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Best Free Things To Do in Chicago This Fall With Kids

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9/8/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

There are so many free things to do in Chicago this fall—there's a fun neighborhood festival practically every weekend, and all sorts of other free kid-friendly events. Between outdoor fairs, harvest festivals, concerts and performances, cultural celebrations, and of course, Halloween and Thanksgiving, Fall in Chicago is jam-packed with no-cost family fun.

We'll update this list all season long with the best FREE things to do with kids in Chicago, so bookmark this page and watch this space. Looking for more free ideas? The Best Playgrounds in Chicago are always free, and there are Free Museums and Museum Days. Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up is full of free or low-cost ideas for local and visiting families, and of course you can always find more free activities in our Chicago Event Calendar.

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Take part in the 'Go Run! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Runners Association
Take part in the 'Go Run! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Runners Association

Best Free Things To Do in Chicago all Fall 2023

Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo

Friday, September 29, 2023 -Sunday, October 29, 2023 — Lincoln Park (fees for some activities)
Fall Fest offers a pumpkin patch, hay mountain, professional pumpkin carvers, Ferris wheel and more throughout Lincoln Park Zoo. READ MORE

Free Days at the Field Museum

Tuesdays through December. 12, 2023 (excluding November 21) — Museum Campus
Illinois residents enjoy free general admission to Chicago's world-class Field Museum on Wednesdays throughout 2024. READ MORE

Free Illinois Resident Evenings at the Adler Planetarium

Wednesdays throughout 2023— Museum Campus
The Adler Planetarium provides free general admission for Illinois residents on Wednesday Evenings! A valid ID with an Illinois address is required at the box office. Illinois Resident Discount Days also allow Illinoisans to add special exhibits to their free pass for a discounted price. READ MORE

'Go Run

Saturdays through November 18, 2023— Various Parks throughout the City
Kids and grown-ups can try to set new PRs at these weekly free races sponsored by the Chicago Area Runners Association and the Chicago Park District. One mile and 5K courses are featured at a different park throughout the city each week. READ MORE

Donation Days for Illinois Residents at the Notebaert Nature Museum

Thursdays throughout 2023 — Lincoln Park
Admission is free (suggested donation) for all Illinois residents every Thursday the museum is open. The Peggy Notebaert Museum has so much to offer families. Explore the Riverworks display, unlock the Mysteries of the Marsh, stroll through the Wilderness Walk, and have fun in the Hands-On Exhibit. The Butterfly Haven is a can't miss experience. Check with the museum for special hours on holidays. READ MORE

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Tuesdays through September 26, 2023—Wrigleyville
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! READ MORE
See skeletons at Arts in the Dark. Photo courtesy of Luma8
See skeletons at Arts in the Dark. Photo courtesy of Luma8

Best Free Things To Do in October 2023

The Last Straw

Sunday, October 1, 2023—Westmont
Decorate a pumpkin, make a scarecrow, pan for gold, or make rope at this fall-themed festival in Westmont. Kids can learn about life in the past as they play old-fashioned games, take a hay ride, or buy goodies from a bake sale. READ MORE

Halloween Hoot 'n Howl

Friday, October 6, 2023— River Forest
Spooky animals take center stage at this event sponsored by the River Forest Park District, Trailside Museum, and River Forest Public Library. Kids 10 and under, accompanied by a parent, can see live native animals, listen to live music and spooky stories, make s'mores and hot chocolate around a bonfire, and paint pumpkins. READ MORE

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

Friday, October 6, 2023 - Sunday, October 8, 2023 — St. Charles
More than 100 handmade and mechanical scarecrows will be on display in downtown St. Charles for this 35th annual fall tradition. Families can make their own scarecrow, enjoy live entertainment, shop at the arts and crafts show, or ride carnival rides while enjoying the fall weather. READ MORE

Cantigny Fall Fest

Saturday, October 14, 2023- Sunday, October 15, 2023— Wheaton
Cantigny Park hosts a celebration of fall complete with hay rides, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, wax hands, inflatables, and face painting. Live music will play on Cantigny's Parade FIeld. Families can purchase seasonal foods at food trucks or at Bernie's Bistro in the Visitors Center. A kids' book fair and plant and pumpkin sale bring more seasonal fun to the event. READ MORE

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Friday, October 6, 2023- Sunday, October 8, 2023—Highwood
Visit Highwood for all the pumpkin-based fun you could wish for. This three-day festival includes all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, a carnival, live entertainment, a 5k, craft and food vendors, and pet and kid costume contests. READ MORE

Columbus Day Parade

Monday, October 9, 2023 — Downtown
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy watching 150 groups, including bands, floats, and marchers, march down State Street for the 72nd annual Columbus Day Parade.  READ MORE

Lombard Fall Fest

Saturday, October 7, 2023—Lombard
Kids can kick off the Halloween season at Lombard's annual fall event. Kids can enjoy games, dancing, face painting, and a candy hunt. The Lombard Community Building will host Boo Bingo from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. READ MORE

Open House Chicago

Saturday, October 14, 2023- Sunday, October 15, 2023 — Citywide
The Chicago Architecture Center hosts Open House Chicago, a free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to more than 20 buildings throughout Chicago. Guests can enjoy access to Chicago's architectural gems, including skyscrapers, repurposed mansions, opulent theaters, exclusive private clubs, private offices, and breathtaking sacred spaces. READ MORE

Arts in the Dark

Saturday, October 21, 2023 — Chicago Loop
Arts in the Dark is an evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the "artist's holiday," bringing together Chicago institutions and organizations dedicated to art and education. Audience members will be delighted by unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of Chicago’s majestic skyline. READ MORE

BOOmingdale Halloween Party

Saturday, October 21, 2023 — Bloomingdale
Fall festivities abound at this event sponsored by the Bloomingdale Park District, Village of Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale Public Library, and Friends of the Bloomingdale Public Library. The Police and Fire Department will offer Halloween-themed building tours and trunk or treat while the library will host a hay maze, moon jump, balloon artist, face painter, and refreshments.   READ MORE

Girls Day of PLAY

Friday, October 27, 2023-- Various Parks
Girls can learn and engage in sports, arts and crafts, and fun during these events in Chicago parks on a day off from public school. Events take place at Hale Park, Rosedale Park, Independence Park, Gill Park, Loyola Park, Kosciuszko Park, Welles Park, Harris Park, West Pullman Park, Sherwood Park, Hayes Park, Mann Park, and Sherwood Park. READ MORE

Fall Paddle Festival

Saturday, October 14, 2023—Winnetka
Enjoy some fall time out on the water with a canoe trip. Families can also learn about archery, take a guided hike, paint pumpkins, and play in nature. READ MORE

Bunker Hill Pumpkin Palooza

Saturday, October 21, 2023—Niles
Families can enjoy nature's contributions to Halloween by painting pumpkins, playing gourd ring toss, making leaf rubbings, and running through a fall-themed obstacle course. READ MORE

Hinsdale Fall Family Fest

Saturday, October 14, 2023—Hinsdale
West suburban families can visit Katherine Legge Park to paint pumpkins, enjoy giveaways from local businesses, visit food trucks, and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. Inflatables and roaming entertainment will also be on hand. READ MORE

Caldwell Woods Costume Parade

Friday, October 28—Thatcher Woods
Visit Caldwell Woods to show off your costume and take a walk through the woods. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park

Saturday, October 29—Near West
Sheridan Park hosts a pumpkin patch for the whole family, featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting. READ MORE

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Tuesday, October 31, 2023—Lakeview
North Halsted Street in Boystown celebrates Halloween unlike any other neighborhood in Chicago. Parade entries may include LED robots, the Lakeside Marching Band, and Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers. A costume contest awards cash prizes to contestants in seven different categories, including a category for youth. READ MORE

Caldwell Woods Costume Parade

Friday, October 28—Thatcher Woods
Visit Caldwell Woods to show off your costume and take a walk through the woods. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park

Saturday, October 29—Near West
Sheridan Park hosts a pumpkin patch for the whole family, featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting. READ MORE

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Tuesday, October 31, 2023—Lakeview
North Halsted Street in Boystown celebrates Halloween unlike any other neighborhood in Chicago. Parade entries may include LED robots, the Lakeside Marching Band, and Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers. A costume contest awards cash prizes to contestants in seven different categories, including a category for youth. READ MORE
Join the fun at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade via Facebook
Join the fun at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade via Facebook

Best Free Things To Do in November 2023

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

Friday, November 17, 2023- Saturday, December 24, 2023—Wrigleyville
Fröhliche Weihnachten! Taste a lit bit of Germany during the holiday season at this authentic outdoor market. READ MORE

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Friday, November 17, 2023- Saturday, December 24, 2023--Downtown
The 25th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Turkey Basketball Free Throw Contest

Saturday, November 19—West Lawn
Kids compete to see who can make the most free throws at this Thanksgiving themed event. Gobble, gobble! READ MORE

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Saturday, November 18, 2023 — Magnificent Mile
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. READ MORE

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Thursday, November 23, 2023—Downtown
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Various Chicago Parks
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Various Chicago Parks