Events and Activities in Chicago for Kids This Weekend
Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25
Looking for family-friendly activities in Chicago this weekend? Here are some fun events to add to your list!
Best Things To Do This Weekend In and Near Chicago With Kids
Addison Park District Candy Carnival
Addison
Friday, October 23
Kids can play games to win candy at this annual event. Kids receive an extra treat for coming in costume. Inflatables, crafts, and games round out the fun. Parents must accompany their children at this event. Website
Pumpkins in the Woods (in Hubbard Woods)
Winnetka
Friday, October 23
Hubbard Woods is transformed into a magical pumpkin patch where kids can decorate pumpkins, play carnival games, bounce through inflatables, listen to music from a DJ, and participate in a costume contest. The whole family can enjoy this Halloween event. Website
Elmhurst Children's Theatre's "Newsies"
Bensenville
Friday - Sunday, October 23-25
It's time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney's Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! Website
Wonderween Pumpkin Fest
Oak Park
Friday, October 23 - Saturday, October 31
Visit Wonder Works in Oak Park for two weekends of pumpkin fun, creative activities, and harvest celebrations! Enjoy not-so-spooky animal encounters, pumpkin printing and painting, a sensory zone with mini gourds and warty pumpkins of all sizes, character meet and greets, an indoor pumpkin patch, a costume play area, and more. Website
BOOmingdale Halloween Party
Bloomingdale
Saturday, October 24
Fall festivities abound at this event sponsored by the Bloomingdale Park District, Village of Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale Public Library, and Friends of the Bloomingdale Public Library. The Police and Fire Department will offer Halloween-themed building tours and a trunk-or-treat while the library will host a hay maze, a moon jump, a balloon artist, a face painter, and refreshments. Website
Pumpkin Palooza (at DuPage Children's Museum)
Naperville
Saturday, October 24
Kids can celebrate the season by coming in costume to the DuPage Children's Museum for STEAM-themed, non-scary activities. Build your own Franken buddy from recycled toys, create wearable art, brew your own slime, and mix and mash pumpkin guts! Website
Forest Park Casket Races
Forest Park
Saturday, October 24
The Forest Park Casket Races is a delightfully eerie and offbeat annual event in downtown Forest Park, now celebrating its 14th year. Participants create their own "caskets," which are essentially coffin-shaped carts fitted with wheels and adorned in their favorite spooky decor. Come to watch, and trick-or treat along Madison Street afterwards. Website
Pumpkin Patch at Dvorak Park
Pilsen
Saturday, October 24
This family-friendly event is packed with seasonal excitement for all ages! Enjoy a FREE pumpkin (one per person while supplies last), meet adorable animals at the petting farm, and take a spin on pony rides. Kids can get creative with arts and crafts, fill their bags with treats at a Trunk-or-Treat, and brave the thrills of the spooky Haunted House. Website
Lemonster Days Trick-or-Treating (in Downtown Lemont)
Lemont - FREE
Saturday, October 24
The Village of Lemont hosts its annual Halloween costume contest, parade, and downtown trick-or-treating. Website
Arts in the Dark (starting on Columbus Drive)
Downtown
Saturday, October 24
Arts in the Dark is an evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the "artist's holiday," bringing together Chicago institutions and organizations dedicated to art and education. Audience members will be delighted by unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of Chicago’s majestic skyline. Website
Glen Ellyn Halloween Spooktacular Festival and Parade
Glen Ellyn - FREE
Saturday, October 24
Join in the parade in downtown Glen Ellyn before trick-or-treating at local businesses. Kids can also play games and make crafts in the downtown area. Website
Downtown Batavia BatFest
Batavia - FREE
Saturday, October 24
Join over 5,000 ghouls at Batavia's free Halloween family event, BatFest! This event includes downtown trick-or-treating, music and dance performances, costume contests for humans and pets, activities by local businesses, and a community parade. Website
Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Wrigleyville - FREE
Saturday October 24
Visit Gallagher Way for its annual pumpkin party. Enjoy a strolling magician, balloon artists, stilt walkers, crafts with KidCreate Studio, photo ops, pumpkin giveaways from Nichols Farm, and music by the Dreamtree Shakers. Website
Lincoln Park Spooktacular 2026
Lincoln Park- FREE
Saturday & Sunday, October 24 & 25
Trick-or-treat at select businesses along Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster on Saturday or Clark Street on Sunday on the weekend before Halloween. Magicians, stilt walkers, and jugglers will meet and greet trick-or-treaters along the way. Website
"Carmela Full of Wishes" at Chicago Children's Theatre
West Loop
Saturdays & Sundays, October 24 - November 15
It’s Carmela’s birthday, and her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. On their way to the laundromat, Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement and gets ready to make a wish. Should she wish for Mami, who works long hours in a hotel trying to make ends meet? Or Papi, a migrant worker who is currently…absent? Join families from all over the city for this moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places, based on the book by Matt de la Peña. Website