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Oktoberfests, Halloween Happnenings, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!
October has arrived, and with it come the last weekends of Oktoberfests and the first weekends of Halloween happenings. You can do a little of each with Oktoberfest events in Naperville, North Center, and Beverly and pumpkin-themed parties in Niles, Schaumburg, and Highwood. Or, you can indulge in your sweet tooth at the opening of the Hershey Super Sweet Adventure!
It's a new month, so we have a new list of the best things to do this October in Chicago with kids! And, as you may have heard, Halloween is coming! We have lists of the best Halloween events and the best free Halloween events in and around Chicago. Enjoy this amazing fall weekend in Chicago!
Only in Chicago: Hershey's First Interactive Experience Opens in October!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Yeah, that's right, Chicago gets everything foodies, sweet, and fun, FIRST! The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, Hershey's first-ever touring experience will sweeten up Water Tower Place this fall when it opens on October 4.
Whether you love checking out new things to do with kids or if you and your family dream of chocolate cups, chocolate kisses, and other irresistible treats, we've got the scoop on what to expect from this immersive candy-inspired extravaganza designed to delight all the senses.
Best of October: Halloween, Fall Fests, and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Halloween is always exciting, and October in Chicago is delivering a whole lot of treats: We have apples and pumpkins to pick; kids can check out the UniverSoul Circus or join a super hero run in Villa Park. Kids can also see new plays at Chicago Children's Theater or the Apollo Theater.
Of course, we’ve also covered you for Halloween events in Chicago. If you'd rather trick-or-treat at businesses than at houses or apartments, visit Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, or Lincoln Park, or trick-or-treat with the animals at Brookfield's Boo at the Zoo. And if you're more comfortable staying in for the holiday, we have some fun Halloween games to recommend!
Check out our full line-up of favorite fall festivals here, or read on to see the best of October!
Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago: Trick-or-Treating, Free Movies, and More
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Hitting up one of the fun, FREE Halloween events in Chicago for kids means your wallets can catch a break after all the cash spent on costumes, candy, and decorations. We've curated a list of the best free Halloween events in Chicago: Think trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating from Lincoln Square to Lemont, parades downtown and in the suburbs, and movies in Chicago and suburban venues.
Best Baby Classes in Chicago: Mommy & Me, Baby Yoga, and More
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Chicago's baby and toddler classes give parents and little ones something enriching to do before preschool starts. Chicago parents can choose from dozens of mommy & me and parent & me classes for babies, from swimming lessons to yoga classes, dance classes, and outdoor activities. Many of these classes require parental involvement, but some have drop-off classes available as children get older. These classes provide great opportunities for the littlest of kids to learn lifelong skills.
Check our guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago for more kids' activities and programs.
Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families: Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treat, Movies, and More
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for the best Halloween events for Chicago kids? Read on for our top picks for the spooky season.
Little ghouls and goblins can get their costumes ready early to enjoy lots of fun Halloween happenings leading up to the big day. Even if you choose not to go trick-or-treating, there are plenty of fun Halloween events for Chicago kids.
We've got you covered with more than 60 kids' Halloween events in Chicago that get you into the scary spirit. From neighborhood trick-or-treating to parties to parades to movies, there's something for everybody this Halloween. When you're done going apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, you can find more must-do events in our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.
Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Chicago
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Classes for preschoolers and toddlers are a step up from parent-tot classes. If your Chicago preschooler wants to pursue their interest, even if it's just for 30-45 minutes once a week, then this list is for you! We've found a variety of fun things for kids who aren't in kindergarten yet but could use a little more time away from their caregiver during the day. Whether they're interested in music, movement, swimming, or the arts, when it comes to preschool classes in Chicago, we've found a little something for everybody.
If your kid isn't big enough to be dropped off yet, check out our Best Baby Classes in Chicago. As your preschooler gets older, check out our Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago. And have fun with your child's newfound interests and hobbies!
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Chicago for Families
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Chicago? Read on for our top picks.
Illinois is the number one pumpkin-growing state in the country, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of great pumpkin patches near Chicago for jack-o'-lantern enthusiasts and pie bakers alike. Even better, many pumpkin patches also offer an array of autumn-themed activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and after-dark experiences for older kids. Here are more than 20 of our favorite pumpkin patches near Chicago, all within a two-hour drive of the Loop!
For more seasonal fun, don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide. And if you're zeroing in on Halloween activities, check out our rundown on the best Chicago neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and other Halloween ideas in our Halloween Events & Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.
