It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Halloween happenings! The Rockford Region provides spooky adventures not for the faint of heart, but also has plenty of ghoulish fun for kids. Plan your fall getaway this October and hit these hot spots for a wickedly good time.
Not so scary adventures
Eerie Autumn Lights
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens | Now-October 31 | Open 5 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday
This family-friendly event invites you to experience the enchantment of fall as the gardens and pathways are illuminated with spectacular light displays. Stroll through the beautifully lit arboretum, where nature meets art, and enjoy the mesmerizing glow of autumnal colors. Tickets are $6 for children under 12 and $12 for adults.
Eerie Autumn Lights
All Hallows Eve
Midway Village Museum | October 26 | 12-6 p.m.
The Victorian Village at Midway Village is a unique trick-o-treating experience that will be fun for the whole family. Dress in costume and explore over 20 decorated historic buildings in the picturesque Victorian village. Some buildings may contain spooky surprises. Tickets are priced at $7 for children 3-17 and $5 for adults.
All Hallows Eve
Spook the Blocks
Downtown Rockford | October 26 | 12-4 p.m.
Over 20 businesses and restaurants are part of spook the blocks, a trick or treat adventure that takes visitors throughout downtown Rockford. Families can grab a coffee, lunch and shop local, while filling those candy bags. The Rockford Art Deli (RAD) is offering a free Halloween print during this event.
Spooktacular Halloween
Anderson Japanese Gardens | October 26 | 2-5 p.m.
Trick or Treating, Halloween crafts, photo ops, and more await at Anderson Japanese Gardens. The fall color in the gardens is not to be missed. Admission is $14 for adults and children 5 and under are free.
Spooktacular at Anderson Japanese Gardens
Festival of Frights
Sinnissippi Park | October 25-31 | Open at 5 p.m.
This delightful drive-through Halloween light display at beautiful Sinnissippi Park collects donations to provide costumes for kids in need. Enjoy a 12-foot skeleton, werewolf, and more with this magical fright fest. Admission is free.
Spook the Dells
Severson Dells | October 26 | 6-8 p.m.
This family friendly event includes a walk on a paved path and an interactive theater experience showcasing nocturnal animals that call the woods home. Enjoy a s’more while learning about these animals. Admission is $8 per person.
Haunted Burpee
Burpee Museum of Natural History | October 26 | 12-7 p.m.
Haunted Burpee invites visitors a rare tour of their 1890s mansion, where visitors will hear captivating stories of the family’s triumphs, struggles, and even horrors, brought to life by your storyteller—the ghost of Mrs. Julia Barnes! In the museum, there's a mad scientist lab, and other spooky activities that are sure to thrill all ages. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for ages 4-12, and free for under 3.
Thrills and Chills
For those looking for scares, there are several attractions in the region including haunted houses and hayrides. Located in Rockford Twisted Crypt is a haunted attraction offering 10,000 square feet of jump scares. This attraction is recommended for ages 13 and older. Also in Rockford, Scary Perry's includes a haunted hayride and costume store selling masks and other Halloween accessories. Northern Illinois Fear Fest in South Beloit offers three attractions including a haunted barn, creepy carnival, and haunted hayride.
Rockford's Most Haunted
Rockford's Most Haunted explores three haunted locations in Rockford, Tinker Swiss Cottage, Veteran's Memorial Hall, and Graham-Ginestra House. All of these sites have reported paranormal activity and apparitions. The investigation will take place on October 26 at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Haunted Rockford. Tickets are $50 each.
Spooky Shops and Oddities
The Rockford Region offers several locatoions to buy spooky gifts. Wolf Hollow Gift Shoppe is open year-round and offers gothic home décor, handmade jewelry, and mystical gifts. Rockford Art Deli, a t-shirt print shop in Downtown Rockford has Halloween prints including "The Mothman of Rockford", an ode to the recent Unsolved Mysteries episode on Netflix. Culture Shock offers merchandise from famous Halloween movies and T.V. Shows.
