The air is crisp and cool, the days are getting shorter, and everything is about pumpkin spice and jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows. It’s that fun fall time of year again, and there are plenty of fun things to do with the kids in Chicago this October!
Here is a sampling of some of the great activities you can take the kids to next month:
Apple Fest
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 30)
Take your kids to the kids’ zone at Apple Fest on Lincoln Avenue where you and the family can sip on some apple cider and eat apple pie, as well as hear some live local music. $5 donation.
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 29)
There’s free entry and a kids’ carnival at St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest, plus party bands, German food, and beer for the adults
Fulton Market Harvest Fest
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 30)
Children age 10 and younger are free at the Fulton Market Harvest Fest which has “cooking demos, live music, booths from the city’s best restaurants, and family friendly fun”
Scarecrow Fest
October 6 – 8, 2017
Bring the kids to vote for their favorite handmade scarecrow at Scarecrow Fest, which includes live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a carnival, a petting zoo, and vintage cars in St. Charles. Free.
Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest and Halloween Farm
October 1 – 30, 2017 (begins Sept. 15)
Start getting into the Halloween spirit with the Haunted Barn at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen which is suitable for mature kids. The Fun Barn is fun for the younger children. There are also pig races, kids’ rides, and a petting zoo.
Family Halloween in the Parks
October 1 – 31, 2017
Halloween in the Parks will provide hours of fun for the family in various Chicago area parks, with haunted houses, pumpkin patches, crafts, movies, fall festivals, and parties and dances.
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
October 1 – 31, 2017
Take the kids exploring in the corn mazes through the cornfields or enjoy fun family activities at local farms that have pumpkin patches
Oktoberfest in Naperville
October 6 – 8, 2017
Come for some family-friendly activities on Saturday afternoon at Oktoberfest and listen to a variety of live music ranging from classic German to classic rock, drink some German beer and eat some delicious food.
Halloween Parade for Dogs
October 21, 2017
The Chicago Botanic Garden is open to dogs in costume for two hours each year during Spooky Pooch Parade and costume contest, so bring Fido in his best costume so he can come out to join the family fun.
Trunk or Treat in Crystal Lake
October 27, 2017 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Trunk or Treat gives kids in costume candy from 25 decorated car trunks in a fun trick or treating twist. Also has a bonfire, outdoor movie, face-painting, Halloween games, and hayrides. Located at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, with a requested donation of three canned goods per family.
Halloween Happening for Kids
October 29, 2017 (1 to 4 p.m.)
Halloween Happening at Naperville Riverwalk’s Grand Pavilion has lots of free fun activities for kids 10 and under – including fairytales, games, and treats.
Northalsted Halloween Parade
October 31, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
The Northalsted Halloween Parade is fun to watch from the sidewalk on Halloween itself, taking place on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison.
Hope you had a great September, have a Happy October!
