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Best Free Halloween Events In Chicago For Kids

Lincoln Park Spooktacular is one of the most popular free Halloween events in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the event
Lincoln Park Spooktacular is one of the most popular free Halloween events in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the event
10/2/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

Parents already spend a load of money on Halloween, from costumes to candy to decorations. Luckily, families have many options for fun, FREE Halloween events in Chicago for kids. We've put together a list of our favorite free Halloween events in Chicago, including trick-or-treating or trunk-or-treating from Lincoln Square to Lemont, parades downtown, in Lakeview, and in the suburbs,  and outdoor movies near Wrigley Field or at Oak Brook Center. Find all kinds of festivals around Chicago and its suburbs, too, like a Touch a Truck and Treat in Palos Heights, circus acts and mad scientist demos at Navy Pier, or a tiny pumpkin scavenger hunt in South Holland.

If you haven't picked your pumpkin yet, now is a great time to check out one of our favorite pumpkin patches. Or have some seasonal fun, with just enough thrill, by getting lost in a corn maze. Willing to spend a little bit more money this month? Check out our list of the best things to do with kids in Chicago in October.

Here are our favorite free Halloween activities in Chicago for kids!

Spooky Zoo photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo
Spooky Zoo photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

Free Trick-or-Treating Events Near Chicago

Halloween Happening

Friday, October 14—Villa Park
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

Itasca Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, October 15—Itasca
Walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary to receive crafts and treats from local businesses. Costumes are encouraged! 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

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

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

Downtown Wheaton Trick or Treating

Saturday, October 29—Wheaton
Wear your Halloween costume and visit downtown Wheaton businesses to trick-or-treat one day early. Kids can also look for spooky signs throughout the downtown as part of the I Spy scavenger hunt. 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

Proesel Park Trunk-or-Treat

Sunday, October 31—Lincolnwood
Treats, games and spooky fun are on hand at Lincolnwood's Proesel Park this Halloween. All children must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

Bootiful Saturday

Saturday, October 22—Elmhurst
Families can enjoy some not-so-spooky fun during Bootiful Saturday in downtown Elmhurst. The event includes a DJ, dancing, fun family activities, and trick-or-treating at downtown businesses. READ MORE

Proesel Park Trunk-or-Treat

Sunday, October 31—Lincolnwood
Treats, games and spooky fun are on hand at Lincolnwood's Proesel Park this Halloween. All children must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

American Girl Trick or Treat

Friday, October 28- Sunday, October 30—Magnificent Mile
Girls who visit the American Girl store in costume will receive a sweet treat. READ MORE

Touch-a-Truck + Treat

Thursday, October 27—Palos Heights
Dress in your Halloween costume to enjoy climbing in and exploring vehicles in Palos Heights. Each truck's vendor will also hand out treats to participating kids. READ MORE

Wicked West Trick or Treat

Monday, October 31—Wicker Park
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

Touch-a-Truck + Treat

Thursday, October 27—Palos Heights
Dress in your Halloween costume to enjoy climbing in and exploring vehicles in Palos Heights. Each truck's vendor will also hand out treats to participating kids. READ MORE

Blodgett House Boo Fest

Monday, October 31—Downers Grove
Families can avoid the rain (or snow) by trick-or-treating indoors at the Downers Grove Museum. The Victorian themed Blodgett House will be decorated for the occasion and will host a scavenger hunt. READ MORE
Pier Pumpkin Nights will be open from October 1st through the 31st. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Pier Pumpkin Nights will be open from October 1st through the 31st. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Free Halloween Festivals Near Chicago

Fall Fest at The Arb

Sunday, October 2—South Barrington
Families can all enjoy a fun time at the Arboretum at South Barrington at this annual fall festival. Meet Mirabel and Isabella from Encanto, see a magician and a stilt walker, have your face painted, and get balloon from a balloon artist. The first 400 kids will receive a free pumpkin and painting kit from Fit4Mom.  READ MORE

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Friday, October 7- Sunday, October 9—Highwood
Visit Highwood for all the pumpkin-based fun you could wish for. This three-day festival includes all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, a carnival, live entertainment, a 5k, craft and food vendors, and pet and kid costume contests. READ MORE

Main-Dempster Mile Fall Fest and Pumpkin Carving Contest

Saturday, October 8—Evanston
North suburban families can enjoy live music and a pumpkin carving contest to celebrate fall along the Main-Dempster Mile. Music from The Masters Collection and a mobile sauna will add to the autumn fun. READ MORE

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

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

Pier Pumpkin Nights

October 1- October 31—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

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

Naperville Halloween Happening

Sunday, October 30—Naperville
Visit the Naperville Riverwalk's Grand Pavilion for Halloween games, activities and treats. This free event is intended for kids 10 and under. 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

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

Bunker Hill Pumpkin Palooza

Saturday, October 22—Niles
Families can enjoy nature's contributions to Halloween by painting pumpkins, playing gourd ring toss, making leaf rubbings, and running through a fall-themed obstacle course. 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

Austin-Irving Branch Halloween Party

Friday, October 28—Portage Park
Austin-Irving Branch Library celebrates Halloween with early trick or treating, pumpkin painting, and crafts. Wear your costume and work your way through a haunted maze to win prizes! READ MORE

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest

Saturday, October 29—Hoffman Estates
Families can enjoy food trucks, Halloween-themed games, hay rides, music from Miss Jamie from the Farm, and magic from Gary Kantor at this northwest suburban event. Come in costume to be part of the costume contest, or register for the pumpkin carving contest. READ MORE

Slightly Spooky Saturdays: Family Halloween

Saturday, October 29—Downtown
Halloween takes over Navy Pier all day on Saturday, October 30. Families can enjoy circus acts, mad scientist demos, axe throwing, a costume contest, face-painting demos, and more at shops and restaurants around the Pier. READ MORE

Batfest

Friday, October 28- Sunday, October 30—Batavia
Visit downtown Batavia to enjoy bat-themed fun including trick or treating, a parade, pumpkin bowl, bat art, stories, games and more. Kids can see a show of live bats, see dance performances, and listen to live music. READ MORE

Stars, Spooky Stories, & S'mores

Friday, October 28—River Forest
Kids can enjoy a "spooky" evening of s'mores around a cozy campfire with semi-scary stories in Thatcher Woods. They can also check out a story trail, paint pumpkins, and star gaze. Costumes are encouraged. 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

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

Giant's Hollow-ween Hunt

Sunday, October 30—Barrington
Families can go on a self-guided hike to find Halloween clues around Crabtree Nature Center. Find all the clues to earn a treat! 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

Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park

Saturday, October 29—University Village
Sheridan Park hosts a pumpkin patch for the whole family, featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting. READ MORE

Halloween Fun Walk Thru at Scottsdale Park

Monday, October 31—Scottsdale
Walk through Scottsdale Park to enjoy Halloween themed music, dancing, crafts, face paint, and inflatables. 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
Arts in the Dark parade is a free Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Luma8, Facebook
Arts in the Dark parade is a free Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Luma8, Facebook

Halloween Parades Near 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

Bartlett Halloween Fun Fest & Parade

Saturday, October 29—Bartlett
Watch as the Halloween Parade steps off from Bartlett Village Hall to the Depot Museum, then trunk-or-treat downtown and visit the haunted hallway at Town Center. Paint a pumpkin or ride a mini-train for an extra fee. 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
Campfire Horrors at West Chatham Park will be showing Ghostbusters. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Campfire Horrors at West Chatham Park will be showing Ghostbusters. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Free Halloween Movies Near 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

Campfire Horrors at West Chatham Park

Friday, October 14—Chatham
The whole family can enjoy a warm fire and a scary movie while roasting marshmallows and snuggling under a blanket on a cool October night. Guests should check the movie schedule to make sure the movie is age appropriate for any attending kids.  READ MORE

Fall Family Fun Fest at Oakbrook Center

Saturday, October 22—Oak Brook
Celebrate fall and Halloween at Oakbrook Center with family fun activities including a face painter, balloon artist, and a one-of-a-kind pumpkin house photo background. A free screening of Halloweentown will take place on the lawn at 3 p.m. READ MORE

"Hocus Pocus" Screening at Logan Square Library

Saturday, October 29—Logan Square
Logan Square Library shows the 1993 Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, about 17th Century witches resurrected in modern day Salem.  READ MORE

"The Witches" Screening at Sulzer Regional Library

Saturday, October 29—Lincoln Square
Sulzer Regional Library shows the 1990 Halloween classic The Witches, based on the book by Roald Dahl.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary
Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster
Palos Heights Pool Parking Lot
Wicker Park and surrounding neigbhorhoods
Palos Heights Pool Parking Lot
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Commercial Club Playground of Chicago Park