Family Halloween Events in Chicago (Map + Calendar!)

Erin P. said:  Put your costumes on and head out to Dollinger Family Farm for a fun afternoon trick-or-treating around the farm. Other everyday activities on the farm include farm animals, a bee barn, a great playground, and a 4-acre corn maze.

1-2pm

Kristy Pepping said:  What to do with those soggy pumpkins after Halloween is over? Throw them away? No! Head to Pumpkin Smash, a family event organized by SCARCE and hosted by local governments, schools, and community organizations around Chicagoland.

They will take your old pumpkins and compost them for you, making it fun and easy to help the environment as a family by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, capturing water & nutrients to recharge our soil, and freeing up space in local landfills. Check their website for your closest location, and get smashing!

Gina I. said:  Every Halloween, zombies and ghouls take over Great America for this terrifyingly fun fest! You'll enjoy all of the park's thrilling rides and attractions, but with a Halloween twist. Check out the haunted houses and designated Scare Zones throughout the park, where spooky creatures are there to "greet" you! The park gets spookier as the sun goes down, so if you're going to bring the little kids go during the day and avoid the Scare Zones. They also offer Kids Boo Fest on weekends, which features spooky fun for all ages.

Select dates

Gina I. said:  On this special day, guests can enjoy ofrendas created by community members, live musical performances, art activities, and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.

3pm-8pm

Gina I. said:  Wear your costume to Cosley Zoo and enjoy family-friendly decorations and activities before ending your visit by decorating a pumpkin.

5:15-8:30pm

Gina I. said:  Gather your ghoulfriends, little ghosts, and goblins for this fun-filled family event. Check out the creatures, creepy crawlers, and more in your costumes at the Halloween-themed event that's perfect for family photo ops.

10:30am-4pm

Yoli B said:  Come in costume - they'll provide the treat bags, candy, and spooky fun! Each time slot allows trunk or treaters plenty of time to enjoy the trunk or treat line and activities. Trunk or Treat is an outdoor activity, so be sure to dress for the weather!

1-4pm

Alexandra F. said:  Meet at the Twin Lakes Tent for this family-friendly event that will take participants on a hayride while a story is read, and take you back to a welcoming bonfire to enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate! The earlier rides during day light are geared toward younger kids. Please dress for the weather! Pre-registration is required.

5-8pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest includes a pumpkin patch, live pumpkin carvers, a festive pop-up bar, animal viewing, musical entertainment and more! Admission is free but tickets are required for various experiences.

Yoli B said:  If you want costumes, walls of pumpkins, and plenty of family-friendly activities then head over to The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Enjoy a trick or treat path (with registration), inflatables, giant yard and carnival games, face painting, temporary tattoos, food truck, music, disc golf, free fishing, and more!

10am-2pm

Yoli B said:  Head to downtown Glen Ellyn for a spooktacular event where children and their parents can participate in the parade, trick-or-treating, games, crafts, and more!

9:45am-1pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Bust out the costumes early and head over to Cantigny for a fun and treat-filled night! This is a walking tour through the park with candy stations along the way.

6-8pm

Alexandra F. said:  Wizards and Muggles of all ages can enjoy free wizard and Harry Potter-inspired entertainment, activities, crafts, shopping & dining at the Historic Woodstock Square. Don't miss real-life Quidditch!

Noon-4pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Enjoy trick-or-treating around the grounds of the Historical Museum, and learn the history of why we beg for candy from strangers. Experience hands-on harvest equipment from the Museum's collection, and play historic and Halloween games before sharing campfire spooky stories.

2-4pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Scarecrow Weekend offers a large arts and crafts show, a scarecrow stroll, a family zone and more!

Lisa R said:  Evanston's Zombie Scramble is flag football with a Halloween twist. Race through an obstacle filled course filled with zombies while protecting the flags hanging from your belt. Beware- if you lose all your flags, you'll become a zombie too!

Gina I. said:  Enjoy a spooktacular jack-o-lantern display at the Chicago Botanic Garden! With over 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins decorating the grounds, you're sure to find some inspiration for your own jack-o-lanterns! You'll also find costumed entertainers and live carving demos along the paved path.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Come trick-or-treating and see the zoo decked out in its Halloween finery. There will also be a costume parade!

9am-5pm

Lisa R said:  Enjoy a ride to the pumpkin patch aboard Halloween-themed electric interurban trains. While at the patch, ask one of the farm hands to help you find the perfect pumpkin, and pose for pictures in the various colorful, life size cutouts, as well as an antique farm tractor and hay wagon.

11am-4pm

Yoli B said:  Mount Prospect's Fall Fest is a great kickoff for your kid's Halloween activities! The family festival is part of Mount Prospect's Oktoberfest, and will include free, fun family activities and entertainment.

1-4pm