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Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families

Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo
Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo
9/23/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best Halloween events in Chicago for kids? Read on for our top picks for the spooky season. 

It's time to break out a different kind of masks! Even if you choose not to go trick-or-treating, there are still plenty of fun Halloween events in Chicago for kids.

We've got you covered with more than 60 kids' Halloween events in Chicago that get you into the scary spirit. From neighborhood trick-or-treating to parties to parades to movies, there's something for everybody this Halloween. When you're done going apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, check out one of these happenings. Find lots more must-do events in our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Chicago Kids. 

Events are selling out fast this year, so make sure you check each event's website to see if pre-registration is required. For more seasonal inspiration, see our rundown on fall day trips and activities in the Chicago area.

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Pup-o-Ween is a fun Halloween event in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jessica Roberts.
Pup-o-Ween is a fun Halloween event in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jessica Roberts.

Halloween Trick-or-Treating in Chicago for Kids

Boo at the Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays, October 8-23—Brookfield
Kids can trick or treat with the animals at Brookfield Zoo at this not-so-scary event during the three weekends leading up to Halloween.Other activities include giant pumpkin carving, a halloween craft, cupcake and cookie decorating, a haunted hayride, creepy cowboy carousel, a corn maze, a pumpkin smasher, costume parade, and costume contest. Zookeepers will give special chats about Halloween-related critters such as bats, spiders, owls, scorpions, wolves, snakes, and ravens. READ MORE

Zombie Candy Hunt

Friday, October 14—LaGrange Park
Zombies have hidden candy in Sedgwick Park and kids must dress up in costumes to come find it! Bring your own flashlight and bag or bucket to fill with goodies. READ MORE

Lemonster Days: Halloween Hoedown

Saturday, October 22—Lemont
The Village of Lemont hosts its annual Halloween costume contest, parade and downtown trick-or-treating. READ MORE

Pup-O-Ween

Saturday, October 22—Ravenswood
Humans aren't the only ones who get treats for Halloween in Ravenswood and Lincoln Square. Dogs can dress up and receive treats and other promotions from local businesses. READ MORE

Trunk or Treat at Wentworth Park

Saturday, October 29—Garfield Ridge
Kids can dress in their Halloween costumes to trick or treat from cars decorated for Halloween. Families can volunteer to decorate their cars by calling the park district. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Spooktacular 2022

Saturday, October 22—Lincoln Park
Trick-or-treat at select businesses along Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster for the week before Halloween. Magicians, stilt walkers, and jugglers will meet and greet trick or treaters along the way. READ MORE

Pumpkin Swim

Friday, October 21—Oak Brook
Kids can dive for eggs that contain candy and a chance to win a full-sized pumpkin at Oak Brook Aquatic Center. Kids will be divided by age group into different pools at different times. Fee is for children only; adults are free. READ MORE

Trick or Treat Climb

Saturday, October 22—Hoffman Estates
Pick up treats as you ascend up the climbing wall at The Club in Hoffman Estates. Halloween games and activities will occupy kids as they wait for their turn to climb the wall. Climbing-friendly costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Spooky Zoo

Saturday, October 22—Lincoln Park
Kids can trick-or-treat at Lincoln Park Zoo from 10 a.m. until candy runs out. Family friendly entertainment will keep the party going. READ MORE

Trick or Treating at Naper Settlement

Sunday, October 30—Naperville
Trick or treat at Naper Settlement's historic houses, stroll down pumpkin lane, and watch a blacksmith in action at this Halloween event at Naper Settlement. Children must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

American Girl Trick-or-Treat

Friday, October 28- Sunday, October 30—Magnificent Mile
American Girl hosts a FREE trick-or-treat where kids who visit the store in costume will receive a sweet treat (while supplies last). READ MORE

Lincoln Scared and Ravenswoooooood

Sunday, October 30—Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Lincoln Square and Ravenswood transform into Lincoln Scared and Ravenswooooooood for early trick-or-treating. Businesses hand out candy and other treats, and a pumpkin decorating station sets up on Damen Avenue. READ MORE

SOLD OUT Buffalo Grove Trick or Treat Trail

Friday, October 28—Buffalo Grove
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. Trick-or-treat from costumed characters along an inside trail at the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center. Kids will receive a bag full of treats and trinkets and must be accompanied by an unpaid adult. READ MORE

Wicked West Trick or Treat

Monday, October 31—West Town
The whole family can get dressed in their Halloween best and go trick or treating in West Town! Local participating businesses will be handing out free candy during the Wicked West Trick or Treat Event, which starts at 688 N Milwaukee Avenue and continues west along Chicago Avenue and northwest along Milwaukee Avenue. READ MORE
Night at the Museum Halloween Party photo courtesy of DuPage County Museum
Night at the Museum Halloween Party photo courtesy of DuPage County Museum

Fall Fests and Halloween Parties in Chicago for Kids

Ghost Stories in the Park... In the Dark

Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9—Naperville
Hear thrilling and chilling stories outdoors along the Naperville Riverwalk at this annual event. This event is recommended for kids ages 5 and up, with an 8 p.m. session on Saturday night for kids 12 and up. READ MORE

Harvest Fest at Indian Boundary Park

Sunday, October 2—West Ridge
Pick your favorite pumpkin from a patch and decorate it at a pumpkin decorating station at Indian Boundary Park. Kids can also enjoy carnival games, photo stations, the JG Reptile Show, and music from Mr. Nick Davio. READ MORE

Halloween Hoot 'n Howl

Friday, October 7—River Forest
Spooky animals take center stage at this event sponsored by the River Forest Park District, Trailside Museum, and River Forest Public Library. Kids 10 and under, accompanied by a parent, can see live native animals, listen to live music and spooky stories, make s'mores and hot chocolate around a bonfire, and paint pumpkins. READ MORE

Lombard Fall Fest

Saturday, October 8—Lombard
Kids can kick off the Halloween season at Lombard's annual fall event. Kids can enjoy games, dancing, face painting and a candy hunt. The Lombard Community Building will host Boo Bingo from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. READ MORE

Halloween Happening

Friday, October 14—Wheaton
At Wheaton's annual Halloween party, kids and their grown-ups enjoy crafts, games, and more. A Touch-A-Truck event, trick or treat trail, bounce house, concession stand, and airbrush tattoos add to the fun for a small fee. READ MORE

Hinsdale Fall Family Fest

Saturday, October 15—Hinsdale
West suburban families can visit Katherine Legge Park to paint pumpkins, enjoy giveaways from local businesses, visit food trucks, and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. Inflatables and roaming entertainment will also be on hand. READ MORE

Lombard Monster Bash

Thursday, October 21—Lombard
Little kids can get ready for Halloween with spooky games and ghoulish treats at this Lombard event. Be sure to wear a costume. READ MORE

Monster Madness

Saturday, October 22—Lisle
The Lisle Park District brings a bit of country fun to the suburbs with this special fall festival. Families can play games, enjoy an inflatable haunted house, visit a petting zoo, get a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch, and enjoy fall-themed treats. READ MORE

York Center Park District Happenin' Halloween

Saturday, October 15—Lombard
The York Center Park District opens its gym so that witches and wizards of all ages can enjoy a fun time in their costumes. The event includes a pumpkin patch, hay rides, and more. READ MORE

Kids Halloween Party at Park & Field Apres

Sunday, October 16—Palos Hills
Come in costume to enjoy live entertainment, a balloon artist, and s'more roasting at Park & Field Apres in Palos Hills. A kids buffet is available for an additional $12. READ MORE

CANCELLED Boo-palooza

Saturday, October 22—Wicker Park
Families can help raise money for the Wicker Park "Gardens We Design" at this family-friendly Halloween event featuring kids' musicians, a costume parade and a pumpkin patch and decorating area. Play games including pin-the-tail on various popular cartoons, find the "needle" in the hay stack, or work your way through a straw maze. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park

Saturday, October 22—Near West
Sheridan Park hosts a pumpkin patch for the whole family, featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting. READ MORE

Night at the Museum Halloween Party

Friday, October 21—Wheaton
Kids can enjoy after-hours fun at the DuPage County Historical Museum. Activities include a screening of Hotel Transylvania, a three-story flashlight scavenger hunt, crafts, and a live train demonstration. All kids must be accompanied by a paid adult.  READ MORE

Annual Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way

Saturday, October 22—Wrigleyville
The  Annual Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way returns October 28! This year, Old Town School of Folk Music will lead a few folksy dances and sing-a-longs, the kiddos can create a clay Halloween character or their very own trick-or-treat bag with Kid Create Studio, and visit a range of candy stations, including Fannie May chocolate, Garrett Popcorn, sweets, sours, tootsies, lollipops and more to satisfy every type of sweet tooth. Green City Market will provide a caramel apple station and take-home junior pumpkins, there will be balloon and bubble artists, and lawn games galore. Old Town... READ MORE

S'mores and Stories at Kilbourn Park

Saturday, October 22—Irving Park
Dress in your Halloween best for a night of s'mores and stories from Ms. Renee around the campfire. Halloween games will also take place in the park, with new story times starting every 30 minutes. READ MORE

Pumpkins in the Woods

Friday, October 21—Winnetka
Hubbard Woods is transformed into a magical pumpkin patch where kids can decorate pumpkins, play carnival games, bounce through inflatables, listen to music from a DJ, and participate in a costume contest. The whole family can enjoy this Halloween event. READ MORE

Bloomingdale Halloween Event

Saturday, October 22—Bloomingdale
The Bloomingdale Public Library and the Village of Bloomingdale sponsor their annual Halloween bash. The event will include games, refreshments, a balloon artist, Halloween-themed tours of the fire and police departments, pumpkin decorating, a hay maze, inflatables, trick-or-treating, and trunk-or-treating. READ MORE

Kids Halloween Party at Park & Field

Sunday, October 23—Logan Square
Come in costume to enjoy live entertainment, a balloon artist, and s'more roasting at Park & Field Apres in Palos Hills. A kids buffet is available for an additional $10. READ MORE

Stars, Stories & S'mores

Friday, October 28—River Forest
Enjoy a cozy fire, s'mores, a spooky story trail, and pumpkin painting in Thatcher Woods. Kids can also stargaze in their Halloween costumes at this Forest Preserve District event. READ MORE

Addison Park District Candy Carnival

Friday, October 28—Addison
Kids can play games to win candy at this annual event. Kids receive an extra treat for coming in costume. Inflatables, crafts, and games round out the fun. Parents must accompany their children at this event. READ MORE

Pumpkin Palooza

Saturday, October 29—Naperville
Kids can celebrate the season by coming in costume to the DuPage Children's Museum for STEAM-themed, non-scary activities. Build your own Franken buddy from recycled toys, create wearable art, brew your own slime, and mix and mash pumpkin guts! READ MORE

Halloween Party at the Commercial Club

Saturday, October 29—West Town
This free Halloween party includes treats and fun for all, sponsored by the Park Advisory Council. Kids costumes are welcome. Events will take place inside and outside of the Fieldhouse. READ MORE

Halloween Celebration at King Library

Monday, October 31—Bronzeville
Join the staff at King Library for stories, games, crafts and treats to celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged! READ MORE
Enjoy Coco at Lemonster Days Drive-up Movies. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.
Enjoy Coco at Lemonster Days Drive-up Movies. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Halloween Movies in Chicago

Halloween Movies at Gallagher Way

October 6, 12, and 19—Wrigleyville
Visit Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field to see a variety of blockbusters on the big screen. Food trucks from local favorite restaurants like Big Star and West Town Bakery sell their goodies at the park. READ MORE

Lemonster Days Drive-In Movies

Saturday, October 7—Lemont
The Lemont Park District presents the Disney film Ghostbusters: Afterlife on October 7 to celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Charles Parker, Pexels.
Photo courtesy of Charles Parker, Pexels.

Halloween Crafting for Kids in Chicago

DIY Scarecrow Day

Saturday, October 9—Long Grove
Families can bring old clothes to stuff with straw to historic downtown Long Grove to make their own scarecrow. Scarecrows will be displayed throughout the downtown area through October 25, when families can pick up their scarecrows or donate the leftover clothes to charity. READ MORE

Halloween Arts and Crafts at Eugene Field Park

Wednesday, October 26-- Albany Park
Get crafty with some Halloween projects with your preschooler or kindergartner at Eugene Field Park READ MORE
"Night of 1,000 Jack-o'- Lanterns photo courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Family-Friendly Halloween Hikes, Walks, and Runs Around Chicago

St. Charles Scarecrow Stoll

Friday, October 7- Sunday, October 9—St. Charles
St. Charles' fall scarecrow tradition continues with the Scarecrow Stroll, as part of its Scarecrow Festival. Scarecrows are placed throughout the downtown area for families to find.x. READ MORE

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'- Lanterns

Wednesdays through Sundays, October 12- 23—Glencoe
Don't be a scaredy cat, these hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns are a real treat. Explore the Chicago Botanical Gardens for a spook-tacular adventure with more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns to light the way. This event tends to sell out.  READ MORE

SOLD OUT Halloween Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, October 15—Oak Brook
Trick-or-treaters can walk a half-mile loop in the woods to receive treats from a variety of characters. Afterward, they can board a wagon to take them to the pumpkin patch to select their very own pumpkin (pumpkins reserved for children). This event tends to sell out; call in advance.  READ MORE

Scarecrow Scramble

Saturday, October 15—Lisle
Run in the dark at this evening race in Lisle Community Park. Kids ages 5 and older can participate in a half-mile race while adults take part in the 5K. Kids under 5 can do the 50 meter Monster Dash, READ MORE

Boo Bash Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, October 22—Glen Ellyn
Families can trick-or-treat with their favorite characters along a trail in Maryknoll Park for an early Halloween treat. At the end of the trail, each child can pick a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. READ MORE

Haunted Forest Westmont

Saturday, October 22-- Westmont
On October 22, kids can start at Diane Main Park and be driven on a haunted hayride to Sandra Smith Woods. Then, get off the wagon to walk through the spooky woods. Little kids can have fun at the the earlier session, while teens and tweens can fear characters, ghouls, and goblins that jump out at them after dark at the 7 p.m. edition. READ MORE

Ackerman Spook Trail

Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28—Glen Ellyn
Take a walk along the spook trail to enjoy Halloween themed games. Refreshments will be available from local vendors. From 4-6 p.m., the trail will be non-scary and geared toward younger children. From 6-8 p.m., it will be spookier for kids 11 and up. READ MORE

The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt

Saturday, October 29—South Holland
Discover all of the tiny pumpkins in Sand Ridge Nature Center in a scavenger hunt. Participants who find all the pumpkins can take home a pumpkin as a prize. READ MORE

Halloween Hustle

Saturday, October 29—Palatine
Grab your friends and family for a spooktacular 5K and kids dash in Palatine. Kids dash participants receive a race shirt, medal, pumpkin, and free drink and half sandwich at Tap House Grill. READ MORE
Onlookers enjoying the Arts in the Dark Parade. Photo courtesy of Natasha J Photography.
Onlookers enjoying the Arts in the Dark Parade. Photo courtesy of Natasha J Photography.

Halloween Parades in Chicago

Arts in the Dark

Saturday, October 22—Downtown
Arts in the Dark is an evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the "artist's holiday," bringing together Chicago institutions and organizations dedicated to art and education. Audience members will be delighted by unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of Chicago’s majestic skyline. READ MORE

Halloween Parade at Edgebrook Library

Saturday, October 22—Edgebrook
Edgebrook Library's Halloween parade is back! Kids can come dressed in their costumes to dance to Halloween music, hear a Halloween story, and parade around the library and parking lot. Trick-or-treating stations and Halloween inflatables will be in the parking lot for kids to enjoy. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Halloween Spooktacular Festival and Parade

Saturday, October 29—Glen Ellyn
Join in the parade in downtown Glen Ellyn before trick-or-treating at local businesses. Kids can also play games and make crafts in the downtown area. READ MORE

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Monday, October 31—Lakeview
North Halsted Street in Boystown celebrates Halloween unlike any other neighborhood in Chicago. Parade entries may include LED robots, the Lakeside Marching Band, and Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers. A costume contest awards cash prizes to contestants in seven different categories, including a category for youth. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up.
Photo courtesy of Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up.

Monthlong Fall Fests for Halloween Fun in Chicago

Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest

Wheaton
Kids can enjoy fall fun while visiting the animals at Cosley Zoo. Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and hay bales are available for purchase. Children's rides are also available if weather permits. READ MORE

Pier Pumpkin Nights

Downtown
Guests can enjoy pumpkin pop-up installations throughout Navy Pier at Pier Pumpkin Nights, a month-long seasonal celebration featuring jack o’lantern towers and pumpkin-themed light displays. READ MORE

Scarecrow Trail

Lisle
Local Scout troops and school groups have constructed scarecrow displays around Meadow Lake at Morton Arboretum. Families can stroll around the lake to view the scarecrows and vote for their favorite online. READ MORE

Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up

Goose Island
While decidedly more of an adults-only place after 7pm, during the day, Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up is a great place for kids of all ages to enjoy an interactive pumpkin-themed pop-up, complete with a corn maze and carnival games. Kids 4 and under are FREE! READ MORE

Skeletober

LaGrange
Downtown LaGrange celebrates Skeletober, a display of unique life-size decorated skeletons on the sidewalks of local businesses. Families can take pictures with the skeletons and participate in a skeleton scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

Lincoln Park
Families can enjoy a walk through the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, and pumpkin-themed treats like a caramel apple station and a s'more station at Lincoln Park Zoo throughout October. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster
Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center
Wicker Park and surrounding neigbhorhoods
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Sunset Knoll Recreation Center
Lisle Recreation Center
DuPage County Historical Museum
Centennial Recreational Center
Commercial Club Playground of Chicago Park
Adrenaline Special Events