First, let me thank relator Beth Spindle for sponsoring this great Halloween Guide. Beth, a Geneva resident and mom to three girls, works with buyers and sellers all over the western and northwestern suburbs. If you’d like to learn more about Beth, you can check out her website.
Second, I know I sound like a cranky old person, but back in my day, Halloween was limited to a classroom party and trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. Today’s little ghosts and goblins have it so lucky — there are so many chances for them to show off and have fun in their costumes. Here’s a day-by-day guide to how your family can make the most of the Halloween season over the next two weeks. Please follow the links for detailed information or registration details for the following events. In the coming days, we’ll be posting info on trick-or-treating opportunities in downtown business districts and shopping centers, along with official trick-or-treating hours for area suburbs. And of course there is still plenty of time to fit in a visit to a new (or old favorite) pumpkin patch — or to treat your family to a hayride! — Tara
Friday, October 16
PUMPKINS AND TREATS: On Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Cantigny will be starting the Halloween celebrations early with trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and more. There is a $2 per car parking admission but the event — part of the “Family Night Out” series — is free. Click here for more information.
HALLOWEEN HAPPENING: The Wheaton Park District’s “Halloween Happening” is a big, all ages event in Wheaton on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the town’s Community Center. It includes a costume pageant, trick or treat trail, a “trunk or treat,” and more. There are fees for some events and concessions are available. You can pay cash individually at the event, or there is an unlimited fun pass available for $15, or $17 on the day of. For a full list of events and registration information, click here.
HALLOWEEN SCIENCE NIGHT: The Elgin Public Museum is hosting a night of scientific Halloween fun. Learn the science behind black lights, spider webs, and dry ice. There will be demonstrations, discussions, and creepy crafts. This runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there is a $2 fee per person. For more information click here.
ALL HALLOWS EVE: Naper Settlement is hosting a less family friendly event on Friday and Saturday October 16 and 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their historic buildings are turned into Frankenstein’s Laboratory, a Victorian Insane Asylum, a Torture Dungeon, Journey through the Underworld and so much more. The event is not intended for children under 8 years old and parental guidance is suggested. The cost is $15 a person and members are free. Visit their site for more information.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Saturday, October 17
CAPES AND CROWNS: The St. Charles Park District is hosting an event with The Avengers, Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America, as well as Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Cinderella. A dinner of sandwiches will be provided by Jersey Mikes and there will be dancing and prizes for the best princess and super hero costumes. The cost is $15 ($22.50 N/R) and every child must have a registered parent. For more information and registration, click here.
BOO AT THE ZOO: Come to the Brookfield Zoo in costume and enjoy a day of activities during “Boo at the Zoo.” There are events throughout the day and a costume parade and contest. Each day at 11 a.m. animals will be given pumpkins that you can watch them eat. Visit the Brookfield Zoo website for a full list of events and admission prices.
ALL HALLOW’S EVE: Visit Blackberry Farm for a night of spooky fun for the whole family from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be ghost stories, games, and a magic show as well as spooky train and hay wagon rides. The cost is $4.50 (N/R $7) Please note that while this is a family event, there will be some scary elements. For more information, click here.
ALL HALLOWS EVE: Naper Settlement is hosting a less family friendly event on Friday and Saturday October 16 and 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their historic buildings are turned into Frankenstein’s Laboratory, a Victorian Insane Asylum, a Torture Dungeon, Journey through the Underworld and so much more. The event is not intended for children under 8 years old and parental guidance is suggested. The cost is $15 a person and members are free. Visit their site for more information.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here. (Note that Oct. 17 is the best night to see the homeowners “in action” since it is the night they are judged.)
Sunday, October 18
BOO AT THE ZOO: Come to the Brookfield Zoo in costume and enjoy a day of activities. There are events throughout the day and a costume parade and contest. Each day at 11 a.m. animals will be given pumpkins that you can watch them eat. Visit the Brookfield Zoo website for a full list of events and admission prices.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Wednesday, October 21
SYCAMORE FESTIVAL: The annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore will be held starting the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 25. It features a pumpkin display, a teen carnival, a kiddie carnival, scary storytimes, a pie-eating contest, great pumpkin weigh-in, house walk, a parade and food vendors. The highlight, however, is strolling the courthouse lawn, looking at the decorated pumpkins. The annual Pumpkin Festival Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more info, including a detailed schedule of events, please click here. There is no admission fee to enter the festival.
Thursday, October 22
GENEVA LIBRARY COSTUME PARADE: The Geneva Library will be having a costume parade on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preschoolers, siblings, and parents are encouraged to participate in a parade that will weave around the library and end in the meeting room. For more information and to register, click here.
SYCAMORE FESTIVAL: The annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore will be held through Sunday, Oct. 25. It features a pumpkin display, a teen carnival, a kiddie carnival, scary storytimes, a pie-eating contest, great pumpkin weigh-in, house walk, a parade and food vendors. The highlight, however, is strolling the courthouse lawn, looking at the decorated pumpkins. The annual Pumpkin Festival Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more info, including a detailed schedule of events, please click here. There is no admission fee to enter the festival.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Friday, October 23
COSLEY SPOOKTACULAR: Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is hosting its “Spooktacular” on Friday, Oct. 23. The early session is full, but the 7 p.m session still has some spots available. You and your kids can take a stroll through the “not so scary” straw maze, check out the spooky pond path, meet live animals, carve or decorate a pumpkin, play games, enjoy refreshments and make crafts. Non-zoo members pay $10 for ages 3 through 14, $5 for ages 15 through adult. Children 2 and under are free. Space is limited, so register soon if you’re interested in this one.
HALLOWEEN TROLLEY RIDES: Anderson’s Bookshop in downtown Naperville is hosting Halloween Trolley Rides on Friday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Wear your costume and join the special readers who will be telling stories onboard. The cost is $9 per rider per 1/2 hour ride. Under 2 year lap riders are free. Tickets will be available at Anderson’s in Naperville by calling 630-355-2665.
SYCAMORE FESTIVAL: The annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore will be held through Sunday, Oct. 25. It features a pumpkin display, a teen carnival, a kiddie carnival, scary storytimes, a pie-eating contest, great pumpkin weigh-in, house walk, a parade and food vendors. The highlight, however, is strolling the courthouse lawn, looking at the decorated pumpkins. The annual Pumpkin Festival Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more info, including a detailed schedule of events, please click here. There is no admission fee to enter the festival.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Saturday, October 24
BATAVIA BATFEST: The annual “Batfest” in downtown Batavia is always a good time, and this year it’s scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This family event will feature morning trick-or-treating (a map of participating businesses is usually posted here closer to the event), storytelling, a pumpkin roll, hayrides, farmers’ market, a photo booth, games and contests at the Riverwalk. The costume parade, organized by the Batavia Mothers’ For a complete schedule, please click here. This is a free event.
GENEVA HALLOWEEN HAYDAY: The Geneva Park District is celebrating with a Halloween Hayday on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stephen Persinger Recreation Center. There will be kids games, a cake walk, costume contest, cookie decorating, bounce houses, hay rides, and more. Pre-registration is encouraged, the pre-registration fee is $5 (N/R $8) and day of registration is $7 (N/R $10) There is free admission for adults. For more information click here.
CLICK, CLACK, BOO STORYTIME: Barnes and Noble in both Naperville and Geneva will be hosting a Halloween event with story time and activities featuring the book “Click, Clack, Boo” on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. More information is available on the website, click here for Naperville and here for Geneva.
HOWL’O WEEN DOG PARADE: Peck Farm in Geneva is hosting their annual “Howl’O Ween Dog Parade” on Saturday, Oct. 24 starting at 1:15 p.m. in front of the Peck House. This is a free event and prizes will be awarded. For more information, visit the Park District website.
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE: The Geneva Park District is hosting a “Zombie Apocalypse” at Wheeler Park on Saturday Oct. 24. There are two different events, a “Family-friendly Hour” from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. which is a “slower-paced by equally fun family-friendly version.” The zombies are instructed to take it easy to ensure all participants have a good time. This hour is suggested for those ages 10 and under. Starting at 6:30 p.m. the event is suggested for ages 11 and older and will be the ultimate zombie obstacle course. If you register before the day of the event it is $9 ($14 N/R) or $10 ($15 N/R) the day of the event. For more information and to find out how to volunteer or register, visit the Park District website.
MONSTER MASH BASH: Oswego has been hosting this party for over 30 years and this year it runs 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Oswego High School. Wear your Halloween costume and take part in all the activities like games, face painting, bounce castles, and an impromptu play. Ages 6 months 10 years are $5 at the door, adults are free. For more information click here.
BOO AT THE ZOO: Come to the Brookfield Zoo in costume and enjoy a day of activities during “Boo at the Zoo.” There are events throughout the day and a costume parade and contest. Each day at 11 a.m. animals will be given pumpkins that you can watch them eat. Visit the Brookfield Zoo website for a full list of events and admission prices.
SCARE-ILLON CONCERT: Come to downtown Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a free, all-ages Halloween themed concert. It will take place outdoor at the Millennium Carillon and will feature spooky and atmospheric pieces featuring both classical and popular music. For more information click here.
HALLOWEEN TROLLEY RIDES: Anderson’s Bookshop in downtown Naperville is hosting Halloween Trolley Rides on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Wear your costume and join the special readers who will be telling stories onboard. The cost is $9 per rider per 1/2 hour ride. Under 2 year lap riders are free. Tickets will be available at Anderson’s in Naperville by calling 630-355-2665.
SYCAMORE FESTIVAL: The annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore will run through Sunday, Oct. 25. It features a pumpkin display, a teen carnival, a kiddie carnival, scary storytimes, a pie-eating contest, great pumpkin weigh-in, house walk, a parade and food vendors. The highlight, however, is strolling the courthouse lawn, looking at the decorated pumpkins. The annual Pumpkin Festival Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more info, including a detailed schedule of events, please click here. There is no admission fee to enter the festival.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Sunday, October 25:
HALLOWEEN HAPPENING: On Sunday, Oct. 25, Naperville is hosting a free Halloween fest at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 10 and under. There will be four different themed lands with different activities for kids of all ages. For a full listing of events, click here.
BOO AT THE ZOO: Come to the Brookfield Zoo in costume and enjoy a day of activities during “Bo at the Zoo.” There are events throughout the day and a costume parade and contest. Each day at 11 a.m. animals will be given pumpkins that you can watch them eat. Visit the Brookfield Zoo website for a full list of events and admission prices.
SYCAMORE FESTIVAL: The annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore will run through Sunday, Oct. 25. It features a pumpkin display, a teen carnival, a kiddie carnival, scary storytimes, a pie-eating contest, great pumpkin weigh-in, house walk, a parade and food vendors. The highlight, however, is strolling the courthouse lawn, looking at the decorated pumpkins. The annual Pumpkin Festival Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more info, including a detailed schedule of events, please click here. There is no admission fee to enter the festival.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Monday, October 26
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Tuesday, October 27
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
OSWEGO CHICK-FIL-A: There will be a Costume Contest at the Oswego Chick-fil-A Family Night on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Judging will take place at 6 p.m. for ages 6 and under and at 6:30 p.m. for ages 6-12. Everyone who enters will receive a prize. For more information visit the website.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Wednesday, October 28
AURORA LIBRARY EOLA BRANCH: On Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. there will be a special “Halloween Storytimes” including short costume parades for ages 2 to 5. No registration is required, more information can be found at the library calendar.
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
ELGIN LIBRARY: On Wednesday, Oct. 28 the Elgin library is hosting a “Halloween Happening” event at both 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The 10 a.m. event is for birth to preschool and the 3:30 p.m. event is for preschool to second grade. Children should wear their costumes and there will be a parade through the library. For more information check the library calendar.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Thursday, October 29
AURORA LIBRARY EOLA BRANCH: On Thursday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. there will be a special “Halloween Storytimes” including short costume parades for ages up to 23 months. No registration is required, more information can be found at the library calendar.
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
TRICKS AND TREATS: The Batavia Public Library is celebrating Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wear your costume and enjoy spooky games, a creepy craft, and more. No registration is required. Click here for more information.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Friday, October 30
AURORA LIBRARY EOLA BRANCH: On Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. there will be a special “Halloween Storytimes” including short costume parades for ages 2 to 5. No registration is required, more information can be found at the library calendar.
ELGIN LIBRARY: On Friday, Oct. 30 the Rakow branch of the Elgin library is hosting a “Halloween Hoot” event from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages birth to six can come for a story time, parade, photo op, and trick or treating. older kids ages 7 to 10 can come for a slightly scary story time and silly soap sculptures. For registration information check the library calendar.
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
MY GYM HALLOWEEN PARTY: My Gym in Wheaton is hosting a Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 30. The two later times are full but there is still space for the 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. time slots. If you are interested, you should register soon since it is filling up fast. There will be Halloween themed games, activities, dances, songs, puppets and more. And make sure to wear a costume for a parade. The cost is $5 for currently enrolled members and $10 for non-members. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
BOO BASH: Cantigny is having a morning of Halloween stories, crafts, and a special treat on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is required and the cost is $10 per child, no parking fee. This is for ages 3-5 years old with a parent. For more information and registration information, visit the Facebook event page.
SCARY STORIES AT CREEK BEND: Families with children in grades three and up can come to the Creek Bend Nature Center for scary stories outside at the amphitheater around a campfire on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. In case of bad weather the story time will be held inside the nature center. For registration and more information, click here.
HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN NIGHT: There will be a night of Halloween events at the Prisco Community Center on Friday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wear your costume and play spooky games, make crafts, and go trick-or-treating. The cost is $5 ($8 for N/R) with one adult free with every child. Space is limited so you must register by 5 p.m. on October 23. For more information and registration, click here.
HAYRIDE AND MONSTER HOUSE MOVIE: Friday, Oct. 30, Cantigny will be hosting free hayrides from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. there will be a showing of the movie “Monster House” in the Visitors Center Theater. This event is free with $2 per car parking admission. For more information and movie synopsis, check out the Facebook event page.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
Saturday, October 31
AURORA LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH: All day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a self-directed “Spooky Garden Storywalk” in the Nature Garden at the main branch of the Aurora Public Library. The story will be spooky but not scary and is for families with children 10 and under. Go to the library calendar for more information.
AURORA LIBRARY WEST BRANCH: The West branch of the Aurora Public Library will be hosting a “Halloween Storytime” from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Children ages 3 and up can show off their Halloween costume and enjoy spooky tales and a treat. No registration is required, more information can be found at the library calendar.
AURORA LIBRARY EOLA BRANCH: On Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. there will be a “Monster Bash” at the Eola branch of the Aurora Public Library. Children ages 5 to 11 can wear a costume, play Halloween themed games, and trick or treat around the library. No registration is required, more information can be found at the library calendar.
PUMPKIN-PALOOZA: The Aurora Park District is having a family friendly party at 2 p.m. on Halloween day at the Eola Community Center. There will be games, dancing, crafts, and snacks. Activity tokens are included with registration with the option to purchase more at the door. Children 2 and under are free, advanced registration is $12, $8 for each additional child. Day of is $15 and $10 for each additional child. For more information and registration, click here.
HALLOWEEN FALL FEST: The Butterfield Park District in Lombard is hosting a “Halloween Fall Fest” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be trick-or-treating, a pumpkin hunt, fall treats, games, crafts, and more. This event will also wrap up the 50th anniversary scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded to those dressed in costume. This event is for ages 1-12 and the cost is $6. For more information, click here.
HALLOWEEN AT THE ARB: The Morton Arboretum will be hosting a Halloween event and children under the age of 17 will be admitted free. Costumes are encouraged and there will be events such a Halloween themed breakfast, (preregistration is required, find more information here) fall crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more. The scavenger hunt is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the free admission is all day from 7 a.m. to sunset. For a full schedule of events visit the Morton Arboretum website.
GHOULISH HOMES: Each year, the St. Charles Park District organizes a “Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour” in which homeowners can compete for awards for their spooky yard displays. Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10 p.m. through Halloween night. Note that not all displays are appropriate for all ages, and parents are advised to use their discretion. A free tour guide in PDF format is available here.
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