As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air fills the air, Lake County transforms into a vibrant wonderland of fall colors and festive activities. From pumpkin picking and haunted houses to delicious local brews and lively festivals, there's always something going on in Lake County. Indulge your taste buds on the Lake County Libation Trail, where you'll find a variety of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries offering unique seasonal flavors. And for a heart-pounding adventure, visit Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® or check out the family-friendly BOO Fest during the day. Keep scrolling to discover our top 10 must-do activities in Lake County this October.
Lake County's Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration offers a month-long extravaganza of family-friendly fun, spooky thrills and delicious local libations. Explore enchanting corn mazes at Richardson's Adventure Farm and vibrant pumpkin patches at Didier Farms. Discover the latest Halloween happenings and exclusive travel packages at VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks. Join the Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge for a chance to win a party bus tour by checking in at five or more participating Libation Trail locations. This festive celebration continues until Halloween night, offering a memorable autumn experience for all.
Experience the magic of fall in Lake County at an array of family-friendly festivals. These festive gatherings captivate attendees with colorful pumpkin displays, playful skeletons, tasty autumn-themed treats and a variety of activities for all ages. Beloved by residents and a charming draw for visitors, these events have become treasured annual traditions.
The 14th annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest returns this weekend, offering a spooktacular experience for all ages. This beloved Lake County tradition features thrilling carnival rides, creative pumpkin-carving stations, delectable food, live music and a variety of festive activities, including costume contests, a pie-eating contest, a 5K race and a pet costume contest.The highlight of the festival is the Great Pumpkin Walls, where thousands of illuminated jack-o'-lanterns aim to set a new Guinness World Record. Enjoy live music at the Everts Park band shell and explore the charming Pumpkin Town USA, a unique display of pumpkins and skeletons themed around rock and roll throughout history. Admission to the festival is free, though some activities may require a fee.
The Realm of Terror Horror Experience, a top Halloween attraction between Chicago and Milwaukee, is located in Round Lake Beach and promises its most thrilling and intense production yet. This haunted house has garnered attention from media outlets like the Huff Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and WGN. Designed for true thrill-seekers, it may not be suitable for those under 16. The Realm of Terror is open on select dates from October 4 to November 2.
Realm of Terror Haunted House, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach.
You might be curious about what’s happening at the old Briquette Factory in Zion. It’s now home to the award-winning Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, delivering scares that won’t disappoint. For over 25 years, this haunted attraction has earned a reputation for being one of the most spine-tingling, intense experiences in Lake County. With its eerie, underground atmosphere, the Dungeon of Doom is ready to terrify you like never before. The Zion location is open on select dates through November 2, with additional events including the Blackout Special on November 8-9 and Sub-Thermal Nightmare on December 6-7. From Halloween through November 2, the scare zone features Slasher Weekend, a tribute to classic horror icons.
Dungeon of Doom, 600 29th St., Zion.
Now through October 27, Paulus Park in Lake Zurich transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle at Jack-O-Lantern World. Thousands of visitors will stroll through an immersive, interactive trail adorned with thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns created by over 50 skilled artisans. This year marks the debut of a 5k run/walk, where participants can race among nearly 5,000 pumpkins and navigate a course highlighted by towering 15-foot jack o’lantern mile markers, earning free entry to the famous trail walk at the finish line. Attendees can also enjoy delicious pumpkin spiced donuts and Halloween candy as they explore the enchanting displays.
Jack-O-Lantern World, Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
The Des Plaines River Trail Races offer a stunning opportunity to experience the beauty of Lake County. This year's 14th annual event features a half marathon, marathon, 50K and 50-mile race along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail. Runners will be treated to breathtaking fall foliage, a flat and fast course and well-managed road crossings. With ideal conditions for achieving personal bests or Boston qualifying times, this race is a must-do for runners of all levels.
Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway, Russel Rd., Wadsworth.
Lake County offers a delightful array of pumpkin patches, perfect for families and individuals seeking a fun-filled autumn activity. With picturesque settings, hayrides, corn mazes and farm-fresh produce, pumpkin picking in Lake County is a memorable experience for all ages.
Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween season at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois! Experience Howl-O-Ween, featuring spooky special treats, games and activities for the whole family. Don't miss the most spooktacular Halloween events near you. This year, Great Wolf Lodge has partnered with BRACH'S® to create the ultimate Halloween experience with the all-new Candy Corn Suite. This limited-time suite is designed to immerse guests in the whimsical world of candy corn, featuring custom-made décor and more. Book your stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois and experience Howl-O-Ween before it's too late!
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
This autumn, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, transforms into a festive hub of thrills, chills and delicious food as it rolls out three major events: Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®, Kids BOO Fest and the Oktoberfest Food Festival. Running through November 3, these events promise a blend of spooky surprises, family-friendly activities and culinary delights that will make this fall season unforgettable. As soon as the sun sets, Fright Fest, sponsored by SNICKERS®, takes over the park, turning Six Flags into a haven of horrors. With 5 haunted houses and 9 scare zones lurking around every corner, visitors should be ready for some serious frights. Whether you're tiptoeing through haunted mazes or watching ghouls emerge from the shadows, Fright Fest is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. If you're visiting with little ones or prefer to keep things less spooky, there's plenty more to enjoy at the park during daylight hours can take part in Kids BOO Fest, a more lighthearted celebration of the season. Running from park opening until 6 p.m., kids can embark on the Trick-or-Treat Character Trail, participate in Camp Boo which offers interactive activities and more. Six Flags is also bringing the flavors of fall to life with its Oktoberfest Food Festival. Visitors can enjoy authentic German cuisine and traditional music at the Mooseburger Patio in Yukon Territory. Make sure to mark your calendar and head to Gurnee for a fall experience you won't soon forget!
For more things to do in October 2024, click here. Don't forget Spooks & Spirits: Lake IL, Autumn Celebration has something for everyone! Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® at Six Flags Great America has something for the whole family to enjoy. And don't forget to indulge in delicious food and drink in Lake County. For a truly unique experience, visit one of our local wineries, breweries, or distilleries and sample their sumptuous spirits, vibrant wines, and breathtaking brews. There's something for everyone in the land of lakes!
This website uses cookies and other similar technologies for measurement and communication... Privacy Policy.