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 October events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar. Tag us on Instagram @chicagoparent if you check any of them out!
This article was recently updated Sept. 17 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Best October family events in Chicago
Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for Spooky Zoo on Oct. 19 and its Fall Fest happening all month long until Oct. 27. Also, Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will be opening at Water Tower Place on Oct. 4. Find even more Chicago family events in October on our calendar.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up at Goose Island
Sept. 19-Nov. 3, 2024
- Address: 1265 W. Le Moyne, Chicago
- Cost: $19-plus, free/ages 4 and under (with the purchase of an adult ticket)
All ages can 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.
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sept. 27-Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free admission; fees for some experiences
Celebrate fall with seasonal décor, music, s’mores roasting, live pumpkin carving and fall photo ops among the pumpkin patches. Ticketed activities include a fall game zone, a fun slide, a ferris wheel and inflatable attractions, including a bounce house and more.
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure at Water Tower Place
Oct. 4-Dec. 31, 2024
- Address: 835 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $24/early pricing until Oct. 17, $29.99-plus/after Oct. 17
All ages can enjoy this immersive experience which features hands-on activities and Hershey treats.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Oct. 5-6, 2024
- Address: Lincoln Ave. between Lawrence and Sunnyside, Chicago
- Cost: $5/suggested donation
This annual apple festival features lots of apple items and market vendors.
Cider with the Sanderson Sisters at Normandy Park
Oct. 12, 2024
- Address: 6660 W. 52nd St., Chicago
- Cost: $7
All ages can come out to Normandy Park to enjoy music, cotton candy, popcorn, crafts and face painting with the Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus.”
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Oct. 19, 2024
- Address: State St. moving south from Lake to Van Buren, Chicago
- Cost: Free
See unique floats and creative performances along State St. at this 9th annual Halloween parade.
Open House Chicago 2024
Oct. 19-20, 2024
- Address: 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
This free festival provides behind-the-scenes access to 170-plus locations across 22 Chicago neighborhoods.
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Oct. 19, 2024
- Address: 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
Dress up in costume and come to Lincoln Park Zoo ready for a day full of Halloween fun.
Halloween Spooktacular at Avondale
Oct. 21, 2024
- Address: 3516 W. School St., Chicago
- Cost: $10
Ages 3-5 can enjoy creating Halloween-themed crafts. All supplies will be provided. Registration required.
Halloween Party at Calumet Park
Oct. 25, 2024
- Address: 9801 S. Ave. G, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 13 and under can come out to Calumet Park for music, a costume contest, carnival snacks and games.
BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $20-$30
This event features animal encounters, trick-or-treating, crafts and more at this Halloween event. Costumes encouraged. Registration required.
Upside Down Halloween Parade at Washington Park
Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Make sure to wear your costume and pick up your goody bag at the end of the “reverse” parade. There will be sports mascots, dance performances, circus acrobats, musical groups and more.
007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Through Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: This exhibit requires an additional ticket in addition to general admission: 007 Tickets: $18/adults, $14/children 3-11, $9/members; General admission: $25.95/adults, $14.95/kids 3-11, free for children 2 and under
This spy-themed exhibit features some of the cars, gadgets and props that were used in the films, including a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.
Trunk or Treat at Austin Town Hall Park
Oct. 30, 2024
- Address: 5610 W. Lake St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-15 can dress in costume to collect candy from cars decorated for Halloween. Also, games, arts and crafts and more.
Halloween Community Party at Oriole Park
Oct. 31, 2024
- Address: 5430 N. Olcott Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 1-12 can come dressed in costume to enjoy Halloween-themed games, treats and more.
Halloween Party at West Lawn Park
Oct. 31, 2024
- Address: 4233 W. 65th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-12 can enjoy a Halloween Party, which includes games, costume contests and more.
Haunted Hues at Color Factory
Through Nov. 3, 2024
- Address: 320 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: $29-plus
Haunted Hues is a limited-time Halloween themed celebration, which will offer frightful family fun and the best festive colors of the season. There will be special treats, a scavenger hunt, photo opps and a palette pumpkin patch like never before.
Best October family events in the North/Northwest Suburbs
A popular favorite event this month is The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest. Also, be sure to check out Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails! at Kohl Children’s Museum, which opens on Oct. 5. Find even more North/Northwest Suburbs family events in October on our calendar.
Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Sept. 26-Oct. 20, 2024
- Address: 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
- Cost: $24/student, $45-plus/adult
Ages 5 and up can see the cherished fairytale infused with new characters, new energy, classic songs and surprising twists.
Peppa’s Pumpkin Party at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago
Oct. 1-31, 2024
- Address: 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
- Cost: $18.99-plus/ages 1-8, $6.99-plus/ages 9 and up
Families with littles can join Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago for a special Halloween story, meet and greet with Peppa, do a scavenger hunt and more.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest
Oct. 4-6, 2024
- Address: Downtown Highwood
- Cost: Free admission; fees for rides
You can expect carnival rides, pumpkin carving stations, live music, vendors, hay rides, pumpkin walls, contests and more at this 14th annual fest.
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails! at Kohl Children’s Museum
Oct. 5, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: $20/general admission, free/members
This interactive exhibit is great for kids ages 2-7. It is inspired by the popular children’s series on Nick Jr. and allows visitors to encounter new challenges surrounded by iconic locations and characters from the series.
Everyone at Play at Kohl Children’s Museum
Oct. 13, 2024
- Address:2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: Free
Families with children with special needs can explore the exhibits while they’re closed to the general public. A quiet room will be available for stimulation breaks. Advanced registration is required.
Trick or Treat Trail at the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center
Oct. 18, 2024
- Address: 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
- Cost: Free
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.
Moonlight Masquarade Walk at The Grove
Oct. 23, 2024
- Address: 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
- Cost: Free
Bring your own flashlight and wear your costume to this hike through The Grove. Personalize your flashlight before the hike begins.
Tricks & Treats In The Valley at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley
Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg
- Cost: $5-$7/participants, free/adults
Head to Heritage Farm at Spring Valley for a fun trick-or-treating event. Wear your costume. Advanced registration is required.
Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms
Through Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire
- Cost: Free admission and parking; $1/attraction ticket
This annual event features family activities and attractions for all ages, including amusement rides, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, shows, fall treats and more.
Jack O’ Lantern World
Through Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
- Cost: Jack O’Lantern Admission: $20.99-$24.99/ages 13-plus, $14.99-$16.99/ges 3-12, free/2 and under; Fun Zone: $12.99/person with purchase of Jack O’Lantern World ticket, $19.99/person for Fun Zone ticket only
All ages can walk through thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns created by more than 50 artists. Enjoy food and beverages from some of your favorite local food trucks. There is also a new Fun Zone this year with a mega 27-foot inflatable slide, three giant inflatable obstacle courses, nine holes of neon mini golf and a giant 15-foot straw bale teddy bear. The Special Needs Night is Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
Best October family events in the South Suburbs
Check out the Halloween events happening in the South Suburbs this month all over Lemont and in downtown Tinley Park. You can also take your family to see Hocus Pocus at Rialto Square Theatre. Find even more South Suburbs family events in October on our calendar.
Lemonster Days
Sept. 21-Oct. 31, 2024
- Address: Various locations in Lemont
- Cost: Fees vary by event
Enjoy family-friendly fun in Lemont. There will be a Harvest Fest, Monster and Me Mile Run, Scarecrow Trail, Lemonster Trick-or-Treating and more.
Camp Sullivan Indigenous People’s Day – Family Bike Camp Out
Oct. 12-14, 2024
- Address: 14630 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest
- Cost: $90 adults, $60 kids ages 17 and under
Explore scenic trails, enjoy communal activities, and experience the joy of biking and camping with your family at this three-day adventure.
Downtown Tinley Park Boo Bash
Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: Zabrocki Plaza – North OPA Metra Lot, 17375 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: Free
This annual event will feature trick-or-treating, DJ entertainment and more in downtown Tinley Park.
Hocus Pocus at Rialto Square Theatre
Oct. 29, 2024
- Address: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
- Cost: $5/general admission
Watch the Disney classic Hocus Pocus on the big screen at Rialto Square Theatre. Seating is first come, first serve.
Bengtson’s FallFest at Bengston Pumpkin Farm
Through Nov. 3, 2024
- Address: 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
- Cost: $22.99/Mondays-Thursdays, $25.99/Fridays, $36.99/Saturdays-Sundays
Families can enjoy this fall festival at Bengtson Pumpkin Farm which features a petting zoo, barnyard animals, family-friendly rides, sweet treats and a pumpkin patch.
Best October family events in the Western Suburbs
Enjoy Boo at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo and BatFest in Batavia. If you’re looking for a special needs event, check out Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum. Find even more Western Suburbs family events in October on our calendar.
Naper Settlement Oktoberfest
Oct. 4-5, 2024
- Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
- Cost: $20/adult, $15/ages 4-12, free/ages 3 and under
This Oktoberfest features pop and polka music, German food, local and traditional Oktoberfest beer varieties and more.
Boo at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo
Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2024
- Address: 8400 31st St., Brookfield
- Cost: Free w/zoo admission: $29.95/ages 12-64, $24.95/ages 65-plus, $20.95/ages 3-11, free/ages 2 and under
Come dressed in costume to enjoy a not-so-scary and fun-filled day. There will be sweet treat stations throughout the zoo, giant inflatables, photo frames and more.
Family Fall Fest at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace
Oct. 5, 2024
- Address: 511 S. York St., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free admission
Kids can participate in Safety Town trick-or-treating, fall festivities, food trucks, games and more.
The Last Straw at Gregg House Museum
Oct. 6, 2024
- Address: 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont
- Cost: Free admission; fees for some activities
This event features fall fun making a scarecrow, decorating a pumpkin, taking a hayride, listening to music, making crafts and more.
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival in Downtown St. Charles
Oct. 11-13, 2024
- Address: Downtown at Route 64 and Fox River, St. Charles
- Cost: Free admission
Vote for your favorite scarecrow out of the ones showcased around town. Also, enjoy photo opportunities, Scarecrow-to-Go and more.
Haunted Forest – Little Monsters at Diane Main Park
Oct. 19, 2024
- Address: 200 W. 59th St., Westmont
- Cost: $8/person
Ages 9 and up can take a wagon ride through the terrifying woods path scenes and then walk through the wicked woods.
Haunted Forest – Sheer Terror at Diane Main Park
Oct. 19, 2024
- Address: 200 W. 59th St., Westmont
- Cost: $8/person
Ages 10 and up can take a wagon ride through the terrifying woods path scenes and then walk through the wicked woods.
Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum
Oct. 20, 2024
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost: $19, free/under 1 and members
This event provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. It is intended for families with members who have disabilities, are on the autism spectrum and/or have sensory processing disorders. Pre-registration is required.
BatFest
Oct. 26, 2024
- Address: Downtown Batavia
- Cost: Free
The annual Halloween-themed family features trick-or-treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, costume contests, games, stories, BatArt and more.
Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center
Oct. 30, 2024
- Address: 75 E. Richmond St., Westmont
- Cost: Free
Ages 2-10 and their families can enjoy a safe, Halloween night of 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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