Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Chicago
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Chicago

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Interactive Interactive Family friendly Family friendly Outdoors Outdoor Trail

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Chicago

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Walk into the depths of a dark forest, discover Fantastic Beasts™, interactive spells and discover some of the most iconic scenes from the beloved Harry Potter™ film series.

Set in beautiful woodland, this experience has been brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators.

Find your nearest city and enjoy Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience now!

international visitors 2M

international visitors

trees planted +65k

trees planted

cities 4 continents, 11 cities

and counting

Practical Info

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  • Dates and times:
    from October 3 2025, Wednesday–Sundays from 4:45 p.m
  • Duration:
    approx. 60–90 minutes (the walking trail will take approx. 45–75 minutes)
  • Location:
    YMCA Camp Duncan, 32405 N US Hwy 12, Ingleside, Illinois
  • Age requirement:
    All ages are welcome!
  • Accessibility:
    Please be aware that this is a bushland hiking trail. The pathway is not a hard surface in the majority of areas. There are steep sections towards the beginning and end of the trail which can make it difficult for wheelchair access. Please see the FAQs below for more information
  • More info:
    Please consult the FAQs of this experience here
Tickets
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Reviews

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Ray K.

Absolutely magical! felt like I myself was Harry Potter throughout this lovely venture walk! Coming back next week.

John D.

Awesome! It was a very fun, Harry Potter themed, walk through the woods. The lighting, music, props, and special effects were all very well done.

Rachel T.

Absolutely amazing experience!! Loved it all! Very interactive, lots to see and so many photo opportunities! Do not need kids to enjoy this experience. It is a must visit for all.

Joanna R.

This was a magical experience that my entire family enjoyed! Such spectacular lighting and sound - we were transported! An added bonus was the fact that all of the staff were extremely nice!

Lizzie K.

So well done! Worth the money and the drive. The Forbidden Forest will not be easily beaten.

MORE REVIEWS

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Chicago

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YMCA Camp Duncan, 32405 N US Hwy 12, Ingleside, Illinois

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FAQS

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Do you need more information?
Maybe you can find the answer here.

About the experience

What can I expect from Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience? Take a walk through an enchanting woodland filled with magical creatures and moments from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series. This outdoor light trail, inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest, will have you reliving some of your favorite moments as you explore after dark the sounds, lights, and special effects that celebrate the wizarding world.
Where is the experience located? The experience takes place at YMCA Camp Duncan: 32405 N US Hwy 12, Ingleside, IL 60041
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? This experience is held outdoors. If due to the weather forecast the event cannot be held, we will notify you via email at the same address linked to your Fever account. When in doubt, please remember to check your spam folder too.
How long is the experience? Your adventure will likely last 60-90 mins. However, there is lots to see and do at your own pace, so make sure you save some extra time to make the most of everything on offer!
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase? Yes! You will be able to purchase food and beverage at this event. We are happy to inform you that we will cater for vegan and gluten-free options! Please speak to your server at the catering outlets regarding any dietary requirements and allergens.
Will there be additional sessions? Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee there will be extra dates. Please refer to the experience page for updated information on availability, as those are the confirmed dates and timings.
Is there virtual reality? This experience does not have virtual reality.
Is there a dress code? Feel free to dress casually, as there’s no formal dress code. While we encourage you to embrace the experience and dress up, it’s entirely optional. Since the event takes place on an outdoor winter trail, we strongly suggest wearing sturdy outdoor shoes to navigate uneven terrain and dressing warmly to stay comfortable.
Will there be merchandise for sale? Yes, there will be an on-site shop for Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ merchandise to purchase.
Do I need to have watched the movies? We encourage it! But even if you are brand new to Harry Potter™ and this is your first foray into the magical world, you will enjoy the experience regardless.
Will it be scary? This is a family experience; however, elements may be perceived as a little spooky for certain individuals. If you have arachnophobia, please let us know when you arrive and we can make sure that we accommodate any needs to avoid spider-themed elements.
What is the minimum age? There is no minimum age, however, given it is a lit trail at night, containing magical creatures from the film series, some younger guests might find elements a little bit spooky. We recommend that all children under the age of 12 years old be accompanied by an adult.
Children under what age enter free? Children under 3 can enjoy the experience free of charge!

About access to the event

Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session? Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time; this is to ensure you have enough time to check-in before entering the experience. While we do our best to accommodate, latecomers are not guaranteed admission.
Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed? Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in this event’s location, though we do welcome service animals on the trail.
Is there parking available? Parking is available for $10 if you book ahead of time online here, $15 when purchased onsite. At arrival, follow the signs and directions of our staff.
How do I reserve a disabled parking space? An accessible parking space is available to anyone booking/bringing a motorized scooter or with a placard or need. Please pay for your parking at the time of booking and provide your registration plate and/or placard number here. Please let the on-site staff know upon arrival that you have reserved a space in the accessible parking area.
Is the venue accessible? This is an accessible venue, with motorized scooters available for hire at the trail entrance. Please, be aware that this is a woodland trail. The pathway is not a hard surface in the majority of areas which can make pushing a wheelchair difficult. The trail is accessible by strollers. Guests should expect that the surface may be uneven in areas. If you need some clarification about accessibility of the experience, please contact accessibility_campduncan@feverup.com and we can discuss how you may best enjoy the trail.
How do I reserve a motorized scooter? Our motorized scooters are available for hire at $15 to anyone with a disability on a first come first served basis. To reserve one, please complete and submit this form. We will be pleased to reserve one for you. Should one not be available, we will offer you alternative dates. Payment will be collected onsite at Guest Services at the time of pickup.
Do you offer carer tickets? Guests requiring assistance throughout this experience are entitled to apply for one free pass for their personal assistant/support worker at the entrance of the venue. Simply present your carer’s card, companion card, or equivalent at the door for free entry.
Is the experience accessible for deaf/visually impaired people? We are happy to confirm that people with visual or hearing impairments will be able to enjoy this experience.
Are there any special effects or loud noises in the experience? There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them, however, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and will adhere to the industry standard of synchronizing effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 5 flashes per second.
Are there chairs available? Can I be seated during the experience/exhibition? This is a walkthrough experience, but if you need a little rest, you will be able to find some seats for you to have a break.
Will restrooms be available on site? This venue has restrooms—please ask our staff on site for indications. Accessible restrooms are also available at the venue.

Environmental Impact

Will the lights and sounds affect the natural habitats in the woodlands? Our overall sound levels are low in the areas where music is being used. We are using localized, limited lighting and we will return the woods to darkness each evening.
Will any trees or animals be affected by this Experience? The vast majority of the overall woodland will remain completely untouched by the experience and should have minimal impact to natural habitats.

About tickets

Where can I get tickets?
Can I purchase tickets at the door? We will have a box office on site. However, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event, so we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your spot. You can purchase tickets in the Fever App (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store) or on the Fever website. Payment by card only.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person? Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket in the Fever App. Please contact us if you need additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
Do I need to print my ticket? No, you can find your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Please remember to log in with the same login method used to make the purchase. You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email.
I can't find my ticket. What should I do? You can view your ticket in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have the app installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us.
Can I change the date of my ticket? Are refunds allowed? This experience allows refunds and exchanges up to 48 hours prior to your booking. If you need assistance with this, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if the exchange option is available by consulting your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever App where, if enabled, the "Change date and/or time" button will appear; follow the steps indicated in the link to change the date and/or time of the ticket. For more information, you can consult our T&Cs.
Can I make a group booking?
  • For student groups, team-buildings or groups of 15+ people, please reserve your tickets here.
  • For groups up to 14 tickets, please book online here.
Do you offer press passes? If you would like a press pass, please email press@feverup.com.

Miscellaneous

Contact details: You can receive assistance by:
  • Submitting a request here;
  • Going to the Fever app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store) and starting a live chat with our service agents.
What are the prohibited items at the experience?
  • Weapons
  • Alcohol
  • Food
  • Animals/Pets (service animals only)
  • Audio recording devices
  • Drugs and drug paraphernalia
  • Flammables
  • Torches
  • Lasers
  • Professional cameras
  • Promotional items/unauthorized solicitations/vendors (including flyers, samples, giveaways)
  • Selfie sticks/tripods
  • Large golf-style umbrellas (small personal umbrellas only)
Can I take photos or record the experience? Feel free to take photos and don’t forget to share your best photos on social media using the hashtag #HPForbiddenForestExperience. When taking photos, please make sure not to disturb other customers. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted.
What if it rains? This is an outdoor trail and will go ahead even if there is rain. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately and can bring small personal umbrellas. Large golf style umbrellas are not permitted. If due to the weather forecast the event cannot be held, we will notify you via email at the same address linked to your Fever account. When in doubt, please remember to check your spam folder too.
Will I be in a group with other guests? You will not be asked to join a group, but to follow the trail at your own pace.
Can I pay with cash at the venue? No, the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is a cashless site.
Is there a Lost & Found? We would recommend asking the staff at the venue if they have found your belongings. If you cannot ask them on site, please contact us at lostproperty_campduncan@feverup.com.

Gallery

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest - Brisbane

Give a Tree,

Grow a Forest

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Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is committed to celebrating the power of nature and ensuring a legacy for future generations to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.

Forest Carbon

One Tree planted Thanks to our partnership with One Tree Planted, guests of the experience can make an optional donation of the price of a tree which will contribute to reforestation and sustainability projects.
How you can help Donating $3.00 will buy a tree and cover the cost of planting and management in the United States. In return for your generous donation, you will receive updates on the woodland’s progress and gain an understanding of the impact your tree will have, not only in terms of the surrounding environment - but also regarding how it contributes positively to the health of the planet. By donating the price of a tree, we can work together to create forests of the future.