Celebrate Halloween all month long… We’ve got all the spooky happenings to get your family into the spirit!
Cartoon Monsters with Mark Anderson, Glencoe Library, Grades K-3
“A total creative bonanza! Students will draw tons of crazy, unbelievable monsters. Weird blobby monsters! Scary pointy monsters! Funny hat-wearing monsters! And at the end, kids get to see their monsters come alive on the big screen and sneak up on poor unsuspecting Fuzzy Bunny! Registration required. This is an in-person indoor program. Masks are required for all participants.”
“Strut up and down the Kenilworth business district with your pup to collect treats for the entire family. Enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon animals, popcorn and more. The event will culminate with a Doggie Costume Contest at 12 pm.”
Boo at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo
October 9th-24th
“Check out the creatures, creepy crawlers, and more in your costumes at the Halloween-themed event that’s perfect for family photo ops. All ages are in for a fang-tastic time, and the kids will leave with a sweet treat. Boo! at the Zoo is spooky, safe, and socially distant! “
Spooky Saturday at Glencoe Public Library
October 3oth
“All AgesVisit the Children’s Department on Halloween Eve for a spooky spectacular! Tour the haunted shelves and pick up activities to do at home. Costumes are encouraged.”
Halloween Happening, Wilmette
October 21st
”Filled with chills and thrills, this family-friendly event features carnival games, a magician, moonwalk, arts and crafts, face painting and pony rides. Don’t miss the Theater of Terror, Reptile Room and much more! Pizza dinner is included, along with a goodie bag and a visit to the Pumpkin Patch. Wristbands will be issued and will be required to participate in all activities.”
Halloween Party on Ice, Winnetka Ice Arena
October 30th
Dress up in your favorite costume and take a few laps skating to chilling Halloween music. No costume masks which cover the entire face. Regular public skating fees apply. Registration for this event is not required.
Trunk or Treat, Winnetka
October 23
“Join us for our first ever Trunk-or-Treat – a fun, safe, and neighborly trick-or-treating experience for all ages! This event will feature a “Monster Bash” theme.”
*Decorate your car and pass out treats. The most creative trunk in the “Monster Bash” theme will receive a 2021 family beach pass! Reserve a spot by October 10. Contact Marty Kwiatkowski at (847) 716-1299 or [email protected]
Pumpkins in the Woods, Hubbard Woods, Winnetka
October 22nd
Pumpkin in the Woods Friday, October 22 | 4 – 6pm Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road Ages: All Fee: $5/$10 Hubbard Woods Park will be transformed into a pumpkin patch for the family to enjoy.
Pumpkin Carving Party, Kenilworth
Smore’s, Hot Chocolate and Pumpkin Carving Kits!
Halloween Railroad at Highland Park Library
October 30th
Families are invited to stop in and watch model trains travel around the “Spookytown” tracks, decorated with Halloween scenes and figures on Saturday October 30, from 9am-4pm. This Halloween-themed model railroad also features a special Thomas the Tank Engine track with Thomas, Percy, and Diesel. Kids are welcome to attend in costume!
HALLOWEEN HOOPLA: Pumpkin Decorating, Deerfield
October 9
“Enjoy pumpkin decorating along with a variety of fall arts and crafts, food and games. Registration is per family of four and includes all supplies, $15.
Halloween Mini Golf, Highland Park
October 28 – October 30
”A frightfully good time playing through our scary course. Dress in costume to receive a discount on your round of golf.” Reservations can only be made 7-days in advance!
Highland Park Hauntings, Highland Park
October 22nd
“You never know what is lurking in the woods along the way…walk the haunted trail at Larry Fink Memorial Park and see for yourself! Look out for spots along the way with Halloween treats to calm your nerves. This is a Zombie-themed event with live characters, moving props, and spooky music. Parental discretion is recommended for little ones.”
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, Chicago Botanic , Glencoe
October 13 – 17 and 20 – 24, 2021
“More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins—some as large as 150 pounds—will light up the night at our Halloween event. In the crisp air of fall, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns features only real pumpkins.” Featured pumpkins—carved by professionals—include images of superheroes, celebrities, and nods to Chicago. On a paved path, the evening takes on a festive air, with costumed entertainers and live carving demos, along with seasonal light fare and drinks for purchase.
Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, Highwood
October 8-10th
“Skeletons will begin invading Highwood the weekend of October 1! While the Festival footprint may look different from past years with no street closures through Downtown Highwood to alleviate crowding, the familiar feel of The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest will remain with a few twists.” Rides, music, food, pumpkins and more!
Pumpkin Pier Lights at Navy Pier, Chicago
October 1st- November 2nd
“Navy Pier will once again transform into an experiential fall spectacle with nearly 1,000 pumpkins for the month of October. Guests will explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations and enjoy Pier-wide deals and other Halloween festivities throughout the month.”
Fall Fest at Elewa Farm
October 9th
“Pumpkin painting, a pumpkin carving demo, and storytime in the pumpkin patch. Advance registration required for the pumpkin painting activity. Seasonal baked goods from our kitchen will be available for purchase at market.”
Halloween Spooktackular, Glenview
October 22nd
“Get in the Halloween spirit with a ghoulish family-friendly outdoor party. We’ll have creepy crafts, games, activities and entertainment. Plus, enjoy trunk or treats and cozy hay rides around BATtea and Little SCARE Park. The event is designed for ages 2-12 years; parents must accompany their children. Get creative and feel free to dress up in your Halloween costumes. We encourage it!”
Admission is $15 per child; adults and children under 2 are free.
Family Halloween at Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview
October 24th
“Wear your favorite costume to our kid-friendly bash that includes a haunted barn, wagon rides, pumpkin games and more ghoulish fun. Note: Limited tickets are available and must be purchased in advance. No alcoholic beverages allowed on the Farm.
Admission: $10 per person, children under 2 are free of charge.”
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, Lincoln Park, Chicago
October 8-31st
“Dive into the wonderful world of autumn, from picking the perfect pumpkin to sipping festive drinks, with Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Fall Fest. This free, family-friendly celebration is full of harvest days fun this October. Fest guests can enjoy a pumpkin walk, live pumpkin carvers, a festive pop-up bar, animal chats, musical entertainment and more!”
