What Should We Do This Veterans Day Weekend? Chicago, IL November 8th – 11th, 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicago and the burbs over Veteran’s Day Weekend?
Here are over 45 family-friendly events happening in Chicagoland this weekend!

 

Major Ongoing Events this Weekend:

 

Rhea Lana’s of Fox Valley Holiday / Fall Winter Event

  • November 10th – 16th
  • Check out the website and see how you can shop early!!!
  • “Shop hundreds of families at once and save 60-90% off retail prices! Since each item is inspected you can rely on us for HIGH QUALITY children’s items at unbeatable prices! Admission is always FREE! “

Toys “R” Us Adventure Chicago

  • 830 N. Michigan Ave
  • October 24th – January 26th
  • “Toys“R”Us and Candytopia are excited to present an all-new, totally immersive, fill-up-your-photo-album super-experience! The Toys“R”Us Adventure is a vast indoor playland that celebrates all the whimsy, silly and FUN of toys. Explore over eight mind-blowing rooms and celebrate play with installations designed around brands you know and love.”

Portillo’s Pop Up Experience 

  • Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
  • November 6th – December 31st
  • “Portillo’s Pop Up Experience is coming to town! Visit us at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois from November 6 until December 31 to spread holiday and Portillo’s cheer at our bun-believable Pop Up Shop! Take a ride on our onion ring tire swing or bask in the cheesy glory of our French fry room as you walk through a Portillo’s paradise! Our catering lounge is the perfect spot for you to relax and place your holiday catering orders after taking an a-bun-dance of pictures in our Chicago-style photobooths. The Portillo’s Pop Up Experience will also sell packaged Italian beef, French bread, peppers, and whole chocolate cakes as well as a variety of Portillo’s branded merchandise for holiday gift-giving. Tickets are free to enter.”

Santa HQ at Fashion Outlets of Chicago

  • Friday, November 11th – December 24th
  • Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
  • At Santa HQ, children will be “scanned” as they arrive and determined to be “naughty or nice,” enter an observatory where they will use special tablets to choose magical environments – the night sky or the inner workings of a clock on the wall, for instance – and be able to take an “ELFIE” (an image of the child as a dancing elf), among other attractions. Furry family members can join in the fun and be a part of family photos with Santa during Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s pet nights. Every Monday, from November 28 through December 19, families can bring their cat or dog to Santa HQ for photos with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m.”

Aurora Greek Fest

  • Friday, November 8th – Sunday, November 10th
  • St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church
  • Friday and Saturday: Noon-9; Sunday: Noon-7
  • Delicious food for all to enjoy! All indoors + heated Beer Garden tent.

36th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival

  • “The Festival is the oldest children’s film festival in the Western Hemisphere and is the largest and first Oscar-qualifying children’s film festival in the world. The 36th annual Festival runs from November 1—November 10, 2019 at multiple Chicago-area venues and presents on average 250 new films from 40 countries along with workshops, director presentations, and seminars.”
  • Wednesday, November 6th – Sunday, November 10th.
  • Access the link for schedule and venue locations.

Morton Arboretum Gnome Hunt

  • Daily November 2019 through March 2020
  • The animals may be hibernating, but we still have gnomes. Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden?

 

It’s that time of year again! The Moms of Western Burbs is kicking off our 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago! These toys will be given to children during hospital stays, after tests, treatments, surgeries, etc to brighten their day! Take note of the links for our Amazon Wishlist & Target Wishlist from the image so you can shop from the comfort of home. The toys you buy online will get shipped directly to us. It’s that easy!!



FRIDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Free Day at the Adler Planetarium

  • “Countless galaxies, unfathomable distances, exploding stars, diamond planets, black holes, there’s no way around it, space is freaking awesome! Come learn more at the Adler Planetarium during our Illinois Resident Discount Days—where Illinois residents receive FREE Musem Entry to the museum. Museum Entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences (excluding the historic Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows.*)”

11:00 AM: Arbor Reading Adventures

  • Wednesdays and Fridays November 2019 through March 2020
    (except November 29, December 25, and January 1)
    11:00 to 11:45 a.m.
    Sterling Morton Library
  • 4$ for member child / 5$ for non member child

5:45: American Girl Holiday Window Unveiling

  • 835 N. Michigan Ave.
  • “Celebrate the season at American Girl with our special unveiling of this year’s spectacular holiday window!”

6:30 PM: Family Yoga at DuPage Children’s Museum

  • “Family Yoga brings mindfulness to the Museum engaging children (and their adults) in joyful movement that supports social & emotional skills. Stretch body AND mind with a trip to DCM.”

6:30 PM: Taste of Ravenswood

  • Ravenswood Event Center
  • “Join us on Friday, November 8th for an evening of live entertainment and handcrafted bites and sips in the gorgeous Ravenswood Event Center! Along with being home to Malt Row, Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood boasts a vibrant community of culinary dynamos and decorated restaurants. For our 5th “Taste,” these chefs, brewers, bakers, and distillers have conjured up a menu of one-night-only dishes that showcase the diversity of Ravenswood’s culinary scene. Guests will also enjoy live musical performances, plus games!”

 

SATURDAY

 

 

07:30 AM: Breakfast Book Club w/ Pete The Cat

  • DuPage Children’s Museum
  • “Storybook characters come to life during this fun literary experience at the Museum. Enjoy a hot breakfast provided by Bean Sprouts Café, a photo op with Pete the Cat, a special story time, and exclusive time to play in Museum exhibits.
    Stay and continue to play after the Museum opens; each ticket includes Museum admission.”

10:00 AM: Fox Valley Mall Welcomes Santa Claus

  • Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
  • “Families are invited to view Santa arriving by trackless train on the mall’s Upper Level and descend to take his place in the mall’s beautiful Santa set on the Lower Level in Macy’s Court.”
  • Includes:
    • Professional photos taken with Santa (photo prices vary)
      Delicious cookies and milk from Panera*
      Santa door hanger craft activity*
      Balloon twisting**
      Face painting**
      Live reindeer from the North Pole
      Musical performances by The Lamplight Singers
      Special appearances by Holiday Belle, Holiday Tinkerbell and more!
  • This event is FREE (Santa photos not included) and open to the public; it is recommended for families with children 9 years old and younger. All event attendees will also receive a coupon for 20% OFF ($8 value) photo package B.

10:00 AM: Saturday Morning Cartoon Brunch

  • Carbon Arc Bar
  • “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM. *RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED!”

10:00 AM: Family Saturday’s Nutcracker Tea

  • Ballet 5:8 Studios Orland Park
  • “Join us for a special in-studio performance of excerpts from Ballet 5:8’s Beyond the Nutcracker designed just for kids ages 3-12! After the performance, meet the characters and enjoy light refreshments. The total event running time is 60 minutes. Tickets are just $5 while space remains!”

10:00 AM & 11:45 AM:  Chicago Symphony Orchestra: The Boy and the Violin

  • “Vibrant music, engaging storytelling and enchanting visuals blend together in a playful concert experience designed especially for our youngest audience members. With Once Upon a Symphony, we invite you to share your love of music with the young children in your family and begin an exciting journey with the CSO.”

11:00 AM: Mom & Me Superhero Party

  • River Forest Park District
  • “Dress as your favorite superhero at this new event for kids and their favorite female role model.  Fun activities and lunch will be included, along with a special character visit.”

11:00 AM: Family Day: Hypertext

  • Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
  • “Chicago artists transform the museum for children and their grown-ups. Play with the power of language in projects inspired by “Direct Message: Art, Language, and Power.” 
  • Family Days are free monthly programs for kids and their grown-ups. Enjoy free admission while taking part in workshops, open-studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances, all designed and led by Chicago artists.”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter. And in the summer, join us to explore the beautiful outdoors in our nature play space, Play & Grow. Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

1:00 PM: Johnny Pumpkin & Dulce Maria Calaca-Encuentro de Dos Culturas

  • National Museum of Mexican Art
  • “Come and learn about the love story of Johnny Pumpkin and Dulce Maria Calaca, two adolescents from different cultural traditions, Halloween and the Day of the Dead. This bilingual puppet play features original music and puppets exploring the themes of respect and tolerance. These charming young people fall in love while learning about each other’s cultures.”

1:00 PM: Origami Open House

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • “Origami is a fascinating, fun-filled creative activity for children as well as adults. With a minimum of folds and creases, you can transform a flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional form like a swan, a boat, a flower or even a hat. So, if you’re interested in creating animals, dinosaurs, flowers, decorative boxes and various other models, please join us. Every second Saturday of the month, the Chicago Area Origami Society presents a free drop-in Origami Open House to our visitors.”

2:30 PM: Dinosaur & Mineral Adventures

  • Hidden Oaks Nature Center – Bolingbrook
  • “All ages welcome
    Journey back to the age of dinosaurs, excavate tyrannosaurs rex bones, make a fossil, and much more!”

2:30 PM: Goldfish FREE Family Swim 

  • Goldfish Swim School Glen Ellyn
  • Enjoy a family swim from 2:30-4:30pm; children still in diapers must use an iplay reusable swim diaper (iplay brand only – you may purchase one at Goldfish Swim School for $7); all pool toys and tools will be available for use as well. Goldfish will provide juice boxes for children. There will be a brief swim test for those children that do not want to wear a life jacket.

6:00 PM: Parent’s Night Out

  • Funtopia Naperville
  • “If you are looking for a fun event for your child this upcoming weekend, then look no further. Funtopia in Naperville is hosting a Parent’s Night Out event. Bring your child or children to Funtopia and let them enjoy a fun-filled night of activities, snacks & a movie! Parents can kick their feet up and allow us to take care of the rest! Stop by Funtopia any time or give us a call before Nov 9th and take advantage of our “Pre-Sign-Up” price or you can simply pay at the door the night of the event.”

 

SUNDAY

 

 

10:00 AM: Loose Parts Nature Play

  • Chicago Botanic Garden
  • Free, but preregistration recommended. Free parking included with preregistration.
  • Nature Play Garden on the Regenstein Learning Campus
  • “Build with sticks, crawl through logs, run on hills, create with natural materials like rocks, pinecones, leaves, and mud. This event will run rain or shine—we will move indoors if weather doesn’t permit to be outside.”

10:00 AM: Sunday Morning Cartoon Brunch

  • Carbon Arc Bar
  • “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM. *RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED!”

11:00 AM: The Rock and Roll Playhouse Ft. The Music of Prince

  • Thalia Hall
  • “Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show!”

11:00 AM: The Boogers perform at Beat Kitchen

  • “The Boogers are the brainchild of Dr. Paul Crowe. Fatherhood, a PhD in Developmental Psychology, and 20 
    years of sloggin’ it in wretched clubs as a punk rocker – even opening for Dee Dee Ramone and Marky 
    Ramone – formed Paul’s vision of the Boogers. 

    As Crusty Booger, he marries these experiences to make developmentally appropriate rock and punk rock 
    for kids and their families to enjoy together. As about.com kids’ music expert Warren Truitt said, “the 
    Boogers bring a breath of fresh air to the kids music scene.”

  • Doors open at 11, concert begins at noon!

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter. And in the summer, join us to explore the beautiful outdoors in our nature play space, Play & Grow. Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

12:00 PM: Konow’s Corn Maze Veteran’s Day Celebration

  • “Join us for a day of fun, family and food to Honor and Recognize all of those who are serving or that have served our country and their families!”

1:00 PM: Book Club: A Soup Opera

  • Soup & Scoops
  • “Calling all Pre K thru 2nd grade kids! Come join us for some interactive fun with the book A Soup Opera by Jim Gill. Read the book then watch it come alive while you make your own s’mores or ice cream sundae. This is an experience not to be missed! Event is free. Call to reserve your spot. Need to borrow the book? We have books for loan at Soup and Scoops based on availability.”

1:00 PM: Johnny Pumpkin & Dulce Maria Calaca-Encuentro de Dos Culturas

  • National Museum of Mexican Art
  • “Come and learn about the love story of Johnny Pumpkin and Dulce Maria Calaca, two adolescents from different cultural traditions, Halloween and the Day of the Dead. This bilingual puppet play features original music and puppets exploring the themes of respect and tolerance. These charming young people fall in love while learning about each other’s cultures.”

1:00 PM: 360 Sunday Funday

  • John Hancock Observatory – Sky Deck
  • “360 Sunday Funday returns! Bring the kids to the observation deck every Sunday for a little magic by The Magical Myster AJ, a little music by Mr. Dave Music instructor Miss Beth and a lot of magnificent views of Chicago! Chicago residents receive a 50% discount! Free TILT admission for kids 9am-4pm.”

4:00 PM: Family Sunday

  • Twisted Hippo Chicago
  • “FAMILY DAY SUNDAY- Bring the whole fam and come hang with the Hippos! Beginning at 4pm every Sunday- we will be screening a Family Friendly film to help keep the kiddos occupied while the adults enjoy some tasty brews. Our awesome Coloring/Activity sheets will also be available for those who need more hands-on activities. Plan on having a solid family meal together- Our Bitty Bites Menu has plenty to offer for the little ones.”

 

MONDAY – VETERANS DAY

 

9:00 AM: Free Day at the Adler Planetarium

  • “Countless galaxies, unfathomable distances, exploding stars, diamond planets, black holes, there’s no way around it, space is freaking awesome! Come learn more at the Adler Planetarium during our Illinois Resident Discount Days—where Illinois residents receive FREE Musem Entry to the museum. Museum Entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences (excluding the historic Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows.*)”

9:30 AM: Adult / Tot Open Climb Drop In

  • Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, Glen Ellyn
  • “Keep your little ones (ages 2-5) from climbing the walls at home – bring them to climb the indoor rock climbing wall at Ackerman SFC instead! Drop-in on Mondays from 9:30AM-11AM for Adult/Tot Open Climb. Free for Ackerman SFC members, $5 for non-member children. Parents are welcome to climb, too! There will also be other age-appropriate activities to keep your tot engaged.”

10:00 AM: Morning Glories

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Children aged 5 and under
  • “Adults and little ones can enjoy learning together during this free, donation-based weekly drop-in session. Activities are fun, interactive, and encourage children’s curiosity about the natural world. Children and their caregivers can explore different areas of the Children’s Garden in the winter and the Play and Grow Garden in the summer.”

10:00 AM: Chicago Veteran’s Day Ceremony

  • Soldier Field, Gate 0
  • Free public parking at the Waldron Parking Deck
  • Local and national veterans honored at this years ceremony.

10:15 AM: Aurora Veteran’s Day Parade

  • Downtown Aurora, corner of Benton & Broadway
  • “The City will honor those who have fought for our country’s freedom. The parade steps off at the corner of Benton and Broadway at 10:15 a.m. ending at the GAR Memorial Hall, where the “Honoring All Who Served” ceremony takes place. The ceremony includes a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11:00 a.m., the exact time the armistice was signed that ended WWI.A ceremony honoring local veteran organizations will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Veterans Island and will be concluded with a military rifle salute.”

11:00 AM: National Veterans Art Museum

  • NVAM will have special open hours to visitors in honor of our veteran community. Join us to celebrate our military service members. We will have drop-in activities during the day including guided tours of the current exhibition and poppy making workshops.

11:00 AM: Brookfield Zoo Veteran’s Day Celebration

  • “To honor the men and women who have proudly served our nation, the Chicago Zoological Society invites the public to a special Veterans Day ceremony at Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. On Veterans Day admission to the zoo is FREE for all guests.”
  • Parking is also FREE for all veterans.
  • From 11 am – 2 pm: – A display of Military Memorabilia in the Founders Room in the Discovery Center
    – A Military Vehicle Display at the Discovery Center Plaza
    – Learn about the Cook County Military and Honor Flight Chicago
  • At 1 pm: See the posting of colors, a performance of the National Anthem, and remarks by Chicago Zoological Society president, Dr. Stuart Strahl.

11:30 AM:  Chicago Symphony Orchestra: The Boy and the Violin

  • “Vibrant music, engaging storytelling and enchanting visuals blend together in a playful concert experience designed especially for our youngest audience members. With Once Upon a Symphony, we invite you to share your love of music with the young children in your family and begin an exciting journey with the CSO.”
  • Buntrock Hall

4:30 PM: Wheaton Veteran’s Day Commemoration

  • Cantigny: First Division Museum Lobby
  • 5:00 PM Veterans Day Remembrance and Quilts of Valor Quilt Ceremony
    Help Quilts of Valor celebrate and honor four veterans during a special quilt presentation award ceremony.6:00 PM Trickster Art Gallery Native Veteran Drum Circle and Dance
    Honor our Veterans with Native American song and dance from the Trickster Art Gallery.

 

 

 


What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL October 26th – 27th 2019


It’s the weekend before Halloween and the whole Chicagoland area

is in full swing with family fun galore!

 

Most likely you already know what fall fun your local suburb or
neighborhood is offering, but here is a town by town resource just in case!

 

Addison

  • Hole-O-Ween at the Links & Tees
    • October 25th – 27th
    • Child friendly haunted mini golf course. Every child under 12 wearing their costume will have free admission when accompanied by a paying “customer.”
  • DIY No Carve Halloween Pumpkin
    • 2 pm at the Addison Public Library
    • “Transform your pumpkin into a beautiful carriage or into a mischievous ghoul! All supplies provided, no registration required.”
  • Trunk Or Treat
    • Sunday, October 27th: 12- 1:30
    • Good Samaritan United Methodist Church of Addison
    • “Come dressed in your Halloween costume for great trick or treat fun all in one safe, family friendly location!”

Aurora

  • Trick or Treat Downtown Aurora
    • 12 – 3 pm
    • Look for orange pumpkin signs in participating locations.
  • Spooktacular Halloween Toddler Time
    • SkyZone Aurora, 9 – 10 am
    • “Join your favorite characters for an awesome experience, memorable photos, and priceless memories!”
  • Trunk Or Treat
    • Wesley United Methodist Church
    • Saturday, October 26th 1-3 pm
  • Blackberry Farm Pumpkin Weekends
    • Blackberry Farm: 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora
    • “Enjoy family-friendly fall festivities at Blackberry Farm! Enjoy the park donned in seasonal decor, ride on a hay wagon, listen to seasonal stories, create fall crafts, decorate a pumpkin for $3, play in our corn crib, ride the famous Blackberry Farm rides: train, carousel, ponies and much more! Each weekend will feature additional activities, so each week is a new experience!
      Saturdays and Sundays in October 11am-4pm. Admission is just $7- everything is included, except pumpkin decorating, which is $3. Tickets are needed for ages 2 & up.”
  • Frighteningly Fun Family Haunted Carnival
    • Sunday, October 27th. 11 am – 2 pm
    • Loft28West
    • “Come experience our transformation from Loft to a Halloween wonderland – complete with photo wall and endless haunted decor. Spend your spooky Sunday enjoying face painting, balloons, carnival games, and a rotten candy bar.”

Batavia

  • Batfest
    • October 26th, 10 am – 2 pm
    • Downtown Batavia, The Riverwalk, & Peg Bond Pavilion
    • “BatFest is Batavia’s annual Halloween themed family event attracting over 2,500 ghouls. BatFest includes, downtown Trick-or-Treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, pumpkin bowl, contests BatArt and games for free family fun.”
  • Trunk Or Treat
    • Congregational Church of Batavia, 10 am
    • Come trick or treat in the church parking lot!
  • Forest of Fright & Delight
    • Red Oak Nature Center
    • Saturday, October 26th: 6 pm
    • “Explore our woods at night on a self-led, haunted cave hike. Sit by the campfire and listen to ghostly tales. Inside, enjoy activities, music and games. Flashlights recommended.”

Bolingbrook

  • This Is Halloween
    • The Promenade Bolingbrook: 3 – 6 pm
    • “Join The Promenade Bolingbrook for the 2nd Annual Halloween Event inspired by Jack Skellington and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This family-friendly event encourages all to come in costume and enjoy the not-so-spooky fun.”
    • The Halloween light show will resume after the event at 7 pm.
  • Bass Pro Shop Halloween Event
    • Saturday, October 26th & Sunday, October 27th at noon
    • Free Photos
      Free Craft
      Free Halloween Ring Toss Game!
      3:30PM – Costume Parade and Contest
  • Spooky Saturday
    • October 26th: 10:30 – 3: 30
    • Fountaindale Public Library
    • Join us for a day of spooky fun for the whole family! Come in costume for added fun!
    • Schedule of Events:
      10:30–11:30 a.m.: Storytime & Craft
      11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Costume Parade & Trick or Treating
      1:30–3:30 p.m.: Family Movie: “Goosebumps 2
  • Super Trunk Or Treat
    • Westbrook Christian Church
    • October 26th from 5:30 – 7
    • “Bring your family & friends to a SUPER Family eXperience night filled with candy and games! Our parking lot will be filled with Super Hero themed trunks full of goodies. Invite your friends and neighbors to this free family fun event on Saturday, October 26 from 5:30 – 7:00pm (or when candy runs out).”

Carol Stream

Downers Grove

  • Spooktacular Weekend
    • October 26th & 27th
    • “Downtown Downers Grove kicks off Halloween weekend with a variety of community events. Families can start with a pancake breakfast at Ballydoyle from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by window painting at downtown businesses from 9 a.m. to noon. The Tivoli Theater will present a showing of Hotel Transylvania 3 at 11 a.m., while the Downers Grove Historical Society shows off their living graveyard from 10 a.m. to noon. On Sunday, DG Noon Lions has its annual Halloween Party from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Fishel Park. Families can also trick-or-treat at local businesses from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.”
  • Trunk Or Treat
    • Saturday, October 26th: 11 am – 3 pm
    • Downers Grove Community Church
    • 11am – Noon: Trunk-or-Treat
      Kids get to trick-or-treat at multiple decorated trunks to get candy and toys. Halloween costumes encouraged!
    • Noon – 3pm: Fall Festival Activities
      Fall Festival Activities include carnival games with prizes, bounce houses, hay rides, pumpkin patch where you get to pick out a pumpkin to take home, pumpkin painting, photo booth, playground, treats, and more!!!
    • Everything is FREE and open to ALL! This is a wonderful family friendly event.
  • Halloween Party In The Park
    • Sunday, October 27th at noon
    • Fishel Park

Elmhurst

  • BOO-tiful Saturday
    • City Center Fountain Plaza. 9 am – 1 pm
    • “Enjoy a Boo-tiful Saturday in your own downtown! Free family-friendly movie at 9:30 am at the York Theatre. (doors open at 9 am) Trick or Treating, for kids 12 and under, at your favorite City Centre merchants from 11 am to 1 pm. DJ, dancing, prizes and freakishly fun activities throughout the area all morning. Celebrate Halloween in City Centre!”
  • Halloween Comic Fest
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • Gem Comics
    • “Alongside Elmhurst’s annual Boo-tiful Saturday Halloween celebration, Gem Comics will also be participating in the annual Halloween Comic Fest – where we will be giving out free books to anyone who comes into the store! We’ll have books for kids, adults, and everyone in betwen! So stop by, and hang out for a bit!”
  • Pumpkin Carving Event
    • Red Arrow Tap Room
    • Saturday, October 26th: 1 – 6 pm
    • ” Grab something to eat and drink while you have fun getting creative with your own pumpkin carving design. This is a kid friendly event and all pumpkins and carving utensils will be provided for you.Halloween is nearly here and you can never have too many pumpkins to celebrate. Grab something to eat and drink while you have fun getting creative with your own pumpkin carving design. This is a kid friendly event and all pumpkins and carving utensils will be provided for you.” Follow the link to register!
  • Belle’s Princess Spooktacular
    • Sunday, October 27th at 2:30 pm
    • Fitz’s Spare Keys
    • “With Halloween just around the corner, we’re bringing a very special (and spooky) princess event to you and your kids! Enjoy a playdate with princess Belle as we do a screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” — and do some very fun Halloween activities with crafts, games & ghouls galore!”
  • Kids Halloween Tennis Party
    • Sunday, October 27th at 3 pm
    • Courts Plus
    • “Take a swing at some seasonal fun with our Courts Plus Halloween Tennis Party, October 27, 3-5 pm! Kids ages 5-12 are invited to come in their costumes and have a frightfully good time playing games on the tennis courts. Pizza and soda will be provided and racquets are not required, but if you have one – bring it! $15/person.”

Evanston

  • Trick or Treat Stroll
    • Saturday, October 26th at 11 am
    • Downtown Evanston
    • “Celebrate Halloween in downtown Evanston on Saturday, October 26 from 11am to 2pm! Bring yourself and your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or neighbors in costume to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses from 11am-2pm and take part in special Halloween-themed activities”
  • Trick or Treat Trot For Tails Walkathon
    • East lawn of the Charles Gates Dawes House beginning at 9:30 am
    • “Trick or Treat Trot for Tails Walkathon is a fundraiser for the Evanston Animal Shelter Association, the nonprofit organization that funds and manages the care of the animals at the Evanston Animal Shelter.
    • The walk is dog and family friendly, so bring your whole crew and we’ll see you there! Dress up in costume and we’ll have treats along the way – for you and your pup! Your pet can also participate in our pet costume contest!”
  • Halloween Party at Little Beans
    • October 27th from 4 – 7 pm
    • Little Beans Cafe
    • “Join Little Beans for one of our favorite parties of the year! Enjoy a DJ and dancing, trick or treating in the LBC Village, Spooky games and snacks, pizza and a costume contest!”
  • Family Concert: Spooktacular
    • Nichols Concert Hall
    • Sunday, October 27th at 3 pm
    • “The concert program features “The Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed in costume by the Music Institute’s acclaimed faculty. The Haunted Musical Open House following the concert invites guests to travel from room to room for music, trick or treating, and other activities. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and get into the spirit of the event.”

Forest Park

  • Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Carnival and Food Drive
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • The Lantern Haus
    • “Calling all little monsters and munchkins (0-12)! Stop by The Lantern Haus + The Lantern Loft dressed for some Trick or Treating fun and trick or treat your way around our booths AND Madison Street! Admission is free, but please bring one item per person to donate to Sarah’s Inn or a cash donation.”
  • Forest Park Casket Races
    • Saturday, October 26th at 9 am
    • “For a frightfully good time, get in the ‘spirit’ and join us for the 8th annual Casket Races.  Races start at 11 a.m but come early to join in the fun!”
      • 9 am – Caskets on Display, Halloween Hits by Windy City Hitman
      • 9:30 am – Food & Beverages, Kid’s Activities Begin
      • 10 am Arts Alliance Spooky Story time at Brown Cow Tent
      • 10:30 am – Parade of Caskets
      • 11 am to 12:30 pm – Races, Kid’s & Pet’s Costume Parade, Trophy presentation
      • 12:30 – 2 pm – Trick or Treat on Madison
  • Trunk Or Treat In The Park
    • Saturday, October 26th from 2 – 4
    • Park District Parking Lot
    • “Come celebrate Halloween with the Park District!  Held in the Park District’s parking lot, participants of our Trunk or Treat event park their cars together and open their trunks to reveal themed decorations. Decorate your car and come dressed in costume as you pass out treats to local trick or treaters.  Children can walk from trunk to trunk to look at decorations and receive candy and treats in a family environment. Please register your car early!”

Geneva

  • Halloween Hayday
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center
    • “It’s time to get spooky! Celebrate with us at the Halloween Hayday! Activities include kids games and crafts, a costume contest, science activities, a Halloween egg hunt, bounce houses, hay rides, and more!”
      • Games and activities run from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
      • Magician Jaime Aponte will perform from 12:15 pm-1:00 pm.
      • Ages 14 and under. Pre-registration is recommended.
  • Howl O’Ween Dog Parade
    • Saturday, October 26th & Sunday, October 27th at 1:30 pm
    • Peck Farm Park
    • “Bring your dogs and dress-to-impress at Peck Farm Park’s FREE Howl O’ Ween Dog Parade! Prizes will be awarded for most creative, funniest, and scariest costume.”
  • Fall Fest at the Geneva Commons
    • Sunday, October 27th from 1 – 4 pm
    • Geneva Commons
    • Bring your little goblins, pirates and princesses to The Green at Geneva Commons for a day of FREE and frightful family fun! We’ll have tons of activities for everyone, including:
      – Hay Bale Maze
      – Pumpkin Painting
      – Face Painting
      – Balloon Art
      – Games
      – Prizes
      – Music

Glen Ellyn

  • Halloween Festival & Parade
    • Saturday, October 26th
    • 9:45am – Parade
      10:00am – 1:00pm – Trick-or-Treating, Crafts & Live Entertainment/Music
    • Children will meet in the Glenwood and Crescent Parking Lot. The children will march in the parade following the Glenbard West Drumline. Trick or Treating, festival enterainment, and crafts follow.
  • Halloween Spooktacular
    • Saturday, October 26th. 3 – 4:30 pm
    • Learning Express Toys Glen Ellyn
    • Come in costume and enjoy games, crafts, face painting and more!
  • St. Barnabas Fall Fest
    • Sunday, October 27th from 2 – 5
    • Free community event for all ages!
    • Invite your friends and neighbors and join us for:
      • Face Painting
        Games and Prizes
        Bounce Houses
        Pop Corn & Cotton Candy
        Craft Table
        Maze
        Hay Ride
        Live Music
        Candy, Snacks, and Treats
        Campfire and S’mores
        Mini Pumpkin Decorating
        Fall Photo Booth
        Cider and Hot Chocolate
        Costume Contest (If you wear a costume to Fall Fest please make sure it’s appropriate!)

La Grange

  • Halloween Walk
    • Saturday, October 26th
    • Line up starts at 9:30 at the Cossitt School playground
    • “Join the fun at the Halloween Walk, a trick-or-treat parade for kids led by the Greater La Grange YMCA with treats provided by local businesses. The line-up starts at 9:30am at the Cossitt School Playground.  When the walk ends, the YMCA will provide crafts and activities for kids on the lawn near the fountain at Village Hall at noon.”
    • Explore downtown La Grange and find all of their friendly skeletons!
  • Halloween Comicfest
    • Saturday, October 26th
    • Chimera’s Comics
    • 11 am – 6 pm
    • “We’re giving away hundreds of free comics to celebrate my favorite holiday! Plus, we’ll have cosplayers at the store to set the mood and get in the holiday spirit! Don’t miss it – it’s basically Free Comic Book Day in October!”

Lake Forest

  • Halloween Spectacular Regatta
    • Saturday & Sunday at 9 am
    • Forest Park Beach
    • “The annual Halloween Spectacular regatta hosts youth sailors from all over the Midwest. Optimists, Green Fleet, Open 420 and High School divisions compete both on the water and on shore. The racing is competitive and so is the pumpkin carving and costume contest!”
  • The Big Balloon Halloween Show with Smarty Pants
    • Lake Forest Library: 2 – 2:45 pm
    • “Get ready for the world’s biggest, eye-popping, jaw-dropping balloon creations, all mixed in with some magic and comedy guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit.”
  • Sage Explorers Halloween Party
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • “Pop in to our Halloween Party for complimentary mess-free crafts and treats at Sage Explorers on Saturday, October 26th from 10-12! Readings on the half hour from Halloween books. Costumes are encouraged! 🎃 Special Photography Offer: portrait photo of your little one will be free with purchases of $25 or more from Sage Explorers or Lit League.”
  • Kids Halloween Floral Workshop
    • Saturday, October 26th at 11 am
    • Lake Forest Flowers
    • Perfect for ages 5 – 13! Join Eileen Weber, AAF as she leads the students in creating a festive halloween floral arrangement to take home.”
  • Croctoberfest
    • Sunday, October 27th. 10 am – 4 pm
    • Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
    • “CROCtoberfest will now be a month-long celebration of our ancient reptiles, the crocodilians. We will be exploring a new group of crocodilians on three Sundays in October. Our events will feature special feeding demonstrations and offer opportunities to meet our resident crocodilians up close – in a safe environment.”

Lisle

  • Trick-or-Treat Downtown Lisle
    • Saturday, October 26, 2019: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Downtown Lisle
    • Trick or Treat down Main Street!
  • The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland
    • Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
    • Select Nights October 3rd – October 27th
    • “Taking place at Sensory Garden Playground, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow, will allow for family and friends to take a leisurely walk and marvel at thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins. As jack o’lanterns illuminate the park for an unforgettable evening, make sure to grab a few photos and some seasonal snacks. Don’t forget to check out our master carver’s as they demonstrate their artistry or to pick up a gourd at the pumpkin patch. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.”
  • Trick or Trees at The Morton Arboretum
    • October weekends: 11 AM – 4 PM in the Children’s Garden
    • “Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged.”

Lombard

  • Spooktacular
    • Sunday, October 27th
    • Trick or Treat downtown Lombard (12-2), costume contests, music, prizes, games, food, etc from 2 – 4.
  • Jeepin Creepin Trunk or Treat
    • Sunday, October 27th from 4 – 8 pm
    • Brauer House Lombard
    • All Cars are welcome to participate, but Jeeps will take priority parking.  Come early to claim a prime spot in the lot.  Decorate your cars and jeeps! Enter to with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize for the best decorated trunk and vehicle. Plus, hand out goodies to all of our costumed guests. PLEASE, bring the kids!!
    • PLUS, we’ll have hot chocolate, cotton candy, cider, face painting, and more for the little ghouls and goblins.  Along with some seasonal libations for adults!  The event starts at 4PM and goes until 8PM so come out and have a blast!

Naperville

  • Trick or Treat at Safety Town
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • Safety Town
    • “Learn PUMPKINS safe trick or treat tips, and trick or treat on the town! Costumes encouraged, please bring a bag to put all your goodies in! Perfect for children ages 3-12, younger children are welcome to join us as well. We will have activity stations and many local businesses handing out toys, coupons, stickers, candy and more.”
  • Farmers Market Halloween Parade
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • 200 E 5th Ave
    • “Bach to Rock will be jammin’ out at the Naperville Farmer’s Market! They will be having a Halloween Parade.”
  • Halloween Boo Bash
    • Saturday, October 26th 1 -3 pm
    • Goldfish Swim School Naperville
    • “Come in for a Spell! Stop in for a Bite! We will have games, snacks, trick or treating and open Family Swim! See you there for a ghoulishly good time!”
  • Halloween Hop on Main Street
    • Sunday, October 27th from 10 – Noon
    • Main Street Promenade
    • “Halloween starts early! Downtown Naperville businesses will be open at 10am until noon on Sunday, October 27 to give out treats. Maps and bags can be picked up during check-in at Main and Jackson by The Gap. Be sure to come by the breezeway between Sur la Table and Hugo’s Frog Bar for extra activities and giveaways put on by Innovative Pediatric Dentistry!”
  • Halloween Happening
    • Sunday, October 27th 1 – 4 pm
    • Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion
    • “Come and enjoy lots of fun activities, games and goodies at Naperville’s best FREE Halloween fest for kids 10 and under!”
  • Halloween Family Concert
    • Sunday, October 27th. 2 PM & 4 PM
    • Wentz Concert Hall
    • “Celebrate Halloween with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra as they once again join forces with the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra to bring you an imaginative and fun-filled family concert for Halloween, complete with costumes, crafts, storytelling, and vivid orchestral music. Arrive early and join the Naperville Public Library staff for crafts in the lobby or explore the instrument petting zoo provided by our sponsor, Quinlan & Fabish. Audience members are encouraged to come in costume as well and join in the Halloween spirit!”

Oak Park

  • Halloween Parade
    • Saturday, October 26th at 9:45 am
    • Pleasant & Oak Park Avenue
    • “The Annual Halloween Parade is back!
      Dress your kids in costume and parade up Oak Park Avenue.
      Stick around after and trick-or-treat at participating local businesses.”
  • Hotel Transylvania
    • Free screening at Lake Theatre

Orland Park

  • Halloween Photography Event
    • “Costumes are for more than just trick-or-treating – they deserve the spotlight! Join us for a spook-tacular time at our Halloween Photography Event on October 26 – 31. Kids of all ages can wear their favorite Halloween outfit and bring their own props from home for this event.”
  • Trunk Or Treat
    • Saturday
    • Ashburn Baptist Church at 3 pm
    • “Don’t miss Trunk R Treat 2019, an amazing afternoon of games, rides, food, and lots of candy! Spread the word and get pre-registered today! The best part is, IT’S FREE!”
  • Tricks & Treats
    • Orland Park Crossing
    • Sunday, October 27th at 1 pm
    • “Join us for a SPOOKTACULAR time! First 300 children will receive a free goodie bag.”
      • Free Face Painting!
      • Free Balloonist!
      • Free Photo booth!
      • Children will trick or treat at the participating stores in the shopping center.

Palatine

  • Halloween Party
    • Saturday, October 26th: 9:30 am – Noon
    • Palatine Park District
    • “For children ages 1-10 years old, this event include the jack-o-lantern gym with activities for the wee ones, challenging carnival games for school-age children, a creative craft room, a glow dance party room, and ghoulish goodies for the whole family! Animal entertainment this year will be provided by JG’s Reptile Road Show at 10:00am. Palatine Public Library will provide puppet show entertainment for everyone to enjoy throughout the morning.”
  • Kids Halloween & Spooky Tent
    • Tap House Grill Palatine
    • Sunday, October 27th at 4 pm
    • “Two seatings (430 & 6pm) and must have reservation. $15 per child includes -Kids meal & Drink, Kids Bucket o Treats, and Free entrance to the Kids Halloween Tent
    • Kids Halloween Tent only is $10 / kid
      -Pumpkin decorating
      -Face Painting’
      -Taffy apple station
      -Spooky hay bail maze
      -Cotton Candy Machine
      – Costume Parade – come dressed to impress!!!!!
      -Balloon Artist & More !!!!!

St. Charles

  • Little Ghouls and Goblins Halloween Party
    • Saturday, October 26th from Noon – 4pm
    • Garden Atrium at the Pheasant Run Resort
    • “Bring the little Ghouls and Goblins out for our open house style Halloween Party in the Garden Atrium. The kiddos will enjoy interactive crafts and of course treats! Our themed attraction sponsors will be creating fun activities too. Snap a candid of your little ones in their costume at the party to participate in the social media costume contest with prizes awarded on Halloween! This party is complimentary for hotel guests, or you can purchase tickets to join us just for the party. Price includes access to our pools for the day! There will also be a face painter, Miss Joy, at the Party for an additional $5-$10 fee per person.”
    • Buy 3 tickets, get 1 ticket free with promo code: FAMILY

Wheaton

  • Boo-palooza
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • Downtown Wheaton
    • Visit all your favorite Downtown Wheaton businesses, costume contests, hayrides, and more!
  • Halloween Happenings
    • Danada Square West
    • Saturday, October 26th from 11 – 1
    • Trick or Treating inside stores, Costumed character meet and greet, DJ, balloonist, and more!
  • Horsin’ Around
    • Saturday, October 26th at noon
    • Danada Equestrian Center
    • “Share your tricks with Danada Equestrian Center’s horses! Join the family-friendly “Horsin’ Around: Halloween Trick-or-Treat” on Saturday, Oct. 26 from noon – 4 p.m. at Danada. This fun-filled equine activity day includes children’s activities and up-close-and-personal opportunities to visit the horses. All ages. Free.”
  • Spooky Fun Family Yoga
    • Saturday, October 26th at 10 am
    • Wheaton Public Library
    • “Ages 4 years old-6th grade with caregivers. A fun way to get into the Halloween season as we become bats, make a witches brew, and laugh together. Costumes are encouraged as long as children can move freely and do yoga! Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.”
  • Pumpkin Fest Cosley Zoo
    • October 1st – 31st
    • Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
    • “Come out to Cosley Zoo this fall and enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out your pumpkin! Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales are all available for purchase. Children’s rides will also be available, weather permitting.”
  • Trunk Or Treat St. Matthew
    • Sunday, October 27th at 3 pm
    • St. Matthew United Church of Christ
    • “Candy, costumed characters and decorated car trunks will fill the church parking lot. Indoors you’ll find games and snacks.”
  • Trunk Or Treat Faith Covenant
    • Sunday, October 27th from 3 – 5 pm
    • Faith Covenant Church
    • “Bring your children and your neighbors children to the Trunk or Treat at Faith Covenant Church! They will enjoy seeing the festively decorated trunks, playing games and receiving candy. Free hot cider and popcorn”

 

Downtown Chicago

  • Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
    • October 3rd – November 3rd
    • Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am – 10 pm
    • Goose Island: 1265 West Le Moyne Street
    • “Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s only 100% outdoor fall experience with the city’s largest Corn Maze, 4 Full-Service Bars, Axe Throwing, Gypsy Caravans, Music, Carnival Games, Food Trucks and Fun Instagrammable moments.”
  • Pier Pumpkin Lights
    • October 1st – November 2nd
    • Navy Pier
    • “Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall.”
    • Trick or Treat the Pier on Sunday, October 27th from 2 – 6 pm !
  • Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
    • FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27
      10 A.M.-5 P.M.
    • “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”
    • October 12th – 30th
    • Chase Park: 4701 N. Ashland Ave
    • “Chase Park’s pumpkin patch is back!!!! This family friendly attraction is one the north side’s favorite seasonal pastimes. Grab a cup of hot cocoa as you roam through the bright orange rows of pumpkins hunting for the very best one for carving. Large or small, we’ve got you covered. Kid’s and adults alike are invited to climb the hay mountain, explore the corn maze and play in our famous corn pits and bouncys!”The Great Pumpkin Patch at Chase Park
  • Boo! At the Zoo
    • “Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time! Our not-so-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy!”
    • Check out the fun schedule of activities before you go!
    • Brookfield Zoo
    • Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 to 27, 2019
    • Saturday, October 26
      10:15 a.m. at Pinniped Point
      Pumpkins to the Sea Lions and Seals11:00 a.m. at Seven Seas*
      Pumpkins to the Sea Lions and Dolphins
    • Sunday, October 27
      11:00 a.m. in Hamill Family Wild Encounters*
      Pumpkins to the Goats and Reindeer11:00 a.m. in Hamill Family Play Zoo*
      Pumpkins to the Lemurs
  • Boo-Palooza Wicker Park
    • Saturday, October 26th, 10 am – 2 pm
    • Costume parades for humans AND dogs, pumpkin patch, music, bobbing for apples, maze, and more!
  • Haunted Halsted Family Zone
    • Saturday, October 26th at 1 pm
    • 3311 N. Halsted
    • Pumpkin Painting
      Bouncy House
      Petting Zoo
      Costume Contest
      Story Hour with Drag Queens featuring Muffy Fishbasket
      Halloween Games & More
  • Hallow-palooza at Indian Boundary Park
    • Saturday, October 26th from 2 -4
    • “Join us for scare free thrill fest! This family-friendly day will feature music/dancing, no-scare haunting, trick n treating opportunities, costume parade and contest and tons of fun”
  • University Symphony Orchestra Halloween Concert
    • Saturday, October 26th at 7 pm
    • Mandel Hall
    • “The USO’s 2019 Halloween concert features an array of eerie, mysterious, and spine-tingling works:  Mussorgsky’s justly famous Night on Bald Mountain;  Rachmaninoff’s haunting tone poem, The Isle of the Dead; and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, as arranged by the legendary Leopold Stokowski – plus music from Phantom of the Opera and Pirates of the Caribbean.  Once again the Hyde Park School of Dance contributes their energetic choreography to the mix, and costumes, story-telling, and special effects enhance this annual fun-filled, family-friendly event.  Two performances!  Audience costumes encouraged.”
  • Dia de los Muertos For Kids
    • Saturday, October 26th from 9 – 11 & 12 – 2
    • Arturo Velasquez Institute
    • “This event is for families who want to learn the customs and significance behind Dia de los Muertos. We will have a virtual reality room to experience how Día de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico (courtesy of BTEC and Monument Art), facepainting by Mega Fiesta Productions, performances by Ballet Folklorico Infinity, and storytelling by La Divina Catrina (Chicago Latina Mom Marybel Solano). Children will explore different craft stations that will teach them the meaning behind some of the symbolism behind Dia de los Muertos and will go home with a goodie bag of their crafts. Don’t miss out on our local vendors in our Mercadito to start your holiday shopping. Support Chicago Latina Mom owned businesses!”
    • Only card payments accepted at the door.
  • Creatures of the Night
    • Garfield Park Conservatory
    • Saturday, October 26th at noon
    • “Join us for a special Halloween treat at the Conservatory – live creatures in our tropical plant collection, where you can get up close and personal with the animals! Kids and families will learn about unique relationships between animals and plants as they collect sweet treats throughout our building.”
  • 100 Years of Mummies
    • Saturday, October 26th at 4 pm
    • The Oriental Institute
    • “Mummify our simulated mummy, take a mummy tour, or hear a mummy-tale. Make mummy crafts, compete in a Mummy Wrap Race, and catch a family photo at our Photo Op. Play the game many a mummy has taken to his own tomb—Senet. And as always, in the galleries, King Tut’s monumental 17-foot-tall statue and our 40-ton Assyrian winged bull will lend a photogenic background for witches, vampires, monsters, princesses, or whatever your costume.”
  • 360 Sunday Funday
    • Sunday, October 27th. 9 am – 3 pm
    • 94th floor of the former Hancock Center
    • “360 CHICAGO welcomes guests of all ages for a day of spooky fun from over 1,000 feet above Chicago. The 94th-floor observation deck is hosting a full day of activities including trick-or-treating, a special Halloween sing-a-long with Mr. Dave Music, and an amazing magic show from Myster AJ.”
  • Logan Square Halloween Parade
    • Sunday, October 27th: 5 – 7 pm
    • Illinois Centennial Monument
    • “Logan Square’s annual Halloween procession brings out costumed kids and adults from all around the neighborhood for a festive celebration. The parade begins at the Illinois Centennial Monument and marches south on Kedzie Boulevard to Fullerton Avennue before looping back to Lula Cafe for hot cider and cookies. As usual, punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza will be leading the festivities and providing the spooky soundtrack.”

 


What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL October 18th – 20th, 2019


 

Looking for things to do in Chicago and the burbs?
Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicagoland this weekend!

 

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

 

This weeks event guide is brought to you by Cottages In The Woods! Experience the Swedish cottages of Geneva while enjoying the family activities and vendors!

 

 

Major Ongoing Events this Weekend:

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

  • FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27
    10 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

  • September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
  • “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
  • The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

  • Oswego
  • “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

  • “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
  • Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

  • Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
    16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
    Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

  • “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
  • During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
  • McHenry, IL

The Morton Arboretum Scarecrow Trail

  • Daily in October
  • Meadow Lake Trail
  • “Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow.”

Trick or Trees at The Morton Arboretum

  • October weekends: 11 AM – 4 PM in the Children’s Garden
  • “Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged.”

Morton Arboretum Walking Play

  • THE SHERLOCK SCANDAL – Revised Title
    October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27
    3:00 p.m. showtime*
    REVISED: A new time-period twisted take on the beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tales! Based on Scandal in Bohemia’ The Sherlock Scandal unfolds as a PR scandal arises when it is discovered that Holmes and Watson are not met. While they escape the public eye, they find themselves involved in solving a blackmail scandal with a notorious rock star and his pious fiance. With the help of Inspector Lestrade, they work the mystery and tell the tale of their own interesting past. Please note that this performance is for ages 10+. The performance includes mature content, mild violence and mentions of death. Hike is roughly one mile in distance.”

Pumpkin Fest Cosley Zoo

  • October 1st – 31st
  • Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
  • “Come out to Cosley Zoo this fall and enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out your pumpkin! Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales are all available for purchase. Children’s rides will also be available, weather permitting.”

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • October 3rd – November 3rd
  • Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am – 10 pm
  • Goose Island: 1265 West Le Moyne Street
  • “Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s only 100% outdoor fall experience with the city’s largest Corn Maze, 4 Full-Service Bars, Axe Throwing, Gypsy Caravans, Music, Carnival Games, Food Trucks and Fun Instagrammable moments.”

Pier Pumpkin Lights

  • October 1st – November 2nd
  • Navy Pier
  • “Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall.”

Moonlight Hayrides at Primrose Farm in St. Charles

  • October 4-5th, 11th-12th, 18th – 19th
  • “Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned farm fun by the light of the moon. Cruise around the fields of Primrose Farm at the height of the fall harvest on a 30 minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Gather ’round a bonfire for a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and hot cider.”

The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland

  • Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
  • Select Nights October 3rd – October 27th
  • “Taking place at Sensory Garden Playground, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow, will allow for family and friends to take a leisurely walk and marvel at thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins. As jack o’lanterns illuminate the park for an unforgettable evening, make sure to grab a few photos and some seasonal snacks. Don’t forget to check out our master carver’s as they demonstrate their artistry or to pick up a gourd at the pumpkin patch. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.”

Goebbert’s Fall Light Show

  • October 4th – November 3rd
  • Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch – Pingree Grove
  • “Experience the magic of more than 1.5 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at Goebbert’s Fall Light Show. You’ll encounter dazzling displays as you drive through our farm in the comfort of your own vehicle. The 1 mile route will impress and amaze you! We’ve created new structures, added new designs, switched up the music and extended the light show! When purchasing your tickets, the light show is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per vehicle.”

Blackberry Farm Pumpkin Weekends

  • Blackberry Farm: 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora
  • “Enjoy family-friendly fall festivities at Blackberry Farm! Enjoy the park donned in seasonal decor, ride on a hay wagon, listen to seasonal stories, create fall crafts, decorate a pumpkin for $3, play in our corn crib, ride the famous Blackberry Farm rides: train, carousel, ponies and much more! Each weekend will feature additional activities, so each week is a new experience!
    Saturdays and Sundays in October 11am-4pm. Admission is just $7- everything is included, except pumpkin decorating, which is $3. Tickets are needed for ages 2 & up.”

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Chase Park

  • October 12th – 30th
  • Chase Park: 4701 N. Ashland Ave
  • “Chase Park’s pumpkin patch is back!!!! This family friendly attraction is one the north side’s favorite seasonal pastimes. Grab a cup of hot cocoa as you roam through the bright orange rows of pumpkins hunting for the very best one for carving. Large or small, we’ve got you covered. Kid’s and adults alike are invited to climb the hay mountain, explore the corn maze and play in our famous corn pits and bouncys!”

Boo! At the Zoo

  • “Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time! Our not-so-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy!”
  • Check out the fun schedule of activities before you go!
  • Brookfield Zoo
  • Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 to 27, 2019
  • Saturday, October 19
    11:00 a.m. in Great Bear Wilderness
    Pumpkins to the Grizzly Bears
    Pumpkins to the Polar Bears
  • Sunday, October 20
    10:15 am outside Pachyderm House
    Pumpkins to the Rhinos and Pygmy Hippos
    Pumpkins to the Red River Hogs

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

  • September 28 – October 27, 2019
    Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 2 PM
  • Performances take place at The Station in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre: 100 S. Racine Ave
  • “Based on the beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Featuring the tales of Brown Bear, Brown BearThe Very Lonely FireflyTen Little Rubber Ducks, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this new show captures the magic of Carle’s world.”

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • October 5th – November 3rd
  • Hide and Shriek: Spot spooktacular scenes in MINILAND
  • Meet & Eek: Meet a LEGO Character and get the ultimate selfie
  • Brick or Treating: Collect free LEGO pieces to build your own Halloween LEGO creation to take home
  • Spooky, kooky scavenger hunt: Find all the pumpkins our Master Model Builder has hidden around the attraction!

Midnight Circus

  • Welles Park: 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
  • Friday, October 18 at 7pm
    Saturday, October 19 at 2pm and 5pm
    Sunday, October 20 at 2pm and 5pm
  • “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

Open House Chicago

  • October 19th – 20th
  • “Have you ever walked by a building and thought, “I wish I could see what’s inside?” Now you can. The Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago is a free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to more than 350 buildings across Chicago.”

Bridgeview Pumpkin Patch Festival

  • SeatGeek Stadium: 7000 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview
  • This year the Festival is a two-weekend event and takes place on:
    • Week 1: October 18, 19, 20, 2019
    • Week 2: October 25, 26, 27, 2019
  • The event features a number of big attractions such as a pumpkin patch, corn maze, kids haunted house, pumpkin jumpers, face painting, pumpkin painting, Puppet Show, Magic Show, and a petting zoo!

 

 

FRIDAY

 

 

10:30 AM: Bump Club Playdate with Stages Performance Arts at Little Beans Evanston

  • Come enjoy a magical performance by Stages in the fabulous Little Beans facility. Stages Performing Arts offers one-of-a-kind classes, camps, birthday parties, and special event entertainment for children and families throughout the Chicagoland area.”
  • Little Beans will be doing a raffle for 5 visit pass and a free lunch with play pass!
  • Register in advance.

5:00 PM: Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally

  • Bolingbrook High School: 365 Raider Way
  • “Hey foodies! The Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally is returning this Fall. Enjoy gourmet eats from 15+ of the area’s best food trucks, a Vendor Village (featuring local businesses), a 50/50 raffle – plus see live musical performances by the BHS Choirs! (The theme is Disney Inspired Music)”

5:00 PM: Moonlight Maze at Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm

  • “Come experience SGPF from an incredible evening perspective! We will be hosting a special hours event on Friday, Oct 18th, for an elegant barn experience and a moonlight maze! Select your pumpkins underneath the soft glow of our gorgeous barn lighting- then traverse our BEST maze yet… by flashlight!!”
  • 4S041 Merrill Road, Sugar Grove

6:00 PM: Pumpkin Swim

  • Oak Brook Park District: 1450 Forest Gate Road
  • “Children will search for candy capsules filled with prizes and find a real pumpkin! There will be activities on deck before, during and after the pumpkin hunt. Children will be divided into age groups according to the appropriate swimming areas. Everyone should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the designated time in order to get into the appropriate age groups. After the event, parents and children are invited to stay and swim until 8:45pm. Please arrive in swimming attire.”
  • *Registration is required for this event*
  • Parent are free!

6:00 PM: Villa Park Halloween Happenings

  • Villa Park Parks & Rec: 338 N Iowa Ave
  • “Ghosts and goblins of all ages are invited to come in costume to trick-or-treat outdoors at “Spooktacular” Halloween scenes created by local merchants and organizations starting at 6 pm. Then, join us inside to participate in some not so scary Halloween themed crafts, activities and treats. You will be amazed when the evening wraps up with the World’s Greatest Halloween Balloon Stage Show presented by Smarty Pants. There will be time after the show to take pictures with the big balloons.”
  • Preregister if you can!

 

 

SATURDAY

 

 

8:30 AM: Blocks Kids Competition & Touch A Truck

  • IUOE: 6200 Joliet Road, Countryside
  • “NAWIC Chicago Metro Chapter #325 & the Federation of Women Contractors (FWC) are proud to announce Block Kids! A building competition for girls and boys in grades K thru 6, and Touch-a-Truck event. Learn about the construction industry while having a great time building and exploring.”

9:00 AM: Bloomingdale Halloween Party

  • Bloomingdale Village Hall: 201 S. Bloomingdale Rd.
  • “All of Bloomingdale is invited to join in the grandest of Halloween parties, put together by the Bloomingdale Park District, Bloomingdale Public Library, The Friends of Bloomingdale Library and the Village of Bloomingdale.”
    • Police & Fire Department Activities
    • Hay Maze
    • Face painting
    • Balloon artists
    • Pumpkin Decorating Contest
    • Trunk or Treat
    • and more!

9:00 AM: Paint with the Ice Queen

  • Art Fuzd: 1457 W. Schaumburg Rd.
  • “Choose your princess ceramic figurine and have fun painting her with the beautiful Ice Queen!  Pottery will be kiln-fired and ready to pick up the following Saturday. There will also be great photo opportunities with Ice Queen, story reading and a meet and greet with Ice Queen! Please feel free to wear your princess dresses.”

9:00 AM: Affy Tapple Family Fun Days

  • 7425 N. Croname Rd., Niles
  • “Join us for a fall celebration at the Affy Tapple Factory Store! We will be offering a free, freshly dipped Caramel Apple to each person who makes a charitable donation of $1 or more, or donates a non-perishable food item. We will also have free face painting, a photo booth, raffles, and the opportunity to meet Affy Man! If you are planning on picking up cases of Affy Tapple Caramel Apples for your Halloween celebrations, this is the perfect time to stop by. Affy Tapple Family Fun Days is sure to make your family’s weekend sweeter!”

10:00 AM: Georgia Rae at Dupage Children’s Museum

  • Dupage Children’s Museum: 301 N. Washington St, Naperville
  • “Georgia Rae performs alone on stage with a pedal board, fiddle, and some fancy footwork. She has been pedaling her recent CD, “Wingin’ It” from Texas to MN and WI, and as east as NC. Her original songs are clever and catchy and evoke good vibes all around. Be amazed, leave happy.”

10:00 AM: Cottages In The Woods

  • 528 East Side Drive, Geneva
  • “October Saturday 19, and Sunday 20, from 10 am to 4pm Cottages in the Woods will be celebrating its 11th year. This unique event is held in the historic Good Templar Park of Geneva, IL. This family friendly annual event is 8$ per person, children under 12 are free. Rain or shine.”
  • Children’s Activities Include:
    • Troll Scavenger Hunt ,
    • Hidden Fairies
    • Feed the Troll
    • Troll in One
    • Tic Tac Troll
    • Visit the children’s Troll Lodge, where they can make and take a troll night light.
    • Come dress like fairies or woodland creatures if you would like!
    • Children under 12 are free!
  • We will have musicians playing from 1-3 each day.
  • “Open to tour, each offering a variety of delightful wares from talented artists and craftspeople. Visitors will find many items including handmade pottery, jewelry, birdhouses, vintage and collectible items, watercolor, rosemaling, and Dala maling pieces.

10:00 AM: Superhero & Princess Day at Konow’s Corn Maze

  • Konow’s Corn Maze: 16849 Cedar Road, Homer Glen
  • “Join us for a day of Superhero and Princess themed activities on the farm! Meet your favorite characters and more!”
    • 11AM-1PM – Incredible Hulk
      11AM-1PM – Frozen Princess
      2PM-4PM – Spider-man
      2PM-4PM – Princess Belle

10:30 AM: Pumpkin Painting with Woody!

  • 151 Kitchen Bar: 151 N. York St, Elmhurst
  • “$25++ Includes Kids Buffet, Kids Beverage, Pumpkin Picking, Pumpkin Paint and Pictures with Woody from Toy Story!
  • Reservations Required, space is limited

11:00 AM: A Happenin’ Halloween

  • York Center Park District: 1609 S. Luther Ave, Lombard
  • “We are transforming the York Center Park District into Hogwarts and the wizarding world of Harry Potter. We will have games, a pumpkin patch, hay rides, and much more! Score ten points for Gryffindor by wearing your most creative Halloween Costume for our annual costume contest! Don’t miss out on an event that’ll be fun for wizards of all ages!”

11:00 AM: Trucks, Trunks, & Treats

  • Vernon Hills Park District: 635 N. Aspen Drive
  • “We’ve taken a traditional touch-a-truck event and added a hint of Halloween! Show off your Halloween costume while walking through the aisles of trucks. Bring your trick-or-treat bags to receive candy from the operators at each vehicle. Take some time to ride the hayride or jump in the bounce house too. Dogs are welcome! Dress up your furry friend and let them strut their stuff.”

12:00 PM: Howl at the Zoo

  • Phillips Park Zoo: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora
  • “Calling all witches, goblins and ghouls! Please join us for Howl at the Zoo ! We will be kicking off the festivities with a costume parade from 12-1pm! Then there will be crafts, games, prizes and more from 1-4pm.”

12:00 PM: Maggie Daley Fall Fest

  • 337 E. Randolph Street
  • “Games, prizes, food, entertainment and drinks!!! A Family fun day on the Maggie Daley Park Ribbon. Event is free to attend”

12:00 PM: Park Days at Stratford Square

  • Stratford Square Mall
  • “On the 3rd Saturday of each month, enjoy a FREE craft activity for young shoppers with the Bloomingdale Park District! At center court, right by the food court. All activities are FREE and run noon to 2PM.”

12:00 PM: Itasca Trick or Treat Trail

  • Itasca Softball Complex: 650 N. Rohlwing Rd.
  • “Free! Kids will walk the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary Trail and make crafts, play games, and pick up some treats!”

1:00 PM: Monster Mash

  • Bensenville Park District: 1000 W. Wood Street
  • “All ages can come dressed in your Halloween best for family fun and games such as our annual costume contests! Enjoy games with prizes, inflatables, a creepy craft and our spooky DJ. Food will be available for purchase at the event. The Deer Grove Leisure Center will be decorated and filled with fun frights! $5 for children 3-17, 2 and under free, 18+ free”

2:00 PM: Pumpkin Party

  • Empowering Gardens: 7730 W. Madison, Forest Park
  • “All kids are invited to the pumpkin party, they will receive a FREE pie pumpkin, get their face painted and enjoy story time…
    All kids at heart are encouraged to wear a costume!
    FREE treats for everyone!”

2:00 PM: Fall Festival at Burr Ridge Village Center

  • Burr Ridge Village Center: 701 Village Center Drive
  • “Bring your family to Burr Ridge Village Center for an afternoon of autumn fun! Your superheroes and princess can trick-or-treat, enjoy hay rides & stilt walkers! Don’t forget your costumes!”

3:00 PM: Boo Bash

  • West Chicago Park District: 201 W. National St.
  • “Calling all ghosts and goblins galore! Come to the ARC to see what’s in store. Halloween games and lots of fun treats, this Halloween celebration is sure to be neat! Come for the night or come for a flash, but come to have fun at the park district BOO BASH!”

3:00 PM: Haunted Halloween Flea Market

  • Dupage County Fairgrounds
  • “WHEATON, ILLINOIS: Ghosts & Goblins, Witches beware—Haunted FLEAS are everywhere!
    It’s the 9th Annual Zurko’s Haunted Halloween FLEA MARKET –event; SATURDAY, October 19th, 3pm till Midnight. There will be 1000’s of FLEAS & TREASURES (CREEPY & OTHERWISE) for sale.
    Great family fun to include a costume contest in building #5, ghoulish encounters and much more! Come shop in costume for more fun!”

4:00 PM: Monster Madness

  • Lisle Park District: 1925 Ohio St.
  • “Games • Prizes • Face Painting • Pumpkin Patch • Pony Rides • Petting Zoo • Maze • Ages 10 & Under
    Come enjoy a festive autumn fun fair filled with friendly games, ghouls, animals and goodies. Win Halloween prizes, and enjoy a snack at the Creepy Café. Be sure to dress the kids in their Halloween costumes!”

6:00 PM: Wonder-een and Boo

  • Wonder Works Children’s Museum: 6445 W. North Ave, Oak Park
  • “Join us for a SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween Event. Festivities include a Costume Parade, Boo-tiful facepainting, Fang-tastic activities and Ghoulish dinner and treats including Saucy Flying Saucer Pasta and Spooky Scoops I-Scream (ice cream!).”
  • Cost: $15/person. Children under 12 months are free.
  • This is a ticketed event.

6:00 PM: Jammin’ Round the Campfire

  • Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm: 111 E. Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg
  • “FREE! Enjoy an evening filled with songs, stories and more! Grab your favorite instrument (even if it’s just your hands, feet, and voice) and circle around the campfire! We’ll sing classic campfire songs and learn a few new ones as well. After singing and playing up a storm, satisfy your sweet tooth with roasted marshmallows.”

 

SUNDAY

 

 

10:00 AM: Cottages In The Woods

  • 528 East Side Drive, Geneva
  • “October Saturday 19, and Sunday 20, from 10 am to 4pm Cottages in the Woods will be celebrating its 11th year. This unique event is held in the historic Good Templar Park of Geneva, IL. This family friendly annual event is 8$ per person, children under 12 are free. Rain or shine.”
  • Children’s Activities Include:
    • Troll Scavenger Hunt ,
    • Hidden Fairies
    • Feed the Troll
    • Troll in One
    • Tic Tac Troll
    • Visit the children’s Troll Lodge, where they can make and take a troll night light.
    • Come dress like fairies or woodland creatures if you would like!
    • Children under 12 are free!
  • We will have musicians playing from 1-3 each day.
  • “Open to tour, each offering a variety of delightful wares from talented artists and craftspeople. Visitors will find many items including handmade pottery, jewelry, birdhouses, vintage and collectible items, watercolor, rosemaling, and Dala maling pieces.

10:00 AM: Fall Festival

  • River Trail Nature Center: 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
  • “We will be celebrating the colorful season with a special day of autumn fun! There’ll be storytelling, beekeeping demonstrations, River Trail honey for sale, beeswax candle making, animal encounters, fall color walks in the woods, hay rides, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, crafts and other activities. A family friendly event with free admission; there will be some food and drinks for sale and small fees for some activities, or donate a non-perishable food item to the Greater Chicago Food Depository in exchange for activity tickets. 1 item = 1 ticket.”

10:00 AM: Affy Tapple Family Fun Days

  • 7425 N. Croname Rd., Niles
  • “Join us for a fall celebration at the Affy Tapple Factory Store! We will be offering a free, freshly dipped Caramel Apple to each person who makes a charitable donation of $1 or more, or donates a non-perishable food item. We will also have free face painting, a photo booth, raffles, and the opportunity to meet Affy Man! If you are planning on picking up cases of Affy Tapple Caramel Apples for your Halloween celebrations, this is the perfect time to stop by. Affy Tapple Family Fun Days is sure to make your family’s weekend sweeter!”

10:00 AM: Naperville Magical Mermaid Party

  • Chicago Marriott Naperville: 1801 N. Naperville Boulevard
  • Join us for a fun day out as we explore MERMAIDS!!! We have lots of fun things planned to keep you entertained (All Included with your child’s ticket):
    • Photos & Singalong Dance with a Mermaid (10-11:30am)
    • Face Painting–Mermaid Themed
    • Mermaid Tattoos
    • Photo Station with Mermaid Props
    • Mermaid Toys, Games, & Activities
    • Mermaid Crafting–Stampers, Scratch Art, Coloring
    • Nail Painting

11:00 AM: The Music of Phish for Kids

  • Thalia Hall: 1807 South Allport Street
  • “The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show!”

12:00 PM: Not So Scary Hayride

  • Dellwood Park, Lockport
  • Come enjoy this fun Halloween hayride with the Lockport Township Park District! Perfect for kids who don’t like to be scared!
    -Friendly characters
    -Hayrides and fun games
    -Facepainting
    -Music and more!
    -Costumes are encouraged
    $7 per person
  • Tickets must be pre-purchased

12:00 PM: Free Your Play Event w. Kamik & Koop

  • Maggie Daley Park
  • “This pop-up adventure play event will allow kids to create, explore and play freely using interesting materials as the parents sit back and relax. Bring your family and sense of adventure to Maggie Daley Park and give your children the chance to #FreeYourPlay, explore their imaginations, and engage in outside free play. While the kids are playing, parents will have the opportunity to speak with Kamik brand representatives to learn about the Kamik Fall/Winter 2019 collection – the perfect footwear to #FreeYourPlay at home – and the benefits of outdoor free play from KOOP Adventure Play.”

1:00 PM: Donut Fest Chicago South Burbs

  • 350 Brewing: 7600 185th Street, Tinley Park
  • “Join us for Chicago Burbs’ sweetest fest at 350 Brewing. Samples donuts, enjoy beer, coffee and more with a fun-filled tasty event! We need your help to name Chicago Burbs’ Favorite Donut too.”

1:15 PM: Aqua-Tots Spookfest

  • Aqua Tots Swim School Wheaton
  • “We will have games, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and of course swimming! Winners will be chosen in 4 areas: Most Scary, Most Creepy, Most Funny, and Most Creative! Bonus points if you tie swimming in with your costume somehow.”

2:00 PM: Naperville Happy Halloween Party

  • Chicago Marriott Naperville
  • Join us for a fun day as we celebrate Halloween! We have lots of fun things planned to keep you entertained (All Included with your child’s ticket):
    • Photos & Singalong Dance with a Witch(2-3:30pm)
    • Face Painting–Halloween Themed
    • Halloween Tattoos
    • Photo Station with Halloween Props
    • Halloween Toys, Games, & Activities
    • Halloween Crafting–Stampers, Scratch Art, Coloring
    • Play Dough with Halloween Tools

4:00 PM: Pumpkin Flotilla Fest

  • Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn
  • “Watch carved, illuminated pumpkins go for a float on Lake Ellyn at our Pumpkin Flotilla Fest! Before the pumpkin sendoff, jam out to live music with Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans, enjoy games throughout the park, a pumpkin carving demonstration, canoe rides, purchase food and beverages, and many more activities! This event is free to attend, but fees apply for food/beverages and carving a pumpkin at the event ($5, cash only).”

 

For the 3rd year, Moms of The Western Suburbs are collecting toys to donate to Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago! 

Donating is a breeze by utilizing our Amazon and Target wishlists pictured below.

And keep your availability open on December 3rd for our Cookies With Santa Event. ALL proceeds this year benefit our 3rd Annual Lurie’s Toy Drive to purchase and provide toys and comfort to children having surgeries, radiation, chemo, and extended hospital stays.

 


What Should We Do This Columbus Day Weekend? Chicago, IL October 11th – 14th 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicagoland to celebrate Columbus Day weekend?
Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicagoland this weekend!

 

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

Major Ongoing Events for Columbus Day Weekend

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

  • FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27 AND
    MONDAY OCTOBER 14
    10 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

  • September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
  • “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
  • The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

  • Oswego
  • “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

  • “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
  • Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

  • Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
    16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
    Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

  • “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
  • During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
  • McHenry, IL

The Morton Arboretum Scarecrow Trail

  • Daily in October
  • Meadow Lake Trail
  • “Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow.”

Trick or Trees at The Morton Arboretum

  • October weekends: 11 AM – 4 PM in the Children’s Garden
  • “Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged.”

Morton Arboretum Walking Play

  • THE SHERLOCK SCANDAL – Revised Title
    October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27
    3:00 p.m. showtime*
    REVISED: A new time-period twisted take on the beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tales! Based on Scandal in Bohemia’ The Sherlock Scandal unfolds as a PR scandal arises when it is discovered that Holmes and Watson are not met. While they escape the public eye, they find themselves involved in solving a blackmail scandal with a notorious rock star and his pious fiance. With the help of Inspector Lestrade, they work the mystery and tell the tale of their own interesting past. Please note that this performance is for ages 10+. The performance includes mature content, mild violence and mentions of death. Hike is roughly one mile in distance.”

Pumpkin Fest Cosley Zoo

  • October 1st – 31st
  • Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
  • “Come out to Cosley Zoo this fall and enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out your pumpkin! Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales are all available for purchase. Children’s rides will also be available, weather permitting.”

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • October 3rd – November 3rd
  • Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am – 10 pm
  • Goose Island: 1265 West Le Moyne Street
  • “Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s only 100% outdoor fall experience with the city’s largest Corn Maze, 4 Full-Service Bars, Axe Throwing, Gypsy Caravans, Music, Carnival Games, Food Trucks and Fun Instagrammable moments.”

Pier Pumpkin Lights

  • October 1st – November 2nd
  • Navy Pier
  • “Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall.”

Moonlight Hayrides at Primrose Farm in St. Charles

  • October 4-5th, 11th-12th, 18th – 19th
  • “Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned farm fun by the light of the moon. Cruise around the fields of Primrose Farm at the height of the fall harvest on a 30 minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Gather ’round a bonfire for a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and hot cider.”

The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland

  • Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
  • Select Nights October 3rd – October 27th
  • “Taking place at Sensory Garden Playground, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow, will allow for family and friends to take a leisurely walk and marvel at thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins. As jack o’lanterns illuminate the park for an unforgettable evening, make sure to grab a few photos and some seasonal snacks. Don’t forget to check out our master carver’s as they demonstrate their artistry or to pick up a gourd at the pumpkin patch. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.”

Goebbert’s Fall Light Show

  • October 4th – November 3rd
  • Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch – Pingree Grove
  • “Experience the magic of more than 1.5 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at Goebbert’s Fall Light Show. You’ll encounter dazzling displays as you drive through our farm in the comfort of your own vehicle. The 1 mile route will impress and amaze you! We’ve created new structures, added new designs, switched up the music and extended the light show! When purchasing your tickets, the light show is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per vehicle.”

Blackberry Farm Pumpkin Weekends

  • Blackberry Farm: 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora
  • “Enjoy family-friendly fall festivities at Blackberry Farm! Enjoy the park donned in seasonal decor, ride on a hay wagon, listen to seasonal stories, create fall crafts, decorate a pumpkin for $3, play in our corn crib, ride the famous Blackberry Farm rides: train, carousel, ponies and much more! Each weekend will feature additional activities, so each week is a new experience!
    Saturdays and Sundays in October and Columbus Day 11am-4pm. Admission is just $7- everything is included, except pumpkin decorating, which is $3. Tickets are needed for ages 2 & up.”
  • On October 12th, there will be face painting from 11:30 – 3:30

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Chase Park

  • October 12th – 30th
  • Chase Park: 4701 N. Ashland Ave
  • “Chase Park’s pumpkin patch is back!!!! This family friendly attraction is one the north side’s favorite seasonal pastimes. Grab a cup of hot cocoa as you roam through the bright orange rows of pumpkins hunting for the very best one for carving. Large or small, we’ve got you covered. Kid’s and adults alike are invited to climb the hay mountain, explore the corn maze and play in our famous corn pits and bouncys!”

Boo! At the Zoo

  • “Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time! Our not-so-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy!”
  • Check out the fun schedule of activities before you go!
  • Brookfield Zoo
  • Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 to 27, 2019
  • Saturday, October 12
    11:00 a.m. in Great Bear Wildnerness
    Pumpkins to the Grizzly Bears
    Pumpkins to the Polar Bears
  • Sunday, October 13
    10:15 a.m. in Tropic World
    Pumpkins to the Orangutans and Gorillas

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

  • September 28 – October 27, 2019
    Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 2 PM
  • Performances take place at The Station in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre: 100 S. Racine Ave
  • “Based on the beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Featuring the tales of Brown Bear, Brown BearThe Very Lonely FireflyTen Little Rubber Ducks, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this new show captures the magic of Carle’s world.”

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • October 5th – November 3rd
  • Hide and Shriek: Spot spooktacular scenes in MINILAND
  • Meet & Eek: Meet a LEGO Character and get the ultimate selfie
  • Brick or Treating: Collect free LEGO pieces to build your own Halloween LEGO creation to take home
  • Spooky, kooky scavenger hunt: Find all the pumpkins our Master Model Builder has hidden around the attraction!

Midnight Circus

  • Jefferson Park: 4822 North Long Ave.
  • Saturday, October 12th at 2pm and 5pm
    Sunday, October 13th at 2pm and 5pm
  • “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

Ace Comic Con

  • Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
  • October 11th- 13th
  • Celebrity guests, 60+ top comic writers and artists, 100+ vendors and exhibitors, cos play, gaming, kids con, and more!

Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show

  • Pottawatomie Park on the Fox River, St. Charles
  • October 1th – 13th beginning at 10 a.m
  • “All items are handmade by the exhibiting artist. There are over 100 crafters. There is a large variety of jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography, primitive wood, as well as whimsical folk art. Many crafters have fall décor including floral, scarecrows, iron sculpture, painted pumpkins and carved gourds. There are food products, including soup and dip mixes, caramel apples, a variety of chocolates, baked goods, honey products and BBQ items.”

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

  • October 11th – 13th
  • Friday & Saturday- 10am-9pm; Sunday- 10am-5pm
  • Main Festival Site – Lincoln Park: 450 W. Main St.
    FREE Remote Shuttle Parking Lot – Pheasant Run Resort: 4051 E. Main St.
  • “For 34 years, the Scarecrow Festival has been a staple in St. Charles, Illinois. Come enjoy over 100 handmade & mechanical scarecrow displays. You can make your own scarecrow, shop at the arts & crafts show, enjoy live music & spin on a carnival ride.”

Glass Pumpkin Patch – Morton Arboretum

  • Exhibition: Wednesday and Thursday -10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:59 p.m.
      Browse the artwork and meet the artists.
  • Demonstrations:Wednesday through Friday – 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      Watch artists turn bits of glass into treasures.
  • Sale:Friday -1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      Let the shopping begin! Purchase your favorites—until they run out!
  • Shop hand-blown glass pumpkins and designs made exclusively for this annual event. Plus, meet the artists and watch demonstrations.

 

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

  • Downtown Highwood
  • October 11th – 13th
  • “The 10th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival returns this October 11-13, 2019 to once again attempt to break a world record of most pumpkins carved and lit at once and officially kick off Fall festival season with family. And IT’S OUR 10TH YEAR!The fest will host: all you can carve pumpkins with the opportunity to be a part of a record-breaking attempt, trick or treating, costume contests, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival rides, kids crafts, FOUR stages jam-packed with live music, food, and beverage vendors, a Superhero 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk and Make-A-Wish child that lost his battle with cancer in 2013 and much more. Join Highwood as it transforms into nightly grand pumpkin wall light displays coupled with community camaraderie, raising money to grant wishes for Make-A-Wish Illinois!”

Lake Geneva Oktoberfest

  • Downtown Lake Geneva
  • October 12th & 13th
  • “Join us at Lake Geneva’s Oktoberfest, celebrated in downtown Lake Geneva. We welcome back many of our favorites from the event – Brats, Cider Donuts, pony rides, bounce houses, our Oktoberfest beer tent, craft fair and FREE pumpkin giveaway!”

Sesame Street Live

  • October 11th – 13th
  • Rosemont Theatre

 

FRIDAY

 

 

10:30 AM: Miss Jamie from the Farm

  • Mariano’s Wheaton: 625 S. Main Street
  • “FREE 30 minute music show best suited for 3/4 year olds but 0-2 and 5-8 will have a great time, too! We meet in the cafe, usually, and snacks are occasionally provided. Space is limited, so please be mindful of carts and strollers.”

3:00 PM: Miss Jamie from the Farm

  • Mariano’s Skokie: 3358 West Toughy Ave
  • “FREE 30 minute music show best suited for 3/4 year olds but 0-2 and 5-8 will have a great time, too! We meet in the cafe, usually, and snacks are occasionally provided. Space is limited, so please be mindful of carts and strollers.”

4:00 PM: Freaky Fun Friday

  • Hidden Oaks Nature Center – Bolingbrook
  • “All ages welcome! Connect with nature by meeting exciting critters and searching for the beast that lives in the Hidden Oaks woods! Don’t miss the family-friendly crafts, activities, monster hunt, and s’mores around the fire. This is the perfect opportunity to take your Halloween costume for a test drive!”

5:30 PM: Halloween Hoot n’ Howl

  • Trailside Museum: 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest
  • Children 10 and under, and their parents, are invited to this FREE, fun event!
  • Activities will include: Live Music, Pumpkin Painting, Live Native Animals, Spooky Stories, Bonfire, S’mores & Hot Chocolate, Telescope Star Viewing, Night Safari Flashlight Hike, Animal Food Preparation,  Taxidermy, Boo Bingo, and Activities with Nature Cat from PBS Kids.

6:00 PM: Bloomingdale Park District Fall Fest

  • Circle Park: 163 Fairfield Way
  • “Gather family and friends and enjoy an evening full of fun, fall festivities 6 to 8 p.m., October 11 at Circle Park. The first 100 children ages 12 and under to pre-register receive a FREE giveaway the day of the event.”

6:00 PM: Peppa Pig Live

  • Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet

6:30 PM: Oak Brook Haunted Forest

  • Oak Brook Park District
  • 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
  • “Since 2003, the Oak Brook Park District has transformed the pathways of Central Park and led thousands of innocent spectators through the most haunted corners of Oak Brook. The Haunted Forest event will once again feature a spectacularly spooky 10,000+ square foot haunted maze along with several new festive features. Parental discretion is advised for thrill seekers under 10 as music, light, fog, strobe lights and creepy characters will all be in close proximity in the maze. For those looking for a lighter dose of Halloween hijinks, Haunted Forest also features a pumpkin patch, face painting, fireside storytelling, candy in the haystack, a craft corner, and tractor pulled hayrides. Concessions will be available onsite for purchase.”

 

SATURDAY

 

 9:00 AM: Be My Neighbor Day with Daniel Tiger

  • Join WTTW, The Fred Rogers Company, PNC Bank and the Garfield Park Conservatory in welcoming Daniel Tiger and his friend, Katerina Kittycat for Be My Neighbor Day! A fun filled FREE GRRR-ific event for kids and families to get out, meet Daniel and Katerina, and participate in hands-on activities to bring out the good neighbor in all of us. The special day focuses on the importance of neighborhoods, what children can learn from their community, and how basic values, like kindness and forgiveness can make a difference in life.
  • Garfield Park Conservatory

10:00 AM: Cantigny Fall Fest

  • Parade Field, 10 – 4
  • “Autumn is here! It’s time to celebrate Mother Nature’s most beautiful season.
    Celebrate at Cantigny with harvest-time fun for all ages!”

10:00 AM: Elmhurst Part District Fall Fest

  • Wild Meadows Trace Park: 351 E. Vallette Street
  • “Bring the family to Wild Meadows Trace for Safety Town trick-or-treating, inflatable corn maze obstacle course, inflatable circus train for the little ones, family photo opportunities, fall games, face painting, balloon twister, food trucks and more! This event is free to the public.”

10:00 AM: Elgin Fire Station #2 Open House

  • Park across the street at 777 Big Timer Road
  • “Enjoy a free family-friendly day of Fire Department demonstrations, Antique Fire Engine rides, refreshments, children’s games, and more throughout the day.”

10:00 AM & 10:45 AM: Chicago Sinfonietta Brass Trio at DCM

  • DuPage Children’s Museum
  • “Introduce children to the arts in a family-friendly setting with a Tiny Great Performance™ at the Museum! A Brass Trio ensemble, comprised of musicians from Chicago Sinfonietta, will perform for visitors. Enjoy 20-minute performances at 10:00 and 10:45 a.m.”

11:00 AM: Fall Festival at Palatine Stables

  • Palatine Stables: 1510 W. Northwest Hwy, Palatine
  • “Relish the autumn season at the annual Fall Festival at Palatine Stables in Palatine. Come on out for lots of fall family fun including pony rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides, scarecrow decorating, riding demonstrations, craft vendors and business fair booths, bounce houses, pumpkin sales, concessions, live entertainment, and more! While admission and parking are free, there are fees for some activities and items.”

11:00 AM: Barrington Scarecrow Festival

  • 200 S. Hough St., Barrington
  • FREE Family Fun for All Ages!
    * Pumpkin Decorating
    * Pony Rides & Scarecrow Building
    * Face painting & Balloon Sculpting
    * Fun by Bob the DJ & Family Games
  • **RAIN LOCATION AT HOUGH STREET SCHOOL**

11:00 AM: Princesses and Villains Halloween Party

  • Stratford Square Mall
  • Join the princesses and some villains for a Halloween Party hosted by Princess Fairy Tale Parties and Events.

12:00 PM: Harvest Fest at Fischer Farm

  • Fischer Farm: 16W680 Grand Ave, Bensenville
  • “Celebrate Fall at Fischer Farm! There will be inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, craft sale, pumpkin painting, hay rides, live entertainment, a beer garden, food, and much more!”

12:00 PM & 4:00 PM: Peppa Pig Live

  • Chicago Theatre

1:00 PM: How A Spider Spins It’s Web

  • Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, Schaumburg
  • “Spiders are very busy spinning their webs. Come join us while we enjoy a book, a short hike and a craft centered around our eight-legged friends. “

2:00 PM: Chicago Campfire Festival

  • Chase Park: 4701 N. Ashland Ave
  • “The fields of Chase Park transform into a whimsical early autumn spectacular adorned with real campfires, marshmallow roasting, professional ghost stories, live music, treats, eats and more. Bring blankets and picnic baskets for a night of wholesome fun and adventure.”

4:00 PM: Scarecrow Scramble 5K Run/Walk

  • Community Park: 1925 Ohio St, Lisle
  • “Go the distance for families in need! Register today and run or walk to help us provide recreation scholarships to low-income families who do not have the means to participate in recreation activities and the Lisle Teens with Character Program. This event is a USATF certified race winding through slightly hilly paths of Lisle Community Park lit gently by luminaria for safety. It is more than a race, it is a family event with concessions, hayrides, costume contest, face painting, bonfire and more!”

5:30 PM: Blackberry Farm Halloween Hayride

  • Blackberry Farm in Aurora
  • Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a Halloween Hayride and costume contest. Take a scenic hayride around Lake Gregory, enjoy family activities, and make s’mores at the campfire. This is a great program for families to enjoy together. Each person attending must be registered and children must be accompanied by an adult.

6:30 PM: Oak Brook Haunted Forest

  • Oak Brook Park District
  • 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
  • “Since 2003, the Oak Brook Park District has transformed the pathways of Central Park and led thousands of innocent spectators through the most haunted corners of Oak Brook. The Haunted Forest event will once again feature a spectacularly spooky 10,000+ square foot haunted maze along with several new festive features. Parental discretion is advised for thrill seekers under 10 as music, light, fog, strobe lights and creepy characters will all be in close proximity in the maze. For those looking for a lighter dose of Halloween hijinks, Haunted Forest also features a pumpkin patch, face painting, fireside storytelling, candy in the haystack, a craft corner, and tractor pulled hayrides. Concessions will be available onsite for purchase.”

7:00 PM: Batavia’s Haunted Quarry

  • Hall Quarry Beach: 400 S Water, Batavia
  • “The ghosts are coming out to play at the Quarry! Join us for a good scare. Evil lurks at the Quarry! Enter if you dare. Summer is over, the leaves are brown, and evil lurks, throughout this haunted town. The water has been drained, the guards have gone away, and the scary ghosts, have come out to play. If you’re up for a good scare, twisted and bloody, enter if you dare, escape if you’re lucky.
    *Not suitable for kids under 10 years”

 

SUNDAY

 

9:30 AM: DIY Decorative Pumpkins

  • Brewpoint Coffee Workshop and Roastery: 617 N York Rd, Elmhurst
  • “In this class your child will design their very own decorative pumpkin, personalized with their name!” (If you do not register in advance, your pumpkin will not be personalized.)

10:00 AM: Sukkot Family Activities

  • Chicago Botanic Garden
  • “Celebrate the Jewish harvest holiday Sukkot! Families are invited to help decorate the branch-covered sukkah, which will be on display at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden through the holiday week. These activities are provided by the JCC Chicago and North Shore Congregation Israel”

11:00 AM: Spooky Pooch Parade

  • Chicago Botanic Garden
  • “For two very special hours only, dogs are allowed in the Chicago Botanic Garden. Cleverly costumed canines march the parade route to celebrate Halloween. Spectators are invited to line the parade route for a barking good time. Note: Viewing the dog parade is free. If you are bringing a dog, however, you must purchase paid registration for your dog, whether or not you enter the parade and costume contest.”

11:00 AM: Fall Festival at Danada

  • Danada Equestrian Center: 3S507 Naperville Rd, Wheaton
  • “Join a celebration of the horse and the season at the Forest Preserve District’s biggest event of the year, Fall Festival at Danada on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy a parade of breeds, continuous equestrian performances, hayrides, pony rides, face painting, grooming demonstrations, displays, food and more. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free admission and parking; fees for some activities.”

12:00 PM: Beat Kitchen Concerts For Kids

  • Trolls Sing-A-Long
  • 2100 W. Belmont

12:00 PM: Elmhurst Fire Department Open House

  • 601 S. York Street, Elmhurst
  • “Join the Elmhurst Fire Department as we celebrate National Fire Prevention Week. Learn more about fire prevention and safety techniques through a series of educational demonstrations and activities.”

1:00 PM: Fall Foliage Kayak Tour

  • Busse Woods Main Pool Boat Launch, Elk Grove Village
  • “Want to view fall’s foliage from a new persective? Our relaxing, leaf peeping kayak tour is a fun way to enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn reflecting off the water.”
  • Minimum age to participate is 10

2:00 PM: Dusek’s Blocktoberfest

  • Thalia Hall: 1807 S. Allport St.
  • “Join us for our 5th Annual Blocktoberfest on Sunday, October 13! From 2pm until 11pm, we are celebrating Dusek’s anniversary and our community with a full day of local music, beer from Ballast Point: Chicago, STOLEN Spirits drinks, Topo Chico USA for non-drinkers. Bring the whole family to this FREE, family-friendly event.”

7:00 PM: Geometry of Light – Farnsworth House

  • Farnsworth House: 14520 River Road, Plano
  • “Geometry of Light will be a night installation and intervention on the land surrounding the iconic Farnsworth House, designed by Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1951. Since opening to the public in 2004, the house has been interpreted as the weekend home of Chicago research physician Dr. Edith Farnsworth, but the history of the site and remnants of earlier land use have not been revealed or interpreted. This outdoor intervention will reveal underlying geometries that relate the world-renowned house to its river floodplain site, topography, and key trees that no longer exist. In concert with the projected light and patterns, a custom-designed sound piece by Oriol Tarragó is integral to this experience. Developed in direct response to the site, this auditory component uses the pitch of the space to create a tonal reading. Together, these elements provide a new interpretation of the Farnsworth House and its extraordinary location.”
  • Saturday night has already sold out, purchase tickets before Sunday sells out as well!

 

MONDAY

 

9:00 AM: Adler Planetarium Free Days

  • October 14th – 16th Illinois Residents get in free!

10:00 AM: Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm

  • Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm: 4S041 Merrill Rd, Sugar Grove
  • “We’re typically closed on Monday’s. However, we will be hosting special holiday hours for our guests and their holiday weekend traditions/plans! Monday, October 14th- 10am-6pm!! Come out!!”

10:00 AM: Stade’s Shades of Autumn Fall Festival

  • Stade’s Farmtractions Theme Park is open for Columbus Day!

10:00 AM: Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

  • “For Wildlife. For All. For Fall! Dive into the wonderful world of autumn, from picking the perfect pumpkin to clambering up a hay mountain, with Lincoln Park Zoo’s fifth annual Fall Fest. This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals.”
  • Open on Columbus Day!

12:00 PM: Not So Scary Hayride

  • Dellwood Park, Lockport
  • “Come enjoy this fun Halloween hayride with the Lockport Township Park District! Perfect for kids who don’t like to be scared!”
    -Friendly characters
    -Hayrides and fun games
    -Facepainting
    -Music and more!
    -Costumes are encouraged
  • Tickets must be purchased in advance!

 


Fall family activities in Chicago

What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL October 4th – 6th 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?
Here are over 50 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

 

Fall family activities in Chicago

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

Major Ongoing Events:

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

  • FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27 AND
    MONDAY OCTOBER 14
    10 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

  • September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
  • “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
  • The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

  • Oswego
  • “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

  • “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
  • Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

  • Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
    16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
    Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

  • “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
  • During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
  • McHenry, IL

The Morton Arboretum Scarecrow Trail

  • Daily in October
  • Meadow Lake Trail
  • “Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow.”

Trick or Trees at The Morton Arboretum

  • October weekends: 11 AM – 4 PM in the Children’s Garden
  • “Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged.”

Morton Arboretum Walking Play

  • THE SHERLOCK SCANDAL – Revised Title
    October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27
    3:00 p.m. showtime*
    REVISED: A new time-period twisted take on the beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tales! Based on Scandal in Bohemia’ The Sherlock Scandal unfolds as a PR scandal arises when it is discovered that Holmes and Watson are not met. While they escape the public eye, they find themselves involved in solving a blackmail scandal with a notorious rock star and his pious fiance. With the help of Inspector Lestrade, they work the mystery and tell the tale of their own interesting past. Please note that this performance is for ages 10+. The performance includes mature content, mild violence and mentions of death. Hike is roughly one mile in distance.”

Pumpkin Fest Cosley Zoo

  • October 1st – 31st
  • Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
  • “Come out to Cosley Zoo this fall and enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out your pumpkin! Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales are all available for purchase. Children’s rides will also be available, weather permitting.”

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • October 3rd – November 3rd
  • Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am – 10 pm
  • Goose Island: 1265 West Le Moyne Street
  • “Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s only 100% outdoor fall experience with the city’s largest Corn Maze, 4 Full-Service Bars, Axe Throwing, Gypsy Caravans, Music, Carnival Games, Food Trucks and Fun Instagrammable moments.”

Pier Pumpkin Lights

  • October 1st – November 2nd
  • Navy Pier
  • “Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall.”

Moonlight Hayrides at Primrose Farm in St. Charles

  • October 4-5th, 11th-12th, 18th – 19th
  • “Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned farm fun by the light of the moon. Cruise around the fields of Primrose Farm at the height of the fall harvest on a 30 minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Gather ’round a bonfire for a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and hot cider.”

The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland

  • Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
  • Select Nights October 3rd – October 27th
  • “Taking place at Sensory Garden Playground, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow, will allow for family and friends to take a leisurely walk and marvel at thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins. As jack o’lanterns illuminate the park for an unforgettable evening, make sure to grab a few photos and some seasonal snacks. Don’t forget to check out our master carver’s as they demonstrate their artistry or to pick up a gourd at the pumpkin patch. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.”

Goebbert’s Fall Light Show

  • October 4th – November 3rd
  • Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch – Pingree Grove
  • “Experience the magic of more than 1.5 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at Goebbert’s Fall Light Show. You’ll encounter dazzling displays as you drive through our farm in the comfort of your own vehicle. The 1 mile route will impress and amaze you! We’ve created new structures, added new designs, switched up the music and extended the light show! When purchasing your tickets, the light show is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per vehicle.”

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

  • Date: Saturday, October 5th & Sunday, October 6th 2019
    Time: Saturday 9am – 6pm & Sunday 9am-6pm
    Location: Lincoln Ave between Lawrence & Eastwood
  • “Dozens of vendors participate in Apple Fest every year, selling everything from candy apples to scarves and hats. Pick up fresh apple pie, hot apple cider, or even a whole bushel of apples!  When you’re finished, bring your food to our Lawrence Avenue Music Stage to hear great local music while you eat. And parents won’t have all the fun!  Kids can play in our Leland Avenue Kids Zone, featuring child-focused activities throughout the day.  There’s something for everyone at Apple Fest!”

St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest

  • Friday, Oct 4: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday, Oct 5: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday, Oct 6: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • 2215 W. Irving Park Rd
  • “TRUE TO THE CUSTOMS OF THE BAVARIAN FESTIVAL, ST. BENEDICT’S OKTOBERFEST PROMISES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, WITH MUSIC, FOOD, BEVERAGES AND CARNIVAL RIDES AND GAMES!”

Naper Settlement’s Oktoberfest 

  • Friday, October 4th: 5 – 10 pm
  • Saturday, October 5th: 12 – 10 pm
  • “Experience Naper Settlement’s Oktoberfest like never before! Traditional cuisine and authentic beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music during the day and over-the-top rock on Saturday night. Enjoy new event features including: an expanded draft menu, professional pumpkin carver, Oktoberfest pinball, and laugh-out-loud competitions. Celebrate the 10th annual Oktoberfest and honor the 50th anniversary of the Naperville Heritage Society by grabbing your Alpine hat and lederhosen for the sights, smells, and sounds of Fall, German style!”
  • Children’s activities take place from 12 – 4 pm on Saturday only:
    • “Paint a canvas with Pinot’s Palette, break a board with PRO Martial Arts, enjoy vintage games with Naper Settlement, try your hand at arcade games with Chuck E. Cheese’s, and play sports with Players Indoor Sports Center!”

Autumn Fest Geneva

  • October 4th – 6th
  • Celebrate fall in Geneva with the local small businesses!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

  • September 28 – October 27, 2019
    Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 2 PM
  • Performances take place at The Station in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre: 100 S. Racine Ave
  • “Based on the beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Featuring the tales of Brown Bear, Brown BearThe Very Lonely FireflyTen Little Rubber Ducks, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this new show captures the magic of Carle’s world.”

Midnight Circus

  • Kosciuszko Park: 2732 North Avers Ave.
  • Saturday, October 5th at 2pm and 5pm
    Sunday, October 6th at 2pm and 5pm
  • “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

 

Chicago Magician, Edd Fairman, brings his family friendly magic show to the Otherworld Theater for two performances THIS Saturday!

Edd’s interactive family friendly magic show will have your kids up on their feet volunteering for the show or participating with the whole group!

This hilarious 45 minute comedy magic show is aimed at children 5 to 10 years old. It features lots of silly comedy and amazing magic that will keep even the most jaded adult entertained.

The show will open with Mr. Andy of Mr. Andy and the Shakers doing fun and funny sing along music!

FRIDAY

 

 

5:00 PM: First Friday’s Aurora

  • Downtown Aurora
  • “First Fridays is art, music, and more on October 4. Visit several venues open to the public for a night of art, food, and culture in downtown Aurora. Free!”

5:00 PM: Elgin Food Truck Festival

  • Festival Park
  • “Hey Foodies! We’re heading to Festival Park – in the heart of downtown Elgin, to bring you the Inaugural Elgin Food Truck Festival. Featuring 25+ of the area’s best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, beer garden and a vendor village featuring local businesses.”

8:00 PM: Moonlight Madness Mini Golf

  • Holes and Knolls in Glen Ellyn
  • “Golfers will putt along the darkened Holes & Knolls Mini Golf Course with only glow-in-the-dark golf balls and illuminated cups as a guide. Let the moonlight help you get that hole in one! Moonlight Madness is open to all ages, no registration required. Final entry onto the course is at 10:15 PM. $8 per golfer.”

 

 

SATURDAY

 

 

9:30 AM: South Elgin’s Fall Festival

  • Seba Park: 50 W. State Street
  • “It’s four hours of autumn fun at South Elgin’s beautiful SEBA Park (151 Water Street). Get South Elgin grown pumpkins. NEW THIS YEAR: Halloween Costume Pet Parade at Noon! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities: petting zoo, pyramid of hay, trolley ride, touch-a-truck, pumpkin carving/painting station and a book fair! And stop by the Fire Station between 10am-1pm for an Open House tour too!”

10:00 AM: Fire Open House

  • Darien – Woodridge Fire Protection District: 7550 Lyman Ave, Darien
  • “The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District and the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District are joining forces to kick off Fire Prevention Week with a Combined Open House on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Head to DWFD Station 89 for a full three hours of activities for the whole family. There will be a live burn, vehicle extrication, firefighter fashion show, and tons of fun for our junior firefighters, including giveaways, crafts, and a photo booth. Stay tuned to find out who our special guest will be! You won’t want to miss it!”

10:00 AM: Touch A Truck at the Avery Coonley School

  • The Avery Coonley School: 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove
  • “The Avery Coonley School invites you to bring the kids to touch, feel, and climb on a variety of trucks and vehicles! Free Kona Ice and lots of photo opportunities. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.”

10:00 AM: Fall Festival at Union Park

  • Union Park: 1501 W. Randolph
  • “Harvest Fest: You are invited to join us for a goblin good time while enjoying a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, games, arts and crafts, jumpy house, pictures and more! FREE ages 12 and under.”

10:00 AM: Fall Fest at Athletic Field

  • 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Athletic Field Park: 3546 W. Addison Street
  • Enjoy a day in the park jam packed with fun fall activities : Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Live Music, Food. Activity fees vary. $1.00 per ticket. Ticket sales end at 2:00pm.

11:00 AM: Juicebox Children’s Series

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Mr. Singer and Kerry Appleberry
  • “Mr. Singer leads Chicago’s most energetic band rocking all pre-Ks and early Graders who like to dance, laugh and rock-out! Along with his wife, the sparkling singer Kerry Appleberry, the dynamo drummer Marius Mustard and occasional special guests, the bigger-than-life performer brings clever original songs along with some fun punky favorites.”

11:00 AM: Applepalooza at Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens

  • 1801 S. Indiana Ave
  • “Join Women’s Park for our annual apple fest including, games, apple food court, hay rides, storytelling and more. The fee is $5 per child.”

11:30 AM: Meet Frankie the Dinosaur

  • Orland Square Mall
  • “He may be 9 ft. tall and 12 ft. long, but we promise Frankie is one friendly dinosaur! Brought to us by Animal Quest Inc., children and adults alike are invited to meet and take photos with Frankie!”

12:00 PM: Schaumburg’s Autumn Harvest Festival

  • Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin
  • “Step back in time more than 100 years and watch history come to life at Spring Valley’s largest and most popular event held at both Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin! The event features hands-on demonstrations of frontier-era and 1880s farm life including cider pressing, blacksmithing and fall planting. Other activities include children’s crafts, 19th century games and live music on two stages. Grilled food, taffy apples, cold beverages and other tasty fall treats will be available for purchase. Parking is available off Plum Grove Road across from Heritage Farm and the Nature Center on Schaumburg Road.”

12:30 PM: Make A Scarecrow in Joliet

  • Pilcher Park Nature Center
  • “The leaves are changing color, the temperature is cooling down. What says Autumn more than making a scarecrow with a background of beautiful fall colors? All supplies are included: stakes, clothes, accessories, heads and stuffing. Must pre-register for each scarecrow that will be made. No walk-ins.
  • $10 / scarecrow, ages 13 and under

1:00 & 3:00 PM: Family Magic Show Matinee with Ed Fairman

  • Otherworld Theatre
  • “This hilarious 45 minute comedy magic show is aimed at children 5 to 10 years old. It features lots of silly comedy and amazing magic that will keep even the most jaded adult entertained. The show will open with Mr. Andy of Mr. Andy and the Shakers doing fun and funny sing along music!”

1:00 PM: Parkway Bank Park Family Fall Fest

  • Rosemont
  • “Parkway Bank Park entertainment district will celebrate the fall season with the return of its annual “Family Fall Fest” Saturday, October 5 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The annual celebration will feature a variety of free activities for families to enjoy including pumpkin painting, balloon sculptors, face painting, petting zoo, bounce house and live music. All free activities will be available until 5 p.m.”

1:00 PM: Lombard Fall Fest

  • Lombard Park District
  • “Join us for this FREE event that has something for everyone. Families can enjoy games, dancing, hayrides, face painting, a candy hunt and so much more! Join us inside the Community Building from 2:00 – 3:00 pm for a round of Boo Bingo. Stop by our pumpkin patch and select the perfect pumpkin (one pumpkin per child) to take home or decorate in our pumpkin decorating contest. Puppy parade at 2:00 PM.”

2:00 PM: Wheaton Oktoberfest

  • Join us for a fall celebration featuring live music, a beer garden, children’s area, and a variety of food vendors.
  • Wesley Street between Main and across in downtown Wheaton

3:00 PM: Lemont Park District Fall Fest

  • Centennial Park, Lemont
  • “This FREE event will feature LIVE music from Whiskey & Harmony, acoustic set, a scarecrow building contest, kids zone, amazing kiddie straw maze, snacks, hayrides and more!”

6:30 PM: Mother / Son Superhero Night

  • Ranch View School in Naperville
  • “Moms and sons are invited to a Superhero Night featuring treats and a disc jockey playing all your favorite tunes. Each couple receives a commemorative photo of this extraordinary night. Couples are encouraged to dress in superhero attire. Please register both mom and son”

6:30 PM: Stargazing at Lake Katherine

  • Lake Katherine Nature Center; Palos Heights
  • “Our free family astronomy events are back for 2019! Featuring guest astronomer, Joseph Mayer, of the Chicago Astronomical Society. Outdoor viewing with telescopes (provided) will take place in our Anniversary Garden area. Join Joe to see the various planets and first phase of the moon. No preregistration necessary.”

7:00 PM: Haunted Trail Walk

  • Northcroft Park, Lake Forest
  • “Prepare to be spooked on a self-guided walk through the haunted forest from Northcroft Park to Stirling Hall. Creepy creatures, spooky sounds, or scary sights will be lurking behind every corner. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you dare. After your adventure, join the bonfire at Stirling Hall with hot apple cider and s’mores. A shuttle will be provided from Stirling Hall back to Northcroft Park. Shuttle ends at 9 pm. Ages 12+. This event is free, but registration is encouraged. Use code 10350106 at www.LFParksandRec.com. “

7:00 PM: Creature Double Feature

  • The Museums at Lisle Station Park: 921 School Street
  • “Join us at The Museums at Lisle Station Park while we show a creature double feature outside on the big screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. All Ages Welcome! This is a FREE Event!
  • BEETLEJUICE begins at 7:00pm 
 GHOSTBUSTERS begins at 8:30pm

SUNDAY

 

 

8:00 AM: Joliet Airport Festival

  • Joliet Regional Airport
  • “Join us for some delicious pancakes, classic car show, airplane/helicopter rides and much more! Bounce House, Face Painter, and Pedal Planes for the Kids
  • This is a FREE Admission and Free Parking event.”– Pancake Breakfast | 8 – 10:30am | $7 adults/ $5 kids under 12
    – Classic Car Show | $10 entry fee per car, trophies awarded . (Sponsored by Coachmen Car Club)
    – Airplane Rides $30 per person
    – Helicopter Rides $35 per person
    – WWII Warbird Rides $275 (15min) per person, $450 (30min) per person. Reserve your ride by calling John at vintageaircraftrides@gmail.com

9:00 AM: Annual Fox Fall Fest

  • Downtown Oswego
  • “This fun family event returns to downtown Oswego on October 6th with crafters, food trucks, music, Glowby the bubble guy, Top Notch Chainsaw Carving, games for kids, scarecrow building contest and more. Come out to shop the stores, shop the vendors and have great family fun.”

12:00 PM: GiGi Fest

  • Gigi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates: 2350 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates
  • “We can’t wait to celebrate this year’s “Sweet Sixteen” at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates! Bring your friends, family, cowboy hats and boots, because we have something AMAZING happening this year. We are proud to announce that GiGi’s favorite country Singer, John Paul Von Arx, will be recording the music video for his song “He’s Different” written for his brother Sam, who has Down syndrome, at this year’s GiGi Fest! Join us and be a part of this AWESOME opportunity to be a part of it. You can also experience everything that makes GiGi Fest great – our annual Red Carpet Calendar Walk, yummy food, and lots of fun for everyone including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses, and more! This family-friendly event is FREE to attend!”

1:00 PM: Pumpkin Palooza Campfire – Skokie

  • Emily Oaks Nature Center
  • “Follow the exciting journey of a pumpkin seed, and discover the hidden secrets of this favorite fall food, while enjoying the warmth of a campfire. Pumpkins take center stage as we explore the parts of a pumpkin, play autumn pumpkin games, make a pumpkin craft, and prepare a delicious pumpkin treat to eat! This program will be held indoors in case of inclement weather. For families with children ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pre-registration required, but gate registration may be available if the program does not fill.”

2:00 PM & 6:00 PM: Chicago Pizza Summit

  • Session 1: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.Session 2: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m
  • Theater On The Lake: 2401 Lakeshore Drive
  • “Chicago’s favorite pizza institutions and cooks from around the city will gather to present their take on this now beloved Windy City classic. Some participants will serve it up by the slice while others will present their unique twist and showcase different types of pizza-inspired cuisine, such as past popular offerings like the Pizza Shot and Pizza in a Bag.”

4:00 PM: Blue Man Group’s Autism Friendly Performance

  • Briar Street Theatre
  • “The critically hailed Blue Man Group announces its sixth annual autism-friendly performance in Chicago Sunday, October 6 at 4 p.m. Slight modifications will be made to the Blue Man Group performance at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted) in order to create a sensory-friendly show that better accommodates individuals and families affected by autism.”

6:00 PM & 8:00 PM: Ghost Stories In The Park

  • 500 W. Jackson Street, Naperville
  • “A Naperville tradition! A night of fun for audiences of all ages! A group of story tellers delight the audience with chilling and thrilling ghost stories; some old, some original from the story tellers. Then we enjoy hot cider and cold ‘ectoplasm’ punch and a cookie to end the festive evening.”

What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL September 27th – 29th, 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?
Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

Major Weekend Long Events:

 

Monster Jam

  • Rosemont, IL at the Allstate Arena
  • September 27th – 29th
  • “The hottest show on wheels returns with its trademark combo of races and stunts, pitting the best drivers in the biggest monster trucks against one another for a shot at the Monster Jam World Finals, a monster of a good time for the whole family.”

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

  • September 28th, 1pm – midnight & the 29th, 1 – 8 pm.
  • “Free two-day festival featuring the finest in local jazz and national and international jazz artists; diverse performance venues; outdoor dance floor; food/beverage vendors and picnic areas; artisan vendors; and family friendly programming.”

Google Presents: Wonderful Weekends Chicago

  • September 27th – 29th; 10 am – 8 pm
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • “Join us for a festival filled with free food, live music, and local prizes from a giant gumball machine!”

St. Al’s Okoberfest

  • September 27th – 29th
  • Friday: 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 11am-10pm; Sunday: 11am-7pm
  • St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church
  • “Bring on autumn and pull out the lederhosen! One of Chicago’s most popular celebrations of fall and all things Bavarian — Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus — returns for its 18th year of seasonal revelry. It takes place both in and outside the iconic church located in Chicago’s West Lakeview neighborhood. Another highlight (in addition to beer, brats, pretzels, and pop and Bavarian music acts on two stages) is Saturday & Sunday afternoon’s “Kinderfest” featuring games and other activities for youngsters and families.”

West Town Art Walk

  • September 27th & 28th
  • Friday / 5pm – 8pm | Saturday / 12pm – 8pm
  • Located on Chicago Avenue between Milwaukee and Western: 1819 W. Chicago Ave
  • “During this Friday & Saturday event, attendees can enjoy experiences from Chicago artists all showcased within West Town’s shops, businesses, restaurants, and bars.”

Batavia Oktoberfest

  • September 27th – 29th
  • N. River Street between Wilson Street and Spring Street
  • “Join us as we present a traditional Oktoberfest event in our beautiful river community which will feature authentic German food, music, entertainment and of course, beer! Sunday will be full of fun for the entire family including pony rides, wiener dog races, tent activities, games and kid focused entertainment on stage.”

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

  • FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27 AND
    MONDAY OCTOBER 14
    10 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

  • September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
  • “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
  • The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

  • Oswego
  • “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

  • “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
  • Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

  • Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
    16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
    Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

  • “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
  • During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
  • McHenry, IL

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

  • September 28 – October 27, 2019
    Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 2 PM
  • Performances take place at The Station in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre: 100 S. Racine Ave
  • “Based on the beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Featuring the tales of Brown Bear, Brown BearThe Very Lonely FireflyTen Little Rubber Ducks, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this new show captures the magic of Carle’s world.”

Midnight Circus

  • Ridge Park: 1817 W. 96th Street
  • Saturday, September 28th at 2pm and 5pm
    Sunday, September 29th at 2pm and 5pm
  • “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

World Music Festival Chicago

  • September 13th – 29th
  • Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St.
  • Enjoy the music city wide at multiple locations, check the full event schedule for more details!

Lego Ninjago Days at Legoland Discovery Center

  • August 3rd – September 30th
  • “Calling all ninjas in training: Master Wu is ready to challenge you with an EPIC mission! LEGO NINJAGO® has been summoned to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago! Unleash your Ninja building powers to complete Master Wu’s challenges with exclusive building activities, mega mini movie creations and practicing your ninja moves with your favorite NINJAGO characters to become a ‘Master of Spinjitzu’! Are you pumped for the challenge?”

Bixbee Imagination Station Pop-UP

  • Mon to Thur, Sat & Sun (10am – 5pm), Fri (10am – 7pm)
  • Tickets: Adult $23, Kid (3-11 years old) $15, Children 2 and under are FREE
  • “Come discover a world every kid (and kid-at-heart) wished truly existed. Enter an un-charted playground where you can ride a polka-dotted elephant and spot cheeky, technicolor monkeys. Ignite a brilliant light show with just the beat of a drum. Ride a mythical unicorn blazing across a disco rainbow sky. See human connectivity come to life like an electric spirograph. Share secrets with your bestie via flower blossoms. Explore outer space with a surfing, taco loving dinosaur, and take a selfie inside a ferociously, friendly shark!”
  • In Chicago through September only!
  • 915 W. North Ave.

 

FRIDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Adler Planetarium Free Day

  • “Countless galaxies, unfathomable distances, exploding stars, diamond planets, black holes, there’s no way around it, space is freaking awesome! Come learn more at the Adler Planetarium during our Illinois Resident Discount Days—where Illinois residents receive FREE Musem Entry to the museum. Museum Entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences (excluding the historic Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows.*)”

11:00 AM: Acorn Express Adventure

  • “Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! We’ll seek out fun destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore new topics each week.”

 

SATURDAY

 

 

8:00 AM: Special Olympics Illinois Plane Pull

  • United Airlines Cargo Facility, O’Hare Airport. Located off of Irving Park Road
  • “The Plane Pull features the ultimate tug-of-war competition, as teams of up to 20 battle a UPS Airbus A300 or United Airlines 737, weighing more than 180,000 lbs.  That is right, the plane weights nearly 90 tons!
  • This year’s event will feature live music by the Cover Story Band. Also, be sure to stop by and enjoy our interactive play area for kids, provided by the WTTW Kids BIG IDEA Traveling Lab performance and BDI Playhouse Therapy. Chicago Police and Fire will also host a public safety display featuring SWAT vehicles and Fire Trucks. United Air- lines will also be on site with a variety of games, raffles, and photo booth!”

9:00 AM: Wannemakers Annual Fall Fest

  • Wannemaker’s Home & Garden: 1940 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove
  • “Join us for a day of fall fun! We’ll paint pumpkins, find our way through the straw maze, and build your own scarecrow. ( Bring your old clothes to stuff with straw). Spring flowering bulbs are now in stock too. Choose from hundreds of varieties to find the best blooms for you. And don’t forget: we have everything you need to decorate for the fall season with mums, pansies, pumpkins, straw bales, decorative planters, kale, and cabbage.”

10:00 AM: Algonquin Kite Festival

  • Spella Park: 2610 Harnish Drive
  • “Join Algonquin Recreation and the Algonquin Library for the first Annual Kite Festival with Chicago Kite! Bring the whole family out for a fun afternoon watching professional stunt kite flyers, giant size kites and bring your own kite to fly in the participant flying area. The first 200 kids will receive a free paper kite to decorate and fly. Kites will also available on site to purchase from Chicago Kite.”

10:00 AM: Cornucopia Fall Fest

  • Eugene Field Park, Chicago
  • “Cornucopia has pony rides and a petting zoo, food trucks, face painting, music, bounce houses, balloon artists and more. This event is a staple for families and children in our neighborhood. It brings the community together so we can see each other, make new friends and network with our neighbors.”

10:00 AM: Bubble Festival & Worldwide Day of Play

  • Discovery Center Museum, Rockford
  • “Two amazing events packed into one day! Bubble-celebrity Geoffrey Akins-Hannah is back with buckets of sudsy science fun! His live performances are sure to bring smiles. After the show, pop into the Bubble-Palooza Playground to devise your own brilliant bubbly tricks as you test your soapy skills with bubble art, math, and science activities for the whole family. Don’t forget to celebrate Worldwide Day of Play with outdoor park activities designed to get you off the couch and unplugged in the name of play!”

10:00 AM: Kolcraft Baby Day

  • 1100 W. Monroe Street
  • “A FREE event for Chicago area families and expectant families, Kolcraft Baby Day promises a morning filled with exciting games for children from 0-10 years, food, and prizes . Additionally,  Chicago Police Department will be on site to offer free car seat checks. Join us for incredible baby product discounts, fun activities and take a photo in the World’s Largest Stroller!”

10:00 AM: Family Day at Big Run Wolf Ranch

  • 14857 Farrell Rd, Lockport
  • “Yoki and Montana are Growing!
    Featuring 8 Beautiful Wolves, Siberian Tiger,
    Black Bear, Cougar, Skunk, Donkey and More!
    10:00 am—4:00 pm Admission $7.00″

11:00 AM: Galena Fall Harvest Festival

  • Galena Cellars Vineyard: 4746 N. Ford Rd.
  • “Join us as we celebrate the 2019 Harvest at Galena Cellars! Our 10th annual event will take place at the Vineyard Saturday, September 28th. The day will be filled with family friendly activities—a grape stomp, live music by The Fever River String Band, pumpkin and face painting for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, local artists wares and amazing food — spanning from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.”

12:00 PM: Homewood’s Block Party

  • Martin Avenue between Ridge Road and Hickory Road, Homewood
  • “Homewood’s favorite fall time festival features live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown, games, craft vendors, a pumpkin patch children’s crafts, and scrumptious cuisine prepared by local eateries. The event is located on tree-lined Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road. Art and craft vendors join the event, so come out for fun and crafts!”

1:00 PM: Fall Apple Pie Off

  • Oak Park Public Library. Veterans Room on the 2nd floor.
  • Bakers should arrive at 1 pm with their pies. Doors open to the public at 1:45 for tasting while supplies last.

2:00 PM: Amazing Adamz Magic Show

  • Morton Grove Public Library – Baxter Room
  • A magical and interactive show the entire family will enjoy.
  • Please leave strollers at home / car

3:00 PM: Bolingbrook Fall Fest

  • Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex
  • FREE family fun! Join us for the third annual “Fall Fest – An Explosion of Color,” at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 S. Lindsey Ln). There’s something for everyone. Live music, games, food, and fireworks!

6:30 PM: Movie In The Moonlight: Toy Story 4

  • Moraine Valley Community College: 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Gateway between buildings F and M
  • Rain location: Inside building M
  • Free popcorn but you may bring your own food or purchase snacks from the concession.

7:00 PM: Drive-In Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

  • Centennial Park: 16028 W. 127th Street, Lemont
  • “We will be showing “Ferris Buellers Day on the big, inflated movie screen! Park your car, open up the tailgate, have some snacks & enjoy the evening with friends, family & neighbors. $5 per car (cash only). Parking lot opens at 6:30pm. Movie begins about 7:15pm.”

 

SUNDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Apple Cider Mini Donut Truck

  • Buikema’s Ace Hardware, Wheaton
  • “WHEATON! It’s our favorite time of year and we can’t wait to to take it all in with our favorite fans!!! Come see us for CIDER DONUTS and our FAMOUS FROZEN APPLE CIDER on Sunday, 9/29 from 9am-1pm at Buikema’s Ace Hardware on Main Street!! You don’t want to miss our from scratch apple cider mini donuts, made in seconds while you watch.”

10:00 AM: Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn Fall Fun Fest

  • 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn
  • “The theme of this year’s fall fest is outer space. The museum has a fall cornucopia of activities and games planned for the kiddos, including photo ops with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, free train rides, face painting (for a fee), a bouncy house, bike raffle, science booths, and touch a police car and fire truck. Free pumpkins will given away for the first 650 children.”

10:00 AM: Barkapalooza

  • Lisle Community Park
  • Enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and games while raising money to help the animals. Collect pledges in advance, bring your dog, and join the walk!

11:00 AM: Oak Park Conservatory Fall Fest

  • “Join us to celebrate Fall Fest at the Oak Park Conservatory and Rehm Park. This event is FREE – No Registration Required. Hayrides pulled by the PDOP tractors, pictures on the small PDOP tractor, pumpkin patch with a free pumpkin, Rehm Train Rides, food vendors, rides, amusements, a DJ and games.”

12:00 PM: World Dumpling Fest

  • Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier
  • 12 – 7 pm
  • “Join the Chicago Cultural Alliance to celebrate and experience diverse cultures throughout Chicago and the world through performance, art, and DUMPLINGS! Dumplings are served from neighborhood-based ethnic restaurants in and around Chicago including Big Wang’s Food Truck, Bombay Wraps, Himmel’s, Kizin Creole Restaurant, Nellie’s Restaurant, Shokolad Pastry & Cafe, Sinha Elegant Brazilian Cuisine & Catering, SUBO Filipino Kitchen, La Cebollita Grill, Tata’s Pierogi, Bettie Lou’s Restaurant, Herb Himalayan Restaurant, Aunty Joy’s Jamaican Kitchen, & Grand Mongolian Hot Pot. This event is in collaboration with World Music Festival.”

2:00 PM: GreenMan Theatre: The Power of Children

  • This Sundays performance will be of Miep Gies
  • Performances are 30 min long and then they taken questions from the audience
  • Elmhurst History Museum: 120 E. Park Ave

 

Don’t forget about the Farmers Markets!


What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL September 20th – 22nd, 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?
Here are over 50 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

Major ongoing events this weekend:

 

World Music Festival Chicago

  • September 13th – 29th
  • Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St.
  • Enjoy the music city wide at multiple locations, check the full event schedule for more details!

Lego Ninjago Days at Legoland Discovery Center

  • August 3rd – September 30th
  • “Calling all ninjas in training: Master Wu is ready to challenge you with an EPIC mission! LEGO NINJAGO® has been summoned to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago! Unleash your Ninja building powers to complete Master Wu’s challenges with exclusive building activities, mega mini movie creations and practicing your ninja moves with your favorite NINJAGO characters to become a ‘Master of Spinjitzu’! Are you pumped for the challenge?”

Bixbee Imagination Station Pop-UP

  • Mon to Thur, Sat & Sun (10am – 5pm), Fri (10am – 7pm)
  • Tickets: Adult $23, Kid (3-11 years old) $15, Children 2 and under are FREE
  • “Come discover a world every kid (and kid-at-heart) wished truly existed. Enter an un-charted playground where you can ride a polka-dotted elephant and spot cheeky, technicolor monkeys. Ignite a brilliant light show with just the beat of a drum. Ride a mythical unicorn blazing across a disco rainbow sky. See human connectivity come to life like an electric spirograph. Share secrets with your bestie via flower blossoms. Explore outer space with a surfing, taco loving dinosaur, and take a selfie inside a ferociously, friendly shark!”
  • In Chicago through September only!
  • 915 W. North Ave.

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

  • September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
  • “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
  • The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

  • Oswego
  • “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

  • “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
  • Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

  • Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
    16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
    Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

  • “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
  • During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
  • McHenry, IL

Midnight Circus

  • Lakeshore Park: 808 N. Lake Shore Drive
  • Friday, September 20 at 7pm
    Saturday, September 21 at 2pm and 5pm
    Sunday, September 22 at 2pm and 5pm
  • “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

Lakeview Taco Fest

  • Saturday, September 21 – Sunday, September 22: 11 am – 10 pm
  • On Southport between Addison and Roscoe
  • “The glorious taco is again in the spotlight as the tortilla-wrapped fave is celebrated at this annual food and music happening. Back for its seventh flavor-filled year in 2019, it’s also a celebration of seasonal beers as well as the start of autumn. The fest also features special beer and taco pairings, two music stages, crowd-pleasing Mexican wrestlers, activities for kids, and visitors can text vote for Chicago’s ‘Best Taco.'”

Japanese Matsuri Festival

  • NewCity: 1457 N. Halsted St.
  • Friday 09/20 03:00 PM – 08:00 PM
    Saturday 09/21 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM
    Sunday 09/22 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
  • “Enjoy the kickoff of our annual Japanese summer festival in the heart of Chicago where you can experience authentic Japanese festival foods, cultural performances of Taiko drumming, Shodo/large scale calligraphy, Traditional Martial Arts, Sumi-e ink painting, Cosplay Contests and so much more! Interactive Japanese cultural booths will be throughout the festival featuring origami, games, arts, fashion, handwritten calligraphy requests, photo booths, and beyond!”

Celebrate the Friends 25th Anniversary in Chicago!

  • The iconic couch will be arriving at Maggie Daley Park on September 21st, and the Willis Tower Observation Deck, Sept 20th – 22nd
  • 12 top episodes will be playing at theatres across the Chicagoland area on Sept 23rd. Look for your participating theatre here.

Palos Park’s Autumn In The Park Festival

  • Friday, September 20/ 6:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m
    Saturday, September 21/ 11:30 a.m – 11:00 p.m
  • 8901 W. 123rd Street, Palos Park
  • 11:00 a.m. – Parade Along 123rd Street, 82nd Avenue to 90th Avenue
  • Join us for live music, food, beer, wine, & spirits at our annual Autumn In The Park Festival!

Long Grove Apple Fest

  • September 20th – 22nd
  • Downtown Long Grove – Stempel Parking Lot, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove
  • Friday, September 20: 12pm- 11pm
    Saturday, September 21: 10am – 11pm
    Sunday, September 22: 10am – 6pm
  •  “For the 2019 edition, Apple Fest finds itself in a spacious new location smack center in town for its famous mix of high energy fall fun and apple-inspired eats. This signature Long Grove festival includes lots of apple delicacies, everything from fresh apple cider donuts to green apple cotton candy, live music on two stages, and the Kids Zone providing classic entertainment choices like apple pie-eating contests and timeless games.”

Oaktoberfest

  • September 20 & 21; Friday 4-10pm & Saturday Noon-10pm
  • Marion St. and North Boulevard in Downtown Oak Park
  • “Celebrate the changing seasons at Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park. Enjoy a premier music line up, delicious fall foods from local restaurants, specialty craft beers, and a Kids’ Root Beer Garden. The Kids’ Root Beer Garden from 12-5PM Saturday on Marion Street offers kids the chance to participate in artistic, educational and hands-on activities.The Root Beer Garden features zucchini races, ninja obstacle course, root beer floats, games and activities sponsored by local organizations!”

Fall On The Farm at Lambs Farm

  • September 21st – 22nd
  • “This family-friendly event has something for everyone. Guests can explore the Farmyard & Attractions, partake in crafts, browse the Community Tent Sale, go for a spin in the barrel train ride (courtesy of Lake County Farm Heritage Association) and enjoy food, music and entertainment.
    We will have also plenty of fun fall activities including Decorate a Cookie, Craft Kits, Activity Sheets, Bounce House, Touch a Tractor, Cow Milking Game, Pumpkin Painting, Sand Art, Eye Ball Bounce Game, Poop Shoot, Pumpkin Bowling, Face Painting & Tattoos!”

Midwest Wizard of Oz Fest

  • SATURDAY, SEPT. 21st (10am – 6pm) & SUNDAY, SEPT. 22nd (10am – 5pm)
  • Odyssey Fun Farm in Tinley Park
  • “The Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival has been a long standing tradition that originated in Chesterton, Indiana. The festival began in 1982 when Wizard of Oz store owner, Jean Nelson, came up with the idea to create an Oz-themed festival to pick up the spirits of Chesterton’s citizens. Since then it has grown to be one of the biggest festivals in the nation that produced crowds of about 30,000 people each year. This year, for the first time ever, the Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival has been moved to the Chicago land area in Tinley Park, Illinois.”

Passport Europe Festival

  • 10 am – 3 pm
  • The Morton Arboretum
  • “Join us for a trip around Europe with our Passport Europe Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 2019. Treat your senses to live music ranging from Spanish flamenco to Polish polkas and Italian jazz! Marvel at dances from Ireland, Germany, and Greece and more. Try your hand at hurling, an Irish sport. Enjoy authentic European cuisine. And take a hike to explore our European tree and plant collections.”

Arboretum of South Barrington Art Festival

  • Saturday & Sunday; 10 am – 5 pm
  • Right in front of the movie theatre
  • “Live music and great food add to the experience of this outdoor festival. Fun art activities for kids make Arboretum Art Festival a destination for art enthusiasts of all ages!”

Andersonville Arts Week + Fest

  • September 19th – 22nd
  • “There’s something special to see or experience for everyone at Andersonville Arts Week + Fest! On the Self-Guided Art Walk, explore the neighborhood’s unique shops and restaurants and see how they have transformed into galleries. Bring a group of friends to the Night of 100 Parties on Friday, September 20 and be sure to check in at the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce / Arts Week Headquarters tent to pick up a FREE pedicab ride around the district! Then, join us on the weekend for the first Andersonville Arts Fest on Clark Street between Winona and Argyle Streets produced by Amdur Productions. Whatever art brings you here, we hope you are inspired to visit Andersonville time and time again.”

Huntley Fall Fest

  • Friday, Sept. 20: 5pm – 11pm
    Saturday, Sept. 21 10am – 11pm
    Sunday, Sept. 22: 11am – 7pm
  • Deicke Park and Huntley Park District complex
  • “The 2019 Huntley Fall Fest features three days of entertainment, a beer garden, food vendors, a full carnival midway, plenty of fall activities, and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night! It’s the can’t miss event of the year!”

End of Summer Carnival Bolingbrook

  • Bolingbrook Village Hall: 375 W. Briarcliff Rd
  • Friday: 6pm-10pm
    Saturday: 1pm-10pm
    Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest

  • Friday: 6 pm – 11pm
  • Saturday: 3 pm – 11pm
  • “Enjoy traditional German food, games and activities, and music at the 4th Annual Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest! This year’s Saturday Oktoberfest Celebration will commence directly after the Hometown Parade. Featured children’s games and activities from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. will include inflatables, bushel basket toss game, a balloon artist, a glitter-tattoo artist, face painting, a relay race, and a Pumpkin pass contest.”

Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair

  • Sat & Sun 10 am – 5 pm
  • “The Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is held on Main Street and Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville, along the Riverwalk, in the center of a sophisticated, art conscious community. The public is invited to experience an explosion of artwork from some of the country’s best artists.”

 

 

FRIDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Adler Planetarium Free Day

  • “Countless galaxies, unfathomable distances, exploding stars, diamond planets, black holes, there’s no way around it, space is freaking awesome! Come learn more at the Adler Planetarium during our Illinois Resident Discount Days—where Illinois residents receive FREE Musem Entry to the museum. Museum Entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences (excluding the historic Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows.*)”

11:00 AM: Acorn Express Adventure

  • “Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! We’ll seek out fun destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore new topics each week.”

3:30 PM: End of Summer at Centennial Plaza Addison

  • 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
  • “Tons of fun activities for families and children as well as giveaways!”

5:00 PM: Norwood Park Fall Fest

  • 6008 N. Northwest Highway
  • “On September 20th from 5pm-10pm & 21st 12pm to 10pm, the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce welcomes families to their largest fundraising event, Fall Fest, for a weekend of delicious food, live entertainment, fun activities, and local business shopping. Food trucks from the Chicagoland area and quality beer are staples. There are at least 35 merchandise booths offering both local goods and services, and a children’s area with inflatable bounce houses and slides, performances, an Facepainting, live entertainment, games, and activities.”

6:30 PM: Family Yoga

  • Dupage Children’s Museum
  • “Family Yoga brings mindfulness to the Museum engaging children (and their adults) in joyful movement that supports social & emotional skills. Stretch body AND mind with a trip to DCM! This drop-in program is led by Tiffany King, certified yoga instructor.”

6:30 PM: Family Karaoke Bonfire

  • Pav YMCA: 2947 S. Oak Park Ave., Berwyn
  • “Join us around a bonfire while we sing and eat some s’mores!
    Bring the whole family and have some fun!”

7:00 PM: Folk Songs & S’mores Campfire

  • Emily Oaks Nature Center, Skokie
  • “Join us for an evening of singing, clapping and strumming around the campfire! Follow along on song sheets as we sing lively and traditional folk songs and then make s’mores. Rain date: Saturday, 9/21.”
  • Preregistration requested but gate registration possible if event isn’t full.

 

SATURDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Brookfield Fine Arts Festival

  • Brookfield Kiwanis Park
  • 9 am – 4 pm
  • “The Brookfield Fine Arts Festival is an annual art show featuring painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, crafts, jewelry, live music and more.”

9:30 AM: Touch A Truck – Skokie

  • Oakton Community Center Parking Lot: 4701 Oakton St.
  • “This is your chance to see the big rigs up close! Featuring many different trucks from the community, including our very own Skokie Park District. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.”

10:00 AM: September Play Day at Sensory Garden Playground

  • “We had so much fun at our summer Play Days, we couldn’t resist having one more! Stop by for face painting, free play, games, a training session by Canine Companions for Independence from 10-11A and goody bags for the first 100 families by Kidlist.”
  • 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle

10:00 AM: Konow’s Corn Maze Fall Fest / Opening Day

10:00 AM & 12:30 PM: Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

  • “Roberts’ concert “BE YOUR OWN BAND” will show kids how to make their own music and showcase his own compositions that “see the world through a child’s eyes.” Join us for some unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids! The 60-minute concert will include an ample serving of Roberts’s fun, interactive, and highly sophisticated songs, performed with his five-piece band accompanying him on bass, drums, electric guitar, trumpet, melodica, keyboard, acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica and more.”

10:00 AM & 10:45 AM: Evan And Vanessa at Dupage Childrens Museum

  • 301 N Washington Street, Naperville
  • “Evan and Vanessa will bring their bilingual, interactive music performance to DCM. Evan and Vanessa are a bilingual Louisville based children’s band with a background in Montessori education methods, and were recently named one of the “Best New Latin Kid’s Music Groups” by Billboard.com!”

11:00 AM: Autumn Fair at Peck Farm Park

  • Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road Geneva
  • 11 am – 3 pm
  • “Join us at Peck Farm Park to celebrate autumn with pony rides, a petting zoo, hayrides, crafts, games, a birds of prey presentation, and more!
    Climb to the top of the silo and enjoy the view across the prairie, play at Hawks Hollow Nature Playground, visit the Butterfly House, and test your luck at winning a variety of prizes in the Basket Raffle.
    Proceeds benefit the special projects of the Geneva Park District Foundation.
    Admission to Autumn Fair is FREE, however some activities require a small fee.”

11:00 AM: YAS! Fest – Youth Arts Showcase

  • Millenium Park
  • 11 am – 6 pm
  • Explore youth arts programs from across the city and enjoy a showcase of hundreds of outstanding young Chicago artists. YAS! Fest — the Youth Arts Showcase — is Chicago’s largest celebration of young artists and youth arts organizations, featuring the creative work of musicians, actors and dancers, artists and more throughout Millennium Park.

11:00 AM: Anderson’s Pets-a-Palooza Festival

  • FREE FESTIVAL
    FOCUSED ON FURRY FRIENDS
    AND ALL THINGS FUN
    FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM!
  • What to expect:
    – Stunt dog show performed by the Canine Stars!! Three performances (11:30a/1:30p/3:30p) complete with a 20′ x 40′ ball pit for tricks!- Food trucks offering foods that will tantalize your tastebuds!

    – Pet Adoption Tent, Doggy Diner, Dog Lure Course, Kid Zone, 100+ Vendors for pets and their people, and so much more!!!

    – Pet Contests that include Best Dog Trick and Best Pet Costume!!

11:00 AM: Moms4Moms Vendor Fair

  • Spring Lake Park, Aurora
  • Join us for another Moms4Moms vendor Fair Saturday September 21st from 11-3. Browse booths from local women owned small businesses. Shop til you drop while sampling edibles and visiting the entertainment vendor booths. There will be a playground and kids craft tent available!”

12:00 PM: Highland Park Oktoberfest

  • Noon – 10 pm
  • 2nd Street from Beelow’s to Central
  • “Join us for our 1st Annual Oktoberfest in Highland Park. Help us ring in autumn and celebrate fall. This year’s event will take place on 2nd Street from Beelow’s to Central. The weekend excitement to include beer, specialty Oktoberfest cocktails, brats, pretzels and great music acts on our stage along with activities for youngsters and families.”

12:00 PM: Horsin Around: Fall Colors

  • Danada Equestrian Center
  • “Join the family-friendly “Horsin’ Around: Fall Colors” on Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon – 4 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center. This fun-filled equine activity day includes children’s activities and up-close-and-personal opportunities to learn about our horses. All ages. Free. No registration.”

12:00 PM: Harvest Day at Garfield Park Conservatory

  • “Come and meet urban goats, chickens, and bees. Play veggie bingo, lawn games, and taste fresh local foods. Learn about worm bin composting from our Urban Roots students. Bring the whole family and join us at the Garfield Park Conservatory for our 7th annual celebration of urban agriculture. New this year, we will have live music from Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders.”

12:00 PM: Beverly Art Walk

  • 12 – 6 pm
  • Take either of the two trollies through the Beverly / Morgan Park neighborhood to view work by 150+ artists across 40 venues.
  • “The Beverly Art Walk is a free, family-friendly festival of art, music, and community. Start your self-guided tour at any participating venue – walk, bike, or park and jump on a free trolley. Experience work by more than 150 juried artists in 50+ local businesses, organizations, and vacant storefronts across Beverly/Morgan Park-from 95th to 111th Streets, Walden Parkway to Western Avenue-the Uprising Craft Market, as well as live music, interactive art activities for children, and local food and libations.”

1:00 PM: L.L. Bean Day at Emily Oaks Nature Center

  • Stop by any time between 1-4 pm
  • “L.L.Bean staff will be featuring: nordic walking, compass skills, sea kayaking, backpacking, knot tying, giveaways and a raffle at this FREE event for all ages.”

3:00 PM: Lake Forest Fall Festival

  • 220 E. Deerpath Rd
  • “Join us as we kick off the season at Fall Festival in downtown Lake Forest with great local bands, beer, food, and fun for all ages! Kids activities including a giant bounce house, arcade games, and more.”

6:00 PM: The Moonlight Parade

  • 7 – 9 pm
  • Cloud Gate (aka The Bean)
  • “As the audience gathers in preparation for the Moonlight Parade fire spectacle, the Full Moon Jam Foundation will be holding open community poi and hoop workshops. These are non-fire, all-ages, beginner workshops led by seasoned Full Moon Jam performers and teachers. All comers are welcome to dance and try out non-fire movement props, as an introduction to the wonderful world of dance and flow. Join us for community flow arts dance workshops held at the Bean from 6:00 – 6:45 PM. The Moonlight Parade fire spectacle will be presented from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Participants are invited to bring drums and glow props, but we ask that you do not play them until the intermission and after the conclusion of the choreographed performances during the Parade.”

6:00 PM: Movie on the Green: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

7:00 PM: End of Summer S’more-gasbord

  • Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Oak Brook
  • “Mark the end of the season on a self-guided walk through the woods. Then, stop by the campfire and try one of our gourmet s’more recipes — or create your own! All ages; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-850-8110.”

 

SUNDAY

 

 

10:00 AM: A Mini Fest at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits

  • “The purpose of “a mini fest” is to scale down the craziness of a street fest, for the smaller audience of families with kids, bring our community together while helping those in need. Kiddos will be busy working on crafts and projects while parents hang, shop, eat pie, drink coffee, smell the flowers… $3 suggested donation goes towards KIND, protecting children alone while working toward a world in which children’s rights and well-being are protected as they migrate alone in search of safety.”
  • 2051 N Cali Ave
  • 10 am – 2 pm

12:00 PM: Two Brothers Oktoberfest

  • Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora
  • “We will have all your favorites back this year: the live German Oompah music, authentic German food, stein holding competitions, lederhosen/dirndl contests and, lots and lots of Two Brothers beer! And yeah, it’s still family-friendly and totally free to attend. “Prost!

12:00 PM: Family Fun Fest

  • Joliet Route 66 Stadium
  • “Plan on spending the day at Family Fun Fest on Sunday, September 22nd 2019. Enjoy a variety of fun, family-based activities, and learn about local community resources. Children under the age 15 are free! All others only $2. Local Entertainment, Games, Food, Music, Bounce Houses, Medieval Sword Fighting, Home Depot Workshop, Facepainting, Costume Characters, Touch-A-Truck, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Community Booths, Child Fingerprinting & ID, Raffles and more! Free Admission for children 15 and under. $2 admission for all others. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Chips, Hot Dog, and Drink additional $2”

2:00 PM: Taste of Clark Street

  • 2 – 6 pm
  • Clark Street in Rogers Park
  • “We are celebrating Clark Street and the delicious restaurants that we have sprinkled throughout. Join us for an afternoon of food, music, booze tastings and fun activities.
    Local restaurants will be featuring samples of their signature dishes while you stroll Clark St. and get to know the community. Stop at Rogers Park Fine Wine & Spirits and Supermercado Roman for beer, wine, tequila and whiskey samples and hang out at our “HUB” on Morse Ave. and Clark St. where we will have, seating, live music, activities and more food. Pedicabs will be available to ride from the “HUB” to Devon Ave. or Touhy Ave. so you can get to the participating businesses faster!”

 

 

 

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