Don’t miss these TEN family-friendly Halloween activities in Chicagoland this Fall!

Get ready for some BOOtacular fun in Chicagoland as the leaves change and the air gets cooler – hopefully no snowstorm this year (who remembers that last year?!). We found lots of fall festivities to enjoy, from pumpkin patches to parades. Check out these ten must-visit events to make your October extra special!

🎃 Trick or Treating on Southport

Bring the family out to trick or treat while the street is closed to traffic on Monday, October 28th! You can find more information here. My kids usually leave with SO much candy and treats!

🎃 Halloween Drive-in Movies

This is so much fun! We saw Shrek here and the kids loved it! You can order snacks to your car and the audio streams through your radio. They are playing family friendly movies for Halloween! You can see the full list here.

🎃 BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert

Don your costume and head over to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Saturday, October 26, for an afternoon filled with snakes, spiders, and bones! Tickets range from $20 to $30 and include all museum exhibits.

🎃 Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit at the NMAM

We go to this exhibit every year! Outside the National Mexican Art Museum in Harrison Park, the community comes together to display altars of their loved ones that have passed. It’s a beautiful event with performers, things for kids and museum is open and free for everyone! Our kids love this event and will go up to every altar to learn more about the family.

🎃 Chicago Park District Halloween Events

Throughout October, the Chicago Park District hosts a variety of Halloween-themed events across the city. From haunted houses to spooky trails, there’s something for everyone. Check their website for a full schedule and locations.

🎃 Boo at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo

On Saturdays and Sundays from October 5-20, Brookfield Zoo invites families to “Boo at the Zoo.” This event features trick-or-treat stations, a corn maze, and a costume parade.

🎃 Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden

From October 16-20 and 23-27, the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts the “Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns.” Stroll through a garden filled with intricately carved pumpkins, each one a work of art. It’s a magical experience!

🎃 Field Family Nights: Boo with SUE

On October 18, visit the Field Museum for “Boo with SUE.” This special event allows families to explore the museum after hours, participate in spooky science activities, and meet SUE the T. rex, decked out in Halloween gear.

🎃 Arts in the Dark Parade

On October 19, join the Arts in the Dark Parade on State Street from Lake to Van Buren. The nighttime parade is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It’s a sparkling show of artists from all walks of life, mixing up a magical brew of creativity and fun for everyone to enjoy.

🎃 Lakeview East Little Monster’s Crawl

Wrap up the Halloween season with the Lakeview East Little Monster’s Crawl on October 26. This family-friendly event features trick-or-treating at local businesses, a costume contest, and plenty of Halloween fun for children.

Another event that hasn’t set a date yet is the Gallagher Way Pumpkin Party! It’s free and they give away lots of freebies. Kids and adults dress up and there’s food and drinks available to purchase. Keep an eye on the date!

With lots of cool events to pick from, Chicagoland is the best spot for families to have a blast this Halloween! Whether you’re into spooky haunted houses or cozy pumpkin patches, there’s something for everyone to have a great time!

If you need any apple orchard or pumpkin patch recommendations, there is a list here!

Happy Haunting!

Christine