PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Whether you're looking for a place to take the kids that is a little bit different from everywhere else, or you just want to be a kid yourself, take a ride down south Harlem to Haunted Trails, where the classic haunted house theme meets miniature golf, and a whole lot more!

This Chicagoland mainstay has become an institution for folks since the '70s, and even though things around the Trails may seem a bit dated these days in comparison to all of the high tech gizmos out there, there are some things that just seem to get better with age. Miniature golf, go karts, genuine arcade games and batting cages are about as Americana fun that you can get!

What makes this mini golf location truly unique and outstanding is the overall theme. There's a giant Frankenstein towering over everyone, donning a purple suit and yellow tie wielding an axe, which looks strikingly similar to one of those giant Muffler Men you sometimes come across. The trash cans dotting the landscape are cartoony ghosts, and there's an acid bath pool with a skeleton floating in it. Cool, right? Dracula makes an appearance as well, as does the Creature from the Black Lagoon, ready to strike an unsuspecting fisherman.

For those wanting to avoid the little kid crowds, be sure to head out there after 7pm. That still leaves you with enough hours to get in at least one round of golf, a few good swings in the cages, enough Skee-Ball to cash in for a novelty comb, as well as a few rides on the go karts. There's even karaoke for those of you who really love getting in your fix. And yes, there's even a haunted house there to compliment all that classic Fangoria!

In short, anyone who ever wants to be able to call themselves a true Chicagoan needs to visit Haunted Trails at least once in their lifetime. It's a great place to hang out, with or without the kids. And hey: With places like this still around, why any mom would arrange a birthday party at a completely generic, overly corporate, “giant rat” infested pizza parlor is beyond me.