West Lawn Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026

The 30th anniversary Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade takes place all day in Chicago's Northalsted district. A block party with food, drinks, music, and vendors precedes Chicago's only Halloween Night parade. Over 300 costumed participants compete for prizes.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers a month-long Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and Halloween-themed treats.

Griffin MSI holds its annual Boo Fest Member Night, an after-hours Halloween event for members. Activities include museum exploration in costume, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, and crafts.

Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat in Lincoln Park invites families to collect treats from businesses along Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street over two days. Saturday's activities include a plaza with face painting and photo opportunities.

Spooktacular in Lincoln Park transforms Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street into trick-or-treat destinations. Treats will be available from local businesses, and face painting and caricatures will be offered at Lincoln Common Plaza.

The Berwyn Park District hosts a Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event for families. The event includes Halloween-themed activities.

West Chicago's City and Public Library host annual Halloween Festivities. The event offers trick-or-treating in the downtown area.

Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up transforms Goose Island with thousands of pumpkins and the city's largest corn maze. Activities include axe throwing, gem mining, and carnival games. Seasonal food and drinks are available.

Lincoln Park Zoo hosts its annual Fall Fest, a free, family-friendly event throughout September and October. Activities include pumpkin picking, s'mores roasting, and live entertainment. Special fall-themed animal enrichment is also offered.

An in-person pumpkin painting event allows attendees to decorate pumpkins with colors and designs. It is an activity for kids and families.

This event features a trunk-or-treat with candy from decorated car trunks and a Halloween costume contest. The event focuses on community fun and treats.

This pottery class guides participants step-by-step in creating an Oogie Boogie-inspired candle holder, including shaping clay and adding carved details.

Chicago's Nightmare Grounds presents a free, RSVP-required Halloween and horror market on South Western Avenue. Local artists and businesses will offer oddities, apparel, jewelry, tarot readings, and seasonal treats.

The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum's annual Hull-o-ween Open House explores museum folklore and urban legends with supernatural stories, 1920s silent films, and spooky prose; costumes are encouraged.

West Town Social Club and Art is Endless host a pumpkin carving and painting event at Midwest Coast Brewing Company. Participants can customize a pumpkin for home or office decoration. All supplies, including pumpkins and tools, are provided, along with...

A casual bicycle ride through Forest Park to find scarecrow invaders is led by Amy Binns-Calvey. Participants will pedal to discover straw-stuffed characters placed around town during the Halloween season.

IPH's Fall Fest on The Riverwalk features hayrides on the river, a pumpkin patch, live music, fall-themed drinks and food, and games.

Normandy Park hosts an event with characters resembling the Sanderson Sisters. Activities include face painting, a bounce house, crafts, and treats.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with a day of German-style fun! This family-friendly event features live polka music, traditional dancing, and engaging games. Indulge in a special seasonal menu with classic Oktoberfest fare like bratwurst and pretzels, alongside unique...

Celebrate the spooky season at Navy Pier's Slightly Spooky Saturday! This family-friendly event offers trick-or-treating at over 70 locations, costume contests for dogs and people, and a unique Reverse Haunted House. Enjoy live entertainment, spooky science experiments, pumpkin carving, and...

The 28th Annual Spooktacular takes place in Downtown DeKalb, featuring trick-or-treating at over 30 local businesses. A free screening of 'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' follows at the Egyptian Theatre.

Oak Park Conservatory transforms for 'Fright at Night,' a 'Boo-tanical' Halloween event with costumes, plant life exploration, and carnival games.

Oak Park invites families to a classic Halloween trick-or-treating experience on October 31st. From 4 PM to 8 PM, children can collect treats from participating households. The event encourages safety with tips on costumes and candy inspection, and promotes inclusivity...

This Halloween Kids Party at 115 Bourbon Street features a live DJ for dancing, games with prizes, and a costume contest. Children can decorate and take home their own pumpkin. A 'Happy Meal' is included for kids aged 3 and...

BooPalooza and BarkPalooza is a vibrant community event combining Halloween fun for families and their canine companions. Attendees can enjoy live music, participate in an all-ages costume parade and contest, and engage in various games and activities. For the dogs,...

Families can enjoy an indoor Halloween celebration at 900 North Michigan Shops. The event features a sing-along concert, costume parade, and trick-or-treating throughout the seven levels of retailers. Kids can also participate in cookie decorating and a musical petting zoo,...

The 5th Annual Spooktacular Saturday at Woodson Regional Library is an indoor celebration for families. Activities include crafts and prizes. Circus Boy, a balloon artist, will be present, and trick-or-treating is available. Costumes are encouraged.

Oaktoberfest returns to Downtown Oak Park, celebrating the autumn season with a vibrant community festival. Attendees can enjoy a dynamic live music lineup, a diverse selection of craft beers and wines, and delicious food from local eateries. A special Kids'...

Calumet Park hosts a Halloween Party featuring a costume contest, carnival games, music, and snacks.

Lace up your skates and don your best Halloween costume for a spooktacular open skate at the Oak Lawn Ice Arena. This family-friendly event features a DJ, treats, and a thrilling costume contest with exciting raffle prizes. It's the perfect...

This Halloween party at Cheney Mansion offers a fun and engaging experience tailored for families with sensory sensitivities. Children aged 4-12 can enjoy the festivities in a comfortable environment, complete with costume fun and photo opportunities with the Great Pumpkin....

A family-friendly glow stick dance party encourages kids and families to wear Halloween costumes and dance to music. It is suitable for younger children.

Wolfe Wildlife Refuge hosts Howl-O-Ween, a family-friendly event with a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, crafts, and photo opportunities. Pre-registration for timed slots is required, with limited group sizes.

Join the community for a fab-BOO-lous Trunk or Treat event, offering a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween. Local groups will showcase their creativity with decorated car trunks, handing out treats to all costumed attendees. It's a perfect evening...