All ages enjoy Touch of Nature’s annual Haunted Hollow. (SIU Carbondale photo)
October 07, 2025
Join the fun at SIU’s 2025 Touch of Nature Haunted Hollow on Oct. 19
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Haunted Hollow, the always popular fall family fun fest at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, returns Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
There’s fun in store for all ages at the center, located about 8 miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road. Much like a carnival, the event features a wide variety of free activities as well as some events requiring a nominally priced ticket. Costumes are encouraged but not necessary.
Action galore
Thrills, family-friendly frights and exciting educational experiences await participants at Haunted Hollow. For free, families can enjoy fall-themed crafts and games and a haunted cabin – not to worry, it’s not too scary. There’s also a creepy crawlers exhibit where children can learn about and even hold snakes and bugs.
Ticketed attractions, with a varying number of tickets required, include a climbing rock wall, the giant swing and pumpkin painting.
The annual hayride is the most beloved of all activities, and each year it sells out. The hayride goes through Camp II and into Camp 1, providing a fun way to take in the center’s outdoor beauty while having a great time. Tickets are $3 each and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so organizers encourage participants to come early and sign up for a timeslot.
Rain or shine
The event takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately for outdoor activities. All ages can participate, and the grounds are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Some of the activities require a waiver signed by a parent or guardian in order to participate. Save time by downloading the waiver from the website and bringing signed forms for each family member.
Visitors can purchase grilled hotdogs, hamburgers and frightfully delicious desserts.
For more information, visit the website, call 618-453-1121 or email ton@siu.edu.
Volunteers from SIU and the community are also welcome to assist with the event.