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.
Boo at the Zoo!
Weekends in October
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. 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.
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.
Autumn Moon Hayride
Fridays through 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.
Gas Lamp Ghost Stories
Oct. 18
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Was that a cool October breeze or a chill running down the spine? Keep the spooks at bay with ghoulish grown-up tales told outside in the dark. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person.
All Hallow’s Eve
Oct. 18-19
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
(630) 420-6010
https://www.napersettlement.org
Experience two of the darkest nights of the year with 13 acres of haunting creatures, eerie entertainment, screaming delights, and must-see horrors. All Hallows Eve brings some of the scariest characters of the past, present and future to life. Not recommended for children younger than 8. Ticket sales end at noon Oct. 17. Time: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $20, free for children under 4.
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.
Cider and Ale Festival
Oct. 19
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Savor hard ciders and seasonal beers from local breweries and cideries. Bring a lawn chair and breathe in the crisp autumn air among the trees. The event is for ages 21 and older; no children or infants will be admitted. Time: 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $55, $15 for designated driver tickets in advance, plus $5 at the door. RR, MD
Family Fun Night: Pumpkins & Treats
Oct. 25
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
The park’s monthly Family Night series continues with a Halloween theme. Costumes are encouraged. Enjoy a fun craft, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating and more. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: free with $5 parking.
Horsin’ Around Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 26
Danada Equestrian Center
3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton
(630) 688-6012
Join the “Horsin’ Around” themed day with family and friends. This fun-filled equine activity day may include painting demonstrations by one of the horses, self-guided barn tours, tractor-drawn hayrides ($5 per person ages 5 and up), up-close visits with the Danada herd of horses and more. Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Boo Breakfast
Oct. 27
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2066
Treat yourself to a breakfast in the Gingko Restaurant complete with visits from favorite characters. Menu items include Spooky Scrambled, Possessed Potatoes and Scary Sausage. Costumes are encouraged. Cost: $38 for ages 13 and older, $31 for kids 3-12, free for kids under 3. RR, MD
Spooktacular Brunch
Oct. 27
Lucille Restaurant
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-8300
https://www.lucillerestaurant.com
Get in the Halloween spirit at the fourth annual event, complete with face painting, trick-or-treating, games and themed desserts. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $50, $20 for children 6-12, $15 for children 3-5, free for kids 2 and under, $5 off for kids in costume. RR
Night at ‘Pawgwarts’
Oct. 29
Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale
(630) 323-5630
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Harry Potter takes over the Hinsdale Humane Society as pets are sorted into Hogwarts “houses” and kids are invited to enjoy games, crafts and activities provided by Village Children’s Academy along with Halloween treats. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: $5 or donation of supplies from shelter’s wish list available at the website listed above.
Preschool Halloween Party
Oct. 31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Start the celebration early! Dress in costume and head over to the library to listen to music, play games and make a fun Halloween art piece. Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
