By Manisha Panthee, Features Editor
 
Halloween is fast approaching and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the haunted holiday. Below are six local places to enjoy spooky fun:
 
1.) Prospect Haunted High School (October 25)                                                                 

• Prospect High School  4:00 to 6:00  
• Admission: Non-perishable food

This annual event has clubs at Prospect decorate classrooms with different activities in each room. Kids can travel throughout the school with family and receive treats and toys.
Sophomore Felix Garkisch is helping out French National Honor Society and Sophomore Class Board for this event. As this is his first year volunteering for Haunted High School, he is excited to see what the day holds. He believes this is a great event to show that Prospect students do care about the community and choose to volunteer their time for the event.
I’ve heard that it was a really fun time,” Garkisch said. “I think this is something that brings the community together because it provides a safe place for kids and parents to go trick or treating together.”
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2.) Mt. Prospect Spooky Skate (October 26)                                                                           

• 1000 W. Central Rd. Mt Prospect
• 6 to 9 pm            
• $6 youth/ $7 adults and $5 skate rental    
• More information on website

According to Mt. Prospect Park District Director of Community Relations Ruth Yueill, Spooky Skate draws about 200 skaters on average and is designed to bring the community together at a reasonable price.
“Spooky Skate allows everyone to get out and be active and enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween,” Yueill said. “Take your family to Central Community Center’s Spooky Skate for good old fashioned family fun at a great price. So much better than sitting in the couch and watching horror games!”
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3.) AH Park District Trunk or Treat (October 26)                                                                    

• 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm
• 222 N. Ridge Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004  
• $10 entry fee for kids 2-13 at door, parents free
• More information on website

Trunk or treats draws hundreds kids to Arlington Heights to trick or treat from cars of local businesses, do arts and crafts and other activities. Preregistration is offered to 750 kids but also has onsite registration. As of October 19, just about 600 kids were signed up but Recreation Park Supervisor Emma Edmondson expects the event to be full before it starts.
“This event is nice because it gives businesses and organizations of not only Arlington heights but other surrounding towns the opportunity to come out and do something nice for the kids,” Edmondson said.
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4.) Des Plaines Youth Commission Halloween Fest (October 27)                                  

• 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines
• 5:30 to 8:15 pm    
• Admission: 3 cans of food or Toys for Tots gift  
• Scavenger hunt, mini bouncy house, and more
• More info on website

 
5.) Playroom Cafe First Annual Halloween Bash (October 28)                                              

• 141 Randhurst Village Dr. Mount Prospect        
• 10 am to 1 pm                                        
• Check ticket price on website 
• Theme: Princes and Princesses
• Halloween buffet, meet and greet with Superman and Belle, balloon drop, and more

 
6.) Goebbert’s Fall Festival (September 15 to October 31)                                                     

• 40 W Higgins Rd South Barrington, IL 60010  
• Open from 9 to 6 every day
• Ticket Info on website        

Goebbert’s is a popular place to hang out for students at Prospect.
Sophomore Kenna Burkard has gone every year since she was four years old. According to Burkard, it’s a good place to go with friends and family because it’s not too scary for kids and has fun activities such as many activities such as seeing animals, watching a pig race and more.
“It’s become a tradition for me and my friends to go. I love going in the corn mazes and trying to find my way out and feeding the animals,” Burkard said.