The undead aren’t just having a moment; they’re downright refusing to die. So it’s time to embrace the phantasmal phenomenon with these five fun zombie activities.
They might eat brains, but they’ve got a lot of heart. At least at Zombie Prom, a night that includes a dinner buffet, dancing and a bounce house for the kids. Zombie attire is required, and an on-site makeup artist will help you obtain optimal spooky-chic style before taking part in the costume contest. $50 couple, $40 resident couple; $10 additional member. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30. Alsip Park District, 12521 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip. (708) 389-1003.
Can you outrun a zombie? Find out at the Zombie Outbreak Dash, a half-mile run through O’Brien Woods, which is populated by barriers and obstaclesโand of course, zombies. The post-race monster bash includes music and dancing with the world’s friendliest ghouls. $25 first family member, $20 additional members. 4-6 p.m. Oct. 17. Bartlett Park District, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. (847) 608-3100.
If the Zombie Apocalypse is at hand, you’d better be prepared. Get some practice dodging zombies to reach the vaccination point (teamwork is encouraged) and utilizing supplies at various โsafe zones.โ For the younger set, a family-friendly course is available from 5-6 p.m., but the intensity ramps up for ages 11 and up at 6:30 on the dot. $15, $10 resident. 5-9:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Wheeler Park, 822 N. 1st St., Geneva. (630) 232-4542.
Your tween’s bravado might begin to slip a bit when they’re Trapped in a Room with a Zombie. At this unique team-building activity, groups of kids 11-17 have to work together to solve mind games, do physical challenges and put together a series of clues. Every five minutes the zombie creeps closerโand escaping becomes all the more essential. $15, $10 resident. 2-6 p.m. Oct. 10. Downers Grove Park District, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300.
This is not your grandmother’s hayride. The Zombie Safari Hayride combines the old-fashioned pastime with some newfangled paintball action. After a short ride down a darkened path, riders can finish off the undead with artsy, but effective, ammunition. Best of all, the zombies can’t shoot back. $22. 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays; 7-11 p.m. Sundays. Odyssey Fun Farm, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 429-3800.
