Waukegan Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026

55 family-friendly fall activities in Waukegan and nearby

Illustration of a candlelit ofrenda altar with marigolds and skull decorations as clay figures stand in a plaza at dusk (Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop)

Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop

Sat, Oct 3

Waukegan $

Decorate your own calavera de azúcar to take home.

Illustration of a sunny autumn lawn with pumpkins, hay bales, a small tent, a witch and costumed children under orange trees (Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm)

Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm

Sep 19 – Oct 31

Waukegan $

Educational corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, and pre-picked pumpkin patch.

Pumpkin Volcanoes

Fri, Oct 2

Waukegan $

Decorate pumpkins and watch them erupt like volcanoes.

Illustration of a pumpkin patch full of orange pumpkins with two small farmers, red wheelbarrows and a farm stand (The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival)

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Oct 2 – Oct 4

Highwood 11 mi Free

Features massive pumpkin walls, community carving, carnival rides, and costume contests.

Illustration of glowing jack-o'-lanterns, candles, pumpkin seeds and small figures on a wooden table under string lights (Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns)

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns

Oct 7 – Oct 25

Glencoe 15 mi $$

Features 75 giant 150-pound pumpkins, live carving, and costumed performers.

Illustration of a ghost, a witch and a pumpkin figure on a dusk street with glowing houses, autumn leaves and pumpkins (Downtown Evanston Trick or Treat Stroll)

Downtown Evanston Trick or Treat Stroll

Sat, Oct 24

Evanston 23 mi Free

Free trick-or-treating at local businesses with a fall photo backdrop.

Illustration of clay figures walking past striped market stalls and pumpkins on a paved square with orange autumn trees (Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest)

Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest

Sat, Oct 24

Buffalo Grove 15 mi Free

Features a doggy egg hunt alongside a creative pet costume competition.

Illustration of tiny clay musicians playing on a hay stage among pumpkins, bunting and striped booths in autumn (Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms)

Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms

Sep 16 – Oct 31

Lincolnshire 14 mi $$

Chicagoland's fall tradition at Didier Farms

Fall at the Farm - Jerry Smith Farm

Sep 12 – Nov 1

Kenosha 18 mi $$

Family-owned farm featuring a six-acre corn maze, bounce pads, and pumpkins.

Illustration of a ghost and a small witch carrying a pumpkin bucket on a sidewalk past glowing porches on an autumn street (Boo in the Barn at SOUL Harbour Ranch)

Boo in the Barn at SOUL Harbour Ranch

Sat, Oct 24

Barrington 20 mi $$

Freaky fundraiser featuring trick-or-treating and visits with therapy animals.

Illustration of two costumed trick or treaters with candy buckets on a dusk street of glowing houses and carved pumpkins (Central Street Trick Or Treat)

Central Street Trick Or Treat

Sat, Oct 24

Evanston 22 mi

Features neighborhood trick-or-treating, fall selfies, crafts, and a DJ dance party.

Pumpkin Walk

Sat, Oct 3

Buffalo Grove 15 mi $

Stroll a nature path illuminated by over 100 lighted pumpkins.

Trick or Treat Trail

Fri, Oct 30

Buffalo Grove 15 mi Free

No-scare candy trail with friendly characters, games, and live entertainment.

Illustration of a row of cars with open trunks decorated for Halloween at sunset with balloons, pumpkins and costumed kids (Kenosha YMCA Trunk or Treat)

Kenosha YMCA Trunk or Treat

Sat, Oct 24

Kenosha 16 mi Free

Trick-or-treat from creatively decorated trunks in the parking lot.

Halloween 3K Fun Run

Fri, Oct 23

Northbrook 17 mi

Costumed 3K run and walk featuring themed activities and costume contests.

Illustration of a Halloween costume contest on a small stage with a pumpkin, robot, witch, ghosts, trophy and audience (Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Dash)

Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Dash

Sat, Oct 24

Palatine 20 mi $$$

Costume-themed 5K run/walk and Kids Dash benefitting the Boys & Girls Club.

Illustration of two tiny costumed figures near a flag among tall golden cornstalks, with small farm houses and pumpkins (Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch)

Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Sep 12 – Nov 1

Spring Grove 20 mi $$

Home to the world's largest corn maze spanning 28 acres.

Wicked Wilmette

Fri, Oct 16

Wilmette 21 mi $$

Family Halloween fun with inflatables, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest

Halloween Hoopla

Fri, Oct 16

Park Ridge 24 mi

Family scarecrow stuffing, pumpkin carving, campfire s'mores, and hayrides.

Illustration of small cars parked at sunset with orange balloons, tiny houses on their roofs, a pumpkin and string lights (Special Needs Trunk-or-Treat)

Special Needs Trunk-or-Treat

Sun, Oct 25

Kenosha 17 mi Free

An inclusive trunk-or-treat celebration designed for children with special needs.

Northbrook Autumnfest

Sat, Oct 3

Northbrook 17 mi Free

Free community fall festival with classic activities

Pumpkin Smash & Bash

Sat, Nov 7

Park Ridge 24 mi Free

Roll, smash, and launch pumpkins into compost piles at Centennial Sled Hill.

Illustration of a glowing ferris wheel and carousel at dusk with pumpkins, jack-o'-lanterns and small costumed figures (Schaumburg Halloween Carnival)

Schaumburg Halloween Carnival

Oct 16 – Oct 31

Schaumburg 26 mi $$

Classic carnival with a Halloween twist

Boo at the Zoo

Sat, Oct 24

Racine 27 mi $

Safe outdoor trick-or-treating alongside zoo animals, crafts, and bounce houses.

Illustration of two costumed figures in a festive autumn street at dusk with pumpkins, string lights and a glowing bonfire (Santa's Village Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival)

Santa's Village Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival

East Dundee 28 mi

A complete fall makeover with pumpkin patches, mazes, and amusement rides.

Illustration of a ghost and two costumed kids trick or treating past glowing houses with pumpkins and autumn leaves at dusk (Tricks & Treats in the Valley)

Tricks & Treats in the Valley

Oct 24 – Oct 25

Schaumburg 26 mi $

Half-mile trick-or-treat trail past historic farm buildings and woods.

Lincoln Square Apple Fest

Oct 2 – Oct 4

Chicago 29 mi $

Autumn celebration with fresh Midwest apples, cider, live music, and family entertainment.

Jack-O'-Lantern Nights

Oct 1 – Oct 31

Racine 26 mi $

Paved zoo stroll filled with custom jack-o'-lanterns and festive uplighting.

Illustration of a fall festival street with big pumpkins in front, striped booths, and small figures under orange trees (Autumn Harvest Fest at Spring Valley Nature Center)

Autumn Harvest Fest at Spring Valley Nature Center

Sun, Oct 4

Schaumburg 26 mi $

Experience 19th-century farm life demonstrations and seasonal harvest activities.

Illustration of clay goats, a duck and costumed figures among pumpkins and hay beside a small wooden shelter in daylight (Crystal Lake Trick or Treat Halloween Event)

Crystal Lake Trick or Treat Halloween Event

Sat, Oct 24

Crystal Lake 26 mi

Plaza trick-or-treating with magic shows, a petting zoo, and games.

Harvest Fest

Sat, Oct 3

Medinah 28 mi Free

Annual community festival featuring live music, hayrides, games, and food trucks.

Illustration of costumed children and a cat walking a leafy sidewalk past glowing jack-o'-lanterns and cozy houses at dusk (A Spooktacular 5K - Trick or Trunk)

A Spooktacular 5K - Trick or Trunk

Sat, Oct 24

Mt Pleasant 25 mi $$

Night 5K Glow Run with Trunk or Treat

Illustration of striped market booths and pumpkin displays on a street with small clay figures under orange autumn trees (Norwood Park Fall Fest)

Norwood Park Fall Fest

Sat, Oct 3

Chicago 26 mi Free

Free autumn festival featuring games, a candy hunt, and a pumpkin patch.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Event

Sat, Oct 24

Dadeville 30 mi Free

Canine costume contest featuring treats, prizes, and owner-pet coordination.

Oak Lawn Trunk or Treat

Wed, Oct 28

Medinah 27 mi Free

Free trick-or-treating among creatively decorated themed car trunks.

C1 Fall Carnival and Trunk or Treat

Sat, Oct 24

Chicago 28 mi Free

Features trunk-or-treating, a chili cook-off, and carnival games.

Illustration of small costumed figures and a witch playing on a sunny lawn with pumpkins, hay bales, a tent and orange trees (Hands-On Family Spooky Snacks and Sweet Treats)

Hands-On Family Spooky Snacks and Sweet Treats

Sat, Oct 31

Chicago 28 mi $$$

Kids and adults cook festive savory bites and sweet treats together.

Illustration of two clay kids and cotton ghosts around a craft table with painted pumpkins, paint pots and paper bats (Fall Pumpkin Candle Making Workshop)

Fall Pumpkin Candle Making Workshop

Fri, Nov 6

Racine 26 mi $$$

Craft a wooden pumpkin dough bowl candle with seasonal fall scents.

Pumpkin Spice Pilates

Fri, Oct 9

Chicago 28 mi $$

Mat Pilates session followed by a seasonal pumpkin drink.

Goebbert's Farm Teen Trip

Sat, Sep 26

South Barrington 26 mi $$$

Fall farm trip for teens featuring a corn maze and entertainment.

Halloween Skelebration

Glenview 19 mi $$

Fright-free indoor/outdoor Halloween bash for kids

Illustration of toy goats, a pony and white ducks among pumpkins and hay in a fenced pen with two costumed children (Stade's Farm & Market Fall Festival)

Stade's Farm & Market Fall Festival

McHenry 22 mi $$

Nine weekends of family fun with over 40 attractions

Illustration of two small ghosts and a witch with a black cat carrying pumpkin buckets on a street of cozy houses at dusk (Des Plaines Trunk or Treat)

Des Plaines Trunk or Treat

Des Plaines 23 mi $

Trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks

Illustration of clay goats, a duck and costumed figures among pumpkins and hay beside a small wooden shelter in daylight (Linden Square Pumpkin Walk)

Linden Square Pumpkin Walk

Wilmette 21 mi Free

Trick-or-treating at local businesses with a petting zoo

Illustration of cars with open trunks decorated with pumpkins and balloons, with a child figure beside an orange car at dusk (Trunk or Treat at Hidden Creek AquaPark)

Trunk or Treat at Hidden Creek AquaPark

Highland Park 13 mi Free

Kids trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks.

Illustration of a child in a witch costume holding a pumpkin bucket on a leafy sidewalk lined with glowing houses at dusk (Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players: Trick or Treat! A Halloween Show)

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players: Trick or Treat! A Halloween Show

Highland Park 15 mi $

Family Halloween show with trick-or-treating

Illustration of costumed figures beside a table with two gold trophies on a hay covered stage with pumpkins and string lights (Halloween Boo-wling Spooktacular)

Halloween Boo-wling Spooktacular

Hoffman Estates 27 mi $

Halloween bowling with crafts and costume contest

Illustration of a giant grinning jack-o'-lantern float and costumed marchers parading along a tree-lined park path at dusk (Aville-o-Ween Trick-or-Treating)

Aville-o-Ween Trick-or-Treating

Chicago 28 mi $

Neighborhood-wide trick-or-treating with over 20 participating businesses.

Illustration of small costumed figures and a witch playing on a sunny lawn with pumpkins, hay bales, a tent and orange trees (October 3 "Halloween Fun" First Fridays)

October 3 "Halloween Fun" First Fridays

Racine 26 mi $

Halloween-themed First Friday with free pumpkins and face painting.

Illustration of a sunny autumn lawn with pumpkins, hay bales, a small tent, a witch and costumed children under orange trees (Click, Clack, BOO! A Tricky Treat)

Click, Clack, BOO! A Tricky Treat

Chicago 26 mi $$

Musical adaptation of the "Click, Clack, Moo" book series.

Illustration of a child in a witch costume holding a pumpkin bucket on a leafy sidewalk lined with glowing houses at dusk (Downtown Racine Candy Crawl)

Downtown Racine Candy Crawl

Racine 25 mi Free

Free candy crawl and Halloween scavenger hunt

Goebbert's Fall Festival

South Barrington 26 mi $$

Iconic 'Happy Jack' fiberglass pumpkin landmark

Pumpkin Splash

Hoffman Estates 27 mi $

Swim through a pumpkin patch to find your own pumpkin.

Illustration of a small Ferris wheel, striped tents and a decorated booth with pumpkins on a grassy fairground in autumn (Free Fall Family Fun Fest)

Free Fall Family Fun Fest

Racine 26 mi Free

Annual costume contest and parade with prizes.

Boo Bash at Gladstone

Chicago 27 mi Free

Family-friendly Halloween celebration with crafts and games.

Family-Friendly Fall Activities this weekend Oct 16–18

Fri16Oct Wicked WilmetteWilmette

Fri16Oct Halloween HooplaPark Ridge

thru1Nov Fall at the Farm - Jerry Smith FarmKenosha

thru1Nov Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin PatchSpring Grove

thru31Oct Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier FarmsLincolnshire

thru31Oct Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm

Other Halloween categories in Waukegan

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

WaukeganHalloween Food, Drink, and Parties10 parties & tastings

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

WaukeganHaunted Experiences13 haunted attractions

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

WaukeganHalloween Movies, Theater, and Entertainment7 shows & screenings

Illustration of a town street at twilight with glowing windows, pumpkins, floating ghosts and a witch on a broom by the moon

WaukeganUnique Halloween Events5 unique events

About Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Waukegan

Waukegan families can find Halloween adventures throughout the area. For a headline attraction, consider the Schaumburg Halloween Carnival.

If you prefer a local, free experience, the Downtown Evanston Trick or Treat Stroll offers a community-focused outing.

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

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Halloween Events Near Me

55 family-friendly fall activities in Waukegan and nearby

Family-Friendly Fall Activities this weekend Oct 16–18

Other Halloween categories in Waukegan

About Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Waukegan

Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun on Our Map!