If your kids’ Halloween costume interests have shifted from zebras to zombies, here are some very eerie haunted places in Chicago’s nearby suburbs where they can experience spooky scares and screams.
Statesville Haunted Prison
17250 S. Weber Road, Crest Hill
Through Oct. 31, dates and times vary
Tickets start at $30
Although the “aggressive interactive experience” is “designed for adult audiences, and not intended for children or the weak,” operators confirmed that a lot of tweens and teens make their way through the prison successfully. Approximately a third of the attraction changes every year, and one new feature this year is the Maniac Ward. More than 175 actors will be bringing the frights.
All Hallows Eve
Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Oct. 20-21, 6:30-10 p.m.
Tickets are $20
The historic buildings of Naper Settlement are transformed for the weekend into spooky places like H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, a Torture Dungeon and the Victorian Insane Asylum. The experience is recommended for kids age 8 and older. Organizers say the event is rated “PG-Creepy.”
Six Flags Fright Fest
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Through Oct. 31
Daily admission is $49.99 with varying options
Zombies have taken over of Six Flags and that means that Fright Fest is in full swing. There are many scare zones and haunted houses around the park, and rides like Terror Twister 2 and Demon offer extra thrills. There’s also LightmosFEAR, a synchronized LED light show. New attractions this year are the Underworld attraction and the Ringmaster Cabaret.
Dungeon of Doom Haunted House
600 29th St, Zion
Through Nov. 4, dates and times vary
Tickets start at $25
This haunted house in the northern suburbs is all about bringing the terror and seems best suited for older teens, hard-core horror fans and thrill seekers. The experience lasts around an hour and features the Tomb of Doom, which immerses attendees in an evil temple, and Buried Dead or Alive, which is described as a “test of bravery and sanity.” There isn’t a set age limit, but check out their website to get a sense for the level of gore and fright. Attendees can leave at any time if it gets too scary.
