Top 5 Halloween Things To Do in Lake County 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/18/2024

Embrace the vibrant colors and crisp breezes of fall in Lake County. As Halloween approaches, Lake County is filled with family-friendly activities, offering everything from pumpkin patches to haunted attractions and, of course, mouth-watering seasonal treats. Explore where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for Halloween, catch some shivers and indulge in your favorite libations with the Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge. Get ready to celebrate the Halloween season with unforgettable experiences.

1. Harvest Adventures at Didier & Richardson Farms

Discover the excitement of Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze in Spring Grove, home to the world’s largest corn maze for over two decades. Covering 33 acres, this impressive maze offers 11 miles of winding paths, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Visitors can also enjoy zip lining, pumpkin patches, Zorbing rides, live pig races and an array of family-friendly attractions. Over at Didier Farms' Happy Times Pumpkinfest in Lincolnshire, guests can take scenic hayrides, enjoy pony rides, meet exotic animals in the petting zoo and explore thrilling corn mazes. Both farms provide an unforgettable fall experience and are open through Sunday, October 27.

Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire. Richardson Adventure & Corn Maze, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.

2. Fall for Fun: Enchanting Festivals That Capture the Essence of Autumn

The season's bewitching festivals are here and Lake County is your magical host. Immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit at one of our spooktacular festivals, where scares and fun collide for a hauntingly good time!

• Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® in Gurnee (through November 3) INFO»
• Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms (through Oct. 27) INFO»
• Richardson Adventure Farm and Corn Maze (through Oct. 27) INFO»
• Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake (October 19) INFO»
• Mundelein Boo Bash (October 19) INFO»
• Scarecrow Fest and Walk at The Lot in Highland Park (October 19) INFO»
• Wauke-Con (October 19) INFO»
• Scarecrow Fest and Walk at The Lot in Highland Park (October 19) INFO»
• Illinois Vintage Fest (October 19-20) INFO»
• Pumpkinfest in Grayslake (October 24) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Costume Party (October 25) INFO»
• Lincolnshire Boo Bash (October 25) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Season End Party (October 26) INFO»
• Fox Lake Halloween Howl (October 28) INFO»
• Lake County Film Festival (October 31-November 11) INFO»
• Stews and Brews and Booze and Blues at The Lot (November 2) INFO»
• Champagne Walk and Brunch in Antioch (November 2) INFO»

3. Unleash the Fear at Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS® at Six Flags Great America

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America, presented by SNICKERS®, is back and scarier than ever! Running on select days now through November 3, the Gurnee amusement park transforms into a haunted playground after dark. By day, it’s all pumpkins and smiles, but once the clock strikes 6 p.m., ghouls, zombies and terrifying creatures take over. With haunted houses like the brand-new Texas Chainsaw Massacre, thrilling shows, scare zones and 16 adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, Fright Fest offers the ultimate spine-chilling experience. Whether you're brave enough to face the frights or prefer the family-friendly daytime fun of Kids BOO Fest, don't miss out on a scream-worthy adventure for all ages!

Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee.

4. Ghostly Paths and Chilling Legends: Discover Lake County's Hidden Haunts

Lake County is home to some of the most spine-chilling haunted attractions that will leave even the bravest souls trembling. If you're seeking scares, look no further than Dungeon of Doom in Zion, where the eerie atmosphere of an old briquette factory sets the stage for a terrifying experience. For thrill-seekers, the Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach brings intense horror that has garnered rave reviews. For those curious about ghostly lore, explore haunted locations like Cuba Road in Long Grove or the Devil's Gate in Libertyville. Whether you're into haunted houses or eerie legends, Lake County has all the frightening thrills you need this Halloween season!

5. Sip, Savor, and Scare: Take Part in the Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge!

Raise a glass to the Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge, part of the Lake County Libation Trail! Through October 31, craft beer lovers, wine enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs can embark on a tasting adventure across Lake County. With over 30 local breweries, wineries and distilleries participating, there’s no shortage of delicious drinks to try. Simply check in at five or more locations using the mobile pass for a chance to win a private bus tour for you and 10 friends, courtesy of 95 WIIL ROCK. Be sure to check out our Fall Libations Blog, where we explore the most irresistible seasonal flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a frothy lager, a bold merlot or a classic old-fashioned, this is the perfect way to savor the flavors of fall.

"Boo"nus Frights: Spooky Surprises Await at Every Turn

Immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit with imaginative crafting workshops or relax by inviting bonfires beneath a starry sky, bringing a sense of warmth to this eerie season. Discover local haunted history tours or savor seasonal culinary delights, enhancing your Halloween experience with a variety of memorable activities.

• Jack-o-lantern World in Halloween (through Oct. 27) INFO»
• Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois (Now through Oct. 31) INFO»
• Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm (Through Oct. 31) INFO»
• Bumpkin Pumpkin Festival at Country Bumpkin (Through Oct. 30) INFO»
• Halloween Movie Marathon at Romney Brown Candle Co. (Various Nights Through October) INFO»
• Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden (Through Oct. 27) INFO»
• GhostWauk Tours at Genesee Theatre (Through Oct. 27) INFO»
• ZombieWauk in Waukegan (Oct. 19) INFO»
• Back to the 80's Murder Mystery Party at North Shore Distillery (Oct. 19) INFO»
• Scary Halloween Miniature Golf at River's Edge Mini Golf (Oct. 19) INFO»
• Make Your Own Glass Pumpkins at Peter Patterson Glassworks (Oct. 19-20) INFO»
• Trick or Treat Cookiest at Joyful Gourmet (Oct. 20) INFO»
• Family Bats Drop-In at Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center (Oct. 20) INFO»
• Witches Night Out in Antioch (Oct. 24) INFO»
• Candy Stroll at Ravinia District of Highland Park (Oct. 25) INFO»
• Costume Party at Brothers' Field (Oct. 25) INFO»
• Long Grove Historical Society's Annual Ghost Walk (Oct. 25) INFO»
• Halloween Hikes at Ryerson Woods (Oct. 25-26) INFO»
• "Dracula: A Live Radio Show" at Improv Playhouse (Oct. 25-26) INFO»
• Dinner to Die Fore: A Haunted Tasting at Sidelot (Oct. 26) INFO»
• Halloween Bash at Mickey Finn's (Oct. 26) INFO»
• Family Frights at Realm of Terror Haunted House in Round Lake Beach (Oct. 26-27) INFO»
• Wauconda Main Street Trick or Treat (Oct. 27) INFO»
• Long Grove Historical Sociey’s Annual Ghost Walk (Oct. 27) INFO» 
• "Dracula: A Live Radio Play” presented by Improv Playhouse (Oct. 27-28) INFO»
• Halloween Party at the Sanfilippo Estate (Oct. 26-28) INFO»
• Fox Lake Halloween Howl (Oct. 28) INFO»
• Halloween Cocktails at North Shore Distillery (Oct. 30) INFO»
• Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing at Lynfred Winery Highland Park (Oct. 18-31) INFO»
• Harp Twins Halloween in Concert at the Sanfilippo Estate (Oct. 31) INFO»

Trick or Treat Hours in Lake County

During this enchanting season, young adventurers roam from door to door, sharing their playful antics and tales with the neighbors. Satisfy your little monsters' sweet tooth and have some fun exploring all Lake County has to offer.

For more info the top 5 Halloween things to do in Lake County, continue here. To learn more about more going on in the land of lakes, click here.