Fox Valley trick or treat hours

Algonquin

• The sixth annual safe trick-or-treat and costume contest will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Algonquin Commons, 1900 S. Randall Road in Algonquin. For details, call (847) 458-2700. A distribution of free goody bags and plush toys for the first 2,000 children will begin at 11 a.m. The all-ages costume contest will be from 1 to 2 p.m.

Aurora

• Aurora Noon Lions Club will hold a third annual Great Pumpkin Halloween pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The fundraiser to benefit Lions charities is at Luigi's Fun Center and Pizza, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. The public is invited. The breakfast will feature unlimited pancakes with sausage, mini doughnuts, and milk, cider, coffee or orange juice. Children are invited to attend in Halloween costumes and to have photos taken with a Great Pumpkin background. Special photo frames will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12, and $15 for a family. Tickets are available from Lions members and at the door. Admission is discounted $1 per person from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For details, call (630) 921-1307.

• Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, will celebrate the fall season throughout the month of October with its popular "Pumpkin Weekends." A picnic area will feature an assortment of pumpkins for purchase, and a decorating station with painting supplies is provided. Carousel rides, hayrides and tours on the "Pumpkin Train" are also part of each weekend's festivities. Discounted rates are $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents. There will be a "Trick-or-Treat Walk" from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, before the park officially opens. Visitors can make their way around to nine stations, then stay after the park opens at 11 a.m. for a costume contest at the Huntoon House. Advanced registration required. Check out an assortment of sharply decorated pumpkins, courtesy of the artistic talents of local Scout groups and individuals on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26. Visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Batavia

• Enjoy BatFest 2009 in downtown Batavia on Saturday, Oct. 24. The day starts out with the third annual NAMI BatRun at 9 a.m. at the Riverwalk. BatRun benefits the local offices of the National Association for the Mentally Impaired. Visit namidkk.org or register on-site at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race. Trick-or-treating hours are 10 a.m. to noon at participating downtown Batavia businesses. A second year event is the BatFest Pumpkin Roll down the Houston Street Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one from the Scout troop. The entry fee is $1 per pumpkin per roll. BatFest also features a chance to help out the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry from noon to 3 p.m. at the Riverwalk. Families wishing to take a hayride should bring a canned good or offer a cash donation in return for the hayride to help restock the food pantry's shelves. BatFest Stories and Songs is at the Batavia Public Library is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., followed by the Mother's Club Halloween Parade at 1 p.m. from the library courtyard to the Riverwalk. The Costume Contest, hosted by BATV, will be at 1:30 p.m. The BatArt tent features free crafts for kids and is hosted by the Batavia Mothers' Club volunteers. Batavia Park District Games and Activities take place from 1 to 3 p.m. BatFest decorations are sold at 2:45 p.m. Anyone interested in hay bales, corn stalks, pumpkins, gourds, mums or Indian corn can purchase items at 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. at the information tent. New this year is the Batavia Public Library "Library Links" miniature golf experience from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Putt along the library stacks to benefit the Batavia Library Foundation; children in costume receive a discount. Call the library at (630) 879-1393 for details. For a schedule, visit downtownbatavia.com.

• The Albright Theatre gets into the Halloween spirit with their annual children's production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Reservations are recommended. For reservations, call (630) 406-8838. Visit albrighttheatre.com.

• The sixth-graders at Rotolo Middle School present their third annual "Night at the Museum" from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the school, 1501 S. Raddant Road in Batavia. See more than 200 interactive exhibits on Ancient Egypt, created and displayed by the sixth-grade class, including mummies, pyramids and pharaohs. Enjoy an evening learning about Ancient Egypt. There is no admission charge.

• "The Crypts of Campana - A Factory of Fear" began Oct. 9 and will run weekends through Oct. 31 at the Campana Building at Route 31 and Fabyan Parkway in Batavia. Cost is $13 per person, however coupons are available at www.factoryfear.com or e-mail info@factoryfear.com.

Campton Hills

• Two folk music duos, Mustard's Retreat and February Sky, will perform at a Halloween/Celtic New Year celebration concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6N631 Brierwood Drive, Campton Hills. The music will reflect a Halloween/Celtic New Year theme, honoring the ancestors and the turning of the year, the spooky along with the spiritual. Reservations are strongly suggested; contact (630) 584-1262 or uuwisewoman@gmail.com or coopnel@sbcglobal.net. There is a $15 suggested donation. Costumes are encouraged but not required. For details on the duos, visit www.mustardsretreat.com or www.februarysky.com.

Cary

• Dress up for a "spook-tacular" afternoon of games, crafts, treats, and more at the annual Cary Park District Halloween Extravaganza. The event will be held from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road. The event, designed for children ages 2-7 and their parents, will provide a safe, family-friendly and festive place to celebrate the Halloween season. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Space is limited. Registration fee is $6 for Cary Park District residents, $9 for nonresidents of the park district and free for adults. Preregistration is required. Registration forms are available at the Community Center or online at www.carypark.com. For information, visit www.carypark.com or call (847) 639-6100.

Dundee Township

• The Dundee Township Park District will celebrate Halloween this year with two hayrides. Spooky Trail, for ages 3 and older, will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. This is for young children and those people who do not like surprises. Age 2 and younger are free. Ticket sales begin at 5 p.m. The Spooktacular Hayride, for all ages, is scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Participants will visit Creepy Hollow and other scenes. Ghosts, goblins and all their spooky little cousins will greet guests along the way. Both events will be held at Randall Oaks Park, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. The fee is $5 per person or $4 per person with one can of food to be donated to the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Many other activities, including refreshments and entertainment, will amuse you while you wait to take the haunted ride. In case of inclement weather, call (847) 428-7131 after 3 p.m. for event status.

• The Dundee Township Visitor's Center, 319 N. River St. in East Dundee, will host its 11th Great Pumpkin Contest Saturday, Oct. 31. There is no fee to enter. Entries may be dropped of between 8 a.m. and the deadline will be at noon Saturday, Oct. 31. Judging starts at noon for the Largest Pumpkin (by weight) and the Best Decorated or Carved Pumpkin. First- to third-place prizes will be awarded for each category. Prizes include over $1,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates from area merchants and restaurants. The contest is sponsored by the Dundee Township Visitor's Center. Oct. 31 is also the last Saturday of the season for the Old Dundee Farmer's Market that takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday on the depot grounds. For details, call (847) 426-2255.

Elgin

• The 19th annual hike, "Trail of Terror, will be held at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin. The hikes will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; and 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24. A Kiddie Hike will be offered from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24. Admission is $10; $7 for Scouts in uniform; $6 for Kiddie Hike. Groups can call for reservation at (630) 584-9250, ext. 69. Visit www.tfchauntedhike.org.

• What better way to spend Halloween than at a museum sleepover with your friends. On Friday, Oct. 30, children, age 7 to 12, should come dressed in their spooky best and be prepared for a night of fun. Discover animals of the night such as bats and owls. Carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns and listen to scary stories. Take a flashlight tour of the Museum. Try your hand at trick-or-treating from T-rex, if you dare. The Halloween Sleepover begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and runs until 9 a.m. on Oct. 31. The event is held at the museum, located in Elgin's Lords Park at 225 Grand Blvd. The fee is $20 per child. Registration is required and should be completed by Sunday, Oct. 25. For details or to register, call the museum at (847) 741-6655 or visit www.elginpublicmuseum.org.

• Join the Spring Hill Gymnastics Ghouls and Goblins in a special Halloween party - open gym from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at 2750 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 200 (Northwest Corporate Park), Elgin. Visitors can do lots of tricks and have some treats. This party is for toddler and preschool-aged spooks with great fun and not scary. There will be games, a fun house maze and treats. Tots should wear movement-friendly costumes for the costume parade. Don't bother to bring a treat bag - you'll make your very own bag there. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For details, call (847) 488-WINS (9467).

• A "Haunted House Spooktacular" will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, 364 Division St., Elgin. Y 103.9 FM will be broadcasting live. There will be raffles and treats. Admission is $5 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Little Angels Center in Elgin. The haunted house is not for children under age 8. Visit www.spectacularhauntedhouse.com.

• Oak Crest Residence and Atrium Apartments, 204 S. State St., Elgin invites all ghosts, goblins and little spooks age 10 and younger from the community to attend "Grandma's Porch" from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The event will be held rain or shine. The members have been decorating the east porch and preparing their costumes for this event. There is no charge. For details, call (847) 742-2255; ask for Zoila.

• Trunk-or-Treat will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St. Children can "trick or treat" by visiting many decorated car trunks filled with Halloween candy. There will also be a hayride, puppet show, a maze, food and lots of games. There will be a $100 Toys-R-Us gift card as a door prize. The event is free. Wear costumes if you wish. In case of rain, activities will be held inside the church. For information, visit elginbiblechurch.org or call Gayla at (847) 695-5733.

• Dare to enter the Elgin Turner's Haunted Hall, 112 Villa St., and experience the horrors that have taken up residence on the third floor. Wind your way up the secret staircase to the maze of ghouls, goblins and other surprises that will treat you to the scare of your life. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31. Admission is $9. For details, visit elginturners.org/haunted.

• Evil Intention is hosting a Haunted House in Elgin. It is open select days through Nov. 1 at the old Elgin Casket Co. building, at 900 Grace St., Elgin. Admission is $15. It is not recommended for children. For schedule of dates, visit www.evilscarecrew.com.

Hampshire

• The Hampshire Lions Club will host its Halloween Night Free Hot dog Roast with entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Hampshire Elementary School, 321 Terwilliger St. Freddy Fredricks will entertain the audience at 6:45 p.m. The community is invited to this free event.

Lake in the Hills

• Who has the scariest or cheeriest house in Lake in the Hills? 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. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, judges will be touring homes looking for the scariest and the cheeriest Registration is free and can be taken over the phone at (847) 960-7460.

• Haunt 31 at 340 S. Annandale Drive, Lake in the Hills, will run dusk to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and dusk to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through Nov. 1, weather permitting. Animation does not operate in the rain. The display is free but donations are always appreciated. Donations can be sent via paypal to tobmaster340@sbcglobal.net or dropped into one of the donation boxes located throughout the haunt. Visit haunt31.com for details on this haunted yard display.

North Aurora

• Come join the fun at the annual North Aurora Community Halloween Party, sponsored by the North Aurora Mothers Club. The party will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Jewel Middle School, 1501 Waterfront Road. All children should be dressed in their scariest or prettiest costume. Once at the party children will be able to participate in numerous games and take home prizes. Admission to the party is free, but all guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable donation such as canned food or household supplies. The donated items will be given to families in need throughout the North Aurora area during the North Aurora Mothers Club Operation Christmas Program in December. Call Rachel at (630) 907-9459.

South Elgin

• The Halloween Hiawatha ghost story train will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, at Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Route 31), South Elgin. Rides will be at 4:30, 5:45 and 7 p.m. at Castlemuir Depot in Jon Duerr Forest Preserve. A spooky ride on a haunted trolley to a campfire along the shore with hot chocolate and s'mores. Register in advance at www.foxtrolley.org. Cost is $10. Tickets will not be sold over the phone, at the museum ticket window or day of event. For details, call (847) 697-4676 or visit foxtrolley.org.

St. Charles

• St. Charles Jaycees holds its annual haunted house at Aquascape, 901 Aqualand Way, St. Charles. The event is designed for those 12 and older. Admission is $7 with $1 off for a canned good donation. There will be a matinee with friendly ghosts handing out candy from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 31; admission is $2. Hours are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and 7:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 31. For details, visit stcharlesjaycees.org.

• Looking for something spooky and free to do for Halloween? Pick up a complete list of the "Best in St. Charles" Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour Guide and pack up the family for an evening out. On a self-guided tour, you and your family can drive by dozens of the spookiest Halloween-decorated houses and admire the ghoulish yard displays of St. Charles' finest home haunters. Homes are best viewed at dusk. Vote online for the People's Choice Award through Nov. 1 at www.stcparks.org. Lists of all the houses on the tour are available at any park district facility or at www.stcparks.org. Contact Jeff Greenwald at (630) 513-4335 or jgreenwald@st-charlesparks.org.

Sugar Grove

• Mad Science Spooktacular will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus auditorium, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive. Celebrate Halloween with a mad scientist. Mad Science Spooktacular combines a little bit of magic with a lot of science to generate a whole bunch of fun. All children receive free slime to take home with them. This family event is recommended for ages 4-12. Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Call (630) 466-7900, ext. 5755 or visit www.waubonseetickets.com.

Union

• Join in the fun at the McHenry County Historical Society's annual Historic Halloween Performance on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Society's museum, 6422 Main St., Union. There will be two performance seatings, one at 6:45 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. After the Civil War, Union soldiers formed Grand Army of the Republic Associations. These GAR "camps" worked to secure benefits for former soldiers and/or their dependents. Through the power of Halloween magic, one such G.A.R. gathering of 8th Illinois cavalrymen will be spotlighted. Their stories of long ago battles, their music and familiar camaraderie come alive once more. The performances will appeal to fifth graders up through adults. Halloween refreshments will follow in the Society's West Harmony one room school. Weather permitting there will be an outdoor campfire and marshmallows for roasting. Admission is charged for nonmembers of the society. For information, call (815) 923-2267 or info@mchsonline.org.

• The Trick or Treat Trolley will be held Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 and Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Tricks and treats await riders at every stop on this spooky and kooky trolley ride. Kids in costume get a free prize. Admission is $10-$7. "Terror on the Railroad Haunted" event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 23-24 and 30-31. Join this Haunted Halloween Train experience. Visitors must be at least age 13 and in good health. Cost is $12. No passes honored. (800) 244-7245 or irm.org.

West Dundee

• Dress up your furry little friends and bring them to Center Court for Spring Hill Mall's Pet Costume Contest Wednesday, Oct. 28. Registration on begins at 5 p.m., contest at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in five different categories: best character look-a-like, cutest, scariest, funniest, and most original costumes. For information call (847) 428-2200. The mall is at routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee. On Thursday, Oct. 29, kids can trick-or-treat from 4 to 6 p.m. throughout Spring Hill Mall. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The popular free Halloween Costume Contest for kids will be held on stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. for children age 12 and younger. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Judging will be based on five different categories: best character look-a-like; cutest; scariest; funniest; and most original costumes. A prize will be awarded for each category.