Category: Chicago Area Events

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Illinois You Can Still Catch

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Illinois You Can Still Catch are happening all across the state. There’s still time to plan one last spooky adventure with the kids. Whether you want a lighthearted day of treats or a cozy evening stroll under glowing pumpkins, Illinois has something for every age group.

Pumpkins in the Woods – Winnetka

When: Friday, October 24, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Hubbard Woods Park, Winnetka

Pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, games, and a family costume contest make this a favorite for younger kids. Admission is free; pumpkin registration is optional.

Halloween Hoopla – Normal

When: Friday, October 24, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Children’s Discovery Museum, Normal

A fun indoor evening featuring trick-or-treating through museum exhibits. It also includes face painting and themed crafts. It is great for families seeking a weather-proof outing. Tickets are required for non-members.

Kids Halloween Party – South Chicago Heights

When: Friday, October 24, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | South Chicago Heights Community Center

A neighborhood celebration for ages 11 and under with games, trunk-or-treat stations, and spooky snacks. Registration may be required.

Skokie Park District’s Kooky Spooky Candy Trail

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Skokie Park District

A cheerful, non-scary trick-or-treat trail that’s perfect for little ones who love dressing up without any frights.

Wilmette Linden Square Pumpkin Walk

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Linden Square, Wilmette

Take the kids, dress up the dog, and head to Linden Square for a fun day of trick-or-treating. Local businesses will be handing out candy, prizes, and special giveaways. Everyone is welcome—moms, dads, kids, and even pets in costume! Enjoy live music, games, and plenty of Halloween fun for your favorite ghosts, goblins, princesses, and superheroes. There’s even a petting zoo the whole family will love.

The Glen Town Center Trick or Treat – Glenview

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Glen Town Center, Glenview

Children 12 and under are invited to Trick or Treat. Participating retailers and restaurants will have a pumpkin displayed on their front door. While supplies last!

Downtown Evanston Trick or Treat Stroll

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | Noon–3:00 p.m. | Downtown Evanston

Local shops welcome trick-or-treaters with candy and pumpkin painting stations. Stop by Fountain Square for free family photos.

Boo! At The Zoo – Brookfield Zoo

When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 25–26, 2025 | Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

Classic zoo fun with a Halloween twist. It includes treat stations, magic shows, and fall-themed displays.

A Family Halloween – Glenview

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

Enjoy wagon rides, pumpkin games, and harvest-themed fun in a calm, family-friendly farm setting.

Halloween Hop Downtown Naperville

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Downtown Naperville

Downtown shops host costumed trick-or-treating with plenty of spots for snacks. There are also coffee breaks for parents.

Halloween Happening 2025 – Naperville Park District

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. | Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, Naperville

A free outdoor event for kids 10 and under. It features inflatables, treat stations, and a “Tot Town” play area.

Boo Bash at the Pond – Willowbrook

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. | Willowbrook Community Park

Trick-or-treat trail, carnival games, and photo areas make this event a hit for families with preschoolers.

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America – Gurnee

When: Ongoing through Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | 1 Great America Parkway,
Gurnee

What to expect: Fall festival with family-friendly activities, Trick-or-Treat Trail, and world-class family rides

Cost: Live shows, most activities, and most rides included with park admission; Food, drink, and merchandise require separate purchase.

Monsters in Smith Park – Lyons

When: Friday, October 31, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Smith Park, Lyons

Bring the family for an evening filled with live entertainment, food, music, games, candy, bounce houses, hayrides, and plenty of Halloween fun.

Costumes, Candy & Community Fun – Hillside Commons

When: Friday, October 31, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Hillside Commons, Hillside

A cozy neighborhood celebration with wagon rides, a bonfire, and plenty of candy.

Trick-or-Treat PPD Halloween: A Night of Magic and Mischief – Peoria

When: Throughout October 2025 | Times vary | Peoria, IL

Multiple themed trick-or-treat events around Peoria, including “Trash-or-Treat” and “City Hall-O-Ween.”
Free admission.

Howl-O-Ween – Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

When: Select dates through October 31, 2025 | Gurnee

Stay-cation-style Halloween fun inside the resort with trick-or-treat trails, dance parties, and character
visits.

Jack O’Lantern World – Lake Zurich

When: Through Saturday, November 1, 2025 | Paulus Park, Lake Zurich

Thousands of illuminated pumpkin displays line the walking paths. Food trucks, photo ops, and family activities make it a must-see seasonal attraction

Want more seasonal family fun? Visit Midwest Money Savers

** Disclaimer: Event details, dates, and times are accurate at the time of posting. However, schedules and activities may change without notice. We recommend contacting event organizers directly or visiting their official websites before attending to confirm current information.

Chicago Area Events, Halloween

Chicago Area Friends: Free Days at the Adler Planetarium 2023

February 20, 2023February 23, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good morning my fabulous frugal friends! If you live in Illinois, I’ve found another freebie for you and your family to enjoy. Adler Planetarium has recently announced that every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 PM, the planetarium will be free for Illinois residents with proof of residency. For more information, you can visit the Adler Special-events site here.

The Adler Planetarium is a public museum in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago businessman Max Adler and was the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The museum’s mission is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe.

The Adler Planetarium is home to several exhibits, including three full-size theaters, interactive displays, and the historic Atwood Sphere. The planetarium also has a significant collection of astronomical artifacts and literature. One of the most popular exhibits at the Adler Planetarium is “Mission Moon,” which explores the history of America’s space program and the race to the moon.

The planetarium is also home to a research and education center that offers a variety of programs for students, educators, and the general public. The center offers classes, workshops, and lectures on various astronomy and space science topics.

Bank of America cardholders receive complimentary Museum Entry the first weekend of each month. To take advantage of this benefit, proceed to the Accessible Entrance on the day of your visit and show the box office staff your Bank of America card and matching photo ID for admission access. If you’d like to add on any sky shows or purchase additional tickets, you can do so. At this time, online reservations are not available for this benefit.

In addition, the Adler is proud to participate in Museums For All, an initiative designed to make museums more accessible to families nationwide by removing financial barriers. Any family that qualifies for state food assistance and is in possession of an EBT card (known in Illinois as a Link card) or a WIC ID is eligible to participate. Eligible participants may receive a Museum Entry +1 (which includes one show) for up to eight people at $1 per guest. Any guest who wishes to upgrade to a Museum Entry +2 may do so for $5 per guest. Cards or IDs must be shown at the Adler Box Office only to receive this special rate. At this time, no online ticket purchases are available for this discount.

The Adler Planetarium is open to the public every day except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission fees vary based on age, residency, and membership status. The museum is accessible via public transportation and offers parking for an additional cost.

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Chicago Area Events, Free, Illinois

Groundhog Day: Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow in 2023?

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada, originating from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition where a groundhog was used to predict the arrival of spring. If the groundhog saw its shadow, it was believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. There are two famous celebrations of Groundhog Day, one in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and another in Woodstock, Illinois.

Punxsutawney Phil is the name of the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who is the star of the famous Groundhog Day celebration held in the town. The tradition of using Punxsutawney Phil to predict the arrival of spring dates back to 1886 and has since become a well-known cultural phenomenon.

On Groundhog Day, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney to witness Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow. If he sees his shadow, it is believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, it is believed to indicate an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil is considered to be the only true weather-forecasting groundhog and is revered by many as a symbol of hope for an end to winter. The celebration of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney has become a popular event, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness the annual event and participate in the town’s festivities.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, a group of local residents, is responsible for caring for Punxsutawney Phil and organizing the annual celebration. They claim that Punxsutawney Phil has a lifespan of over 100 years and is able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy. Whether or not this is true, Punxsutawney Phil remains an important part of American folklore and a beloved symbol of the Groundhog Day celebration.

The groundhog in Woodstock is named Woodstock Willie and is the official groundhog of the city’s Groundhog Day celebration. The celebration in Woodstock is known for its festive atmosphere, with activities such as live music, food vendors, and children’s games. The event is attended by locals and visitors alike and has become an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.

Woodstock is also the setting for the classic 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, which has added to the city’s connection to the holiday and made it a popular tourist destination on February 2nd. You can visit the Groundhog Day movie locations page to see all the locations the movie was filmed.

Let’s hope that Phil doesn’t see his shadow today!

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Chicago Area Events

Rosemont, Illinois Hiring Week – Free $20 Fashion Outlets Mall Gift Card

October 5, 2022 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Rosemont Chamber of Commerence and Fashion Outlets of Chicago are hosting Rosemont Hiring Week. Apply for a position at any participating Rosemont business and visit the concierge desk to claim a $20 Fashion Outlets Mall gift card!

Text “JOB” to 847.957.4600 to earn more and view a list of participating businesses.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

Chicago Area Events, Job Opportunities, Now Hiring