Spine-chilling, bone-rattling haunts through graveyards, eerie forests and houses filled with Halloween spirits make for a monster of a holiday for children and adults.
Ghost hunts, storytelling horror, costume competition and trick-or-treats are planned throughout the city and suburbs during the month in anticipation of Halloween.
Here is our annual roundup of events.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Blue Island: 18th annual Spook House; Memorial Park Pool House, 12804 Highland Ave., Blue Island; 708-385-3304; 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 24-31; Admission $4.
Bridgeview: Haunted Hollow, Bridgeview Park District and Bridgeview Booster Club; Southfield Shopping Center, 87th Street and Harlem Avenue; 708-430-1359; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18-20, 25-27, 29-31; $4 admission ($1 discount with charitable food donation).
Bolingbrook: Jeepy’s Creepy Haunted House, 3012 Olympic Rd., Bollingbrook; 630-739-6000; 8-10 p.m. Oct. 25-31; $3 adults, $1 children under 12.
Brookfield: Haunted house; Jaycee-Ehlert Park, 4315 Park Ave., Brookfield; 708-387-HOWL; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, 31; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 24, 28-30; Children’s matinee 2-4 p.m. Oct. 27.
Crete: Haunted house sponsored by Crete Area Jaycees and Crete F-Men; Exchange Street and Kings Road, Crete; 708-672-6229; 7-10 p.m., Oct. 25-31; Admission $5.
Chicago: Witches of Waveland Haunted House and hayrides; Waveland Clock Tower, 3600 N. Lake Shore Dr.; 312-742-7726; 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 25-27. $1.
Chicago: Haunted house; Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave.; 312-742-7628. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18-20; Oct. 25-28. $5.
Chicago Heights: Haunted trails; Chicago Heights Park Districk Golf Course, 315 Glenwood Ave.; 708-755-1351; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25-27. $4.
Crest Hill: Ghouls by the Pool sponsored by the Chaney-Monge Parent Athletic Association; 400 Jefferson St., Crest Hill; 815-722-4287; 6:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27-30; $5 per person, $4 per person for groups of 20 or more.
Des Plaines: Haunted house; Des Plaines Public Library, 841 Graceland Ave.; 847-827-5551; free; 2-3 p.m. Oct. 26.
Downers Grove: Haunted house; First Congregational Church, 1047 Curtiss St.; 708-968-0358; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; $3, $2 children under 10.
Elk Grove Village: Susperia Mansion Haunted House with 13 rooms; Elk Grove Park District Teen/Community Center, 180 Morrison Blvd.; 847-437-8780; 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7-11 Friday and Saturday; 7-10 p.m. Halloween; Oct. 18-20, 23-31; $4 admission; children’s matinee 1-4 p.m. Oct. 26, $2.
Elmhurst: Jaycees Haunted House; Hammerschmidt Garage, 515 S. York Rd.; 630-530-8070; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; Matinee 6-7 p.m. Oct. 26; $4 children 12 and under, $5 adults.
Franklin Park: “Skulls” haunted house; Franklin Park Park District, Pacific Avenue and Calwagner Street; 847-455-2858; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 25-31; kids matinee 3-5 p.m. Oct. 27; $4.
Glen Ellyn: Haunted house sponsored by Wheaton Jaycees; Market Plaza, 545 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-379-9751; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 22, 24, 27, 29-31; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; children’s matinee 4-6 p.m. Oct. 26; $5, children 12 and under $3.
Joliet: Haunted Walk of Terror sponsored by Joliet Jaycees; Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Rd.; 815-254-3839; 6-10:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; $3 adults, $2 children ages 6-12.
LaGrange: Haunted Manor sponsored by Community Extension Project of LaGrange; 410 W. Burlington Ave.; 708-579-5898; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 20, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31; 1-5 p.m. children’s matinee Oct. 26-27; $5 admission, $3 matinees.
Lake Zurich: Haunted house; St. Matthew Lutheran School, Old McHenry Road between Quentin and Midlothian Roads; 847-438-5700; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18-20, 25-27; Kiddie House for younger children, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27; Adult House $6; Kiddie House $3.
Lombard: Haunted house; sponsored by Lombard Jaycees; held at Handy Andy, 1141 S. Main St.; 630-932-4812; 7:30-10:30 p.m. through Nov. 1; $6 adults, $5 children under 12.
Marengo: Haunted house; Hubbs Greenhouse, 1003 E. Grant Hwy. (one mile east of Ill. Hwy. 23 on U.S. Hwy. 20); 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, through Oct. 31; $2.50 admission.
Midlothian: Haunted house; sponsored by Midlothian Jaycees; 145th Street and Kedzie Avenue; 708-371-3782; 7 p.m., through Oct. 31, closed Oct. 21, 22. Adults $4, children $3, group rates available.
Melrose Park: Haunted house sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Parish; 1637 N. 37th Ave.; 708-343-7646; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 20, 27; Admission $3.50 adults, $2.50 children under 13.
Naperville: Haunted house sponsored by Naperville Jaycees; Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson; 630-961-9375; 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 18-20, Oct 25-27, Oct. 29-31; Special children’s matinees 1-3 p.m., Oct. 20, 26 and 27. Admisstion $5, children under 12 and matinee $3.
Niles: Haunted house; Old Bell School, Bell Road one-quarter mile west of Bell Plaza between U.S. Hwy. 33 and 3rd Street; 616-445-3872 or 616-684-ESP1; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 20, 27, 30, 31; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; admission $4.50.
Northbrook: Haunted house, Meadowhill Aquatic Center, 1500 Maple, near Waukegan Road; 708-291-2980; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; Admission $3.
Park Forest: “Terror in the Dark Halls of Horror” haunted house, sponsored by Park Forest Jaycees; 55 N. Orchard Drive; 708-748-7135; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18, 19; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 20; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27; 7-11 p.m. Oct. 29-31; children $2, adults (ages 10 and older) $3.
Schaumburg: 19th annual haunted house sponsored by the Schaumburg Jaycees; 231 Civic Drive; 847-980-5130; 7 and 10 p.m. Oct. 20, 24, 27; 7 and 11 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26; 7 and 10 p.m. Oct. 30. Adults $5, children $2.50.
Skokie: Haunted house, Devonshire Aquatic Center Boathouse, 4400 Grove St.; 708-674-1500; 7-9 p.m. Oct. 25-27, 31. $4.
St. Charles: Haunted Manor produced by illusionist Terry Evanswood; Charlestowne Mall, Ill. Hwy. 64 and Kirk Road; 630-513-HOWL; 3-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; through Oct. 31; $2.
Tinley Park: Haunted barn and Halloween shop, Forest View Farms, 16717 Lockwood Drive; 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 22-24; 6:30-11 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; $6.
Villa Park: Huge indoor Halloween attraction features two houses, Hades House and Hades Descent, carnival, 40,000 square feet of haunted rooms on five floors; The Odeum, 1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park; 312-342-2490; 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 18-20, 25-31; $10 per person for one house, $15 for both houses.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Adult Overnighter: Wear costumes and bring sleeping bags for dancing to music by a deejay, ghost stories told by ghost hunter Richard Crowe, horrifying treats, seasonal dinner buffet, stroll through eerily lit galleries; Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-939-2438, ext. 3394; 6 p.m. Oct. 25 to 8 a.m. Oct. 26; $65 per person, $60 for members.
Bailiwick’s Halloween Costume, Book and Bake Sale: Annual Lakeview area tradition; Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 26; $1 donation.
Blackberry’s 19th Annual Ghost Walk: Haunted paths lead through dark hallways, mazes and covered bridges, Frankenstein castle, witches cabin and endless train tunnel; Blackberry’s Historical Farm-Village, Galena Boulevard and Barnes Road, Aurora; 630 -892-1550; 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 29, 30.
Boo! At the Zoo: Costumed visitors will receive trick-or-treat bags, parade at 1 p.m., Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield; 708-485-0263; children’s activities 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 26, 27; free.
Boo Fest! The Haunted Halls of MSI: Haunted tours of the exhibits, trick-or-treating, make-and-take activities, costume parade; Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive; 773-684-1414, ext. 2290 (reservations needed); 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 26; $8.
Beau Jest: Local actors perform one of Broadway’s finest; Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook; 847-291-2367; 8 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; 3 p.m. Oct. 27; $14-$16.
Chicago Children’s Museum: Children can “Become a Gross and Yucky Monster Maker” using Creativity for Kids craft kits and bring them to Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave.; 800-642-2288; 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 30; Craft kits would need to be purchased from local retailers.
Chicago River Halloween Boat Float IV: Dancing, silent auction, food, drinks, fortunes told, costume contest. Benefits Friends of the Chicago River. Jamaica docked at Wacker Drive between Wells and Orleans Streets; 312-527-1296 or 312-939-0490; 8:30 p.m.-12: 30 a.m. Oct. 25; $60 per person.
Chicago Supernatural Tours: Psychic investigator Richard Crowe will be the guide for a bus tour to track down the area’s most active spirits; sponsored by Moraine Valley Community College, College Center, 10900 S. 88th Ave., Palos Hills; 708-974-5500 ; 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 19, $28.25; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 20, $26.25.
“Creature Feature” program for children highlights the aquatic world’s “masters in disguise” animals, who use camouflage to seek their prey or avoid being someone else’s snack; Shedd Aquarium, 1200 Lake Shore Drive; 312-939-2438; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 26, 27. Children ages 3-11 dressed in costume admitted free.
Dance with the Devil: A Halloween party to benefit emergency and trauma services at Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center; dinner buffet, dancing to music of Aphrodisiacs, costume contest; Drink, 541 W. Fulton St.; 773-257-6404; 7 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door.
“Demon Diner”: A horror comedy directed by Ed Basden; ImprovOlympic, 3541 N. Clark St.; 773-880-0199; 8 p.m. Oct. 24-26, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Nov. 7-9; tickets $10.
“The Devil’s Familiar: A Comedy of Horrors”: Griffin Theater, 5404 N. Clark St.; 773-878-9761; Performances 7:30 p.m Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, through Nov. 9; Tickets $15.
Family Masquerade Ball: Disco light show and deejay music for moms and dads and youngsters (ages 5-10); Northbrook Park District, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook; 847-291-2980; 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 31; $30 per resident couple; $35 for non-resident couple.
Fairy Tale Trail: Halloween house with hands-on activities and treats for children ages 3-8, sponsored by West Suburban Special Recreation Association; Forest Park Mall, 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park; 847-455-2100; 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 26; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 27; 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 30; children $3, chaperones free.
Fairy Tale Trail: Eight theme rooms, costumed characters, trick-or-treat, sensory-stimulating activities for children with or without disabilities; Omni Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave., Evanston; 847-866-8700; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27; 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.
The Famous Ghost Hunt: A road rallye to visit graveyards and solve mysteries, ghosts, witches, goblins and other scary things, pumpkin design contest, best costume, ghost hunt, sponsored by the Wheels Rallye Team; Woodfield Mall, Ill.Hwys. 53 and 58, Schaumburg; 847-864-8113 or 708-450-8220; 6 p.m. Oct. 19; $15.
Fifth Annual Cemetery Walk: Sponsored by Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest; Forest Home Cemetery, 863 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park; 708-848-6755; Ten-minute walks from 1-2:20 p.m. Oct. 20; $5, members $4.
Fright Fest: An amusement park’s makeover features skeletons, blood-red pools, monsters, sinister music while thrill rides continue to operate; Six Flags Great America, Int. Hwy. 94 at Grand Avenue, Gurnee; 847-249-2133; 5-11 p.m. Oct. 18, 25; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 19, 26; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 20, 27; admission adults (age 11 and older) $31; children (ages 4-10) $26; children 3 and under free, seniors $15.50.
Goosebump Halloween Bash: Spooktacular festivities, costume contest, monster breakfast buffet, Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex, 1103 S. Main St., Lombard; 630-953-7860; 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 26; $7 per child (ages 14 and younger) $8 per adult.
Ghost Bus Tours: Visit haunted Irish castles and cemetery ghosts, and explore Resurrection Mary’s questionable existence. Tours depart from Columbus Drive and Monroe Street downtown. 773-776-6591; 7-11 p.m. and 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Oct. 25; 6-10 p.m. and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 26; 7-11 p.m. and 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Nov. 1. Tickets can be purchased at Margus Studio, 836 N. Milwaukee Ave., from noon-2 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. $40, seniors and students $35.
Ghosts of Graceland Cemetery: A family walking tour sponsored by the Chicago Historical Society, two hours of tales and tombstones; Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N. Clark St.; 312-642-4600; 1:30 p.m. Oct. 26; $8 adults, $6 CHS members, $3 children.
Ghost Stories Galore: Scary stories told by candlelight for children ages 5-8 accompanied by parents; Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave., Skokie; 847-674-1500; 7-8 p.m. Oct. 25; $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents.
Ghost Stories in the Park . . . In the Dark: Late night fright, trick-or-treating, storytellers; Naper Settlement Museum Village, Aurora Avenue and Eagle Street, Naperville; 630-357-9000; 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31; free.
Halloween in Glen Ellyn: Scarecrow-building contest, enchanted kingdom, bring items to decorate scarecrows; Prairie Path Park, south of North Western Train Station, Park Boulevard and Forest Avenue, Glen Ellyn; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26. 630-858-8696.
Halloween Benefit Ball: Dinner, dancing and prizes sponsored by the Association of Horizon, a non-profit group dedicated to improving life for people with disabilities through recreational, social and educational activities. Ramada Congress Hotel, 520 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-931-0677; 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19; $100; raffle tickets $10 each or three for $25.
Halloween Bingo Party: A ghostly lunch and bingo; Northbrook Park District Senior Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook; 847-291-2988; noon, Oct. 28; $5.
Halloween Crafts: Children 3rd through 6th grade; Des Plaines Public Library, 841 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines; 847-827-5551; 2-3 p.m. Oct. 19; free.
Halloween Costume Party: Live music and entertainment to benefit the Cancer Care Foundation; Chicago Blue Note, 1550 N. Rand Rd., Palatine; 847-776-9850; 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Oct. 31; $5 cover.
Halloween Dance: Sponsored by St. Hubert’s Church: Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates; 847-397-6628; 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25; $7 donation.
Halloween Haunted Forest: Cook County Forest Preserve District sponsors its annual trail of mysterious creatures and sounds, refreshments and entertainment in the witches tent. Caldwell Woods, 6200 W. Devon Ave. 708-771-1014. 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 24-27. $5.
Halloween Monster Mash: Special pumpkin menu, and pumpkin carving specialist Steve Dahlke will carve the largest jack-‘o-lantern at foodlife, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-335-3663. 11 a.m.-5 p. m. Oct. 27.
Halloween Party: Second annual Scary Perception Walk includes a 10-foot tornado, a dimly lit maze, foggy hallways, strange winds and “popping” floors. Science and Technology Interactive Center, 18 W. Benton, Aurora; 630-859-8112; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25; adults $4, children $2, family $8.
Halloween V: Boogyin’ on the Beach: Buffet and bar, raffle, dancing and games sponsored and benefiting the Junior Board of the Child Abuse Prevention Services. Donations of children’s items such as diapers and toys are encouraged. North Beach Chicago, 1551 N. Sheffield Ave.; 312-427-1161, ext. 35; 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Oct. 26; $35 in advance, $40 at door.
Haunted Trolley: Ghostly train ride, children’s costume festivities; Fox River Trolley Museum, Ill. Hwy. 31 and Int. Hwy. 88 or 90, South Elgin; 847-697-4676; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27; $2.50; seniors $2; children $1.50.
Hauntings at Navy Pier: Family entertainment in the Family Pavilion and glass-enclosed Crystal Gardens, Haunted Neighborhood with trick-or-treating and activity center, Witches Storytelling House, haunted hayrides down Dock Street, frightening cruises on the lake, music by four-member jazz ensemble Pier Pressure; Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 312-595-5401; most activities free; general hours 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27; noon-7 p.m. Oct. 28-30; noon-10 p.m. Oct. 31. (Call for specific times for events.)
Haunts of Chicago: Five-hour bus and walking tour filled with stories of Chicago’s mysterious spirit sightings, ghoulish legends and folklore, Halloween snacks; board bus at Chicago Historical Society, 1601 N. Clark St.; 312-642-4600; 1 p.m. Oct. 27; $35, $30 for historical society members.
Halloween Parade: Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce parade of children. Registration at parade kickoff, Hinsdale Middle School, Washington and 1st Streets, Hinsdale; 630-323-3952; free.
Kohl Children’s Museum: “The Very Busy Spider,” written by Eric Carle, will be read, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 29. “Arach `no’ phobia” program features the creation of special spider treats, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 30; Halloween party, art activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct 31; Kohl Children’s Museum, 165 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette; 847-256-6056; free for members, adults $4, children $3.
Magic for a Dark, Stormy Night: Levitation, guillotine, headless lady, magic by Ray Radelia; Argo Community High School Auditorium, 7329 W. 63rd St., Summit; 708-479-1325; shows 3 and 6 p.m. Oct. 27. $8.
Octoberfest & Kristkindl Markt: 12th annual grand sale, antiques, farmer’s market, Christmas market, European pastries of Batavia, hayrides, petting zoo; Corner of Washington Avenue and East Wilson Street, Batavia; 630-879-6825; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19, noon-5 p.m. Oct. 20; free.
Park West Community Association Pumpkin Party: Family entertainment, pumpkin decorating contest; Park West play lot, Wrightwood Street between Burling and Halsted Streets; 3 p.m. Oct. 27. 773-477-5100.
Prairie Avenue House Museums: Edgar Allen Poe readings by Page Hearn of the Metamorphosis Theatre on “Descent Into the Maelstrom”; 1800 S. Prairie Ave.; 312-326-1480. 8 p.m. Oct. 19, 20; “Tales of Madness and Revenge”; 8 p.m. Oct. 25; 5, 8 p.m. Oct. 26, 27. $16, members $12.
Preschool Halloween Party: Trick-or-treat party for children ages 3-5; Frontier Park, 1933 N. Kennicott Ave., Arlington Heights; 847-577-3000; 1-2 p.m. Oct. 26; $8.50 non-residents, $6 residents.
Psychotronic Film Society: Tenth anniversary of the movie party will screen the Chicago film “The Gore Gore Girls” directed by Gordon Lewis; Delilah’s, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-509-4958. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1; free.
Pumpkin Pandemonium: Children costume parade, ghoulish games, fairy tale trail, creepy crafts, Halloween hayride; Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie; 847-674-1500; noon-3 p.m. Oct. 19; $4 for children’s tickets in advance, $5 at door; $1 for adult tickets in advance, $2 at door.
Pumpkin Patch: Spook tunnel, corn stalk maze, pony rides, hayrides, farm zoo, pack a picnic lunch; Old Sutton Road a half mile north of Ill. Hwy. 72, Barrington Hills; 847-426-0260; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31; free admission, various prices for activities.
Pumpkin Patch Halloween Party: Pumpkin distribution; in front of the Executive Plaza Hotel, 71 E. Wacker Drive; Oct. 28; 847-729-7333.
Pumpkin Patch: Parents can help their children (ages 3-9) create their own jack-‘o-lanterns at the Northbrook Park District’s annual festivities. Meadowhill Park Chalet, 1500 Maple, near Waukegan Road; 847-291-2980; 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 25; $12 residents; $15 non-residents.
Pumpkins, Spiders and Ghosts: Halloween stories for children ages 4-7 and their parents; Arlington Heights Historical Museum’s Founder’s Room, 110 Fremont, Arlington Heights; 2-3:15 p.m. Oct. 27; $3.50 advance registration, $4.50 at door.
Rapunzel: A musical rendition of the classic Brothers Grimm story; Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook; 847-291-2367; 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26; $5 reserved seats.
R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and Fear Street Series: Festival celebrates Halloween with trivia contests, games, ghoulish food and door prizes, Goosebumps costume contest; Plum Memorial Library, 110 W. Maple St., Lombard; 630-627-0316; 4-5 p.m. Oct. 31; free.
Spooky Zoo Spectacular: The city’s zoo will be turned into 35 acres of Halloween fun and is estimated to attract more than 35,000 children and parents for trick-or-treating. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive; 312-742-2000; noon-2 p.m. Oct. 26; free.
Spooktacular Halloween Happenings: Costume parade for children, ghoulish games, fairy tale trail, creepy crafts and a Halloween hayride; Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie; 847-674-1500; noon-3 p.m. Oct. 19; tickets limited; call for information.
Things that Go Bump in the Night: Outdoor evening family program features a talking coyote, a giant moth and other creatures, campfire with animal songs and snacks; Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel, Skokie; 847-674-1500; 6:45-8:45 p.m. Oct. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 26. $3 per person, $10 per family.
Trick-or-Treat Trot for UNICEF: Power Rangers, Ninja turtles, ghosts and creatures of all types are expected to join the 5K run/walk through Lincoln Park to benefit the United Nations Children’s Fund. Costume contest, treats, entertainment; Kick off at Montrose Harbor, 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive; 312-348-2022; 9:30 a.m. Oct. 26; Entry $17 advance, $20 race day, $2 kids.
WGN Radio 720’s 5th Annual Pumpkinfest: Food drive sponsored by the station’s Helping Hand Fund, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation; donations of food, clothes and money benefit organizations that serve the Chicago area’s poor. Cash donations are matched dollar for dollar by the foundation up to $50,000. Activities include haunted house, petting zoo, pony rides and pumpkins. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm, 40 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington; 312-222-3610. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19. (Donations may also be mailed to Pumpkinfest, c/o WGN Radio, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.)
Wild Onion Storytelling Celebration: Spooky stories; St. Scholastica Academy, 7416 N. Ridge Ave.; for all ages (6:30 p.m.) and ghost stories for adults and teens (9 p.m.) Oct. 19; $4-$10; 773-743-9200.
Wilmette Woman’s Club Junior Auxiliary Halloween Carnival: Spooky storytelling, carnival games and holiday goodies; Clubhouse, 10th Street and Greenleaf, Wilmette; 847-866-6717; 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 25; $2.
Woodridge Haunted Forest Walk: Boundary Hill Park, 75th Street and Woodridge Drive, Woodridge; 630-964-2100; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 26; $4. Also a children’s event, 1-3 p.m. Oct. 26, $2 per child.
