Chicago transforms into a spooky playground every October, offering everything from haunted houses and historic tours to family-friendly pumpkin festivals. If you’re searching for the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago, here are top destinations that mix thrilling scares with festive fun.
Best Places to Visit for Halloween in Chicago
13th Floor Haunted House – Chicago’s Premier Scare Experience
The 13th Floor Haunted House is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago. This nationally recognized attraction brings together highly detailed sets, spine-chilling special effects, and terrifying live actors. Each year, the haunted house introduces new themes and storylines, so even returning visitors get a fresh dose of horror. Popular past themes have included twisted carnivals, haunted asylums, and zombie-infested zones. The event also features interactive escape rooms and themed bars, making it more than just a walk-through scare. With its reputation for delivering Hollywood-level frights, 13th Floor Haunted House is a must for thrill-seekers looking to push their limits. After the adrenaline rush, balance the spooky with thoughtful Halloween Gift Ideas to surprise loved ones.
Address: 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park, Chicago, IL 60176

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade – Chicago’s Biggest Street Celebration
For a mix of community spirit and festive energy, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade stands out among the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago. This annual parade takes place in the vibrant Northalsted neighborhood and is known for its dazzling costumes, live performances, and themed floats. The event encourages creativity, so participants often dress in jaw-dropping, elaborate costumes. Families, friends, and even pets can join the fun, with contests awarding the most impressive outfits. Beyond the parade, nearby bars and restaurants host Halloween specials, making it an all-night celebration. Unlike haunted houses, the Haunted Halsted Parade is more about joy and spectacle, offering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking for Halloween fun without the scares.
Address: North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden
If you prefer a family-friendly Halloween outing, the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns is one of the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago. This annual event at the Chicago Botanic Garden showcases more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins, many featuring intricate designs and illuminated to create a magical nighttime experience. Professional artists spend weeks carving pumpkins into everything from spooky monsters to Chicago-inspired landmarks. The garden pathways glow with light displays, making it an enchanting stroll for both kids and adults. Along with the pumpkin displays, visitors can enjoy seasonal food, hot drinks, and live entertainment. This event strikes the perfect balance of Halloween spirit without being too scary, making it ideal for families with younger children.
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, Chicago, IL 60022
Statesville Haunted Prison – A Legendary Chicago-Area Attraction
For a truly terrifying adventure, the Statesville Haunted Prison has earned its place among the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago. Known as one of the scariest haunted houses in the Midwest, this attraction plunges guests into the dark world of a prison overrun by deranged inmates and monsters. With its realistic prison sets, intense performances, and shocking special effects, Statesville offers a heart-pounding experience that horror fans won’t forget. The attraction also includes City of the Dead, an additional haunted maze filled with zombies and other terrifying creatures. While this event is better suited for teens and adults, it has become a staple of Chicago’s Halloween season, drawing crowds from across the state.
Address: 17250 Weber Rd, Lockport, Chicago, IL 60441

Lincoln Park Ghost Tour – History Meets the Paranormal
For a blend of history and spooky storytelling, the Lincoln Park Ghost Tour is one of the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago. This guided walking tour explores one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods, which has a chilling past tied to the Great Chicago Fire and former cemeteries. Visitors hear ghost stories, urban legends, and accounts of paranormal activity as they walk through historic streets and haunted landmarks. Unlike traditional haunted houses, this tour combines education with eerie thrills, making it perfect for history buffs who also enjoy a good scare. The tour is family-friendly but still gives a spooky Halloween atmosphere, especially when taken at night. It’s a unique way to experience Chicago’s haunted side while learning about its rich past.
Address: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614
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From haunted houses like the 13th Floor to magical pumpkin displays at the Botanic Garden, the best places to visit for Halloween in Chicago cater to every type of Halloween lover. Whether you’re in the mood for bone-chilling scares or family-friendly fun, Chicago offers a diverse mix of experiences. Don’t forget to make the holiday even more special by exploring thoughtful Halloween Gift Ideas that complement your spooky adventures.
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