Spooky, not scary: Family-friendly Halloween haunts & festivals in northern Illinois

If the only shivers you’re looking for are a cool breeze on a fall day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season of frights that also are family-friendly. So gather up your goblin crew and prepare to adjust your fright level as needed at these fun fall activities. Mayhem on McCoy – AuroraOct. 7-31 in AuroraAwarded third place in the City of Aurora’s Haunt Your Home contest last year, Mayhem on McCoy was formed through one family’s love for Halloween. The walk-through display in their yard features a series of animatronics, skeletons and other things that go bump in the night. For a less scary experience, families with younger children are welcome to come during the day when the displays are turned off. Older kids and adults can get the full scare when Mayhem on McCoy is open from dusk until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays at 3012 Anton Circle in Aurora. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring new men’s socks, gloves, hats and toiletries to support veterans through