For children, some holidays seem to stand out more than others, and Halloween is easily one of the most child-centric celebrations in Chicago and the United States.
Children get to dress up as monsters, heroes, princesses, and thousands of other creative costume ideas. The Windy City gives families an opportunity to add to that experience with family events around the city. Use this guide to get a head start on your family’s Halloween plans for this year.
Spooky learning tours
Ghosts of Chicago Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
Nothing says “Halloween” like ghosts and scary stories. For families in Chicago who want to share a memorable and spooky learning experience this Halloween, the Ghosts of Chicago Family-Friendly Ghost Tour stands out.
The tour begins near the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, with the guide sharing stories and historical facts about Chicago, its history, and the folklore and spooky tales that have been passed down by generations of residents. While the tour is frightening enough to match the Halloween spirit, it’s designed to accommodate children as young as preschool in Chicago.
Participants will be spending considerable time outdoors during this tour, so parents will want to ensure their little ones are dressed for the weather and comfort. The tour itself is around 90 minutes long, and tickets can be reserved online for $30 per person.
Original Chicago Hauntings Ghost Bus Tour
For families with children who are too young to walk for 90 minutes, Chicago’s Original Hauntings Bus Tour can provide an age-appropriate alternative. The three-hour tour makes several stops around downtown Chicago, including the Old City Cemetery, Death Alley, and other “haunted” gems.
Participants will get to enjoy several stops where they can get off the bus and explore the tour’s points of interests. The bus’s comfortable interior also can provide a warm space for little ones should the weather be cold around Halloween. It’s a tour option that provides the best of both worlds. Reservations can be made online, with tickets costing between $54 and $59 per guest.
Interactive indoor experiences
Halloween at Sloomoo Institute
Creative Halloween activities offer several benefits for Chicago families and their children. Indoor interactive experiences like Sloomooween at Sloomoo Institute are a perfect example of these events. Rather than braving the outdoors, parents can take their children the world’s best Halloween Slime gathering.
Children who attend can trick-or-treat to collect candy and other goodies, participate in costume contests, meet Sloomoo, and experience getting slimed at the venue’s Spooky Falls exhibit. It’s a creative and interactive option that is excellent for parents who want to make Halloween special while also taking advantage of learning opportunities.
Chicago’s Museum of Illusions
The staff at the Museum of Illusions Chicago knows how to make a family-friendly Halloween celebration come to life. Like the Sloomoo Institute, the Museum of Illusions encourages children who visit with their family to wear their Halloween costumes and bring a bag for the event’s trick-or-treating session.
The real star of the experience, for both children and parents, are the more than 80 exhibits throughout the museum that alter perceptions, all while being decorated to add to the Halloween theme. It’s a non-scary way to enjoy an unforgettable celebration for the entire family. Tickets are available online for $46 per adult.
Community events
Horsin’ Around Day
Families that don’t mind a drive out of the city can experience one of the area’s most unique and comical Halloween celebrations. The Danada Equestrian Center, located in Wheaton, will hold a trick-or-treat session for children in the host venue’s barn.
The Equestrian Center’s horses will be dressed in costumes to match the holiday’s theme. Tractor-drawn trailer rides around the property will also be organized, giving little ones the feeling of an adventure.
Slightly Spooky Saturday
Slightly Spooky Saturday will be held at Chicago’s Navy Pier this October. It will be a gathering where children are welcome and that costumes and trick-or-treating are encouraged. Organizers have arranged for live performances and entertainment, family-friendly bonding opportunities, and free workshops. Families can make reservations online, and admission is free.
Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview
Here at Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview, we also throw themed parties for children. Get in touch to find out more.