Top 10 Halloween Attractions Near Quad Cities

Looking for the best Halloween events near the Quad Cities? Whether you're into haunted forests, family-friendly parades, or spooky walks, there’s something for everyone this October. Here's a quick rundown of the top attractions:

• QC Haunted Forest (Port Byron, IL): A mile-long haunted walk through 54 acres of darkness. Tickets from $20.
• Factory of Fear (Moline, IL): Two haunted attractions with intense scares. Tickets start at $30.
• Skellington Manor (Rock Island, IL): A theatrical haunted house with strong horror themes. Entry is $25.
• Shock House (Rock Island, IL): Indoor scares with live entertainment. General admission is $20.
• Quad City Botanical Center (Rock Island, IL): Family-friendly events like a Not-So-Scary Halloween Walk ($9 adults, $6 youth) and pumpkin painting.
• Figge Art Museum (Davenport, IA): Art meets horror during Five Nights of Fright. Tickets are $25.
• Davenport Halloween Parade (Davenport, IA): Free, family-friendly parade with trick-or-treating.
• Scream Acres (Atkins, IA): Outdoor scares in a rural setting. Tickets vary by date.
• Circle of Ash (Central City, IA): Three haunted attractions, $30 for all access.

From thrilling haunted houses to peaceful Halloween walks, these events cater to all ages and scare levels. Plan ahead - some attractions sell out quickly!

1. QC Haunted Forest (Adventure Quest, Port Byron, IL)

Where It Is and How Close to Quad Cities

QC Haunted Forest sits at 3501 207th St N, Port Byron, IL 61275. It's just 17.5 miles away from Davenport, about a 26-minute drive. You'll spend only $4-$5 on gas [5].

What Kind of Halloween Fun

This place is not just a simple haunted house. It's for those 13 and up [4], QC Haunted Forest brings a spooky, real Halloween feel. It begins with a hayrack ride that leaves you in a forest by cornfields. Get ready for a walk over a mile long in 54 acres of almost all dark [3][4].

"Welcome to a night in hell" – QC Haunted Forest [1]

The place calls itself "Not your normal haunted house" and is the top haunted forest in the Quad Cities. Be ready for bumpy paths while walking - wear strong shoes. Remember, the tough trails mean it's not easy for everyone to get in [1][2][3].

Ticket Prices and Stuff You Need to Know

For the 2025 season, you can pick from:

• Pre-Sale (before October 1, 2025, with code 'horror25'): $20
• Normal Tickets: $25
• Group Price (5 or more tickets): $20 each

You can use tickets any open night. It's easy and fast to buy online. They send a QR code to your email. Show it on your phone or print it. The forest is open from 7 PM to midnight on some days [1][2][3][4].

Cool Extras

The 2025 season has more fun: new scenes, more actors, cool props, and better paths for fewer wait times [1]. After walking in the haunted forest, you can relax in a warm spot. There are nachos, hot dogs, soda, and fires to keep the Halloween fun alive.

The place is open for five weekends in 2025, including Halloween (October 31) and November 1. Full open days are: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and November 1 [1][3][4].

More scary fun coming near the Quad Cities soon!

2. Factory of Fear (Moline, IL)

Spot and Nearness to Quad Cities

In Moline, the Factory of Fear is a top pick for those who love Halloween in the Quad Cities area. It's very close, so it's easy to get to for a scary trip not far from home.

Kind of Halloween Event

The Factory of Fear is for those who seek a wild, heart-racing time. This place has strobe lights, fog, floors that move, very dark halls, strong smells, small shocks, tight spots, and loud sounds. As you move through the dark paths, scares wait to jump out at you.

This is not for those who scare easy. The place clearly tells of risks like slips, trips, and bumps. It's not good for kids or those who scare easy.

Prices and Getting In

A regular ticket costs $30 and lets you into both Factory of Fear and Fear Underground - two scares for one price. To skip the line, VIP Fast Pass tickets are $40 for quick entry to both scares. Buy tickets at the door or online, paying with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. If you're in the military, you get $5 off at the door.

Remember, tickets are not paid back, and they might stop selling them 30 minutes before closing. Since the full trip takes about 30–45 minutes, come early so you don’t miss out if it closes at midnight (doors close at 11:30 PM).

Extra Cool Stuff

What makes Factory of Fear stand out is you get two scares with one ticket. Your ticket gets you into both Factory of Fear and Fear Underground. Altogether, the walk takes about 30–45 minutes. Each scare has its own look and frights, so it's twice as thrilling. With challenges like moving through tight, dark places, this spot gives a Halloween trip to remember for those brave enough to step in. It’s a must-see for those who seek thrills in the Quad Cities area.

3. Skellington Manor's Theatre of the Macabre (Rock Island, IL)

Place and How Close It Is to Quad Cities

Skellington Manor's Theatre of the Macabre is right in Rock Island. This makes it easy for folks coming from Davenport, Bettendorf, or Moline. Being in the middle, it's just a short drive for people living in or visiting the Quad Cities.

Kind of Halloween Fun

This spooky place offers a heart-racing time for those who love a good fright. Known as a "world of horror and suspense" with "scary sights and a lot of spooky moments" [6], it's great for those who seek thrills and love horror. But, it might not be the best pick for families with small kids, as the scares are quite strong.

Cost to Get In and How to Get Around

To enter, it's $25 USD [6][7]. There's also a Fast Pass with timed tickets (prices coming soon). These choices help visitors have a smooth, well-managed time, making their visit memorable.

What's Different Here

True to its name, the Theatre of the Macabre adds a storytelling spin to the usual haunted house. Expect a blend of drama and classic scares. This creates a full-on horror show that's different from other Halloween spots.

4. Shock House Haunted House (Rock Island, IL)

Location and Proximity to Quad Cities

Shock House is nestled in Rock Island, making it a convenient destination for anyone in the Quad Cities area. Whether you're coming from Davenport, Bettendorf, or Moline, it's a short trip to add some thrills to your Halloween plans [8][9].

Type of Halloween Experience

Known as the Quad Cities' premier dark haunted attraction, Shock House focuses on delivering intense scares rather than catering to a family-friendly crowd. Its tagline, "As always, never the same!", promises fresh and evolving themes with every visit. For families looking for a lighter experience, the venue hosts Kids Nights on the last three Thursdays of October, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering a toned-down version of the thrills [8].

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

Tickets are available both online and at the door, with several options to choose from:

• General Admission: $20 USD
• VIP Admission (skip the lines): $30 USD
• Stage Show or Kids Nights: $10 USD

These pricing tiers ensure flexibility for visitors looking for different levels of access and experiences [8][9].

Special Features

Shock House is an all-indoor, heated attraction, ensuring comfort no matter the weather. The spacious waiting area, clean restrooms, and easy online ticketing make the visit hassle-free. To top it off, live entertainment adds an extra layer of excitement, blending theatrical elements with the spine-chilling atmosphere [8][9].

5. Quad City Botanical Center's Not-So-Scary Halloween Walk (Rock Island, IL)

Location and Proximity

Nestled in the heart of Rock Island, the Quad City Botanical Center is a convenient destination for families across the Quad Cities area. Whether you're traveling from Davenport, Bettendorf, or Moline, this Halloween event is just a short trip away. It's a welcoming spot that provides a softer, family-friendly alternative to the usual Halloween scares.

Type of Halloween Experience

This event is all about creating a fun and educational Halloween experience for families. The Not-So-Scary Halloween Walk transforms the center's beautiful botanical gardens with subtle Halloween-themed decorations. Parents can enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens, while kids explore interactive exhibits designed to entertain and educate in a safe, relaxed setting.

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

The event is budget-conscious, making it an affordable outing for families:

• Adults: $9.00 USD
• Youth: $6.00 USD
• Toddlers (under two years old): Free [10]

Special Features

For the 2025 season, the Halloween Walk introduces an exciting new attraction: the Carnivorous Plant Zone. This feature combines a fascinating look at carnivorous plants with the festive atmosphere, offering a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

6. Paint Your Pumpkin at the Quad City Botanical Center (Rock Island, IL)

Location and Proximity

The Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island sets the stage for Paint Your Pumpkin, a fun, hands-on activity perfect for families. Conveniently located, it's easily reachable from across the Quad Cities, including Davenport, Bettendorf, and Moline. This event transforms a simple garden visit into a lively, creative experience for all ages.

Type of Halloween Experience

Paint Your Pumpkin offers a family-friendly Halloween activity with a focus on creativity rather than scares. It’s an artistic alternative to the usual spooky attractions, making it ideal for families with young children. While kids enjoy painting their pumpkins, parents can soak in the beauty and tranquility of the botanical gardens. This event strikes a balance between seasonal fun and a personalized, hands-on experience.

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

Admission to the Paint Your Pumpkin event is included with general entry to the Quad City Botanical Center. Each youth ticket includes one pumpkin and all the painting supplies needed. Here’s a breakdown of ticket prices:

The center goes the extra mile to ensure accessibility. The venue is wheelchair-friendly, with paths made of concrete, brick, and grass, and wheelchairs available for those who need them. Raised garden beds are thoughtfully designed for visitors with limited mobility. Service animals are welcome, though other pets cannot be brought into the facility. The Children's Garden is a safe and accessible space where kids can fully enjoy the pumpkin painting activity.

Special Features

What makes this event stand out is the combination of art and nature. Kids can craft their pumpkin masterpieces while surrounded by the beauty of the center’s gardens. All supplies are provided, so families can focus on creating and enjoying the experience together.

7. Figge Art Museum's Five Nights of Fright (Davenport, IA)

Location and Proximity

You'll find the Figge Art Museum at 225 West 2nd Street in downtown Davenport, right by the Mississippi River. Its central location makes it easy to get to, whether you're coming from Bettendorf, Rock Island, or Moline - all just a short drive away. Plus, parking is within walking distance, and the riverfront setting adds an eerie charm to the experience. The historic surroundings only amplify the spooky vibes as you step into this Halloween-themed art adventure.

Type of Halloween Experience

During Five Nights of Fright, the museum transforms into an art-inspired haunted experience designed for teens and adults. Live actors roam the space, interacting with visitors, while the artworks take on a sinister twist with the help of dramatic lighting and sound effects. It's where art meets horror in a way you won't forget.

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

You'll need timed-entry tickets for this event, and booking in advance is highly recommended - this popular attraction often sells out. Tickets are priced at $25 USD, with discounts available: members save $5, and students with a valid ID can snag tickets for $20. The museum is fully ADA accessible, featuring elevators, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and on-site wheelchairs. That said, the event's intense scares, loud sounds, and flashing lights might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or sensitivities.

Special Features

Each night of the event offers something different, with rotating themes that bring various parts of the museum's collection to life. Contemporary galleries filled with eerie sculptures and American art tied to local ghost stories take on a haunting new look. The experience culminates in the Glass Pavilion, where panoramic views of the Mississippi River set the stage for actors to weave chilling tales that connect the art to the museum's architecture. As a bonus, you'll get after-hours access to exhibitions that are usually off-limits, making this an unforgettable Halloween outing.

sbb-itb-396215c

8. Davenport's Annual Halloween Parade (Davenport, IA)

Location and Proximity

Davenport's Annual Halloween Parade takes place right in the heart of downtown Davenport, making it convenient for folks from all over the Quad Cities. The parade starts at Second Street and Pershing and winds through key streets, offering plenty of great spots to watch the action. If you're driving in, parking is available in downtown ramps, though keep in mind that some streets will close starting at 11:30 a.m. This bustling downtown location provides a lively backdrop for a festive day of Halloween fun.

Type of Halloween Experience

This event is all about family-friendly fun and community spirit. Unlike haunted houses or thrill-heavy attractions, this parade focuses on the lighter, playful side of Halloween. Expect to see schools, local businesses, youth groups, and organizations showing off their creative floats. Think superheroes, witches, friendly ghosts, and more! Plus, there's a sweet bonus: trick-or-treating right from the parade route. Participants hand out candy to spectators, so bring along a bucket or bag for your little ones to collect their treats.

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

Here's the best part: it's completely free! Families can enjoy the parade without worrying about tickets. The route is also accessible, with sidewalks offering plenty of viewing areas. Whether you're bringing toddlers, teens, or grandparents, this event welcomes everyone, making it a true community celebration.

Special Features

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. - that's when this year's parade kicks off. The timing gives families plenty of time to get their costumes ready and plan their day. There's also a strict no-overhand candy-throwing rule to ensure everyone's safety. And if you're looking to extend the fun, many downtown shops and restaurants will be open before and after the parade, ready to welcome costumed visitors for a bite to eat or some shopping.

9. Scream Acres (Atkins, IA)

Location and Proximity

Scream Acres is nestled at 3260 69th Street in Atkins, IA 52206 [11][12], about 40 minutes from Iowa City [13]. The drive itself, with its quiet country roads and rural landscapes, sets the stage for a chilling experience. This secluded spot provides a stark contrast to the bustling attractions near the Quad Cities, making it a standout destination for Halloween enthusiasts.

Type of Halloween Experience

This is not your average Halloween attraction - Scream Acres delivers a heart-pounding, intense scare that’s best suited for thrill-seekers. Its outdoor, isolated setting amplifies the suspense and terror, making it a memorable yet nerve-wracking adventure. Families with younger children may want to consider this before visiting.

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

Ticket prices change depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check their official website for the latest rates. Keep in mind that the attraction involves outdoor walking over uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. Operating primarily on weekends throughout October, Scream Acres extends its hours as Halloween approaches. Note that some age restrictions may apply.

Special Features

What truly sets Scream Acres apart is its eerie rural setting, which feels like something straight out of a horror movie. The attraction often features several themed areas, each designed to deliver a unique and spine-tingling experience. Many visitors highlight the quiet drive through the Iowa countryside as an unexpected part of the thrill - it’s the perfect prelude to the scares that await.

10. Circle of Ash (Central City, IA)

Location and Proximity to Quad Cities

Circle of Ash is located at 201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52214 [14]. While it’s the farthest destination from the Quad Cities on this list, the journey through Iowa’s quiet country roads adds to the eerie anticipation. The rural setting perfectly complements the immersive Halloween experience that awaits visitors.

Type of Halloween Experience

This attraction offers three distinct haunted experiences: Frightmare Forest, an outdoor scare-fest; The Manor, an indoor haunted house; and Socko's, a clown-themed maze. All three are rated "Very Scary" and are recommended for PG-13 audiences [15][16][17]. For those looking for something less intense, Circle of Ash also hosts Hollowed Harvest, a family-friendly event featuring illuminated pumpkin art that creates a more relaxed and festive atmosphere [15].

Ticket Prices and Accessibility

Tickets for the three haunted attractions are priced at $30. The Hollowed Harvest experience is more budget-friendly, with tickets at $20 for adults and $18 for kids [15]. A standout feature here is the re-entry policy, allowing guests to revisit their favorite attractions as many times as they’d like throughout the evening - a rare perk in the world of haunted houses.

Special Features

Circle of Ash is powered by a team of passionate volunteers [14].

"We drove up from the Quad Cities and we were not disappointed. It was well worth the drive! You get to walk through 3 separate attractions. Great scares and great actors at each one! The costumes were amazing! I definitely recommend paying a little extra and getting the VIP ticket to avoid the lines. We will be back next year for sure!" – Samantha Haertjens [15]

The attraction has also earned a reputation as "the most underrated haunted attraction in Iowa!" [14]. Visitors rave about the commitment of the actors, the detailed costumes, and the chance to relive their favorite scares multiple times in one night. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts alike.

Jump scare at The Factory of Fear in Moline

Quick Comparison Table

Here's a snapshot of some top Halloween attractions in the Quad Cities area:

For more details on these attractions, check out QC.LocalDayTrips.com. You can also revisit the earlier sections for a closer look at what each spooky spot has to offer!

Conclusion

The Quad Cities area is packed with Halloween activities to suit every preference. Whether you're seeking spine-chilling thrills at QC Haunted Forest and Factory of Fear, or a more relaxed, family-friendly outing like the Quad City Botanical Center's Not-So-Scary Halloween Walk, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate this October. These events promise unforgettable memories for locals and visitors alike.

To make the most of your Halloween plans, be sure to check schedules and grab tickets in advance. Popular attractions like Skellington Manor and Shock House can sell out quickly, especially during peak times. Securing tickets early ensures you don't miss out on these crowd favorites.

For outdoor spots like Scream Acres in Atkins and Circle of Ash in Central City, remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes - you're likely to be on your feet exploring for a while.

Want to stretch the fun across the season? Start with lighter, family-oriented activities like Davenport's Annual Halloween Parade or the Figge Art Museum's Five Nights of Fright. Then, as the season progresses, dive into the scarier attractions. This way, you can ease into the spooky spirit while keeping everyone in your group happy and comfortable.

FAQs