Blue Man Group Autism-Friendly Performance
We can all agree that the hijinks and hilarity of Blue Man Group is good for everyone, which is what makes the legendary performers’ partnership with Autism Speaks all the more exciting. At the Autism-Friendly Performance, you get the full Blue Man experience without any of the overload, thanks to reduced sound levels and a “sensory break” space in the lobby, decked out with bean bags, dim lights and quiet corners. Best of all, $5 of every ticket purchased goes to Autism Speaks. $49. 4 p.m. Oct. 4.
Briar Street Theatre
3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
(773) 348-4000
Accio, cookbook! Your kids have grown up with Harry Potter and all his friends, and now it’s time to cook like them. This fun Wizards Cooking Class for kids 6-10 includes recipes for chocolate frogs, pumpkin pasties and polyjuice potion (hopefully without the transformational powers), as well as magical games and a few spell-casting lessons to really manage some mischief. Let’s just hope they don’t come home with an invisibility cloak. $53, $35 resident. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 7.
95th Street Center
2244 W. 95th St., Naperville
(630) 848-5000
Howl at the Moon Hike
You don’t have to be a werewolf to enjoy this after-hours trek! On the night before Halloween, families with kids 5 and up can venture out on the Howl at the Moon Hike to get a peek at what happens at Spring Valley when the sun goes down and the full moon comes out. Don’t worry: We’re guessing it will be more beautiful than boo-tiful. $10, $7 resident. 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 30.
Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley
1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
(847) 985-2100