in October. See a light show from dusk-9 p.m. every weekend and every day the last week in October. There are plenty of fun photo opportunities for the kids. They’re accepting clean blankets and cash donations for dog rescues.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Dead End Cemetery Roselle
- Address: 23W411 Ardmore Ave., Roselle
This display can be viewed from dusk-10 p.m. on weekdays and dusk-11 p.m. on weekends. Their name comes from it being on a dead-end road, so be sure to park on Willow and walk to the cemetery. It features the Legend of Sleepy Hollow scarecrow and motorized and homemade props.
Fear of the Dark
- Address: 1017 Aegean Drive, Schaumburg
This Halloween display runs 6-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 6-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, in order to see the whole spooky lighting effects. Most of the animatronics are handmade, and all backdrops and scenes are constructed and painted by the homeowner.
Fright on Fay
- Address: 95 Fay Ave., West Dundee
Stop by this kid-friendly haunt to see the yard lit up in a multitude of colors that are switched out every few days – you may even receive some candy while you’re there.
Gandor Family Light Show
- Address: 237 Mark Lane, Lake Zurich
You don’t have to wait until the holiday season to find some awesome light shows! Gandor Family Light Show has created a Halloween-themed display that plays ongoing shows from 6:45-10 p.m. every day. Tune to 88.7 FM when you arrive.
Greenbriar Cemetery
- Address: 49 Greenbriar Drive, Gilberts
See moving monsters, fog and a full graveyard at this yard display. Live actors and bonfires on the weekends. The display runs dusk-10 p.m. daily.
Halloween Town
- Address: 1821 Hartley Drive, Algonquin
Kids will love to see the moving props and some familiar faces from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at this walk-through cemetery. The display features a 10-foot Jack Skellington, Zero, Sally, Lock, Shock and Barrel.
Harry Potter House
- Address: 3118 Oliver Lane, Northbrook
There’s no better time than October to binge the Harry Potter movies with your family. Take the magic up a notch by visiting this Harry Potter-themed house in Northbrook. Be sure to visit the display’s website to participate in an exciting Creature Hunt and Horcrux Hunt when visiting.
Haunt 31
Visit during the day for a tamer experience. During the evenings, it becomes more of a scare with professional animations and props.
Haunted Circus
- Address: 235 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett
Go through a haunted circus maze at this yard display. They have a ticket booth, clowns and more.
Haunted Graveyard of 218
- Address: 218 N. Pioneer Drive, Addison
This yard is a family-friendly Halloween display with great photo ops. The lights are on dusk-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Holiday Habits
- Address: 10716 Wheatlands Way, Huntley
This Halloween display features a light show, music, animated props and videos. Live actors will be there on select evenings.
Jack’s Hollow
- Address: 4334 Madison St., Skokie
This family-friendly haunt features interactive elements and great photo opportunities. They’re accepting unopened dog and cat food to donate to Skokie C.A.R.E. For more information, check out their Instagram @jacks.hollow.
Kreepers on Kathleen
- Address: 641 W. Kathleen Drive, Des Plaines
This kid-friendly display has lots of animatronics. It is running 6-10:30 p.m. weekdays and 6-11:30 p.m. weekends. This family is collecting food for the Des Plaines Food Pantry, so bring any non-perishable food item to donate.
Mack Manor
Drive through the Mack Manor to get a glimpse of these elaborate outdoor Halloween decorations. There’s plenty to see, and at night, monsters (a.k.a live actors) come out. If you’re driving at night with easily scared kids, leave your flashers on to keep the monsters away. Note: Follow Mack Manor on Facebook to get daily updates on hours, last-minute closures and safety tips.
Pirates of Smoke Tree Cove
- Address: 1314 Smoketree Lane, Bartlett
See a kid-friendly pirate-themed scare with pillaging pirates, colorful lights, shipwrecks caused by the singing siren and more. The display features easter eggs from all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. For more information, be sure to check them out on their Instagram, @piratesofsmoketreecove.
Terror in the Court
- Address: 91 Shelley Court, Elk Grove Village
Meet the creatures along the walk-through path and be sure to yell because many are sound activated. They also have fog and lighting to make it extra spooky.
The Creaking Door
- Address: 4316 Main St., Skokie
There will be visual displays at this family-friendly display. The display is open dusk-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Extended hours on Halloween night. They’re accepting non-perishables for the local food pantry and donations to the Monster Education Program. For more information, check out their Instagram @creakingdoor.
The Last Stop Haunt
- Address: 2050 Fargo St., Des Plaines
This Halloween display features static and animated props, sound effects, music and lighting. It is open from dusk-9 :30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Westbury Manor and Cemetery
- Address: 1821 Westbury Drive, Algonquin
Walk through the haunted graveyard at this yard display. It features electronic, pneumatic and static prop displays along the way. It is available dusk-10 p.m. daily.
South Suburbs
Achter Acres
- Address: 5901 Liberty Square, Oak Forest
This Halloween display features two from yards worth of decorations. It runs dusk-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. The 2024 season will be this haunt’s last season for the foreseeable future.
Curse of the Glas House
- Address: 573 Lenox St., New Lenox
The display features Halloween figures, witch and cauldron, skeletons, gravestones and more. It will be lit up dusk-9 p.m. weekdays and dusk-10 p.m. weekends. They are accepting monetary and toy donations for Advocate Children’s Hospital.
Dark Shadows Home Haunt
- Address: 16322 64th Court, Tinley Park
This display features zombies and skeletons that will jump, spit and talk to you. The hours to view it are 6-9 p.m. weekdays and 6-10 p.m. weekends.
Devil’s Grove
- Address: 12449 Walden Road, Homer Glen
Come check out this spooky display in the south suburbs. It runs from dusk-9 p.m. weekdays and dusk-10 p.m. weekends.
Ghouls on Glasgow
- Address: 19821 S. Glasgow Drive, Frankfort
This large Halloween yard display features animated homemade props and actors. It runs dusk-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. They’re collecting monetary donations for the Maddog Strong Foundation.
Holiday House Projections
- Address: 24361 Shawnee Lane, Manhattan
The Halloween display features a custom scary movie montage set to spooky music, including singing pumpkins. This year, the theme is “Hocus Pocus.” The audio is broadcast over FM radio so families can stay and watch safely from their car, if they would like. It runs from dark-10:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends. The homeowners are raising money in support of their daughter’s neurological disorder, Misophonia.
House of Shrieks
- Address: 5900 School St., Oak Forest
This family-friendly display features a lot of animated figures. The hours to view it are 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Monee Manor
- Address: 24066 S. Cicero Ave., Monee
Check out this front yard Halloween display, which features many homemade prop and elaborate scenes.
Oak Lawn Haunted Barrens
- Address: 5133 W. 101st St., Oak Lawn
This display features mostly homemade props with fog and music.
Red Death
Ages 10 and up can enjoy a spooky graveyard, which features six tombstones, full-sized coffin, creatures, skulls, skeletons and more.
Sally’s Nightmare on Melvina
Fans of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” need to drive down to the South Suburbs to get a glimpse of this whimsical yard display perfect for all ages. You’ll find Jack Skellington, Zero, Sally and more fun characters to get you into the Halloween spirit. They are accepting monetary donations for Project Fire Buddies. The hours are dusk-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and dusk-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
Spirits on Sproat
- Address: 9028 Sproat Ave., Oak Lawn
See classic monsters from movies, TV and pop culture. They also have a “find the monster” scavenger hunt games, music and lights show and more at this Halloween display. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Haunted Mansion on Homestead
- Address: 836 Homestead Road, La Grange Park
Everything in this haunted mansion has been handmade and hand-painted by the whole family. It is a representation of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Come view the house at night and turn your radio to 88.7FM for music to accompany the display.
The Spirit Parlor
- Address: 6825 156th St., Oak Forest
This kid-friendly display has been expanded this year and delivers a new theme in the front windows. The display runs from dusk-11:30 p.m. every night until Nov. 1, 2023.
Timbers Pointe Cemetery
- Address: 8907 Woodbine Court, Tinley Park
The award-winning haunted house and graveyard has animations, a fog display, and live actors (weather permitting). Monetary donations and non-perishable food accepted for Haunts for Hunger.
Western Suburbs
31 Days Late on Maple Avenue
- Address: 4208 Maple Ave., Brookfield
See this interactive display for Halloween, which features an infection treatment facility that has been overtaken by zombies. It will also feature special lighting, audio and fog.
Basement of Horror – The Grand Finale
- Address: 3252 Maple Ave., Berwyn
Come check out this apartment’s shadow box windows, which has nine animated window displays. See them nightly in October from 5-10 p.m. Also, be sure to come back around Christmas to see her holiday displays.
Bungalow Boo
- Address: 1015 N. Mapleton Ave., Oak Park
This house has over 30 carved pumpkins on display. Lights and animations will be on 5-10 p.m. daily.
Canyon Trail Cemetery
- Address: 371 Canyon Trail, Carol Stream
Stop by to see residents new and old at Canyon Trail Cemetery. Families can spot several pneumatic and motorized animatronic characters in the spooky graveyard. It features smoke and bubbles, which kids are sure to love. It is open dusk-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. This display is also accepting donations to Just Giants Rescue, Inc. and non-perishable food items for Humanitarian Service Project.
Chestnut Cemetery
- Address: 1433 Chestnut Lane, Yorkville
This Halloween display is celebrating its 14th year. It features Halloween figures, witch and cauldron, skeletons, gravestones and more. This display will be lit up dusk-10 p.m. daily until Nov. 1, 2032.
Dinosaur Wedding
- Addresses: 2924 Brentwood Court, Woodridge and 2928 Brentwood Court, Woodridge
This two-house display features a 9-foot dinosaur wedding and a 12-foot pumpkin inferno. Turn on 89.9 FM to listen to the light to the music. There is also a fog machine to add to the spooky ambiance.
Grace Street Graveyard
- Address: 629 N. Grace St., Lombard
This family-friendly Halloween display features handmade gravestones, static props and several moving props. The moving props will be from dusk-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Graveyard Scene
- Address: 140 N. Delaplaine, Riverside
Kids and families are invited to come to the Duff’s graveyard scene to walk through and take pictures. Highlights include a 12-foot skeleton and talking animatronics.
Grim Reaper
- Address: 2524 S. 8th Ave., North Riverside
Families can enjoy taking pictures with the homeowner at this Halloween display, who will be dressed as the Grim Reaper. See the electric chair as it lights up at night and find the giant black cat. Hours are dusk to midnight.
Hansel and Gretel
- Address: 2376 Lundquist Drive, Aurora
This kid-friendly display is inspired by the witch’s house from Hansel and Gretel.
Haunted Wedding Theme
- Address: 5235 Park Ave., Downers Grove
See a haunted wedding theme, which features skeleton pirates, a bride and groom and spiders. See the lighting effects, too.
Headless Horseman Display
- Address: 5332 Fair Elms Ave., Western Springs
See this Halloween display all month long. Its main feature is the headless horseman, which is weather dependent.
Horroween333
- Address: 333 Church St., West Chicago
This Halloween display features skeletons, gravestones, pumpkin demons and zombies. It features handmade decorations and animatronic figures.
It’s A Pirate’s Life for Me!
- Address: 4506 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove
This display is kid-friendly. See the skeletons dressed up as pirates on the front lawn. They even have their very own pirate ship.
Light Show
- Address: 4057 Western Ave., Western Springs
See the family lights show from 6:45-9 p.m. daily until Halloween. Turn on 90.3FM to hear the music that accompanies the light show. It will include six Halloween-based songs, spider web, grave stones, singing pumpkins and ghosts, and more.
Lights on Ekman
- Address: 969 Ekman Drive, Batavia
Be sure to turn on 99.1 FM when you arrive to see this light show with Halloween tunes. Great for all ages.
Midnight on Morton
- Taking the 2024 season off. Will return in 2025.
- Address: 714 Morton Street, Batavia
See all the skeletons, ghouls and other friendly monsters light up the night at this neighborhood display. Most of their items are made from 75% recycled materials. Hours are 7-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. They accept donations for Animal House Shelter.
Muirhead Cemetery
- Address: 703 Muirhead Court, Naperville
This Halloween display features multiple skeleton scenes, witches and monsters.
NaperWade Graveyard
Come check out the mausoleum and a foggy graveyard. Their hours are dusk-10 p.m.
Nightmare in Naperville
- Address: 2612 River Woods Drive, Naperville
This yard display features multiple digital projections, giant static props and a graveyard. On weekends, they turn on a soundtrack, projector and a fog machine. It runs from dusk-11 p.m.
Pershing Avenue
- Address: 6001 Pershing Avenue, Downers Grove
Families can enjoy this Halloween walk-through with skeletons, a graveyard and zombie children playing on the playground. This year, they’ve adding a circus tent to the ambiance. Their hours are dusk-9 p.m. weekdays and dusk-10 p.m. weekends.
Pirates on Elm
- Address: 4412 Elm Ave., Brookfield
This nautical Halloween display has more than 15 skeleton pirates, lights, sounds, fog, a pirate ship selfie boat and spooky projections! The lights and effects are on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday through Sunday beginning Oct. 1.
4412 Elm Ave in Brookfield, 60513
Scarefield Way
- Address: 150 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale
See the witches stirring up a potion and watch out for the recently buries and spiders on the roof at this family-friendly display.
Schiffers Halloween Insanity
- Address: 4113 Williams St., Downers Grove
This house features a haunted walk through, cemetery and multiple moving parts. See the sound and animatronics 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. Saturdays.
Silverwood Screams
- Address: 0N461 Silverwood Court, Winfield
This kid-friendly haunt features a giant skeleton, along with other Halloween decorations throughout.
Sinister Sunset
- Address: 239 E. Sunset Ave., Lombard
This Halloween display has a static display all season. They fill add actors to their display on Halloween night. Their hours are 3-10 p.m. nightly.
Skeleton Play
- Address: 85 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn
This house sets up skeletons in different themes across their lawn. They run the fog machine the weekend before Halloween through Halloween.
The Hauntings of Carol Stream
- Address: 1214 Easton Drive, Carol Stream
Fellow ghosts and goblins will appreciate the elaborate display that includes static and motorized props. Viewings start daily at dusk and open Sunday-Thursday until 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m.
The Haunt on Prospect
- Address: 1207 Prospect Ave., Willow Springs
See a homemade Frankenstein, large spider, 10-foot pumpkin reapers and more. It is open from dusk-midnight.
The Long Nightmare/Inferno Manner of Tanner Trails
These family-friendly displays are only a few houses away from each other. They feature static props, animatronics, pneumatics and more. The hours are dusk-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and dusk-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Homeowners are collecting gently used coats and cash for Maddie’s Mitten March
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