PARKS GET INTO THE SPOOKY SPIRIT FOR HALLOWEEN
FESTIVITIES INCLUDE HAUNTED HOUSES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, CAMPFIRES & MORE
Release Date: 09/11/08
The Chicago Park District and Walgreens host nearly 100 Halloween events this fall in the parks. Offerings include several haunted houses such as the Haunted Sanitarium at Theater on the Lake plus numerous pumpkin patches, corn mazes, campfire storytelling sessions, parties and much more. Click here for the full listing of Halloween events or call 312-742-PLAY.
Halloween highlights this fall include:
Pumpkin Patches
•Saturday, Sept. 27-Friday, Oct. 31
•Various parks
•All ages, entrance fees vary from free to nominal
•Nominal fees may apply for on-site activities
Fall pumpkin patches throughout the city features a selection of all shapes and sizes and decorating stations. Most patches include a petting zoo, pony ride, inflatables, games and a chance to take a photo at the harvest photo station. Visit the website for a schedule or call 312-742-PLAY.
Haunted Sanitarium
•Oct. 10-12 and 17-19, and Oct. 23-Nov. 1
•Mondays-Fridays, 7-11 p.m. & Saturdays-Sundays, 6-11 p.m.
•Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lakeshore Dr. (Fullerton & Lake Michigan)
•312-742-7994
•Recommended for ages 13 and up; admission is $10, $8 with student identification Sundays-Thursdays only
•Opening night, Friday, Oct. 10, is half-price night
•Guests are asked to be in line no later than 10:30 p.m. each evening for the final performance.
•$6 validated parking available at Lincoln Park Zoo.
This year’s Haunted Sanitarium features several scary scenes including an Egyptian tomb, graveyard, and a demented clown’s test lab. There will also be a waiting area featuring concessions and spooky movies.
Haunted Houses
•Oct. 10–31
•Various parks
•Age ranges vary
•Admission fees vary from free to a nominal fee
The Chicago Park District offers various haunted houses throughout the city that feature various spooky themes. Visit the website for a schedule or call 312-742-PLAY.
Haunted House
•Friday, Oct. 10; Wednesday, Oct. 29; and Friday, Oct. 31, 7-9 p.m.
•Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., 773-287-7641
•All ages, admission $2
Games and activities are featured at this haunted house.
Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run & Walk
•Saturday, Oct. 18
•Kids race at 3 p.m., race at 4 p.m.
•Lincoln Park South Field, 1800 N. Stockton Dr.
•All ages, 4 yrs. and older for kids race, admission is $25 pre-race, $30 race day, $10 kids
•Call Fleet Feet Sports at 312-944-4113
Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run and Walk is a unique event where runners and walkers are encouraged to dress in costume in the spirit of Halloween. Post-race party activities include a costume contest, pumpkin painting, food, refreshments, live music and dancing.
Halloween Fall Fest featuring the Halloween No-Scare Maze
•Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, 11 am – 3 pm
•Athletic Field Park, 3546 W. Addison St., 773-478-2889
•Fee varies per activity, $2 for the No Scare Maze
•All ages for the festival; ages 8 and under for the No-Scare Maze
This fall festival for the entire family include pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painting, inflatables and concessions. Colorful life-size cartoon characters greet children as they walk through the No-Scare Maze.
Nature Oasis: Fall Campfire Storytelling
•Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m.
•Winnemac Park, 5100 N. Leavitt St., 312-742-5101
•All ages, admission free, no registration required
Enjoy spooky nature tales around the campfire, hot apple cider, face painting, live birds and more.
Halloween Dance
•Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m.
•Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th St., 773-284-6022
•Ages 11-12, admission $5
Teens enjoy a party in a safe environment.
Trails of Terror
•Oct. 24-26 & 29-31, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
•Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., in North Park Village Nature Center
•312-742-7584
•Recommended for ages 8 and up, admission $8
Wind your way through nearly one-half mile of spine-tingling terror in the woods crawling with creepy characters in settings such as an abandoned home and barn, a haunted mausoleum, cornfield maze, and clown house.
Octoberfest
•Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
•Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington, 312-746-6650
•Admission free
Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, face painting, games and the photo station and more.
No-Scare Children’s Trails
•Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
•Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., in North Park Village Nature Center
•312-742-7584
•Ages 8 and under, admission $5
In this kid friendly version of the Trails of Terror, children will be greeted by colorful life-size cartoon characters.
Tot’s Halloween Party
•Wednesday, Oct. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
•Skinner Park, 1331 W. Adams St., 312-746-5560
•Ages 2-5, admission free
This Halloween party features an inflatable jumping jack, arts and crafts, games and refreshments.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529