Enjoy the holiday in the forest
Halloween isn't just a single day of candy collecting, but a range of events for little ones at three Lake County forest preserves.
On Oct. 24, bring the tots to the Lake County Discovery Museum for Pumpkin Tales from 10 to 11 a.m.
Museum staff will spin a slightly spooky Halloween story, then kids will complete a related craft project. Costumes are encouraged.
The free program is for children five and under with an adult. Registration is required. Lakewood is on Route 176 just west of Fairfield Road near Wauconda.
On. Oct. 26 and 27, families with children up to age 12 can enjoy the popular, hour-long, guided candlelight stroll through Ryerson Woods.
The hikes stop several times to watch costumed performances, and creatures along the way will teach participants about nature.
After the hike, participants can sit in front of a fireplace in a cozy log cabin with cider and a fresh doughnut. Halloween hikes are offered every half hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $9 ($7 for Lake County residents) per person. Children age three and under are free.
Ryerson Woods is on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road and Deerfield Road, just west of the Tri-State Tollway near Deerfield.
Wrapping up the activities is Trick-or-Treat Trails from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center.
Participants can trick or treat along haunted trails, watch Halloween movies, make crafts, play games or take a hay ride at this free family event. This is the third year of an increasingly popular attraction.
"Our first year we were expecting about 50 and we had about 250," said Greenbelt manager Chris Ayers. About 500 attended last year and a like number is expected this year.
While all ages are invited, Trick-or-Treat Trails is recommended for those age 12 and under. There are about 10 stations along the trail.
"Here you actually have to do some fun activity to get your prize," she said. "This year, we're adding a Halloween maze."
Advance registration is appreciated at (847) 968-3477.
Greenbelt is on Green Bay Road between 10th and 14th streets south of Route 120 near North Chicago.
Call (847) 968-3321 or visit www.lcfpd.org to register for the other events.