CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AT CHICAGO PARKS
FESTIVITIES INCLUDE HAUNTED HOUSES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, MOVIES & MORE
Release Date: 09/21/09
The Chicago Park District and Walgreens host nearly 70 Halloween events this fall in the parks. Offerings include several haunted houses, numerous pumpkin patches, corn mazes, parties and much more. This year marks the debut of the Doggie PUPkin Party, a Halloween event for dogs, and also features a ghostly movie series. Click here for the full listing of Halloween events or call 312-742-PLAY.
Halloween highlights this fall include:
Pumpkin Patches & Halloween Parties
•Oct. 3-31
•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. Some pumpkin patches and Halloween parties include a petting zoo, hayride, 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.
Halloween Fall Fest featuring the Halloween No-Scare Maze
•Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
•Athletic Field Park, 3546 W. Addison St., 773-478-2889
•For ages 18 months-10 years (must be accompanied by an adult).
•Admission free; nominal fees for activities
Children can pick a pumpkin in the outdoor pumpkin patch, enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables. Additionally, an indoor, no-scare maze featuring costumed cartoon characters is available for children ages 5 & under. Concessions available for sale. Co-sponsored by Athletic Field Advisory Council.
Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run and Walk
•Saturday, Oct. 17
•Lincoln Park South Field, 1800 N. Stockton Dr.
•2:30 p.m. Kids Spooky Sprints
•6 p.m. 5K Run
•Cost: $30 prior to Oct. 10; $35 race week; $10 Kid Spooky Sprints
The 10th annual Pumpkins in the Park 5K is presented by Chicago Park District and Fleet Feet Sports. Participants of all ages come dressed in costume. To register, visit www.fleetfeetchicago.com. All registered participants will receive a t-shirt and goody bag. Post-race activities include a kid’s costume parade, adult costume contest, pumpkin decorating, refreshments, and live music.
Haunted Drive-In Movie Series
•Thursday, Oct. 22, Ghostbusters at 6:30 p.m.
•Friday, Oct. 23, Ghostbusters 2 at 6:30 p.m.
•Saturday, Oct. 24, Creature from the Black Lagoon at 1 p.m.
•Saturday, Oct. 24, Ghostbusters at 6:30 p.m.
•Sunday, Oct. 25, Creature from the Black Lagoon at 1 p.m.
•Sunday, Oct. 25, Ghostbusters 2 at 6:30 p.m.
•Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., 312-742-7553
•Admission: $5 to each screening; includes pizza
Enjoy screenings of Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2 and Creature from the Black Lagoon outdoors in the park or inside the gym if it rains. Each movie is screened twice as part of the series.
Nightmare at 63rd St. Beach House
•Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 22-24 & Thursday-Friday, Oct. 29-30
•6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
•Kid Friendly “Family Spooktacular” on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-4 p.m.
•63rd St. Beach House, 6300 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-742-5369
•Admission: $7
Set in the historic beach house, this haunted house features more than 10 terrifying scenes spanning two floors. The Family Spooktacular on Oct. 24 features activities for kids such as a live, creepy critter show; the wacky hat art project station; treats; instruction for learning the Thriller dance; and more. Get in the spirit of Halloween and come in costume.
Trails of Terror 2009
•Oct. 23-25 & 29-31, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
•Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., 312-742-7584
•Recommended for ages 8 and up; free parking available
•Admission: $8 for ages 12 and under, $10 for ages 13 and up
Wind your way through nearly one-half mile of spine-tingling terror in the woods crawling with creepy characters set in a small seaside town complete with the old general store and abandoned fishing boats haunted by the ghostly remains of their crews.
No-Scare Children’s Trails
•Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., 312-742-7584
•All ages, admission $6
The family area will include live, creepy critter show; the wacky hat art project station; treats; instruction for learning the Thriller dance; and more. Get in the spirit of Halloween and come in costume. Plenty of free parking is available.
Haunted House
•Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 28-30, 7-9 p.m.
•Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., 773-287-7641
•All ages
•Admission: $3
Experience several rooms of spooky fun in this neighborhood tradition.
Haunted House
•Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31, 6-9 p.m.
•Archer Park, 4901 S. Kilbourn Ave., 773-284-7029
•Ages 6 and up
•Admission: $5
This haunted house features 10 scary scenes and includes candy as a treat.
Halloween Teen Dance
•Friday, Oct. 30, 6-9 p.m.
•Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th St., 773-284-6022
•Grades 6-8, admission $10
Teens enjoy dancing and music in a safe environment.
Doggie PUPkin Party
•Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – noon
•Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave., 773-478-2414
•Admission: $5 per dog
•The event will be held rain or shine.
Halloween has gone to the dogs at this new event that is open to all size pups. Owners and dogs are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite costumes. Activities include a doggie parade, photos with the owner and dog that can be purchased from the photographer, doggie/owner look-a-like contest, art project, drawings and give-a-ways. The local pet businesses will set up tables and offer goods and services for dogs.
Creatures of the Night
•Saturday, Oct. 31, 12-3 p.m.
•Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., 312-746-5100
•All ages
•Admission free
Night-time creatures, like fruit bats, spiders, owls, and more, make a rare daytime greenhouse appearance.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529
- Publication Date: 09/21/09