It’s nearly Halloween which means people are in search of haunted houses and other spooky activities. Here are some of the top picks but, before we get into it, let’s talk about what makes a good haunted house.

In addition to good decorations and frightening scares, what else does a haunted house need? Well, based on what I as well as many others think a haunted house needs good scare actors as well as unpredictable scares. In order to truly scare a guest all senses must be stimulated and must tie to our emotions. Actors who are excited and prepared to scare you in creative ways improve the experience. Overdoing it with constant screams and scares can also take the guest out of it, making the experience mundane and predictable. 

The general mood created in the maze affects the way people react. Dim lighting, spooky sounds, and unpredictable scenery changes can confuse as well as add an underlying feeling of unease. Fog can add to the feeling as well as the specific music chosen to welcome the guests in, getting them into the mood the haunt is attempting to create. 

With all of this in mind, here are some haunted houses and activities people recommend:

Haunted houses: 

• Evil Intentions Haunted House:  
  • Address: 900 Grace St, Elgin, IL 60120
  • General admission: $35)
  • Sept 30- Oct 31
  • Scare Factor Reviews: 9.3/10
• Disturbia Haunted house:
  • Address: 1213 Butterfield Rd suite d, Downers Grove, IL 60515
  • General Admission: $35
  • Sept 23- Nov 5
  • Scare Factor Reviews: 8.83/10
• 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago:
  • Address: 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176
  • General Admission: (Varies on date) around $30
  • Sept 30- Nov 5
  • Scare factor review: 8.8/10
• Basement of the Dead Haunted House: 
  • Address: 42 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506
  • General Admission:: $35
  • Sept 23- Nov 5 
  • Scare Factor Review: 9.21/10
• Massacre Haunted House:
  • Address: 299 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
  • General Admission: $25
  • Sept 24- Nov 5
  • Scare Factor Review: 9.4/10

For some other Halloween fun that isn’t as focus on pure frights, consider the following more family-friendly options.

• Fright fest:
  • Address: Six flags Lake County, Illinois
  • General Admission: $50
  • Sept 17-Oct 30
  • Scare Factor Review: 7.08/10
• Schaumburg Halloween Carnival:
  • Address: Wintrust Field 1999 S Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL
  • Oct 21-30 
  • 5:00 PM -10:00 PM Fridays
  • 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturdays
  • 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sundays
  • General Admission: $20-$30
• Santa’s Village Spooktacular Drive-Thru:
  • Address: 601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL 60118
  • Oct 20- Oct 31
  • 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • General Admission: $30