Boo! Halloween Tricks and Treats on the North Shore

Ghouls and goblins. Fairies and superheroes. Spooky times call for spooky fun! Transform yourself, your kids, your pumpkin, and even your car into creepy or cute creations to enjoy scary campfire stories, jack-o’-lantern extravaganzas, and even drive-through/drive-up family entertainment with candy, lights, and thrills. North Shore parks, gardens, and nature centers will get you in the spirit with fright fests aplenty.

To find more seasonal fun, check out all our Halloween Happenings and Fall Flavors. 

 

TERRORS AT TOWER
Tower Road Beach, 899 Sheridan Rd., Winnetka
Oct. 16, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
Do you love all things scary, haunted, and creepy—especially this time of year? Then be sure to reserve your spot at Tower Road Beach to hear a chilling story by a sizzling campfire, with other haunted surprises lurking in the shadows. Be ready for anything as some unexpected guests may sneak by for an eerie visit. New for this year, the event is meant to scare and is recommended for ages 10 and up. Three time slots available; advanced registration required.

FAMILY HALLOWEEN FEST
Various locations, Skokie Park District
Oct. 16–17
Get into the Halloween spirit! Skokie is pulling out all the spooky stops with a series of family-friendly happenings. Build your own tabletop haunted scene in the Family Halloween Decoration Workshop (Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St.; Oct. 16; 1:00 PM–2:00 PM or 2:30 PM–3:30 PM). All the (not too scary) supplies provided. Pumpkin Decorating (Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.; Oct. 16; 1:00 PM–2:00 PM) lets your imagination unfold to create a jack-o’-lantern masterpiece. Decorations supplied; you bring pumpkins and carving tools. Meet some of the fascinating but often misunderstood critters of Emily Oaks Nature Center at Things That Go Bump in the Night (4650 Brummel St., Oct. 16–17; 5:30 PM–8:15 PM). Meant to be fun and informative—NOT frightening—skits with costumed characters appear along the guided trail with snacks, songs, and a campfire at the end. All ages.

Family Halloween, Skokie Park District

PUMPKINFEST
Indian Ridge Park, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook
Oct. 17; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
A fun-packed afternoon of pumpkin decorating, storytelling, s’mores, scarecrows, and a great pumpkin challenge await you and your child at Pumpkinfest. Each child (pre-registered please) receives a treat ba and pumpkin with decorating kit, plus gets to make and take home their own scarecrow. The outdoor event staggers stations and arrival times. The similar Take Home edition of the Pumpkinfest at Home Kit includes a bag of treats, pumpkin with a decorating kit, and a DIY scarecrow (may be picked up by appointment on Oct. 20).

Pumpkinfest, Northbrook

SUPERHERO TRACTOR RIDE
Oct. 24; 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
540 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka
Climb aboard! If you’re just not a fan of the usual Halloween haunts, horrors, and jump-scares, how about a daytime ride to save the world instead? You can come along this scare-free tractor ride to meet your favorite superheroes. Plus, with heroes around, you can be sure candy will be handed out, so don’t forget your treat bag. Timed and ticketed; a waitlist may be available.

TRICK 'N TREATS
Oct. 31; 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
For another lively time as part of a month of “Fab-BOO-lous Halloween Happenings” from the Skokie Park District, celebrate this mysterious season with your own fantastic or frightening bunch. Here’s your chance to all come in costume for some family entertainment and to play non-contact games. Each family will receive one craft bag full of engaging stay-at-home activities. Please preregister as space is limited with two time slots available.

Trick N Treats, Oakton Community Center, Skokie

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTRUNKULAR
Oct. 24; 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview
Pile your monster squad into the car for this tantalizing twist on a Halloween party. A drive-up “Trunk or Treat” and reverse parade! Put your ride in character, too, with Halloween car decorations (optional, but totally encouraged!). Drive through Park Center's haunted parking lot to experience all the eerie scenery and grab ghoulish goodies. Ghosts and goblins and witches will be prowling throughout the path to frighten you. Reserve a time slot and purchase tickets online in advance.

 

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