Best Halloween Events for Kids in Chicago and Suburbs

Have a spooktacular time with your family thanks to these local events.

When spooky season arrives in Chicagoland, local businesses and attractions go all out to offer plenty of Halloween fun for kids. The best part is that you can celebrate Halloween during the whole month of October!

Chicago and the suburbs offers a variety of kid-friendly events featuring costume parades, hands-on activities, trick-or-treating and so much more. Here are some of our spooktacular picks you don’t want to miss. And you can find more Halloween events for kids on our calendar.

Looking for more fun things to do with kids this fall? Check out our fall family guide!

City

Photo Credit: Pumpkin Pier Lights

Pier Pumpkin Lights at Navy Pier

Oct. 1-31, 2022

From jack-o’-lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall. Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier. Pumpkins are best experienced after dusk.

Halloween at Museum of Illusions Chicago

Oct. 12-Nov. 1, 2022

Museum of Illusions Chicago has decked out the space with Halloween themed décor. See a Head on a Platter, Vortex Tunnel, Infinity and Anti-Gravity Room and more.

Pumpkin Party Presented by Jewel Osco at Gallagher Way

Oct. 22, 2022

At this 5th Annual Pumpkin Party, Old Town School of Folk Music will lead sing-a-longs and Halloween dances. The kiddos can create a paper ghost or their very own Halloween slime with Kid Create Studio, visit a range of candy stations, take-home junior pumpkins, balloon artists, a magician, a caricature artist, hay-stack bowling, stilt walkers and lawn games. Costumes are encouraged.

Spooktacular on Lincoln 2022

Oct. 22, 2022

  • Address: Lincoln Avenue from Wrightwood to Webster, Chicago
  • Cost: Free 

Celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood at Spooktacular on Lincoln. Lincoln Avenue businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops.

Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Oct. 22, 2022

Spooky Zoo offers a free, safe alternative to trick-or-treating as well as a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Dress up in costume and come to the Lincoln Park Zoo ready for a day full of Halloween fun.

Upside Down Parade at Washington Park

Oct. 22, 2022

This event is a “reverse” parade that consists of musical groups, dance performances, circus acrobats, sports mascots and more. Makes sure to wear your costume and pick up your goody bag at the end.

Kids Halloween Party at Park and Field Restaurant

Oct. 23, 2022

Join Park and Field Restaurant for a kid’s Halloween party at Park and field. See a bubble show, roast s’mores, balloon artists, prizes and more.

Spooktacular on Clark 2022

Oct. 23, 2022

  • Address: Clark Street from Diversey to Armitage, and Diversey, from Orchard to Lakeview, Chicago
  • Cost: Free 

Celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood at Spooktacular on Clark. Clark Street businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops.

Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo

Oct. 25-26, 2022

Join Adam Selzer, author, podcaster and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours to learn about the zoo’s cemetery roots. For ages 16-plus.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Oct. 29, 2022

  • Address: State St. moving south from Lake to Van Buren, Chicago
  • Cost: Free

This annual Halloween parade returns to State St. for its 8th year. See unique floats and creative performances along the way.

Blue Man Group’s Halloween Show at Briar Street Theatre

Oct. 29, 2022

See the Blue Man Group for two special Halloween-themed performances at the Briar Street Theatre. There will be pre-show face painting, Halloween-inspired surprises during the show and goodie bags for all in costume. After the performance, audience members will be invited to the theater lobby for photo opportunities with the Blue Men.

BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Oct. 29, 2022

Enjoy trick-or-treating, animal encounters, crafts and Halloween fun at this Halloween event. Costumes encouraged.

Halloween Party at Commercial Club Playground of Chicago

Oct. 29, 2022

Stop by this Halloween party to enjoy arts and crafts, games and spooky stories. There will also be a trick or treat parade and other family-friendly fun. For ages 6 and up.

University Symphony Orchestra Halloween Concert: Enchantments & Spells at Mandel Hall

Oct. 29, 2022

Enjoy this fun-filled, family-friendly performance, featuring costumes, storytelling and special effects. Audience costumes encouraged!

Baby Soul Jam at Plumbers Hall

Oct. 30, 2022

There will be a costume contest, DJ, live entertainment and a crawling spot for babies at this event.

No Tricks, All Treats Halloween Pop-Up at Ainslie Arts Plaza

Oct. 30, 2022

Enjoy family-friendly activities as well as seasonal goods and treats at the Ainslie Arts Plaza. Shop seasonal goods and treats and have fun with activities like Halloween-themed squeegee painting, face painting and henna. Costumes are encouraged. 

North/Northwest Suburbs

Photo Credit: Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest

Halloween Spooktacular at Park Center

Oct. 21, 2022

Join in on some Halloween fun at the Park Center. There will be games, crafts, hayrides and more. No advanced registration; Must purchase tickets at the door.

Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Sept. 23-Oct. 31, 2022

Join the Monsters as they take over LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago to celebrate the release of their brand-new Halloween 4D Movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Skeleton Invasion

Oct. 7-9, 2022

You can expect carnival rides, pumpkin carving stations, live music, vendors, hay rides, pumpkin walls, contests and more at this annual.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden 

Oct. 12-23, 2022 (Wednesdays-Sundays)

More than 1,000 artist-carved, real pumpkins lit with LED lights will light up the night and line the family-friendly outdoor path in a beautiful fall setting.

Halloween Spooktacular at Park Center

Oct. 21, 2022

There will be games, crafts, hayrides and more at this Halloween event. No advanced registration. Must purchase tickets at the door.

Spooky Science at Discovery Center Museum

Oct. 28, 2022

Explore the museum and follow the map to find goodies galore from one exhibit to the next! Create themed make-and-take projects, slime and engage in science activities that look like mystifying magic.

South Suburbs

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Rawpixel.com

Trunk or Treat at Heritage Park

Oct. 22, 2022

Children can wear their costumes and browse through the decorated vehicles picking up candy along the way.

Western Suburbs

Photo Credit: Brookfield Zoo

Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo

Oct. 22-23, 2022

The not-so-scary and fun-filled event is something for the entire family to enjoy. Dress up in costume and go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo. Check online for more information closer to the event.

Haunted Forest – Sheer Terror at Diane Main Park

Oct. 22, 2022

Participants will hop on a wagon ride that takes them from Diane Main Park through the terrifying woods path scenes. After that, participants will get off the wagons and walk through the wicked woods where all kind of scares await them. “Merry Monster Showing” is for the younger viewers.

BatFest

Oct. 29, 2022

BatFest is Batavia’s annual Halloween-themed family features trick-or-treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, pumpkin bowl, contests, stories and games. 

FREE Halloween Movie: Addams Family 2 at North Riverside Park Mall Classic Cinemas

Oct. 29, 2022

Come out to Classic Cinemas for a screening of the movie, The Addams Family 2. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited and registration does not guarantee a seat unless tickets are picked up in advance.

Halloween Ghost Hunt at North Riverside Park Mall

Oct. 29, 2022

Join North Riverside Park Mall for their second annual mall-wide Halloween Ghost Hunt event. Find 20 ghosts hidden throughout the mall. Turn in your completed clue sheet to the Customer Service Center and get a Halloween treat bag.

Special Spaces Trunk or Treat at Waubonsie Valley High School

Oct. 30, 2022

Special Spaces is a non-profit organization that creates dream bedroom makeovers for children in cancer treatment. Come out to their first Annual Trunk or Treat and enjoy a music party, costume contest, jumpy houses and face painting. Costumes are encouraged. 

Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center

Oct. 31, 2022

Ages 2-10 and their families can enjoy a safe, Halloween night trick or treating through the Community Center. There will be crafts, games, photos and silly fun and games from Wacky Drac.

Trick-or-Treat at North Riverside Park Mall

Oct. 31, 2022

Join North Riverside Park Mall for a mall-wide Trick or Treat event. Also, kid’s costume contest and costume parade.

This post is updated yearly. 

 

 

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Safe Cookie Dough Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Grab a spoon and enjoy these safe and tasty cookie dough recipes.

Family Guide: C2E2

Here’s how to navigate the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest with kids.

Best Food Trucks in Chicagoland

Check out these restaurants on wheels at local spots and festivals in the city and suburbs.

Best Indoor Play Places for Kids in Chicagoland

Your kids can jump around all day long!


- Advertisement -