Breathe in the crisp fall air as you enter the zoo through a cornstalk lined path, hear the crunch of the leaves underneath your feet, listen to the children conquering the straw pyramid or enjoy the sight of thousands of pumpkins on display. Nature-made fall decorations, including pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks, available to purchase.

Kids can take classes taught by the Actors Training Center as part of this all-day improv festival at Navy Pier. Classes take place on the hour (1-4 p.m.), then stay for performances from some of Chicago's best improv groups (7-11 p.m., tickets required).

Jennifer Holik, professional genealogist and author of numerous genealogy books, helps young people investigate their family history using simple research techniques, then record what they discover with basic genealogy charts. Parents, guardians and grandparents are encouraged to attend.

Board a Safari Hay Ride outfitted with 20 Zombie Slaying paintball guns, mounted turret style. Once aboard, you will be ferried to the grounds via a tractor tow, where the Zombies will attack from all sides