Halloween Hoot and Howl

Keystone ParkRiver Forest, IL 60305

Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and the River Forest Park District for an evening of slightly spooky family fun featuring live music, pumpkin painting, kid’s crafts, fire-roasted marshmallows and more.

Not Your Typical Pumpkin Party

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Why should the kids have all the fun? An adults-only pumpkin decorating night. Materials & refreshments provided. Ages 21 & up.

$25

Fall Paddle Festival

Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)

Participate in a canoe trip, fishing, archery, Dia de los Muertos-themed pumpkin painting, nature play, and Bach-to-Rock music. The rain date for the event has been scheduled for Sunday, October 22nd. You can find more information about it here: https://fpdcc.com/event/fall-paddle-afternoon/

Fall Festival

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun, entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! Admission is free; there may be small fees for some activities and food.

Pumpkinpalooza

Bunker Hill • Niles, IL 60714

Family-friendly activities including pumpkin painting and bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbings, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. In partnership with Jerome Witte, My Town Realty Group. Grove 1.

Spooky Shuffle 5k/10k

Swallow Cliff Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)

In partnership with the Village of Palos Park, this 5k/10k trail race takes you through the forest preserves.

Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Find all the hidden pumpkins on our Giants Hollow Trail during this fun scavenger hunt. Costumes encouraged but not required.

Teen Exploration Day: Pumpkin Carving

Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120

Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.

Stars, Spooky Stories, & S ’mores

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. Costumes encouraged! Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual […]

Who, Who, Who’s Afraid of the Woods?

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

Join us for a short walk along some of our trails in search of “not-so-spooky” Sand Ridge residents; owls, bats and more.

Jack O’Lantern Trail

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010

Enjoy a night walk on our trails lit with carved pumpkins. Register for a time slot.

The Return of Scary Stories

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Enjoy some spooky storytelling around the campfire. Ages 8 & up.

$3

Trunk or Treat

Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617

Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.