Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Highland 2026

38 family-friendly fall activities near Highland.

Highland families have over 30 Halloween events to consider. From the large-scale Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade in Chicago, drawing big crowds, to the family-focused Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen, there's a way to celebrate. Consider the location and atmosphere when choosing your perfect Halloween adventure.

All Family-Friendly Fall Activities Around Highland

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Illustration of a Halloween party at dusk with costumed characters around a punch bowl, a ghost, pumpkins and string lights

Food, Drink, and Parties

1 of 30 Haunted Halloween Ball 2026 Chicago

Chicago's longest-running Halloween costume party in a historic haunted hotel.

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 Illustration of a small haunted cottage with glowing windows, ghosts, jack-o'-lanterns and a black cat under a pale moon

Haunted Experiences

1 of 9 Haunted Hills Haunted Attractions Merrillville

Indiana's #1 Halloween event with movie-quality haunted attractions.

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 Illustration of a pumpkin character and a ghost performing on a small stage with red curtains before a costumed audience

Movies, Theater, and Entertainment

1 of 5 Halloween Movie Night @ Children's Services Gary

Hosted at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center.

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 Illustration of white ghosts floating over houses with glowing windows and pumpkins, with a witch flying past a full moon

Unique & Unusual

1 of 14 Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade Chicago

Evening Halloween parade moving along Columbus Drive against the Chicago skyline.

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Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun on Our Map!

See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.

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Highland Halloween events map - Click to view interactive map

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we tell if a Halloween event in Highland is genuinely not-so-scary for young kids?

Look for daytime hours, words like "lights-on," "boo-tacular," or "little goblins," and photos showing costumed staff without masks. Red flags: chainsaws in the trailer video, teen-focused marketing, or a shared site with a nighttime haunt where sets stay visible. Reviews from parents mentioning specific ages are gold. When unsure, email and ask whether characters jump-scare or just wave.

How should we dress kids for October weather swings in Highland?

Layer like an onion: t-shirt, zip hoodie, and a packable shell beats one heavy coat, because farm mornings can be chilly while afternoons hit t-shirt warm. Sunscreen still matters at daytime patches, hats work for both sun and cold, and gloves live in the bag after mid-October evenings. Dress costumes over base layers so warmth doesn't ruin the look.

Are there sensory-friendly Halloween options for kids in Highland?

Increasingly yes: look for daytime sensory hours with no strobes, sirens, or costumed characters approaching kids, often on weekend mornings at farms, museums, and trunk-or-treats. Practical fallbacks work too: arrive at opening when crowds and noise are lowest, bring ear defenders, preview the event with photos the night before, and agree on a quiet-spot signal. Call ahead; many venues accommodate if asked.

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