Naperville Park District offers new and traditional fall events for all ages
The Naperville Park District offers a variety of autumn events, including favorite traditions and new programs for the community to enjoy.
Every Thursday afternoon in September, the community is invited to visit the 95th Street Farmers Market, presented by the Naperville Park District and the Naperville Public Library.
Meet local vendors and purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, organic meats, homemade breads and jams and more. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. September market days will feature the best of the early fall harvest and favorite fall treats including apple cider, apple cider donuts, pies, and caramel apples. Learn more about our vendors in a series of stories posted at www.napervilleparks.org/news/parktalkblog.
The park district offers several opportunities for parents to drop off their children at a fun activity while the parents enjoy a night out. On Friday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Oct. 25, Fort Hill Activity Center hosts Kids Night Out events for ages 4-12 from 6 to 9 p.m., with dinner, games and crafts.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., the park district's pottery studio on the Riverwalk welcomes kids, ages 7-12, to a "Pottery Night Out," where they can learn basic hand-building techniques, with all materials provided. Register for any of these events at www.napervilleparks.org.
The annual fall Family Campout at Knoch Knolls Park on Sept. 21-22 gives families a chance to be outdoors together and make memories. On Saturday, enjoy games, a buffet-style supper, a twilight hike and s'mores around the campfire. Sunday includes a light breakfast. Register and learn more at www.napervilleparks.org.
The weekend of Oct. 4-6, the Naperville Park District will host Summer Place Theatre's "Ghost Stories in the Park … In the Dark" at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door or through the Naperville Park District at www.napervilleparks.org. Shows run Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The Riverwalk Grand Pavilion is located along the Riverwalk just west of Centennial Beach. This event is appropriate for adults and children, ages 5 or older.
A new event for moms and sons, ages 3 and up, the "Mother and Son Superhero Night" is set for Saturday, Oct. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ranch View School gym, 1651 Ranchview Drive. Similar to the park district's "Daddy Daughter Winter Luau," the new "Superhero Night" will feature tasty treats, a disc jockey playing favorite dance tunes, and a commemorative photo for each family. Moms and sons are invited to dress up as superheroes to make the evening even more festive. Registration is per person and can be completed online at www.napervilleparks.org.
Knoch Knolls Nature Center has several free events for exploring nature. On Saturday, Oct. 5, adults, ages 18 and up, are invited to an adult "Hike with a Naturalist" from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to view autumn colors and wildlife.
A "Family Hike with a Naturalist" will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, when the autumn colors will be in full display. On Sunday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m., come to Knoch Knolls Nature Center for "Backyard Stargazing," a new program designed to teach participants how to recognize wonders in the night sky from their back yards. Registration is required for each of these programs and can be completed online at www.napervilleparks.org.
A fall tradition at the park district, hayrides are offered in October at both Seager Park and Knoch Knolls Park. Gather with family and friends in the hay wagon for a ride through the woods, warm up by a campfire and enjoy hot chocolate and apple juice. Register early at www.napervilleparks.org as dates fill quickly.
The fifth annual "Creepy Critters Day" will take place at Knoch Knolls Nature Center on the Columbus Day school holiday, Monday, Oct. 14 between 9 a.m. and noon. This is a free drop-in program that includes a "Creepy Story Time," presented by the Naperville Public Library at 10 and 10:45 a.m.
The "Scare-illon" concert, a free event scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, will feature both classical and popular music with spooky and atmospheric themes played by Naperville City Carillonneur Tim Sleep. Élan Dance Company dancers will perform special Halloween-themed dances.
The 2019 Halloween Happening, presented by Woody Buick/GMC, will take place at the Grand Pavilion at the Riverwalk from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. This free event is designed for children ages 10 and under featuring Halloween-themed games and activity stations where they can collect treats and win prizes. A variety of inflatables add to the fun and a lineup of children's entertainment is planned, including the park district's Élan Dance Company. Kids are welcome to wear their favorite costumes to the event.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the park district encourages families to save their leftover Halloween jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins for recycling at the "Pumpkin Smash" from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St. Drop off your pumpkins or stay to help smash them directly into the garden soil. Now in its third year, this event successfully adds the nutrients of leftover pumpkins to the soil and keeps them out of landfills. In 2018, more than 5,000 pounds of pumpkins were composted from this event.