All Hallows' Eve at Midway Village
Trick-or-treat across more than 20 decorated historic Victorian buildings.
45 family-friendly fall activities in Loves Park and nearby.
Families seeking Halloween activities can find numerous local events. Options include major ticketed attractions like the Schaumburg Halloween Carnival, or free community gatherings such as the Elgin Police Department's Halloween Extravaganza.
Pumpkin-flavored snack tasting and rating competition for grades 6–12.
Award-winning haunted house with 10,000 sq ft of indoor scares
Planetarium show examining the astronomical history and skies of Halloween.
Paranormal presentations, vendors, and supernatural exploration along the Rock River.
See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.
Farm terrain is the challenge: grass, gravel, and rutted fields vary by venue and by how much rain fell that week. Call and ask about packed paths, accessible restrooms and parking, and whether the picking field has a firm route, since some farms bring pumpkins to a paved area on request. Festivals on fairgrounds or paved lots are the safer default.
Policies split hard: many farms ban pets outright for animal-safety and food rules, while some festivals welcome leashed dogs and even run costume contests for them. Check the venue's FAQ the day before, never assume. If dogs are allowed, bring water, keep them clear of petting zoos and food lines, and be honest about whether crowds plus kids stress your dog.
Cars line up in a lot with decorated trunks, and kids walk the loop collecting candy in one contained, well-lit place, usually in a single hour on a posted date before Halloween. It's ideal for toddlers, wheelchairs, wagons, and nervous first-timers, with no traffic or dark porches. Arrive at the start time, because popular trunks run out of candy fast.