Illinois’ Wildlife Scary Park Returns Bigger Than Ever for 2025

Planning a family-fun day trip that involves animals is always a win with my daughters, but a day trip that combines rides, games, Halloween AND animals? That's the makings of a perfect day for my kids!

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Illinois

My family loves Halloween, so we always enjoy checking out seasonal events that we've never been to before.

It's starting to feel like we've gone to every great pumpkin park and apple orchard this area has to offer, but we've never been to a Halloween event at a wildlife park before! I think it's time to take a family road trip to Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois this October.

'Wildlife Scary Park' in Illinois

Located just under three hours southwest of Rockford, Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City is a 2,000-acre park where families can see bison, wolves, otters, and other native Illinois animals while enjoying trails, playgrounds, and even a unique overnight experience.

Wildlife Prairie Park is a cool place to visit anytime of the year, but in October, the park transforms into something spook-tacular: Wildlife Scary Park.

When I first heard about the Wildlife Scary Park, I assumed it was something new they started this year, but I was WAY wrong.

Wildlife Scary Park is celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2025, and this year's event will be bigger than ever!

It's the 40th anniversary of Wildlife Scary Park! Join us for the spookiest adventure yet promising thrills, chills, and delightful frights for all ages. We’re bringing back the eerie old times plus a NEW carnival with 6 frightening rides!

Wildlife Scary Park is open for your spooky pleasure every weekend this October (Oct 10–12, 17–19, and 24–26) and tickets can be purchased in advance at wildlifeprairiepark.org/scary.

Have you visited Wildlife Scary Park before? Please send me an app message and let me know what you thought of it!

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