Halloween Fun in the Chicagoland Area

With the crisp fall air blowing and the night sky beginning earlier, the Chicagoland area is a perfect location for Halloween activities. Living near such a major city means that there are a bevy of local attractions, which can appeal to many different audiences. For the following five attractions, I'll rate based on scariness, age-appropriateness, and fun. Warning: some activities may not be for the faint of heart - but isn't that what Halloween is all about?

First, locals in Chicago may already know about Richard Crowe, a ghost-expert extraordinaire. Crowe is an expert on Chicago ghosts and folklore, and he offers a Supernatural Tour through the area, beginning near the North side. A four-hour tour of the Chicago area includes stops at restaurants, where tour group members can take pictures. For $49.95, the tour may be a bit pricy compared to some Halloween activities. However, this tour allows both children and adults, which offers a nice change of pace. Parents should use discretion to decide if their children will be able to handle this spooky event. Tours can be booked at www.ghosttours.com, book fast - this tour tends to book quickly, especially close to Halloween!

For family-friendly fun, a pumpkin patch is a must-visit for Halloween. Bengston's Pumpkin Farm (www.pumpkinfarm.com) is located in Homer Glen, IL, a quick drive from downtown Chicago. Bengston's has been a family tradition for me since I was younger; no Halloween would be complete without a trip to pick out a pumpkin. Perhaps the best element of Bengston's Pumpkin Farm is that it includes a wide variety of fall activities: a Haunted Barn, a Corn Maze, Hog Races, Hayrides, Pony Rides, a Petting Zoo, and more. Other perks include free parking, free admission for children ages two and under, and reasonable prices for adults ($12 per person, with pumpkins costing extra). Make Bengston's Pumpkin Farm a fun family tradition in your home as well.

For the brave spirits, Halloween is the perfect time to visit a haunted house. One of the most fun and scariest locations is Statesville Haunted Prison, located in Crest Hill, IL, on the outskirts of Joliet. I went to Statesville this past Friday and was equally impressed and frightened with the haunted houses. Although the ticket price was a bit steep ($30 per person for two houses), the actors, costuming, and décor make up for it. I'd recommend getting there early, as lengthy lines can form. Once I purchased my ticket, my group was herded into a fenced in cage, where a prison guard both explained the rules of the haunted house and yelled at us. Once inside the house, the actors did a fantastic job of jumping out, saying creepy things ("I want to eat your face!" stood out particularly), and scaring the wits out of me. I'm not kidding when I say that I have never seen my boyfriend run as fast as when he was chased with a chainsaw. Super fun haunted house, definitely not for kids. More info about Statesville can be found at www.statesville.org.

For the over-21 crowd, a great event to try on Halloween night is the Halloween Bash at the Double Door, located at 1572. N. Milwaukee Ave. For $10, music fans can enjoy watching bands parade as other bands, mimicking the fun of a Halloween costume party. This year's event features the highlights of The Sleepers as Aerosmith and Blackbox as Michael Jackson, along with other bands. Be ready to rock at the Double Door - the smallness of the venue combined with the reasonable drink prices will allow any party -goer to have a rollicking good time.

Finally, for animal lovers, Navy Pier offers a fun alternative for your pets this Halloween. On October 25, the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society will host a day-long event from 10 AM until 7 PM with fun for pets and their owners. Pets can take part in a parade (in full costume, of course), practice their best agility skills, and receive goody bags. Potential pet owners can also stop by this event to find their new best friend. More info can be found at www.anticruelty.org.

The Chicagoland area is rich with fun Halloween activities suited to various age groups and tastes. Whether one prefers to be scared silly at Statesville, dress their pooch up for the pet parade, or find the perfect pumpkin, all of the above possibilities will help add extra fun to your Halloween this year. So, get out there, grab your trick or treat bag and your friends, and enjoy!