Halloween Events at HE Parks All Treats, No Tricks

Kids of all ages can enjoy the fun of Halloween without being frightened at the many events held by the Hoffman Estates Park District (HE Parks) this fall.

"We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the events and not be scared," said Mike Kies, Director of Recreation and Facilities for HE Parks. "There are so many scary aspects that can be really frightening for kids, so we wanted to avoid all that and just provide as many fun, safe activities as we can this season."

Sat. October 14, Pumpkin Fest at Vogelei Park from noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music, crafts, climbing wall, games and free pumpkin decorating. Admission is free.

Sat. October 28, Halloween Bash at Triphahn Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration in advance is required and a minimal $5 or $6 fee applies for this fun event where kids come dressed in their costumes for games, crafts, snacks and pumpkin decorating.

Doggie Costume Contest - Even four-legged friends can get in on the fun. Dog owners can send photos of their dogs in their costumes for a chance to win a free dog park membership. Runs throughout October, details are available at heparks.org.

In fact, some of the events focus on physical activity, and less on the treats, as a way for kids to get some exercise but also take part in Halloween fun. These events include:

Sat. October 14, Hoffman Walks for Halloween at Vogelei Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Come early before Pumpkin Fest and walk around the park in your costume. Attend five walking events and get a prize. This event is free and there is no registration.

Sat. October 28, Pumpkin Swim at Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, two sessions are available at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required and $15 or $20 fee applies for this fun way to celebrate. Kids will enjoy a half hour swim in the indoor pool to pick a pumpkin from the pool, then get a chance to decorate it later. See details at heparks.org.

Mon. October 30, Trick or Treat Climb at Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, two sessions available at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Registration is required and a $12 or $15 fee applies. Kids will climb the climbing wall, as they get higher the treats get bigger and better.

Sat. October 29, Great Pumpkin Skate at Triphahn Ice Arena from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This ice skating event is fun for the whole family. Wear your costume to get in for free and get free skate rental, there is no registration.

For more information about these events, visit heparks.org or call (847) 885-7500.