View over 150 handcrafted scarecrows and vote for your favorite in each of six categories. Plus, live entertainment, arts and crafts show, carnival, petting zoo, canine corner and make-your-own scarecrow.

Festival attractions include live music, German food, Kinder Korner with kids' games; Bier Haus ; "Bengal Zone" sports TV viewing; games; and raffles. Sunday from 1-4 p.m. features Kinder Fest, a family time with musical chairs, hula-hoop and limbo contests.

Celebrate a safe Halloween with trick-or-treating and face painting in Safety Town Village and enjoy pony rides, petting zoo, moon jump, carving or painting pumpkins, food and more (fees may apply).

Docents help children and others learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. New topics every month. September: "Traveling Seeds"; October: "Cone Bearing Plants"; November: "Fruits, The Seasonal Food Harvest"; December: "Eggs and the Conservatory Critters"; January: "Urban Wildlife"; February: "Chocolate"; March topic: "Survival in the Jungle"; April: "Carnivorous Plants"; May: "Water Works."

Drawers and non-drawers gather to create individual works on cardboard and build a collaborative sculpture in real time. Make a custom button with Busy Beaver Button Co., draw on a tricked out light box created by Catalyst Ranch, sit for a portrait with Doodlebooth, and watch Inventables print an original image by artist Rachel Perrine on a Sharpie-equipped ShapeOko CNC mill.

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).

Living History reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians, including Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and Harriet Tubman, interact with visitorss. See a Civil War cannon fire and watch a surgeon at work. The Battlefield Balladeers perform songs from the Civil War era and educational activities are available for all ages. Plus, kids can enjoy a Civil War scavenger hunt.

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.

Community event has cupcake decorating, Color My Career, Fun with Legos, a fire engine and fire fighter gear display and Maggie the Cow, where kids learn to milk a plastic cow. At the baseball field, kids can measure the speed of pitches during the need-for-speed activity and learn about Beep Ball. Plus, a pumpkin patch and straw maze.

Features free hayrides, pumpkin sales, treats, entertainment and games for the family. Whole Foods provides a cookie-making demonstration, as well as free refreshments including cider, cinnamon rolls and apples to Harvest attendees.

The contest consists of 6 weightlifting/strength elements: Atlas Stones, Hummer Tire Deadlift, Fridge Carry, Log Press, Farmers Walk and Harness Truck Pull.

A national event that celebrates reading and Star Wars. Features games, trivia, prizes, and more, and a select handful will have author signings and/or visits from the costumed characters. Special guest is author Jeffrey Brown, who wrote "Darth Vader and Son."

Award-winning science writer Debbie S. Miller, talks to kids about biology, paleontology, climate change, and the wonders of the natural world.

Event features children's activities including pony rides, tie-dying t-shirts, blacksmith demonstration, games of skill and valor, puppet show, and storytelling. Treat yourself to homemade soup, bread and dessert. Enjoy live music and home-baked treats.

Gently used children's clothing and toy resale.

A national event that celebrates reading and Star Wars. Features games, trivia, prizes, and more, and a select handful will have author signings and/or visits from the costumed characters. Special guest is Dave Dorman, who has done art for comic books and trading cards. Takes place at Barnes & Noble.