Spooky season is right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities or heart-pounding haunted attractions, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties have plenty of Halloween fun to offer. Here is our guide to celebrating Halloween 2025.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Looking for less fright and more delight? These events are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Boo at the Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI
October 17–19 and 24–26, 2025
https://milwaukeezoo.org/visit/upcoming-events/boo-at-the-zoo/
A safe and festive Halloween celebration featuring a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin displays, dazzling light shows, and fun among the animals. Perfect for families with young children.
Halloween Haunts
Wehr Nature Center, Franklin, WI
October 16–18, 2025
https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/wehrs-36th-annual-halloween-haunts-2/
A non-scary outdoor event with costumed characters, storytelling, and guided walks along glowing trails. A gentle and magical Halloween experience for all ages.
Halloween Legends & Lore
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, WI
October 10–11, 17–18, 24–25, 2025
https://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/upcoming-events/halloween-legends-lore/
Wisconsin folklore comes to life through storytelling and lantern-lit paths. This immersive event offers a spooky—but not too scary—journey into local legends.
The Hollows at Phantom Lake YMCA
Phantom Lake YMCA, Mukwonago, WI
October 3–4, 10–12, 16–19, 23–26, 2025
https://www.thehollowsphantomlake.org/
Stroll through a glowing wonderland of 3,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns in this awe-inspiring experience. Proceeds support inclusion programs, helping more kids and families enjoy camp.
Species Spooktacular
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee, WI
Sunday, October 19, 2025
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/species-spooktacular-2/
Celebrate Halloween with nature-themed fun, including animal encounters, crafts, and educational activities. A great way to mix spooky with science.
Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
Baird Community Commons, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, October 25, 2025
https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/jack-o-lantern-jubilee
Downtown Milwaukee lights up with pumpkins, music, and family-friendly entertainment. This free event offers festive fun in the heart of the city.
Frightful Haunts for Adults and Teens
If you’re looking for thrills, chills and heart-racing attractions, these Halloween experiences are for the brave only.
Fright Hike
Lapham Peak State Park, Delafield, WI
October 17–18, 2025
https://frighthike.org/about/
For two nights each October, the moonlit trails of Lapham Peak transform into a haunted mile-long hike filled with spooky scenes performed by local groups. Hosted by the Friends of Lapham Peak, this eerie walk supports park projects and is best suited for older kids and adults.
Buffalo Bill's Haunted Trail
Franklin, WI
October 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25, 31 and November 1, 2025
https://buffalobillshauntedtrail.com/
Spread across 65 acres, this haunted trail promises pure terror with spine-chilling scares around every corner. Recommended for ages 16 and up, it’s one of Wisconsin’s largest outdoor horror experiences.
The Hill Has Eyes
7900 Crystal Ridge Rd, Franklin, WI 53132
Every Sunday in October from 2:30 PM – 4:45 PM
https://www.hillhaseyes.com/
Voted Southeast Wisconsin’s #1 Haunted Attraction, this outdoor haunt features four terrifying experiences in one ticket. Expect mutant hillbillies, bonfire parties, and gruesome surprises. General admission is $15.
Desolate Acres
Waukesha County Expo Center, Waukesha, WI
October 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25, 31 and November 1, 2025
https://www.desolateacres.com/
This haunted attraction delivers high-intensity scares in a sprawling expo setting. With immersive sets and chilling actors, Desolate Acres is a must-visit for thrill seekers in Waukesha County.
Milwaukee Ghost Walks
Various Locations in Milwaukee, WI
Dates vary — see website for schedule
https://www.americanghostwalks.com/wisconsin/milwaukee
Explore Milwaukee’s haunted history with themed walking tours like Bloody Third Ward, Saints and Sinners of Brady Street, and Ghosts of Christmas Past. Each tour dives into eerie legends and ghostly tales from the city’s past.
Waukesha Ghost Walks
Downtown Waukesha, WI
Dates vary — see website for schedule
https://www.americanghostwalks.com/tour/waukesha-ghost-walks
Discover the haunted secrets of Waukesha on this guided ghost walk. Learn about local legends, mysterious happenings, and paranormal lore as you stroll through historic downtown streets.
Pabst Mansion After Hours Tours
2000 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
https://www.pabstmansion.com
Experience the Pabst Mansion like never before—by candlelight. This October-only tour explores themes of darkness, loss, and hidden spaces in one of Milwaukee’s most iconic historic homes.
Corn Mazes
Get lost in the magic of fall with these family-friendly corn mazes. Whether you're chasing clues, finding pumpkins, or just soaking in the crisp air, these local farms offer seasonal fun for all ages.
Schuett Farms Corn Maze
W299 S6370 State Road 83, Mukwonago, WI
Open throughout October 2025
https://www.schuettfarm.com
This family-owned farm offers a classic corn maze experience perfect for all ages. Enjoy a day of fall fun with pumpkins, hayrides, and a well-designed maze that’s great for kids and adults alike.
Elegant Farmer Corn Maze
1545 Main St., Mukwonago, WI
Open weekends in October 2025
https://www.elegantfarmer.com
Known for its famous apple pie baked in a paper bag, Elegant Farmer also features a charming corn maze ideal for families. Pair your maze adventure with apple picking and seasonal treats.
Creekside Valley Farm Corn Maze
13101 N. Wauwatosa Rd., Mequon, WI
Open daily in October 2025
https://www.creeksidevalleyfarm.com
This Mequon farm offers a kid-friendly corn maze alongside a pumpkin patch and fall-themed activities. It’s a great spot for younger children and relaxed family outings.
Barthel Fruit Farm Corn Maze
12246 N. Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI
Open daily in October 2025
https://www.barthelfruitfarm.com
Barthel’s corn maze is part of a full fall experience that includes pick-your-own pumpkins, an on-site bakery truck, and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and mini pumpkin cheesecakes
Lindners Pumpkin Farm Corn Maze
19075 W Cleveland Ave, New Berlin, WI
Open daily in October 2025
https://www.lindnerspumpkinfarm.com
Lindner’s offers a cozy corn maze experience along with a pumpkin patch, farm animals, and seasonal snacks. It’s a great stop for families with young children looking for gentle Halloween fun.
Make it an Overnight Getaway
With so many Halloween events to explore across Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, why not turn your adventure into a seasonal escape? The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee is the perfect home base for your spooky season plans. Don’t miss out on our Spooktacular Package, which includes an overnight stay, water park passes to Springs Water Park, arcade credits, snack bar bucks, and a Halloween goodie bag.