Lake County Forest Preserves offer Halloween activities
Halloween festivities designed for children will be offered at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, Ryerson Conservation Area in Deerfield, and Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
Ÿ “Small Discoveries — A Happy Halloween” will be offered from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Lake County Discovery Museum. Costumes are encouraged. The program celebrates Halloween traditions with stories, games and a variety of hands-on activities, and is designed for children ages 2-5 with an adult. Cost is $6 for adults, $2.50 for children, and includes museum admission. Ages 3 and under are free. Register by phone at (847) 968-3321 or online, at lcfpd.org.
The Lake County Discovery Museum is located in Lakewood Forest Preserve. The entrance and parking area are on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road.
Ÿ The ever-popular Halloween Hikes will take place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27, at Ryerson Woods. Take a one-hour guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch several nature-themed, costumed performances. Finish off at a cozy log cabin fireplace with cider and a fresh doughnut. The skits are not scary, so even small children can enjoy this family favorite. Hikes begin every 30 minutes from 6-8 p.m., and are designed for families with children ages 12 and under. Cost is $7 per person for Lake County residents, $9 for nonresidents; children ages 3 and under are free. Register by phone at (847) 968-3321 or online.
Ryerson Woods is located on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road and Deerfield Road, just west of the Interstate 94 Tollway.
Ÿ Trick-or-Treat Trails, a fun, active, non-scary Halloween event will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. Costumes are encouraged. This free family event is recommended for children ages 12 and under. No registration required. Many activities are held outdoors, so dress for the weather. In the event of rain, activities will be held indoors.
The event features trick-or-treating, games, mask making, a pumpkin carving demonstration, nature activities and a campfire from 2-3:30 p.m., a costume contest at 3:30 p.m., a Michael Jackson “Thriller” dance performance from 4-4:15 p.m., and a magic show with Leopold the Magician and Illusionist from 4:15-5 p.m. Prizes for the costume contest will be awarded to the first 20 contestants in each of three age groups: infant through 5; 6-8; and 9-12.
Greenbelt Cultural Center is located on the east side of Green Bay Road, just south of Belvidere Road.