Halloween Events and Activities for Kids in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
Trick or Treat! All the Halloween fun for families in Champaign-Urbana
Halloween may in fact be just one day, but since Champaign-Urbana (ourselves included) is positively spellbound over this haunted holiday, we are ready to let the cackling, carving and candy craziness begin! We’ve got the lowdown on all the family-friendly Halloween events in the Champaign-Urbana area for 2024 and will be adding to this list regularly.
Thanks to CU Dentists, Ltd. for presenting this guide.
Some of these events you can attend on the fly, but a few require pre-registration, as noted below where applicable. Events are listed chronologically by start date. Some recurring events are shown multiple times on multiple days. We will keep adding events as they are announced, so check back often. Click on the links for more information on each event.
More information on Halloween in Champaign-Urbana, coming soon
Haunted Houses and Where to Get Scared | Where to Trunk or Treat in Champaign-Urbana | Champaign-Urbana Trick-or-Treat Hours | Halloween at Zoos near Champaign-Urbana
Have we missed any events? Let us know – submit your event HERE and check back often to see what we’ve added.
Happy Haunting from Chambanamoms!
Friday, September 20, 2024
Halloween at the Harvest Moon: Frightfest Weekend
Time – 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm – Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
For years the Harvest Moon has been entertaining central Illinois with our early Halloween celebration FRIGHTFEST. This September, come out and experience one of central Illinois' top Halloween themed movie events over the course of 3 weekends as they celebrate lucky number 13! It's also the 10th Anniversary of the…
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Halloween at the Harvest Moon: Frightfest Weekend
Time – 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm – Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
For years the Harvest Moon has been entertaining central Illinois with our early Halloween celebration FRIGHTFEST. This September, come out and experience one of central Illinois' top Halloween themed movie events over the course of 3 weekends as they celebrate lucky number 13! It's also the 10th Anniversary of the…
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Deadline for Dropping Off Halloween Costumes for Drive and Giveaway
Time – All Day –
September 3-October 2, drop off used Halloween costumes at any Champaign Park District facility. GIVEAWAY: Sat, October 5, 10a-noon or until costumes are gone at Douglass Community Center Less than bewitched by last year’s Halloween outfits? Creating closet room for a new costume? Donate your old threads and give families…
Friday, October 4, 2024
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Walkthrough Event - Opening Night
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Halloween Costume Giveaway
Time – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm – Douglass Community Center
Sat, October 5, 10a-noon or until costumes are gone at Douglass Community Center Less than bewitched by last year’s Halloween outfits? Creating closet room for a new costume? Donate your old threads and give kids a night of happy haunting! Donation of items is not required to pick up a…
Safeworks Trunk or Treat
Time – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm – SafeWorks Illinois/ 217 Immediate Care
Head out for this Spooktacular Trunk or Treat at SafeWorks Illinois! Get ready to kick off the Halloween season with a fun-filled morning for the whole family! SafeWorks Illinois invites you to their Trunk or Treat event, featuring candy, games, exciting activities, and fantastic giveaways. The Kona Ice Truck will…
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Walkthrough Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Friday, October 11, 2024
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Paxton's Fall Gathering
Time – 9:00 am - 4:00 pm – Downtown Paxton
Celebrate the season at Paxton's Fall Gathering! Enjoy small town charm at this Fall festival with fun things for all ages.
Super Saturday | Halloween Edition
Time – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm – Allerton Public Library
Paint a Halloween themed rock for your collection, or for a fun outdoor decoration! Head to the Allerton Public Library for some cute spooky fun on Saturday, October 12th from 10-12am Recommended for families of all ages
Harvest Fest | Register to reserve a pumpkin by 10/9
Time – 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Saturday, October 12 HARVEST FEST Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-5 p.m. Autumn activities await you! Enjoy the fun traditions of the season, including pumpkin carving and decorating, hay-rack rides, apple peeling, and more! Register by October 9 to reserve a pumpkin for $5.…
Farmer City Haunted Forest: Family-Friendly Matinee Hours
Time – 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Come out for a family-friendly hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL! This is the *matinee* version of the hayrack ride and involves a costume contest, too!
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
School's Out | Spooky Crafternoon
Time – 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm – Champaign Public Library
Drop in at the Champaign Library for creepy crafts and get ready for Halloween! Wednesday, October 16 1-3pm <><><><><><> FAMILY FUN! | FALL 2024 • Sep 28, The Magic Show with Kayleigh Rodgers, 3 pm • Oct 5, Teddy Bear Hospital, 2–4 pm • Oct 22, Virtual Visit with Jason Reynolds, 7 pm…
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Fall Carnival | Savoy Rec Center | Registration Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm – Savoy Recreation Center
You must Pre-register by October 17 for this fun indoor Savoy event.
Friday, October 18, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Farmer City Haunted Forest: Family-Friendly Matinee Hours
Time – 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Come out for a family-friendly hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL! This is the *matinee* version of the hayrack ride and involves a costume contest, too!
Nightmare on Sangamon – Haunted House | Registration Deadline 10/12
Time – 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm – CUSR Center
Nightmare on Sangamon – Haunted House October 19 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Ages: 12+ for Sensory Hours, 14+ for Haunted Hours Enter if you dare! This haunted house is not for the faint of heart, offering a journey through rooms filled with terrifying surprises and ghostly adventures. For those needing less noise,…
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Christie Clinic Presents: Costume Parade at Lincoln Square
Time – 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm – Lincoln Square
Join Christie Clinic and chambanamoms.com for an afternoon of Halloween-themed family fun! Families are invited to this FREE indoor event in the High Court (south hallway) at Lincoln Square Mall. Come dressed in costume and participate in a parade through the mall! We'll pass out candy and freebies, and there…
Nightmare on Sangamon – Haunted House | Registration Deadline 10/12
Time – 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm – CUSR Center
Nightmare on Sangamon – Haunted House October 19 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Ages: 12+ for Sensory Hours, 14+ for Haunted Hours Enter if you dare! This haunted house is not for the faint of heart, offering a journey through rooms filled with terrifying surprises and ghostly adventures. For those needing less noise,…
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Halloween FunFest
Time – 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm – Market Place Mall
Dress up in your favorite costume and come out for trick-or-treating, games, and a costume contest. Enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities, and don’t forget to bring a bag to collect all your goodies. This is a FREE family event for kids ages 12 and under and accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Champaign Urbana Special Recreation | Spooktacular Carnival | Registration Deadline 10/18
Time – 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm – CUSR Center
Spooktacular Carnival October 25 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Ages 8-16 Get ready for a fun Halloween Carnival kids’ program! Join in for games, activities, and treats. Kids can wear costumes, decorate pumpkins, and enjoy crafts. There will also be storytelling, a haunted maze, and a costume contest. GOALS: Improve verbal and social skills,…
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Book or Treat
Time – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm – Mahomet Public Library
Come one and all! This Halloween event is for all ages. Stop by the Library in costume and receive a book and a treat. Craft stations will be set up around the Library with fun activities for everyone. No registration required.
Howl-O-Ween!
Time – 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm – Champaign Public Library
Head to the Champaign Library for an afternoon of Halloween fun with crafts, games, and activities! Plus take home a free book as a special treat! Costumes and kids of all ages are welcome. <><><><><><> FAMILY FUN! | FALL 2024 • Sep 28, The Magic Show with Kayleigh Rodgers, 3…
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Nightmare on Grove Street
Time – 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Douglass Community Center
Join the Champaign Park District for a ghoulishly good time at this kids’ Halloween event, where the spirits of fun and fright come alive! Get ready for a bewitching extravaganza filled with thrills, chills, and delightful spills!
Hoot 'N Howl: Halloween Fun at Middle Fork
Time – 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm – Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
Date(s): Sat, 10/26/2024 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM Forest Preserve: Middle Fork River Location: Harry L. Swartz Campground Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 3-7:30 p.m. FREE! Find many tricks and treats during this all-ages event at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve! Bring your best costume and…
Farmer City Haunted Forest - Haunted Hayrack Event
Time – 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Salt Creek Area Camping at South Park in Farmer City, IL
Bring your flashlights and come out for a hayrack ride in the Haunted Forest through the Salt Creek Area 21 Campsites in Farmer City, IL!
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Halloween Party
Time – 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm – Rantoul Family Sports Complex
Head to the Rantoul Sports Complex for a night filled with thrills, chills and lots of treats, hosted by Rantoul Parks and Recreation! Costumes encouraged. Treats - Games - Inflatables Free hot dogs and chips
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Kirby Medical Center's Halloween Spooktacular
Time – 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm – Kirby Therapy & Wellness Center
Come out for an evening of family-friendly fun at the 2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 30, 2024 from 5 to 7 pm! Held at the KMC Active gym inside the Kirby Therapy & Wellness Center, this free event offers a safe and exciting trick-or-treating experience for ghouls and goblins of…
Boo at the Zoo | Reservations Required
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Scovill Zoo
Come and enjoy this family tradition the last two weekends of October. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a (non-extended) train ride.
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