Whether you party with locals in costume or pay a visit to a haunted house, Chicago offers an assortment of Halloween events for 2009. For starters, visit the Chicago Park District’s pumpkin patches to pick from a field filled with all sorts of different sizes and shapes. Other fun activities include pony rides, pumpkin decorating, and the following events listed below:
Navy Fear at Navy Pier , Now until November 2
The Navy Pier provides locals with one of the most popular Halloween events in Chicago, where the Carnival of Curiosities aims to please. Dare to take the tour of The Fear Haunted House. This event takes place on Wednesdays through Sundays, from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Trails of Terror 2009 , October 23 to 25; October 29 to 31
Stretching across ½ mile of land, the Chicago Park District’s Trails of Terror offers a collection of scary characters to provide a satisfying level of creepiness. The Trail is an ideal activity for kids ages eight and up. Don’t worry , there’s plenty of free parking in Peterson Park. The event takes place between 6:30pm and 9:30pm. Cost: 12 & under $8; 13 & over $10.
State Street Halloween Happening Parade
Sometimes, you’re just in the mood to enjoy a Halloween parade, which is why the State Street Halloween Happening Parade is a popular gathering for locals in the mood for entertaining costumes. Just one week before Halloween, join hundreds of spectators who come to enjoy the Halloween-themed floats. This family-friendly parade begins at State and Randolph Streets, and ends at Daley Plaza, where Midnight Circus is scheduled to perform at the end of the parade.
No-Scare Children’s Trail , October 24
Head for Peterson Park, where you will find a kid-friendly Halloween event that the entire family can enjoy. With colorful characters in costume, face painting, pumpkins, games, treats, and other surprises, you can’t lose at the trail. The event takes place between 10am and 1pm. Cost: $6 per person
Family Spooktacular , October 24
Taking place at the same time as the “No-Scare Children’s Trails” event in Peterson Park, visitors will enjoy the many different activities scheduled for the Family Spooktacular, such as live critter show, wacky hat making, edible art creations, and fun with a mobile recording studio that produces spooky sounds. You will even have fun dancing the Thriller. The event takes place between 10am and 12pm.
Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s Hallowed Haunts Concert – October 24
This annual event provides an array of spooky music courtesy of the Symphony Center (located at 220 S. Michigan). The concert start at 3 pm. If you are interested in trick-or-treating or participating in other family activities in the “Haunted Ballroom” , arrive at 1:30 pm. This event is geared towards kids ages 5 and up.