Experience a haunted forest in Schaumburg

As always, Halloween afficionados in the Northwest suburbs have a variety of haunted houses to choose from to get their annual scare fix.

But how much more fun - and how much more rare - is the thrill of a haunted forest in the true outdoors?

The Schaumburg Park District will be providing that experience when "A Haunting in the Valley" lends a different perspective to the normally charming trails of the Spring Valley Nature Center at 1111 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.

Of course, it takes place after dark, from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25.

The program will feature both mysterious and magical walks through the woods around the center's log cabin. Visitors also can enjoy games, a live owl display, refreshments and a bonfire.

"This year, A Haunting in the Valley is going to be much different," said Mary Rice, education coordinator for Spring Valley. "Visitors will interact with a number of different characters along the guided trails. Some will be a little scarier and some will be entertaining. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Covered wagons will transport groups to the trail entrance every 15 minutes. Tickets are available at Spring Valley for one of four slots each evening.

Tickets purchased before 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 will be $6 per person. Tickets purchased after that time will be $8.

Space is limited and pre-sale tickets are strongly encouraged. For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.