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8 family Halloween events near Chicago with 2026 dates confirmed on their official sites, across 5 towns. The earliest to open is Halloween in the Parks, on October 1. 6 list free admission.
Brookfield Zoo's not-so-scary Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and seasonal activities included with admission.
Chicago Park District's citywide series of free Halloween-themed parties and activities held at individual parks and cultural centers across the city all October.
Evening pumpkin-lit path through the Chicago Botanic Garden with giant artist-carved jack-o'-lanterns, live carving, and seasonal food and drink.
Navy Pier's free family Halloween event with trick-or-treat stations, a costume contest, and live entertainment.
Lincoln Park Zoo's free annual trick-or-treat event held around zoo grounds; the zoo is free to enter year-round.
Chicago's official nighttime Halloween parade along Columbus Drive, produced by local cultural organizations with large-scale puppets and floats.
Long Grove's month of downtown fall events, including a pet costume parade, scarecrow-building day, and trick-or-treating at local shops.
Downtown St.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, Boo! at the Zoo, Halloween in the Parks, Long Grove October Days, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Scarecrow Weekend (St. Charles Scarecrow Fest), and 2 more. Each has its 2026 dates, hours and prices on its own page.
The earliest in this guide is Halloween in the Parks on October 1, 2026.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, Long Grove October Days, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Scarecrow Weekend (St. Charles Scarecrow Fest), Slightly Spooky at Navy Pier and Spooky Zoo are rated 1 of 5 ghosts: not scary.
Yes: Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, Halloween in the Parks, Long Grove October Days, Scarecrow Weekend (St. Charles Scarecrow Fest), Slightly Spooky at Navy Pier, and 1 more list free admission on the official site.
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