Many customers found the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest event to be a fun and magical experience.
Pricing Concerns
Several reviews mentioned that the event and camp experiences were on the pricey side.
Staff Quality
The staff received positive feedback for being friendly, helpful, and attentive to campers' needs.
Facility Cleanliness
There were multiple complaints about the cleanliness of bathrooms and facilities, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction.
Safety Issues
Concerns were raised regarding safety, particularly in relation to injuries and the handling of incidents.
AS
angela strain
1 day ago
5.0
Cane here for an event. Only complaint was the parking
SL
sianna Liu
Nov 12, 2025
5.0
The first thing that catches the eye is a guardian spirit emitting a blue glow, standing tall in the forest. At that moment, I really felt the urge to shout "Expecto Patronum!"
🪄 Continuing on, each section feels like entering a new magical chapter:
✨ Waving a wand, the forest lights suddenly illuminate;
🦄 A wave of the hand, and magical creatures of light and shadow materialize and leap from the bushes—that moment truly gave me goosebumps!
đź’Ą There's also a spot where two people can "battle" by casting spells, light waves colliding and flashing in the air, just like a duel scene from a movie!
🍄 When you reach the "Mushroom Forest" section, the ground glows with each step, and the surrounding mushrooms shimmer in the darkness, like stepping into an elven kingdom.
🚗 The "flying car" trapped in the forest—the lights shining on it give it an eerie blue glow, as if it's about to take flight at any moment.
The entire experience takes about an hour and a half, and the queue can be a bit long, so we recommend arriving early to queue at your reserved time. Although there are no actors in costume, the lighting, music, and sound effects perfectly recreate the magical world. Both children and adults can find something to enjoy.
đź’ˇTips:
• It officially starts after dark
• Dress warmly, as it can get cold in the woods at night; (of course, if you're hiking, you'll sweat)
• Make sure your phone is fully charged, you'll want to take photos everywhere! 📸
📍Location: YMCA Camp Duncan (Ingleside, IL)
🎟️ Tickets can be booked online in advance. Parking tickets are $5 cheaper online ($10 parking ticket). On-site offerings include Harry Potter hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, butterbeer, and themed merchandise.
JP
Jason Pytlewski
Nov 7, 2025
4.0
Went for Harry Potter Experience. Decent length of time for a walk through the woods. Some interactive activities as well. Good time for family
JD
Jaron DeVito
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
Went for the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience and it was so much fun!!! Food and souvenirs were available but was insanely expensive (small stuffed animals for $50, small pins for $20, small posters for $15). The experience itself was amazing. It easily took us about 2 hours at a normal pace so was well worth the cost. I highly recommend the deluxe package! Wands aren't really necessary. They're fun but there were only a few spots and I wouldn't say it was worth a $50 price tag for a cheap toy wand.
LN
Lynnette Niemann
Oct 23, 2025
5.0
Super fun and really cool that the YMCA hosted this event. Very pricey to go to the Harry Potter Enchanted Forest. Well depending on date and time. NOT the Y's fault. This is a licensed event.
YMCA Camp Duncan is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where is YMCA Camp Duncan located?
YMCA Camp Duncan is located at 32405 N. US Highway 12, Ingleside, IL 60041, USA.
How can I contact YMCA Camp Duncan?
You can contact YMCA Camp Duncan by phone at +1 847-546-8086.
Where can I find more information about YMCA Camp Duncan online?
More information is available on their website at https://www.ymcachicago.org/duncan/ and on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/77498879356.
How do I join YMCA Camp Duncan or the Y family?
You can join the Y family today by registering at https://register.ymcachicago.org/user/join-the-y.
What type of facility is YMCA Camp Duncan?
YMCA Camp Duncan is a camp and campsite operated under YMCA of Metro Chicago.
Is YMCA Camp Duncan open on weekends?
No, YMCA Camp Duncan is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
What nearby campgrounds can I visit around YMCA Camp Duncan?
Nearby campgrounds include YMCA Camp Independence, CI at Camp Duncan, and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, which you might explore before or after your visit.
Are there any notable attractions near YMCA Camp Duncan?
Yes, The BOG, a landmark and historical building, is nearby and can be an interesting spot to check out.
What transportation services are available near YMCA Camp Duncan?
Raptor Messenger offers transportation, food delivery, and freight services near YMCA Camp Duncan, which might assist visitors with logistics.