Area-wide Halloween happenings

Arlington Heights

Haunted Trails Amusement Park trip, Arlington Heights Park District: Trip to "Haunted Trails Amusement Park" in Burbank Oct. 19. Includes transportation, admission, a round of miniature golf, go-cart rides, 20 game tokens for the arcade, and a food package of pizza and pop. Bus leaves from Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., at 5 p.m. and returns at about 10 p.m. Oct. 19. Class Code: 3440-6, age 8-13. $35. Call (847) 577-3025.

Preschool Spooktacular, Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights: Children, accompanied by an adult, will play games, complete a ghostly craft, and enjoy a trick-or-treat lane out in the park. A costume parade will end the day. Dress for outdoor activities. 1-2:15 p.m. Oct. 20 Age: 3-6. Resident fee: $10. (847) 577-3025.

Halloween safety, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights: Officer Hajek goes over Halloween safety tips. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Class Code: 3007-8, all ages. $5 (847) 577-3040.

Pumpkin Decorating and Halloween Party, Little Village Playplace, 176 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19. Dress up in your Halloween costume, decorate a pumpkin, play Halloween games, enjoy Whole Foods cookies and cider and open play. Reservations required. Cost: $15/couple, $10/additional child; $3 additional adult. Call (847) 590-5877 or visit littlevillageplayplace.com

Pumpkin Power, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights: 10:45 a.m.-noon, Oct. 20. Jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkins and spiders in crafts and treats. Cost: Residents, $15; nonresidents, $18. Call (847) 577-3000 to pre-register, or visit www.ahpd.org

Trunk 'N Treat, Church of the Incarnation, United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights: Church members will be in the parking lot with open car trunks with treats. Prizes for best costumes. Coffee and doughnuts for parents. 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 Free for all children. (847) 956-1510.

13 Steps to Misfortune, 19 W. Cedar St., Arlington Heights: Yard display with live actors on Halloween. Ages: 12 to 50. Hours: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 26 through 28; 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31. Free. (847) 878-5366. darksideproductions13@yahoo.com.

Barrington

Halloween Egg Hunt, Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington: Barrington Park District hosts Halloween Egg Hunt for ages 1-10, preceded by talk on safety tips by Barrington Police Department. Each child receives a safety kit, bag, and Halloween treats. 7 to 7:45 p.m. Oct. 25. $2/advance; $4/at door). (847) 381-0687 or barringtonparkdistrict.org.

Halloween Spooktacular, Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington: Games, crafts, stories, hayrides, candy hunts, indoor "Haunted Holes" golf, and a "haunted room." Costumes encouraged. $8 ($10 nonresident) per child. 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 27. Ages 1-10. (847) 381-0687 or visit online at barringtonparkdistrict.org.

Halloween parade, Hough Street Elementary School, 310 S. Hough St., Barrington: Participants will walk west on Lincoln Avenue to Dundee Road, north on Dundee to Lake Street, east on Lake back to school. 1 p.m. Oct. 31.

Bartlett

Spooktacular Sight Night Light Parade, at Oak and Railroad avenues, Bartlett: Hosted by Bartlett Lions Club, with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. from Bartlett Leos Club. Includes custume/illumination contest. Judging at 7:15 at Western and Railroad avenues. Parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. from Western and Railroad, going east on Railroad to Main Street, through Town Center, continuing to Devon Avenue, then west back to Western Avenue. Bring used eyeglasses to donate. Oct. 27. bartlettlions.org.

Halloween family fun,ΠBartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Games, activities, a magic show and movie. No registration required. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 2-5 p.m. $1. Oct. 28. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.

Buffalo Grove

The Great Pumpkin Hunt, Willow Stream Park, 600 N Farrington Drive, Buffalo Grove: Buffalo Grove Park District will hide pumpkins for guests to find, then bring to the redemption station to collect prizes. Ages 3-10. 9 a.m. Oct. 27. $5 residents, $10 nonresidents. Call Lori Bachrach, (847) 850-2119.

Trick-or-Treat Trail and More, Golf and Sports Center, 801 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove: Friendly characters will line the path to hand out candy and small prizes. Pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to carve or decorate, get their face painted and more. Parents must accompany children. Ages 1-12. 2-4 p.m. Oct. 28. $6 residents, $9 nonresidents. Call Lori Bachrach, (847) 850-2119.

Halloween Cupcakes Galore, Twin Creeks Park, 401 Aptakisic Road, Buffalo Grove Create monster, spider and pumpkin cupcakes. Ages 6-10. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 27. $8 residents, $12 nonresidents. Call Lori Bachrach, (847) 850-2119.

Des Plaines

Fright Fest trip, a trip to the Great America Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America: Open to grades six through 12. Provide your own ticket or season pass and meals. Includes transportation and supervision. Departs at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 from Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St.; returns around 11 p.m. Residents, $12; nonresidents, $18. (847) 391-5700.

Fantastic Friday Halloween Party, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines: Gym sports, a game room, arts and crafts, board games, baggo, movies, outdoor playground and sports (weather permitting), and special events. Pizza and pop available at additional cost. Ages 5-12. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Residents, $10; nonresidents, $15. (847) 391-5700.

Halloween Hoopla, Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines: Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Costumed children receive a treat bag. Trick-or-treating 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at participating business. Registration remains open until sold out for the Magical Halloween Express train ride 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., $5-$23, call (847) 391-5700. Day of the Dead Drop-In 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Halloween Magic by Randy, 1-2 p.m., and Halloween craft 1-4 p.m. at Des Plaines Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. All events, except train ride, are free. Oct. 27.

Haunted Hallway, Plainfield Elementary School, 1850 Plainfield Drive, Des Plaines: Haunted Hallway of Terror. Desserts and drinks will be sold. $2 per person. 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 27. E-mail PlainfieldPTSO@sbcglobal.net.

Boy Scout Haunted Hike, Methodist Camp Grounds, 2000 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines: Annual Haunted Hike sponsored by Boy Scout Northwest Suburban Council's camping honorary, the Order of the Arrow. Dark trail with monsters and strange life forms, along with period ghost storytellers, food concessions, face painting. Pipe organ music by "Dr. Phibes." Uniformed Scouts $4; public, $6; ages 5-12, $5. 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 27; 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Flashlight Hike," 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26. (847) 824-6800 or www.nwsc.org or www.lakotalodge.org.

Halloween stories, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood: Donna Washington, Halloween storyteller. 7-8 p.m., Oct. 25. (847) 376-2839 or visit dppl.org

Halloween Adventure, Alden Des Plaines, 1221 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines: Pumpkin carving (registration required), games, safe trick-or-treating and a Halloween piñata. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 (847) 768-1300.

Elk Grove Village

Halloween Fest, Elk Grove Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village: Pumpkin, hayride, crafts, hot dog meal, storytelling, music, pumpkin decorating, costume parade and silent auction. $5 children, $4 adults, $3 seniors. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 26. (847) 439-9494 www.elkgroveparks.org

Hoffman Estates

Halloween Happenings, Cannon Crossings, 1675 Nicholson, Hoffman Estates: Dress up for pumpkin painting, costume contests, games, and entertainment. Ages 3-10. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30. Register by Saturday. $9 resident; $13 nonresident; free for parents, children under 3. (847) 885-7500 or heparks.org.

Halloween Adventure 2007,ŒAlden Poplar Creek, 1545 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates: Activities include safe trick-or-treating, an "unspooky" haunted house, games, prizes, and face painting. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-4 p.m. Oct. 28. Free. (847) 884-0011.

Healthy trick-or-treating, Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Healthy activities and snacks. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Prizes awarded for best costume. Free, drop-ins OK. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pumpkin swim, $3. 4:30-5:30 p.m.; register in advance. Oct. 29. (847) 285-5408 or visit online at heparks.org.

Halloween parade, storytime:ŒPalatine Public Library locations: Enjoy Halloween tales and songs, followed by a parade through the library. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., main library, 700 N. North Court; 1 p.m., Freeman Road Branch, 1262 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates; and 5 p.m., Rand Road Branch, 1585 Rand Road, Palatine. Oct. 30. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Lake Zurich

Cuba Road Film Series, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich: Watch "The Legends of Cuba Road" and "Return to Cuba Road," rated PG-13 and meet the stars of these horror films. Free. 1-5 p.m. Oct. 20. Sign up by calling (847) 438-3433 or visiting www.eapl.org.

Spooky Tunes, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich: Entertaining and not-too-spooky Halloween songs presented by Carol Weston. Free, no registration. 6 p.m. Oct. 25. (847) 438-3840.

Long Grove

Halloween Adventure, Alden Long Grove, Box 2308 Old Hicks Road, Long Grove: Costume contest, pumpkin contest and trick-or-treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31. Free. (847) 438-8275.

Mount Prospect

Trunk or Treat, Melas Park, 1326 W. Central, Mount Prospect: Businesses and organizations will decorate vehicles and provide "Halloween Handouts." Come in costume; treat bags will be provided. Parents should accompany children. Note: The date, day and location of this event has changed from the fall guide. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Class Code: 3434-2. Call Laura Oberg, (847) 577-3000.

Howlin' Halloween Fest: Lions Recreation Center, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect: Fun, treats, face-painting, games, a ride through the Hoot! Hoot! Express for a train ride around the park, Halloween hayride and pumpkin picking. Ages 3-8. $4 per child at door; adults free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 20. (847) 632-9333.

Pumpkin Fest, Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect: "Crazy Dog," face painting, a fun house, storytelling, games, a bake sale. 1-5 p.m. Oct. 20. Pumpkin Patch open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until Oct. 31. Pumpkins of all sizes and shapes are available as well as gourds, straw, cornstalks, and Indian corn. Proceeds used to fund a variety of activities and mission projects. (847) 439-0950.

Halloween Costume Party: Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines: Cash bar, light eats, deejay and dance floor. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners.

Adults only. $10 advance; $12 at door. 8-11 p.m. Oct. 27. (847) 255-5380 or www.mppd.org.

Spooky Skating Special, Central Community Center, 1000 Central Road, Mount Prospect: Skate in costume and get a $1 discount off admission. Offer good during open skate and family skate hours, 1:30-9 p.m. Oct. 26 and 3:30-6 p.m. Oct. 27. (847) 255-5380.

Studio Spooktacular, The Studio, 1326 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect: Halloween crafts including spiders, witches, pumpkin painting and ghosts. Ages 7-11. 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 27. $25 residents, $30 nonresidents. Halloween Happenings for ages 3-6, $19 residents and $24 nonresidents. (847) 640-1000.

Halloween Fun, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines: Games, music, stories, and crafts. Ages 3-6. $10 residents, $15 nonresidents. 9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 30 and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31. (847) 255-5380 or www.mppd.org.

Pumpkin carving, Weiss Community Center Meeting Room, Woodland Trails Park, 1500 E. Euclid, Mount Prospect: Pumpkin carving, drinks, snacks, prizes for creativity. Families should bring their own pumpkin cutting utensils and decoration. Ages 3 and up. Must include at least one adult. $5 resident; $6 non resident. 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24. (847) 255-1200 or www.rtpd.org.

Palatine

Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine: Presented by GreatWorks Theatre Company. Tickets $3, or $2 for groups of 20 or more. 10:30 a.m. Oct. 20. (847) 991-0333 or www.palatineparks.org.

Salt Creek Park District Halloween Party, Hat Trick Hockey, 647 Consumers Ave., Palatine: Face painting, games and prizes, a coloring station and maze. Bring a bag or bucket for prizes. Ages 12 and under; adults must accompany children. Cost $4 residents, $6 nonresident, adults free; register by Oct. 25. 5-5:45 p.m. and 5:45-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30. (847) 259-6890 or saltcreekpd.com.

Palatine Park District Halloween party, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine: Jack-o-lantern gym for young children, Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures "Conversation Through Education," games, ghoulish goodies from Whole Foods, and a creative crafts. Ages 1-10. Cost $4 residents; $5 nonresident; $6 day of. Purchase tickets at Community Center or Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave., or by mail, with checks payable to Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine, IL 60067. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 27. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.

Howl-O-Ween Party:ŒOst Field, on Colfax between Fremont and Mozart, Palatine: Bring man's best friend to the Howl-O-Ween Party with costume parade at 2 p.m. Advance registration required. Dog owners must attach copy of documentation of current vaccinations. Dogs must be kept on a leash. $5 per dog. (847) 991-0333.

Halloween tales, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine: Storyteller Celeste Giles tells slightly spooky Halloween tales suitable for children in second-grade and older. Refreshments will be served. Free, but registration required. 2 p.m. Oct. 27. (847) 358-5881, ext. 132 or 167, or palatinelibrary.org.

Wine and Spirits,ŒCutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine: Wine tasting, courtesy of Dobby's World-Wide Liquors and Wines, followed by Emmy-winning story artist Jim May at 7 p.m. The evening begins with a May's ghost stories will transport the brave-hearted to the eerie landscape of marauding cannibals and the dark legends of Germany's Black Forest, where werewolves roamed and feasted on human flesh. Attendees must be 21 or older for the wine tasting. $15 per person. 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27. (847) 991-0333.

Halloween parade, storytime:ŒPalatine Public Library locations: Enjoy Halloween tales and songs, followed by a parade through the library. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., main library, 700 N. North Court; 1 p.m., Freeman Road Branch, 1262 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates; and 5 p.m., Rand Road Branch, 1585 Rand Road, Palatine. Oct. 30. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Prospect Heights

Family Fun Fest and Craft Fair, St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church and School, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights: Contests, carnival games, a hayride, moonwalks and inflatables, a children's haunted house, scarecrow decorating, raffles, kids crafts and live entertainment. Craft fair will house more than 50 booths. Food and beverages all day and include hot dogs, pizza and bake sale. All-inclusive wristbands $10 for ages 3 to 17; admission free for adults, toddlers. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20. (847) 797-1918.

Spookfest, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights: Hayride, bonfire, haunted house, costume contest, outdoor movie, and games. Ages 2 and older. $8 ages 2-17; free to adults. 4 to 8 p.m.; Oct. 27. (847) 394-2848.

Rolling Meadows

Trick or Treat Path, Rolling Meadows Park District, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows: Includes visits with Cinderella, the Tin Man, Sully and favorite cartoon characters while trick-or-treating for goodies. Also games, crafts and picture taking. Parents must attend; no strollers. Ages 1-6. $8 residents, $10 nonresidents. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Call (847) 818-3200, ext. 222.

Dead's End Cemetery: 3802 Raven Lane, Rolling Meadows: Yard display. 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30-31.

Rosemont

Halloween Costume Party, Rosemont School Gym 6106 Ruby St., Rosemont: Mystery guest will help guests have a hauntingly good time and play ghoulish games. Prizes for the best costumes. Free. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26.

Halloween Treats Contest, Lange Park, 6140 N. Scott St., Rosemont: Take a guess at how many Halloween Treats are contained in the jar. Winner gets the candy. Contest ends Oct. 24. (847) 823 6685.

Schaumburg

Kids Night Out Halloween party, Fitwize 4 Kids, 140C S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg: Circuit training on equipment specially designed for kids, as well as dinner and games. Costumes encouraged. Ages 6-15. Admission $10; or $5 for nonmembers. 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20. (847) 895-9493.

Halloween Fun and Foods, Rasmussen South Room, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg: Chef Lou Buchenot demonstrates cooking, carving and decorating. Tasting and recipes will be included. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 22. To register, call (847) 923-3347.

Boo-2U Fest, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg: Fourth- through sixth-grader enjoy a DJ, games, snacks, and haunted house. Participants in costume receive a gift. Admission is $9 ($13 nonresident); advance registration required. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26. (847) 490-7020.

Halloween Ghost Jaunt,ΠSpring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg: Costumed guides will take groups of 15 down a trail of fun, adventure and mystery. Content is suitable for children ages 5-10. Groups are taken out on a first-come, first-served basis every 10 minutes or so, with walks lasting 30-40 minutes. Pre-registration admission is $5 ($6 nonresident), with day of tickets $7. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26-27. (847) 985-2100 or parkfun.com.

Halloween Boonanza, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg: Halloween carnival with haunted house. Register by Oct. 30. Admission is $5, $7 day of. 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31. (847)490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Streamwood

Late Skate,ŒMainstreet USA Roller Skate Center, 23 W. Streamwood Blvd., Streamwood: Adult-supervised skate features a costume contest and chance for a trip to the "Money Machine." Contest prizes are $75 for first place, $50 for second, $25 for third. Admission is $10. 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 27. (630) 289-8000 or visit MainstreetUSAskating.com.

Safe trick-or-treating, Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood: Ages 8 and under can trick-or-treat through the 13 buildings of Safety Town. No registration required. Free admission. 3 -4:30 p.m. Oct. 31. (630) 372-PARK or streamwoodparkdistrict.org.

Wheeling

2007 Halloween Hayrides: Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling: Haunted Hayride, autumn appetizer buffet, nightmare cinema, and some extra spooky activities. Groups are welcome. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 26. Ages 5 and older; children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Friday. $10 residents; $15 nonresidents.(847) 465-3333.