Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation programs

Registration for all programs takes place at Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills or call (847) 960-7460. Check out the Web site lith.org.

For youth

Haunted Halloween Lab-Mad Science-Ages 6-12: Join the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department Thursday, Oct. 23, and have some spooky fun doing hands-on science experiments with a Mad Scientist. Help trick-or-treaters get away from the monsters on a magnetic bridge. Have you ever seen a pumpkin explode? Learn about chromatography ghosts, grab candy with a robotic arm, make green slime, and much more. Class meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Village Hall Community Room. Resident rate is $27, nonresident rate is $33.

Characters of Character for ages 4-5: Just like parents and teachers, The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department strives to offer creative ways to teach children about good values. This new and exciting class, Characters of Character taught by instructor Joni Downey, is an excellent example of blending fun with education. Each month, your child can learn about different characters - and the traits they represent - through stories, art and coloring activities- as well as discussion. Participants will earn a certificate of achievement representing the character trait. Come meet Behavior Bear, who helps you to make good choices, follow rules and listen both at home and at school.

Join the group from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in the Village Hall Community Room. Resident rate is $14, nonresident rate is $17.

Halloween Bash at Enchanted Castle for grades 6-9: Grab some friends and join the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department for a spooktacular good time on this totally awesome trip to Enchanted Castle on Friday, Oct. 24. This special Halloween bash includes an all-you-can-eat pizza and pop buffet, ice cream, game tokens, unlimited bumper car rides, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, karaoke, and a costume contest with prizes. The group departs at 7 p.m. from village hall and returns around midnight. Resident rate is $42, nonresident rate is $50. Don't forget your costume.

Tater Tot Play Date: Not sure if the weather will be too hot, too cold, or too wet for your little ones to play outside? The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department has the perfect solution. Join other tots and caregivers for an afternoon of indoor fun. Parks and rec provides gym mats, art supplies, and a variety of age-appropriate toys for toddlers to enjoy all while improving their social skills. Preregistration is appreciated, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows. The fee is $2 per child; caregivers are free. Play time is from 9:30 a.m. until noon Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the village hall Multipurpose Room. For added fun, wear your Halloween costume.

For adults

Halloween House Decorating Contest: Who has the scariest or cheeriest house in Lake in the Hills? Call in your own creation, or elect your neighbor's, and parks and rec will come around between 5:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 to judge. All winners must keep their creations up through Halloween. Winners will receive a gift certificate to a Lake in the Hills restaurant. Free registration is accepted by calling (847) 960-7460. Only Lake in the Hills homes will be judged.