Everyone loves a long weekend and a day off from school. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day are celebrated on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, which means many families will get to spend a little extra time together over the long holiday weekend.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with your kids or you just want to have some extra fun (and prevent dreaded boredom from setting in) while the kids are off from school, these fun activities and new attractions are a great way to make the long weekend extra special.
Plus, you can find even more Indigenous People’s Day and Columbus Day activities in our event calendar.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 18, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on Columbus Day weekend events for Chicagoland families in 2024. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Columbus Day Weekend Activities for Chicagoland Families
Indigenous People’s Day – Family Bike Camp Out
- When: Saturday, Oct.12 – Monday, Oct. 14, 2024
- Where: Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
- Cost: $90 adults, $60 kids ages 17 and under
Meet in the Beverly neighborhood and head off on a family bike adventure. The event includes a guided tour, meals and all the necessary camping gear, making it a low-maintenance adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Explore scenic trails, participate in fun communal activities and enjoy the outdoors with your family.
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
- When: Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
- Where: Downtown Saint Charles, at Route 64 and Fox River
- Cost: Free!
Mid-October is the perfect time to get little ones into the spooky spirit. See over 110 handmade scarecrows showcased all over town and vote for your favorites. The festival also includes a Family Zone with seasonal photo ops, crafts and more activities.
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
- When: Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
- Where: Water Tower Place, Chicago
- Cost: $24
Treat your kiddos to an extra special experience at the new Hershey Candy Land in downtown Chicago. Hershey Super Sweet Adventure is a whimsical candy workshop filled with interactive activities, yummy treats and more sweet surprises.
Haunted Hues at Color Factory
- When: Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
- Where: Color Factory, Chicago
- Cost: $29+
This limited-time Halloween celebration at the vibrant Color Factory is so much fun for all ages. The immersive experience will be filled with spooky surprises, special treats, a scavenger hunt and tons of family photo opportunities — including hands-free photo stations so you can put your phone away and be present with the fam.
Happy Times Pumpkin Fest
- When: Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
- Where: Didier Farms, Lincolnshire
- Cost: Free admission and parking; pumpkin and activity prices vary.
Use that extra day off school to pick out your family’s Halloween pumpkins! Happy Times Pumpkin Fest has the perfect pumpkin for every kid plus tons of fall fun. Yummy seasonal treats, a corn maze, carnival rides, a petting zoo, hayrides and a pumpkin playground are sure to make for a memorable long weekend.
Cider with the Sanderson Sisters
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024
- Where: Normandy Park, Chicago
- Cost: $7
Join the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus for yummy apple cider, popcorn and treats. There will also be spooky crafts, face painting, music and more kid-friendly activities.
Boo! at the Zoo
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12-Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
- Where: Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
- Cost: Included in zoo admission
Perfect for littles and animal lovers, this not-so-scary event includes inflatables, sweet treats, seasonal photo ops and more. Be sure to wear a costume!
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