Trick or Trees
Weekends in October @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Morton Arboretum Children’s Garden (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532)
Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged. Event is FREE with Arboretum admission. Cost: Included in Arboretum admission. Pumpkins to paint will also be available for a small fee.

Family Jack-O’-Lantern Hikes
October 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2018
The Morton Arboretum Children’s Garden (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532)
Join us on a family-friendly jack o lantern lit hike to explore the night-life of owls, bats and spiders at The Morton Arboretum. We’ll also decorate pumpkins and roast marshmallows over a fire. Children must be accompanied by adult. Flashlights recommended. Earlier sections suggested for small children as the pathways are only lit by jack o lanterns. Cost: $16.00 member, $19.00 nonmember

Spooky Zoo Spectacular
Saturday, October 7, 2018
Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614)
Hosted annually by the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Auxiliary Board, Spooky Zoo 2018 offers a free, safe alternative to trick-or-treating in Chicago. This event attracts annual attendance of more than 30,000 children and families to the zoo—the majority of whom are from underserved communities—making it one of Chicago’s largest public service initiatives. This year’s Spooky Zoo will be held in conjunction with the zoo’s five-weekend Fall Fest celebration. Fall Fest features Ferris wheel rides, animal enrichment activities, a corn maze, a pumpkin carver and many more fun and engaging activities for children and families. As one of the zoo’s most visible community events each year, Spooky Zoo at Fall Fest is always well-loved and well-attended! Cost: FREE

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
Wednesday – Sunday, October 24 – 28, 2018 @ 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022)
More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins—some as large as 150 pounds—will light up the night at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns is the only event of its kind in the Chicago area. Cost: In advance (on or before October 23) – Adults: $16/$14, Children 3 – 12: $13/$11. After October 23 – Adults: $18/$16, Children 3 – 12: $15/$13. Children 2 and under are free.

Boo! at The Zoo
Saturdays and Sundays, October 13 to 28, 2018
Brookfield Zoo (First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513)
Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time! Our not-so-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy. Regular admission applies.

TRUCKS, TRUNKS, & TREATS • Vernon Hills
October 13, 2018 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Family Aquatic Center (635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061)
We’ve taken a traditional touch-a-truck event and added a hint of Halloween! Show off your Halloween costume while walking through the aisles of trucks. Bring your trick-or-treat bags to receive candy from the operators at each vehicle. Take some time to ride the hayride or jump in the bounce house too. Dogs are welcome! Dress up your furry friend and let them strut their stuff. Cost: $3 per child.

Halloween Spooktacular • Glenview
October 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Park Center (2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL)
Come one come all! Join us for the greatest “Spooktacular” on earth! A family-friendly indoor Halloween party with inflatables, entertainment, creepy crafts, ghoulish games and more. The event is designed for ages 2-10 years; parents must accompany their children. Costumes are optional. Cost: $10 per child; adults and children under 2 are free.

Randhurst Village Fall Fest • Mount Prospect 
Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Randhurst Village (55 E Euclid Ave, Ste 450, Mount Prospect, IL 60056)
The family festivities kick-off in center court along Randhurst Village Drive at 1 pm and continue until 4 pm. The event will open with a costume pet parade, sponsored by the Daily Herald. Cost: FREE

BOO BASH • Glencoe
October 25, 2018 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Takiff Center (999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe IL 60022)
Calling all ghosts and goblins! Enjoy a Boo-tiful evening filled with crafts, carnival games, candy and treats, entertainment and a pizza dinner. Please wear a costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.  Cost: $8 per person by October 24; $10 per person on October 25

Monster Bash • Niles
Friday, October 19, 2018 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Howard Leisure Center (6676 W. Howard St., Niles, IL)
This special event is perfect for the whole family who want to experience some Halloween fun. Enjoy a buffet dinner, games, pumpkin decorating, and a Monster good time. Wear your costume and be prepared to have a great evening. Each child will receive a goodie bag. All participants must register for this event. Limited seating, register early. No refunds! Cost: $16/resident, $19/non-resident

MONSTER’S BASH- FREE EVENT • Mount Prospect
Friday, October 19, 2018 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Weiss Community Center (1500 E. Euclid Avenue, Mount Prospect, IL 60056)
Wear your best costume to our annual Halloween event to join in the fun as we decorate pumpkins, trick or treat through our homemade town and play carnival games.  Jump in our photo booth to take some fun pictures with family and friends.  There will be some entertainment and more fun activities to enjoy! Cost: FREE

Family Night – Pumpkins and Treats • Wheaton
Friday, October 19, 2018 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cantigny Park (1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189)
Dust off those costumes early. Come to Cantigny for some Trick-or-Treating, pumpkin decorating and more. Experience the family-friendly activities we have planned that are sure to provide lasting memories. Cost: $5/car parking

Haunted Hole-O-Ween • Des Plains
Friday – Sunday, October 19-21 & 26-28, 2018
Mountain View Adventure Center (510 E. Algonquin Rd, Des Plains, IL)
An annual Haunted Hole-O-Ween is a spooktacular time, and fun for all ages. Kids who come and play in costume receive a special treat. The creatures come out when the sun goes down. Some little ones love them, some don’t: parents are the best judge of whether to play while it’s still light out.

“Pumpkins in Proesel Park” Halloween Event • Lincolnwood
Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ 1:00 PM -3:00 PM
Proesel Park (7030 Lincoln Ave. Lincolnwood, IL 2015)
No tricks, just treats at our annual “Pumpkins in Proesel Park” Halloween Party. We’ll have face painting by Rosa Flor Designs, a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, DJ and Halloween-themed games with fun prizes. Costumes strongly encouraged and don’t forget to bring a bag to collect treats. Cost:  FREE

Halloween Happening! • Wilmette
Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wilmette Community Recreation Center (3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette 60091)
Filled with thrills and chills, this family-friendly event features carnival games, a moonwalk, a magician, arts and crafts, face painting and pony rides. Don’t miss the Theater of Terror, the Reptile Room and more! Pizza dinner is included, along with a goodie bag and a visit to the pumpkin patch. Cost: Register early and save: R-$25/NR-$30. Day of registration: R-$30 / NR-$35

SpookFest  • Prospect Heights
Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Prospect Heights Park District (110 W Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070)
Cost: $5 per Child; Adults are Free

Northfield Boo Bash • Northfiled
Friday, October 26, 2018 @ 6:00 pn – 7:30 pm
Community Center (401 Wagner Rd. Northfield, IL 60093)
Dress in your costume and join us for Boo Bash! Enjoy carnival games, a balloon artist, crafts, treat bags and a special outdoor ghoulish train ride at this free event. Children ages 3-8 with an adult. Cost: FREE

West Ridge Trick-or-Treat • Highland Park
Friday, October 26, 2018 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035)
West Ridge Trick-or-Treat – Leave your Halloween weather worries behind! West Ridge program participants, friends and family members are invited to trick-or-treat inside and play all kinds of spooky and silly games. Bring a bag to collect toys and prizes. All Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. Cost: FREE

BOO-NANZA • Wheeling
Friday, October 26, 2018@ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Community Recreation Center (333 W Dundee Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090)
Children, ages 10 years and younger , are welcome to spend a bewitching afternoon at the CRC (Creepy Reeky Castle) filled with spooky fun! Decorate your own pumpkin and create a craft. Enjoy spooky storytelling, hay rides, a magic show and inflatables. It’s all free and kid-friendly! Cost: FREE

Boo Bash • Lincolnshire
Friday, October 26, 2018 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
North Park (1025 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069)

Trunk-or-Treat • Arlington Heights
Friday, October 26, 2018 @  6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Village of Arlington Heights Public Works (222 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004)
This great location will provide a fun atmosphere. Trick or Treat from car to car INSIDE the Public Works building. Businesses and organizations will decorate their vehicles and provide “Halloween Handouts.” Come in costume; we’ll provide the treat bags. (Parents must accompany their children during the event.) Cost: $10

Halloween Hoopla • Deerfield 
Friday, October 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm -9:00 pm (FREE)
Saturday, October 27, 208 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm ($5 for children 2+)
Jewett Park Community Center (836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield, IL 60015)
Halloween Hoopla returns to Jewett Park Community Center, on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 with new activities, more inflatable rides and great give-aways.

Halloween Boonanza • Schaumburg
Friday, October 26 2018 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Community Recreation Center & Safety Park (505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL)
This event sponsored by Schaumburg Bank & Trust Company, N.A., A Wintrust Community Bank is for ages 2 to 14 years old. Cost is $10 and includes all activities except concessions.The day of event cost is $12. Parents and children younger than 2 years are free.

Mall-O-Ween • Niles
October 27 & 31, 2018
Golf Mill Shopping Center (239 Golf Mill Center, Niles, IL 60714)
Golf Mill Shopping Center is calling all little witches, ghosts, princesses and superheroes to join us for a Halloween Boo Bash!  On Saturday, October 27, from 12am to 2pm, children ages 10 and under are invited to come dressed in their best costumes to partake in some fun, Halloween activities.  Masks are only allowed on small children. Then, on Wednesday, October 31, starting at 5pm there will be treat stations set up throughout the mall, while supplies last, for our young trick or treaters; but there will be no additional on mall-organized entertainment.

Monster Bash • Skokie
Saturday, October 27, 2018  @ 10:00am to 12:00pm
Exploritorium (4701 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60076)
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family! Come in costume! Event will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Oakton Community Center and includes admission into the Exploritorium. Event activities include carnival games and prizes, crafts, bounce house, roaming magic and free popcorn. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Tickets will be sold at the door until event sells out. Cost: All adults (16 and older) are $3 per person. Children (1-15 yrs old) are $14 per child for residents of Skokie and $16 per child for non-residents. Children under 1 are free.

Spooktacular at Hawthorn Mall • Vernon Hills
Saturday, October 27, 2018  @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hawthorn Mall (122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 )Enjoy a Superhero Scavenger Hunt, Magic Show, Games, Prizes and More! Children are welcome to come in costume! Tickets on sale at the Painted Penguin located on the lower level near JCPenney. Cost: $2/child

Halloween Party • Palatine
Saturday, October 27, 2018 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Community Center (250 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL 60067)
This event is for children ages 1 to 10 years old and includes the jack-o-lantern gym with activities for the “wee ones”, and challenging carnival games for school-age children, a creating crafty table and ghoulish goodies for the whole family! New animal entertainment this year will be provided by JG’s Reptile Road Show at 10:00am. The Palatine Public Library will provide puppet show entertainment for everyone to enjoy throughout the morning.  There are no refunds or exchanges. Parents are required to remain at the event to supervise their child. Cost: $7 per child, $1 per adult.

Boo Bash • Mundelein
Saturday, October 27, 2018 @ 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Community Center & Community Park (1401 N Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060)
A FREE Halloween themed event with the entire family. Candy and treats are provided by local businesses. Other activities include games & prizes, story telling and visits by familiar costumed characters. Local sponsor giveaways, too! Tractor pulled wagon rides are provided by Lake County volunteer tractor and wagon enthusiasts. This event is held rain or shine. No registration required and costumes are encouraged. Parental supervision is required of all children. Food available for purchase.

HALLOWEENFEST • Waukegan 
October 27, 2018 @ 1:00 pm
Bowen Park (1800 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085)Join us at Halloweenfest in BOOwen Park featuring children’s games, concessions, and spooky activities

Trick Or Treat Trail and More • Buffalo Grove
Sunday, October 28, 2018 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Community Arts Center (225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089)
You never know who you will see at our Trick-or-Treat Trail! Friendly characters will line the path to hand out candy and small prizes to children. Children will also have the opportunity to get their face painted, take pictures with the characters, play carnival games, and much more. This event is a no scare zone and parents must accompany children during this event. Cost: FREE

Boo Breakfast · Lisle
October 28, 2018 @ 9:00 am
Morton Arboretum (4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532)
Join us for BOO Breakfast to jump start your Halloween. Treat yourself to a breakfast complete with visits from favorite characters. Costumes encouraged! Cost: Adult (13 and older): $33.00 member, $38.00 nonmember. Kids (3-12): $27.00 member, $31.00 nonmember. Children under 3: Free

∗ Featured Image Courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo Facebook Page