Whether you’re a fan of it or not, Halloween is pervading through the city, from haunted houses to pumpkin light shows. While boozy Halloween parties aren’t things you can take your kids to, there are still many Halloween events for kids in Chicago that you can do as a family leading up to the official day of trick-or-treating. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly events before October ends!
1. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch
First on our list goes all out for a day of family fun from the city. And before your kid dismisses you, you should know about a Pumpkin-Eating Dinosaur they’ll come across at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch. With all the Chicago pumpkin patches, this one will truly excite your kids.
📍Location: 42W813 Reinking Rd, Pingree Grove, IL 60140
2. Konow’s Corn Maze
Offering two corn mazes, one for those who take it seriously and another for those who enjoy a leisurely walk through tall stalks of corn. The former is 3.4 miles wide of twists and turns (we hope you leave a chunk of time off your calendar because it will take some time.), while the ladder is .4 miles for those who like a short-distance maze. This is the perfect way if you’re looking for a kid-friendly adventure that will take up the day!
📍Location: 16849 S. Cedar Road, Homer Glen
💵 Cost: $15-$18/person, free/ages 2 and under
3. Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
This year’s event will offer trick-or-treating on zoo grounds starting at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last, with family-friendly entertainment on the main stage, sponsored by Physicians Immediate Care, and with family-friendly entertainment and Craft Zone Sponsored by Comer Children’s Hospital.
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 21, 10 AM – 1 PM
📍Address: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
4. Halloween Party at Camulet
Join the Chicago Park District with a night of tricks or treats at their Halloween party! Camulet Park will host a free night with games, a costume contest, and arts & crafts. This is one of the perfect Halloween activities for kids if you’re looking for something fun on a Friday night.
🗓️ When: Friday, October 27, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍Address: Calumet Park 9801 S. Avenue G Chicago, IL 60617
5. Spooktacular on Clark 2023
Spooktacular returns for a full weekend of tricks and treats in Lincoln Park! Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops. Join the haunted fun on Lincoln Avenue (Saturday, October 28) and Clark Street (Sunday, October 29) from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. each day to celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood.
Lincoln Avenue Spooktacular
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 28, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍Address: Lincoln Avenue from Wrightwood to Webster
Clark Street Spooktacular
🗓️ When: Sunday, October 29, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍Address: Clark Street from Diversey to Armitage
6. Hear Ghost Stories on a Speedboat
Just because it’s getting chilly doesn’t mean you can’t embark on a Chicago ghost cruise. Take your kids on the Chicago Seadog for one of our favorite Halloween events for kids in Chicago. It’s the perfect time for a 75-minute boat tour that highlights the city’s gorgeous architecture while exploring Chicago’s spooky past.
7. Halloween Extravaganza at Sheridan
Another Chicago Park District event, join them for their annual Halloween Extravaganza in the Park! One of the essential Halloween events for kids in Chicago, for $2, your kids will be able to dress in their funniest, scariest, craziest, or more viral costume this year!
🗓️ When: Friday, October 27, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍Address: 910 S. Aberdeen St., Chicago, IL 60607
8. Pick Out a costume at a Halloween Store
With so many Halloween events for kids in Chicago this year, you must pick out a costume they’ll wear with pride and love! We’ve rounded up our favorite Halloween stores to take your kid, whether they want to be Taylor Swift, a Disney hero, or their favorite cartoon character!
9. Trick-or-Treat Bonanza at Navy Pier
Prepare to be spooked and amazed as Navy Pier brings back Slightly Spooky Saturday! Come dressed in enchanting costumes and embark on a Trick-or-Treat adventure with over 70 candy stations dotted around Navy Pier. Dive headfirst into a cauldron of Halloween fun with various thrilling activities for families to enjoy.
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 28, from 12 PM—8 PM
📍Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
10. Fright Affair: Trick or Treat at 900
It’s fright night at 900 North Michigan at 900! The mall invites you and your family to celebrate Halloween in a festive atmosphere where a Halloween-themed concert and costume parade will kick off this kid Halloween event in Chicago. Following the kickoff, there will be trick-or-treating through the seven levels of retailers to explore a slew of spooky activities!
🗓️ When: Sunday, Oct 29, at 12:00 PM
📍Address: 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
📲Website: Reserve a spot at Fright Affair here.
11. Top It Off With an Icy October
Head to the Museum of Ice Cream for a spooky October ice cream-filled exhibition! Whether you want a chocolate soft-serve ice cream topped with Oreo crumbles and a gummy eyeball, creepy cotton candy adorned with candy worms, or an ice cream sundae featuring spooky toppings like meringue ghosts, gummy bugs and licorice bats, MOIC has it all.
As for the drinks, kids can order the Bloody Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic sipper served in an IV bag featuring lemonade and grenadine, while the adults can get a little boozy. Order the Black Widow, a concoction presented in a bubbling cauldron combining Tequila Sauza, Triple Sec, blackberry pureé, and sour pucker powder. This is the perfect Halloween event for kids in Chicago!
📍Address: 435 N Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611