Festivals: Spooktacular suburban Halloween happenings

This weekend

<b>Scarecrow Trail:</b> 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Nature-themed scarecrows created by local Scout troops line Meadow Lake Trail. $9-$14. mortonarb.org.

<b>Cosley Zoo's Pumpkin Fest:</b> 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Visit the animals, climb a straw pyramid or find your way through the corn stalk tunnel. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks and straw bales for purchase. $6-$7; free for kids 17 and younger, members and Wheaton Park District residents. cosleyzoo.org.

<b>Didier Farms Pumpkinfest:</b> 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Hayrides, corn maze, pony and camel rides, Animal Land, kiddie rides, pig races, homemade apple cider and pumpkin doughnuts and more. Free admission; fees for some activities. didierfarms.com/pumpkinfest.

<b>Randall Oaks Zoo's Fall Festival:</b> 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 29, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Hay bale maze, corn bin play area, fall treats for purchase, face painting and pumpkins. Weekends only: pumpkin enrichment for the zoo's animals, bonfires and hayrides. Most activities are included with $3.25-$4 zoo admission; fees for some activities. Free for kids younger than 2. (847) 428-7131 or dtpd.org.

<b>Siegel's Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Festival:</b> 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Siegel's Cottonwood Farm, 17250 Weber Road, Lockport. A 15-acre corn maze - designed in a pattern that celebrates the Chicago Cubs; u-pick pumpkin field, accessible by hayride; Mia & Miley's Mountain Slide; Bubba Duck's Waddle Races; zip lines; farm animals; food and more. Annual pumpkin drop (with a 600-pound pumpkin) at 1 p.m. Sunday. $11.95-$14.95. (815) 741-2693 or ourpumpkinfarm.com.

<b>Fifth Annual Hofbräuhaus Chicago Oktoberfest:</b> 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Oct. 29, at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Place, Rosemont. Authentic Bavarian entertainment, freshly brewed Oktoberfestbier, daily food specials, celebrity keg-tapping, games, music and more. Free admission. (847) 671-2739 or hofbrauhauschicago.com.

<b>56th Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival:</b> Runs through Sunday, Oct. 29, at various locations in downtown Sycamore. Hundreds of decorated pumpkins, teen and kiddie carnivals, scary stories, autumn craft and treasures market, giant pumpkins, pancake breakfast on Saturday, and a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. See sycamorepumpkinfestival.com for times and locations.

<b>Antioch Halloween Fest:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Drive, Antioch. Costume contests, carnival rides, pumpkin totem pole contest and more. Daily ride wristbands cost $30 per day; individual ride tickets are also available. A special-needs carnival will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday; advance registration required. Free. antiochchamber.org.

<b>Fright Fest:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 28; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29; and 6 to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 30-31, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Daytime hours are family-friendly, with shows and a trick-or-treat trail from noon to 3 p.m. Evening hours include haunted houses and costumed zombies and monsters. For admission fees, see sixflags.com/greatamerica.

<b>Halloween Night Walks:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28, at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Halloween tricks and natural-history tales during a 75-minute walk in the woods after dark. Short stops along the way provide dramatic antics and humorous tales. Kids younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets at Fullersburg Woods. $12. (630) 850-8110.

<b>Trick-or-Treat Trail:</b> 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Nonscary event features face painting, pictures with the characters, carnival games and more. Parents must accompany children. The first 250 guests receive a free goody bag. Free. bgparks.org.

<b>Vernon Hills Fall Fest:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Family event features indoor trick-or-treating, face painter, carnival games and a costume contest. Dave DiNaso's Traveling World of Reptiles will make an appearance. Refreshments available for purchase. $2. Space is limited; register at vhparkdistrict.org.

<b>Warrenville Park District's Fall Fest:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Warrenville Park District, 3S260 Warren Ave., Warrenville. Costume parade begins at 6 p.m. with awards following. Activities included with $5 wristband: inflatables, storyteller and games. Beer, wine and food for sale. Live music and free taffy apples. warrenvilleparks.org.

<b>Boo Fest:</b> 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Simkus Recreation Center, 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream. Crafts, snacks, games, bounce house and ghost stories. Wear your costume. $11-$14. csparks.org.

<b>27th Annual Haunted Hike:</b> 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, and 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin. Games, food, treat bags and music. Admission is $10; $8 for Scouts in uniform. Kiddie Hike, which runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, costs $8. (630) 584-9250 or threefirescouncil.org.

<b>Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Dash:</b> Kids Dash at 8:10 a.m.; 5K at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Adrenaline Sports Management, 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine. Halloween-themed race runs through downtown Palatine with the after-party at Tap House Grill. A portion of the proceeds benefit Fathers Helping Fathers. $15-$30. (847) 829-4536.

<b>Randall Oaks Zoo's Boo at the Zoo:</b> 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. See the zoo decked out in its Halloween finery and join in trick-or-treating. Costume contest at 1 p.m. both days for kids 3 and younger, 4-6, 7-14 and adults. Prizes for the top three in each category. Admission is $3.25 for residents; $4 for nonresidents; and free for kids younger than 2. dtpd.org.

<b>Halloween Parade and Party:</b> 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28, at Grennan Heights, 8255 Oketo Ave., Niles. Halloween costumes recommended. Stroll from Oak Park (Main Street and Ottawa) to Grennan Heights. At Grennan Heights there will be games, goodies and spooky surprises. Register early. $12-$14. niles-parks.org.

<b>Halloween Festival and Parade:</b> 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown Glen Ellyn. Trick-or-treat at participating local businesses, entertainment and crafts. Donate a pantry item or $1 to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and receive a pumpkin to paint. Free. (630) 469-0907 or glenellynchamber.com.

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BatFest:</b> 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, on the Batavia Riverwalk, at Houston Street and Island Avenue, Batavia. Annual Halloween-themed family event includes downtown trick-or-treating from 10 a.m. to noon, music, parade at 11:50 a.m., costume contests for humans and pets, pumpkin roll, pumpkin carving contest and more. Hayrides from noon to 2 p.m. with donation of nonperishable food or cash for Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. downtownbatavia.com. Before the festival, join Batavia United Way for their BatFest 5K walk/run and 10K Run along the Fox River Trail at 8:30 a.m. Register at 5kbatavia.com.

<b>Boo! at the Zoo:</b> 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Scarecrow building, zoo chats, corn maze, costume parade at 1 p.m. and contest at 1:30 p.m., haunted hayride and more. Zoo admission is $14.50-$19.85; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12. czs.org.

<b>Halloween Hayday:</b> 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Stephen Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Kids games, costume contest, science activities, Halloween egg hunt, bounce houses, hay rides and more. Preregistration recommended for kids 14 and younger. Preregistration is $5, $8 for nonresidents; day-of registration is $7-$10. Free for adults. genevaparks.org.

<b>Truck or Treat:</b> 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Come dressed in your Halloween costume to collect treats. Monster Bash Games brought to you by Buffalo Wild Wings, then head down to Crystal Lake Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. for more Halloween fun. Free. crystallakeparks.org.

<b>Wheaton's Boo-Palooza:</b> 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Martin Memorial Plaza at Front and Main streets, Wheaton. Trick-or-treat from store to store, all-ages costume contest at 10 a.m., “Thriller” dance performance by Moves Dance Studio at 10:30 a.m., free hayrides on Front Street from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Trunk or Treat at Gary United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to noon. downtownwheaton.com.

<b>Cary Halloween Walk:</b> 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28, at Jewel Shopping Center, 696 Northwest Hwy., Cary. Halloween trick-or-treating with local Cary-Grove Chamber businesses. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

<b>Pumpkin Weekends:</b> 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Family-friendly fall festivities include the pumpkin princess, seasonal crafts, harvest decor, a giant corn crib, professional pumpkin carver, world's tallest scarecrow, trick-or-treating and a pony parade. $7. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

<b>Addison Fall Fest:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Village Green and Addison Historical Museum, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. Rides, crafts, Halloween costume and pumpkin contest for the kids, Touch a Truck 'N Treat, living history demonstrations, museum tours and seasonal food. Free. ithappensinaddison.com.

<b>Bloomingdale Halloween Party:</b> Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Bloomingdale Public Library, 101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale. Held outdoors at the library. Activities, games, balloon artists, trick-or-treating, crafts and refreshments. Free. mybpl.org.

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Family Days at Danada:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Halloween Trick or Treat is the theme for this equine activity day that includes Nick the painting horse, self-guided barn tours, tractor-drawn hayrides, up-close-and-personal visits with the Danada horses and more. Free. (630) 668-6012 or dupageforest.org.

<b>Trick or Treat in downtown Aurora:</b> Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown Aurora. All ages invited to dress in costume and visit participating businesses and museums for treats. Free. auroradowntown.org.

<b>Fox River Grove Halloween Walk:</b> 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Leader Ace Hardware, 980 Route 22, Fox River Grove. Join the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce for the annual Halloween Walk trick-or-treating event in the Stone Hill Shopping Center. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

<b>Halloween Family Scarecrow “Stuff”:</b> 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Families can build scarecrows, paint pumpkins, play games, check out the photo booth, take part in a costume parade and enjoy refreshments. $5-$8. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

<b>Itasca Halloween Celebration:</b> 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Pony rides, bounce house, games, pumpkin decorating. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Itasca Food Pantry. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

<b>Waukegan Halloweenfest:</b> 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan. Halloween-themed family activities, costumes, food and more. waukeganparks.org.

<b>Howl'O Ween Dog Parade:</b> 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Bring your pooch and line up for this free parade at 1:15 p.m. in front of the Butterfly House. Parade begins promptly at 1:30 p.m. Prizes awarded for most creative, funniest and scariest costumes. Free. genevaparks.org.

<b>Geneva Ghost Walks:</b> 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Geneva History Museum, 113 S. Third St. Guided tours with new stories this year. Meet at the museum, rain or shine. $5-$10. Register at genevahistorymuseum.org.

<b>Halloween in the Hollow:</b> 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Sabatino Park, 71 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Chili contest at 3 p.m., pumpkin decorating and hay rides at 3:30 p.m., costume parade at 4:15 p.m. and bonfire at dusk, with an appearance by the “Headless Horseman.” Refreshments include hot dogs, hot cocoa, cider, pie and chili. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

<b>Boo Bash:</b> 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Mundelein Community Center and Community Park, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Halloween-themed family event. Candy, games, prizes, entertainment, tractor-pulled wagon rides and visits by familiar costumed characters. Runs rain or shine. Costumes encouraged. Parental supervision is required. Food available for purchase. mundelein.org.

<b>Halloween Witchcraft Beer Fest:</b> 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. Sample a variety of beers from more than 20 local craft breweries. Food trucks will be on site. Admission is $45 in advance; $55 the day of the event; $20 designated driver. Admission includes a souvenir glass. Costume contest and Halloween movies on the Kane County Cougars' videoboard. Food not included with admission. (630) 232-8811 or kccougars.com.

<b>Halloween Hop:</b> 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 29, in downtown Naperville. Trick-or-treating at 60 downtown businesses. The Halloween Trolley will be giving complimentary rides for costumed kids and their parents/caregivers. Free. downtownnaperville.com/event/halloween-hop-sunday-october-29-2017/.

<b>Hoffman Estates Halloween Bash:</b> 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 29, at Triphahn Center Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Bring the kids in costume for pumpkin decorating, games, crafts and snacks. For kids younger than 12. Registration ends Friday. $5-$6. heparks.org.

<b>Geneva Commons Fall Fest:</b> 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Geneva Commons, 602 Commons Drive, Geneva. Games, prizes, music and treats for both children and adults. Hay bale maze, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, corn hole contests, a stilt walker and more. Free. shopgenevacommons.com.

<b>Halloween Happening:</b> 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 812 Sindt Court, Naperville. For kids 10 and younger. Activities include Tiny Tot Town, Halloween Way, Fairytale Lane, King Arthur's court and Adventure Alley. Free. napervilleparks.org.

<b>Safe Trick-or Treating:</b> 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, in downtown Downers Grove. Halloween costume parade and trick-or-treating. downtowndg.org.

<b>Horsing Around for Halloween:</b> 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at The Ranch of Hope Reins, 45W107 Dietrich Road, Hampshire. Features horses, a therapy dog and other animals dressed up for a costume parade around the ranch, plus crafts, a pumpkin-decorating contest, games, treats, a costume contest and more. Free. (847) 347-6598 or facebook.com/theranchofhopereins/ or eventbrite.com.

<b>St. Matthew Trunk or Treat:</b> 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. Kids can dress in costumes, collect candy from costumed church volunteers and see decorated car trunks. Snacks, crafts and games will be inside. In the event of rain, activities will move indoors. Free. stmatthewucc.org.

<b>Trunk or Treat at Elburn Community Congregational Church:</b> 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Elburn Community Congregational Church, 100 E. Shannon St., Elburn. Family-friendly events feature decorated cars, candy, food, a photo booth and more. (630) 365-6544 or elburn-ucc.org.

Next week

<b>Boo Bash!:</b> 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Children can wear their Halloween costumes for not-too-spooky activities and stories, ending with a treat. For kids 3 to 5 with an adult. $10 per child. Register at (630) 260-8162 or cantigny.org.

<b>Halloween Parade:</b> 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31; and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, 110 W. Maple St., Lombard. For kids of all ages, with a participating adult. Slightly spooky stories, crafts and a costume parade. Free. Register at (630) 627-0316 or helenplum.org.

<b>Trick-or-Treat on Main Street:</b> 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, in downtown Libertyville. Trick-or-treat at participating stores. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

<b>Blodgett House Boo Fest:</b> 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Trick-or-treat at the museum and complete a special scavenger hunt while enjoying treats. Free. dgparks.org.

<b>Safety Town Halloween:</b> 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Safety Town, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights. Free. glendaleheights.org.