Whether your block is the best in spooky decorations and top treats, or if it’s missing anyone with the Halloween spirit, taking the trick-or-treating off the block can be safer, sometimes warmer (think inside) and often times way cooler than your typical fun size candy bar. I’ve scouted all the guides and have pulled together this list of 10 unusual places where you can fill your sack and have a spooktacular time.
Oak Brook Hills Resort
Oct. 30 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $10 (children 2 and younger are free)
Slip into your costumes and head out to the ‘burbs for a Halloween-themed all-you-can-eat brunch buffet from executive chef Patrick Curry. The event will feature pumpkin decorating, caramel apple station, photo ops, fire pits, pumpkin valets and of course trick-or-treating!
The 606 Trail, 1800 N. Bloomingdale
Oct. 31 5-7 p.m.
The Bloomingdale Trail will become the BOOmingdale trail as you trick-or-treat from end-to-end, or choose a section near you! Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail will provide bags and CAPS officers will be part of the fun.
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago, Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg
Ongoing through Oct. 31
Cost: $19 per person, children who wear their Halloween Costume receive $5 off admission
Why go door-to-door for candy when you can trick-or-treat for Lego bricks? When all are collected they create a special Halloween-themed mini model. Head to Legoland for spooky activities and Halloween-themed builds, including a glow-in-the-dark Lego building challenge.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., GlencoeOct. 29-30
Families are invited to come and trick-or-treat through the Model Railroad Garden for Trains, Tricks & Treats. Come in costume for the five trick-or-treat stations offering candy, a planting activity and other treats. The garden will be decorated delightfully festive, but not overly spooky, so that the youngest kids can enjoy the fun without being too scared to sleep that night.
Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago
Oct. 30 12-4 p.m., Oct. 31 4-8 p.m.
Navy Pier is celebrating Halloween with a weekend full of wicked good fun for the whole family. Children 12 and younger can trick-or-treat the entire pier.
1320 Aurora Ave., Naperville
Oct. 29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost: $1 per child & a non-perishable food item
The Loaves & Fishes Pantry will offer children a short lesson on trick-or-treat safety and then kids will have the opportunity to explore safety town.
Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum and Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Kenosha, WIOct. 29, 1-4 p.m.
Free
Show off your costumes as you rock, bop and trick-or-treat through three museums each with their own unique features and activities. Activities include: Mad Scientist Lak, Monster Mash DIY treat Bag, Kids Storytimes, Lantern Tours and Create Your Own Story, Boneyard and Haunted Dino Digs.
Miner Mike’s Mini Golf, 6801 Main St., Downer’s Grove
Oct. 31 12-3 p.m. Cost: $4 per child and $5 per adult per round
Hit the (mini) links in your costume and trick-or-treat while you play! Candy will be handed out throughout the course.
Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Oct. 29 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free
Participating businesses will provide candy or small treats to children. Other activities include story time, pumpkin decorating, sing-a-longs and more!
Iowa Community Center, 338 South Iowa Avenue, Addison
Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $8 (children 2 and younger are free)
Villa Park merchants and organizations will create outdoor scenes for costumed children to trick-or-treat at. The evening ends with a presentation of Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles.
Have a sweet Halloween filling your bags at this off the block locations and if your bag overflows, here are some ideas on how you can spread the sweetness and support our troops through Operation Gratitude.
