Learn about the zoo's cats, from big cats like African lions, Amur leopards, Amur tigers, and snow leopards to small ones, including fishing cats and domestic house cats. Plus, special Zoo Chats and cat-themed crafts and activities for cat lovers of all ages.

Join a keeper-led tour of the Children's Zoo, then head to the barn to help keepers with morning chores like feeding the cows, delivering hay to the goats or brushing the animals.

Visitors become space adventurers and set off on a journey to discover the Universe in a way never done before. Travel a billion light-years and back, fly through space, orbit the Moon, zoom into a canyon on Mars, and soar through the cosmic web where a million galaxies shower down. The experience was created utilizing real telescopic data and the best scientific imagery.

Includes a private viewing of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4-D Experience, followed by a drawing for special prizes, a visit with costumed characters, Shedd's Polar Play Zone and reserved seats to the aquatic show.

The last four weekends in October will feature special Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating for LEGO bricks, creating your own LEGO monster, huntin for ghosts in a haunted LEGO jungle and trying autumn-themed speed build challenges. October 5 -7, 12-14, 19-21 and 26-31.

Watch men painted blue do unusual performance art and original slapstick comedy. It's fun to sit in the front, but remember to wear a plastic poncho to avoid the flying food and liquids. Buy tickets at the box office, online, via Ticketmaster or by calling (773) 348-4000.

Halloween Hayrides  | Naperville

Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume (parents included) and come to Knoch Knolls Park or Seager Park. Each registered child ages 1-12 who checks in with the hayride coordinator will receive a Halloween goodie bag filled with treats and prizes. Bring your own food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s'mores. Hot chocolate and apple juice provided. Registration required. Oct. 20, 21 and 27.