Oktoberfest
Oct. 4-5
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
(630) 420-6010
https://www.napersettlement.org
Traditional cuisine and authentic beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music during the day and over-the-top rock on Saturday night. Enjoy an expanded draft menu, professional pumpkin carver, Oktoberfest pinball and laugh-out-loud competitions. Kids can enjoy special activities from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Oct, 4, noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 5. Tickets: $15, $10 for ages 4-12, free for 3 and younger.
Pumpkin decorating
Oct. 5
Zook Studio
Katherine Legge Memorial Park
5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/programs-and-events
Join the Hinsdale Historical Society in decorating pumpkins and bring along creative and spooky ideas. Pumpkins, decorating supplies and refreshments will be provided. Families should register by Oct. 3. Fees will be collected at the door. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $7 per child. RR, MD
Halloween Night Walk ticket sales begin
Oct. 5
Fullersburg Woods
3909 Spring Road, Oak Brook
(630) 850-8110
Tickets - which must be purchased in person - go on sale for the popular Halloween Night Walks Oct. 25-26 at Fullersburg. The 75-minute guided walk through the woods after dark features Halloween tricks and natural history tales. All ages are welcome. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: $14 per person for ages 3 and up; limit 10.
Corn Harvest
Saturdays in October
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
After a quick session in "Corn College," experience life as a field hand, helping to harvest this year's crop and make corn shocks from the cut stalks. Then, create a souvenir corn-husk figure for home. All ages are welcome. Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Trick or Trees
Weekends in October
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Head to the children's garden to play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home. Small pumpkins to paint will be available for purchase, and costumes are encouraged. Cost: free with admission of $15 for adults 18-64, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for kids 2-17 and free for children 1 and younger.
Fall Color 5K Run
Oct. 6
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
The 16th annual event will take runners on a challenging CARA and USA Track & Field-certified course, winding through the arboretum's wooded east side. Each runner will receive a technical T-shirt, recovery food, water and free admission to enjoy the 1,700-acre arboretum for the remainder of the day. The day includes a post-race party, complete with awards and live music. Time: 8 a.m. 5K, 9:30 a.m. Kid's Dash. Cost: $45 for 5K, $15 for Kid's Dash. RR, MD
Moonlight Mansion Tour
Mondays and Tuesdays in October
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
After the sun sets, enjoy a guided tour of the mansion and hear urban legends, tales of hauntings and stories of mischief while learning about the building's architecture, history and ownership. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15 per person.
Glass Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 9-13
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Admire a stunning array of glassblown art at the ninth annual Glass Pumpkin Patch. Explore a dazzling collection of more than 6,000 handblown glass pumpkins as well as autumnal and farmer's market-themed glass art designs, all available for sale. Exhibits and demonstrations also are scheduled; see the website listed above for details. The sale begins at 1 p.m. Friday. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: free with admission of $15 for adults 18-64, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for kids 2-17 and free for children 1 and younger.
'Hotel Transylvania'
Oct. 11
Robbins Park
Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale
(630) 789-7090
https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Dress in costume and bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs for a spooky family night out at the Halloween movie in the park. Free popcorn will be served. The film is rated PG and runs 92 minutes. The rain date is Oct. 14. Time: 6:30 p.m.
Autumn Moon Hayride
Fridays, Oct. 11-Nov. 1
St. James Farm
2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville
(630) 580-7025
Enjoy a rare chance to experience the preserve after the sun sets. Hear stories about the moon and the stars, and then enjoy hot cocoa and s'mores by the fire. The program is for all ages; those under 13 must be with an adult. Time: Rides begin at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 per person.
Boo at the Zoo!
Weekends Oct. 12-27
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
(708) 688-8000
Ghosts and goblins of all ages can have a howling good time at this family friendly event, which includes trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving demonstrations, Zoo Chats on some creepy residents, a haunted hayride, costume parade and more. For a full schedule visit the website listed above. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids 3-11 and seniors 65 and older, free for kids 2 and younger, plus $14 parking.
Caramel Apple Decorating
Oct. 14
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Decorate apples with caramel, chocolate and other toppings and customize a fall-themed squishy on a day off school. Time: 2 to 2:45 p.m. RR
Hinsdale Fall Family Fest
Oct. 19
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 789-7090
https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Dress in a favorite Halloween costume and enjoy a free day of fun featuring pumpkin decorating (for first 500 participants), inflatables, entertainment and carnival games. Enter the costume contest by checking in at the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce table between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Enjoy on-stage entertainment provided by the Hinsdale Public Library from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. The Hinsdalean will be on hand taking free photos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trick or treating will be available at participating downtown businesses from noon to 3 p.m. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 pm.
