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Things to DoGuides

Best Things to Do with Chicagoland Kids in October

Plan ahead! We've rounded up some of the best activities and events to do with kids in Chicago and suburbs this month.

Kari Zaffarano
By Kari Zaffarano
Photo credit: Copyright LUMA8 courtesy of James Richards IV Photography

When raising kids, you know life can get busy. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in October.

Be sure to check out the Halloween events and fall festivals happening this month. Also, find other seasonal events such as apple orchards and where to see fall colors.

Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar.

City

Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo/Lisa Miller

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2023

  • Address: Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Sunnyside, Chicago
  • Cost: $5/suggested donation

There will be more than 50 market vendors and apple items from six farms at this annual event.

Blue Man Group Chicago at Briar Street Theatre

Oct. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, 2023

Experience new instruments, technologies and audience participation at the Blue Man Group Chicago. This family-friendly performance is great for ages 3 and up.

Glenwood Sunday Market 

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023

  • Address: Glenwood between Lunt and Morse Avenue, Chicago
  • Cost: Free admission

Glenwood Sunday Market features 23 vendors for the 2023 season. The market offers a variety of products ranging from produce, meat, honey, dairy, pickles, bakeries, sweets, tofu, flowers, coffee and more. Dogs allowed in the market area on short leashes.

Harvest Fest at Indian Boundary Park

Oct. 1, 2023

Enjoy a family-friendly event where kids can pick their own pumpkins from the field and decorate them. Also, carnival-themed games, photo stations and a reptile show.

Low-Sensory Mornings at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Oct. 1, 2023

Families can explore the museum on select days in a more sensory-friendly environment before it opens to the general public.

Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery at Chicago Children’s Theatre

Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 2023

Ages 7 and up can visit Chicago Children’s Theatre to see Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery. Kids will laugh as they engage their minds to solve this mystery, fueled with stories about Ben Franklin’s many scientific discoveries and inventions.

Doodles x CAMP

Through Oct. 14, 2023

Step into a fully immersive experience with Doodles x Camp. It is a 3,500-square-foot experience with features like Stoodio Magic, Rainbow Valley, Glowing Adventures and more. 

Pumpkin Patch at Horner (Henry) Park

Oct. 14, 2023

Enjoy a family-friendly event where kids can pick their own pumpkins from the field and decorate them. Also, carnival-themed games, inflatables, photo stations and a reptile show.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Oct. 21, 2023

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

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

Pumpkin Patch at Hamlin (Hannibal) Park

Oct. 21, 2023

Enjoy a family-friendly event where kids can pick their own pumpkins from the field and decorate them. Also, carnival-themed games, inflatables, photo stations and a reptile show.

Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Oct. 21, 2023

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 Lincoln Park Zoo ready for a day full of Halloween fun.

Kids Halloween Party at Park and Field Restaurant

Oct. 22, 2023

See a bubble show, balloon artists, prizes for best costume and more.

Halloween Fun Walk Thru at Scottsdale Park

Oct. 26, 2023

Ages 6-12 can walk through and participate in Halloween-themed music, dancing, inflatables, crafts, face painting and more.

Halloween Extravaganza at Sheridan (Philip Henry) Park

Oct. 27, 2023

Ages 3-12 can enjoy this annual Halloween Extravaganza. Come dressed in your funniest, scariest, craziest and most original costume. Registration required.

Halloween Party at Calumet Park

Oct. 27, 2023

Ages 6 months to 13 years can join Calumet Park for a great Halloween party! There will be a costume contest, arts and crafts and games.

Spooky Crafts at Rutherford Sayre Park

Oct. 27, 2023

Ages 5-9 can join Rutherford Sayre Park for a spooktacular time with Halloween-themed crafts to get you in the spooky spirit. Registration required.

BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 

Oct. 28, 2023

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

Halloween Party at Commercial Club Playground

Oct. 28, 2023

All ages can join Commercial Club Playground of Chicago for a Halloween party that features crafts, games and a trick-or-treat parade.

Halloween Party at Grand Crossing Park

Oct. 28, 2023

Ages 5-12 can join Grand Crossing Park for a festive Halloween party, in which they will meet some ghoulish characters.

Spooktacular on Lincoln 2023

Oct. 28, 2023

  • 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.

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo 

Through Oct. 29, 2023

Celebrate fall with seasonal décor, music, large-scale chalk art, professional pumpkin carving and fall photo ops among the pumpkin patches. Ticketed activities include a harvest maze, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course and Kiddie Wheel.

Spooktacular on Clark 2023

Oct. 29, 2023

  • 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 transform into trick-or-treating stops.

Trick or Treat on Southport at Sheil (Bernard) Community Center Park

Oct. 30, 2023

Enjoy this annual Trick or Treat on Southport, which features family-friendly activities, local food and more.

CLUE: A Walking Mystery at Block 37

Through Oct. 31, 2023

Check out this interactive game that takes place across multiple locations in downtown Chicago, starting at Block 37. In this new spin on the classic mystery game, guests step into the roles of characters as detectives to solve the mystery of who murdered Mr. Boddy. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Halloween Community Party at Oriole Park

Oct. 31, 2023

Ages 3-10 can join Oriole Park for the annual Halloween Community Party in the Park. There will be Halloween-themed games, treats and more. Come dressed in your Halloween best. No registration is required.

Halloween Park Party at Welles (Gideon) Park

Oct. 31, 2023

Ages 1-10 can join Welles (Gideon) Park for the annual Community Halloween Party. There will be crafts, games, treats and more. Wear your costume.

Halloween Party at West Lawn Park

Oct. 31, 2023

Ages 3-12 can join West Lawn Park for the Halloween Party, which includes games, costume contests and more.

Tots Halloween Party at Brainerd Park

Oct. 31, 2023

Ages 1-5 can join Brainerd Park for the Halloween party. There will be treats, games, costume contests and more. Registration required.

Trunk or Treat at Austin Town Hall Park

Oct. 31, 2023

Ages 3 and up should come dressed in costume to Austin Town Hall Park to collect candy from cars decorated for Halloween. Also, arts and crafts, games and more.

Haunted Hues at Color Factory Chicago

Through Nov. 1, 2023

Haunted Hues is a limited-time Halloween-themed celebration that offers frightful family fun and the best festive colors of the season. There will be special treats, a scavenger hunt, photo opportunities and a pumpkin patch like never before.

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up at Goose Island 

Through Nov. 3, 2023

Spend an autumn night outside making memories while you get lost in Chicago’s largest corn maze, enjoy nighttime light displays and pick a pumpkin from the patch. There are also carnival games, fortune tellers, gem mining, food trucks, photo opportunities and more. For all ages.

Hamilton at James M. Nederlander Theatre

Through Dec. 3, 2023

See this epic saga that follows the rise of Alexander Hamilton, based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It blends the sounds of hip-hop, R&B, jazz and Broadway music. For ages 5 and up.

Mold-A-Rama: Molded for the Future at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Through Dec. 31, 2023

This exhibit features a collection of popular, rare and experimental Mold-A-Rama souvenirs from the past. Take home colorful souvenirs made by several machines featured in the exhibit and around the museum.

Pompeii: The Exhibition at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Through Jan. 15, 2024

See this immersive educational museum exhibit, “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” and be transported back in time to learn about Pompeii and see more than 150 historical artifacts.

First Kings of Europe at Field Museum

Through Jan. 28, 2024

View this exhibit at the Field Museum that gathered more than 700 exquisite objects, such as jewelry, armor, weapons and more.

North/Northwest Suburbs

Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden

Huntley Fall Fest at Huntley Park District 

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2023

Enjoy carnival rides, beer garden, food vendors, lots of fall activities, live music and family fun. There will also be a fireworks display Saturday night.

Peppa’s Spooktacular Halloween Storytime Event! at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago

Oct. 1-31, 2023

Families with littles can join Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago for a special Halloween story, meet and greet with Peppa, activity trail and more.

The Addams Family: The Musical at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Oct. 1, 5-8, 2023

Ages 8 and up can see this comical performance that embraces the wackiness in every family. Although it’s based on the Addams Family, it features an original story.

Every Dreaming Creature: An Afternoon with Brendan Wenzel at The Book Stall

Oct. 3, 2023

Head to The Book Stall for an after-school discussion with award-winning author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel, in partnership with Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District. Recommended for ages 4-8. Registration required.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Skeleton Invasion

Oct. 6-8, 2023

  • Address: Downtown Highwood area
  • Cost: Free admission; fees for rides

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest is celebrating its 9th year. You can expect carnival rides, pumpkin carving stations, live music, vendors, hayrides, pumpkin walls, contests and more.

Girls on Wheels: A Special Storytime with Srividhya Venkat at The Book Stall

Oct. 7, 2023

Head to The Book Stall for a story time with children’s author, Srividhya Venkat featuring her new picture book, Girls on Wheels. The book is inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India and is recommended for ages 4-8.

Clayson’s Kids Days at Clayson House Museum

Oct. 8, 2023

Ages 4-12 can join Clayson House for a fun event for children. There will be a drop-in craft and you’ll be able to visit with their mascot, Clayson, the Family Dog.

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

Oct. 11-15, 18-22, 2023

This event featuring a display of expertly carved pumpkins returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden for 10 evenings in advance of Halloween. 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.

Trick or Treat Trail at the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center

Oct. 20, 2023

Ages 12 and under can enjoy this trick-or-treat trail where friendly characters pass out candy. Also, games, prizes, entertainment and more family fun. The first 200 kids will receive a goodie bag.

Everyone at Play at Kohl Children’s Museum

Oct. 22, 2023

The museum’s 17 exhibits and two acres of outdoor explorations are designed for play with a purpose and encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor and social skills for children ages birth through 8. It invites families with children with special needs to explore the exhibits while closed to the general public. A quiet room for stimulation breaks will be available. Advanced registration required.

Spooky Science at Discovery Center Museum

Oct. 27, 2023

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.

Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms

Through Oct. 29, 2023

Pumpkin Fest is back and it will feature family activities and attractions for all ages, including amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more.

South Suburbs

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

Trunk or Treat at Heritage Park

Oct. 21, 2023

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

Western Suburbs

Photo courtesy of Imagine Exhibitions

Dinos Downtown Wheaton

Sept. 25-Oct. 8, 2023

  • Address: Downtown Wheaton
  • Cost: Free; $25/special Dino day activity passes | Get tickets

Dinos are taking over Wheaton for family fun and education. Popular animatronic dinos like the T. rex and Triceratops are joined by the Herrerasaurus, the Minmi and rare Amargasaurus.

The Last Straw at Gregg House Museum

Oct. 1, 2023

Enjoy lots of fall fun and family-friendly activities at Gregg House Museum. Features include decorating a pumpkin, making a scarecrow, taking a hayride, listening to music, making crafts and more.

Naper Settlement Oktoberfest

Oct. 6-7, 2023

At this annual event, guests will be able to enjoy German food, local and traditional Oktoberfest beer varieties, pop and polka music and more.

The 2023 Scarecrow Weekend in Downtown St. Charles

Oct. 6-8, 2023

  • Address: Downtown at Route 64 and Fox River, St. Charles
  • Cost: Free admission

Vote for your favorite scarecrow, purchase and build your own, see a professional pumpkin carver in action, visit the craft show and more.

Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo

Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2023

The not-so-scary and fun-filled event is something for the entire family to enjoy. There will be giant inflatables, sweet treat stations throughout the zoo, photo frames and more. Come dressed in costume.

Family Fall Fest at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace

Oct. 7, 2023

Bring the family out to The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace for Safety Town trick-or-treating plus fall festivities and more.

Movie in the Park – Hocus Pocus at Berens Park

Oct. 13, 2023

Families can join Elmhurst Park District for a fall showing of “Hocus Pocus.” Bring a blanket. The movie begins at dusk.

Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum

Oct. 15, 2023

This monthly event provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. It is intended for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing disorders. Pre-registration is required.

Haunted Forest – Little Monsters at Diane Main Park

Oct. 21, 2023

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 kinds of scares await them. Recommended for ages 9 and under.

Haunted Forest – Sheer Terror at Diane Main Park

Oct. 21, 2023

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 kinds of scares await them. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

BatFest in Downtown Batavia

Oct. 28, 2023

  • Address: Downtown Batavia area
  • Cost: Free

This annual Halloween-themed family event features trick-or-treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, meet and greet with live bats, contests, stories and games.

Special Spaces Trunk or Treat at Cadillac of Naperville

Oct. 28, 2023

Special Spaces creates dream bedroom makeovers for children in cancer treatment. Come out to its first annual Trunk or Treat and enjoy a music party, costume contest, jump houses and face painting. Costumes are encouraged.

Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center 

Oct. 30, 2023

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 Drag.

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Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Chicago Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places with her son.

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