Not So Scary Halloween Events for North Shore Kids

Not a fan of those super-spooky haunted houses that are a Halloween staple? Not to worry. There are plenty of not so scary Halloween events on the North Shore that perfect for the whole family. Here are our favorites.

Not a fan of those super-spooky haunted houses that are a Halloween staple? Not to worry. There are plenty of not so scary Halloween events on the North Shore that are perfect for the whole family.

Here are our favorites:

Pumpkins in the Woods

Friday, October 20 • 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka

Hubbard Woods Park is transformed into a pumpkin patch for Halloween-themed family fun. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, carnival games, costume contest, bounce houses, and a DJ.

Costume Contest registration starts at 4:00 p.m.; winners will be announced at 5:00. Costume categories include: most original, scariest, and a few others.

Cost: $5.00 for residents; $10.00 for non-residents. Register by October 16 to guarantee that you will receive a pumpkin to take home. Register for Pumpkins in the Woods.

Spooky Pooch Parade

Saturday, October 21 • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

If you’re a dog person, this will be one of your favorite Halloween events! You will crack up when you see the clever and creative costumes these dogs come dressed in.

Dogs will be judged in categories including Best Costume Overall, Best Dog/Owner Costume, Best Puppy in Costume for dogs ages one and under (in people years), Best Senior Dog in Costume, and Best Horticultural Interpretation.

The parade steps off from the Krasberg Rose Garden, where the activities and costume contest take place. Get more info on Spooky Pooch Parade.

Halloween Happening

Saturday, October 21 • 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette

This family-friendly event features carnival games, a magician, moonwalk, arts & crafts, face painting, and pony rides. Pizza dinner is included, along with a goody bag and a visit to the Pumpkin Patch. Tickets: $25 for residents; $30 for non-residents. Hosted by the Wilmette Park District.

Boo Bash

Thursday, October 26 • 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe

The call is going out for ghost, goblins, and ghouls of all stripes! Enjoy a frightful evening filled with crafts, carnival games, treats, inflatables, entertainment, and more. Bring a trick-or-treat bag and wear a costume!

Advanced registration is encouraged. Recommended for children ages 2–8. Tickets: $8.00/person. Children under 2 are free.

Halloween Hoopla

Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27
Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Dr., Deerfield

Two evenings jam-packed with Halloween fun! On Friday night warm up by the bonfire while the kids play Zombie Apocalypse (7:00–9:00 p.m.; No charge).

Saturday’s fun starts at 3:00 p.m. and includes a hayride, games with prizes, inflatables, balloon twisters, face-painters, costumed characters, craft room, and more. Tickets: $7.00/child.
Halloween Hoopla details and registration.

Winnetka Haunted Halloween Extravaganza

Friday, October 27
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Monster Bash (1:00–2:00 p.m.)
Halloween-themed puppet show and costume parade. Kids will receive goody bags, doughnut holes, and drinks. Tickets: $5/person.

Family Movie Night: Hotel Transylvania (7:00–9:00 p.m.)
Watch this animated favorite while you munch on popcorn and sip apple cider. Tickets: $5/person.
Buy tickets for Haunted Halloween Extravaganza

A Family Halloween

Sunday, October 29 • 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview

Come and enjoy a spooktacular evening of friendly frights and fun at Historic Wagner Farm’s Halloween event. Wear your costume to the kid-friendly bash that includes a haunted barn, wagon rides, pumpkin games, and more ghoulish fun.

Cost: $6.25/person. Children under 2 are free. Tickets required for ages two and up and must be purchased in advance.

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Anne West

Anne West is a Realtor on Chicago's North Shore. She represents home buyers and sellers in the lakefront communities of Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield, Evanston, Highland Park and Lake Forest.

West is a property marketing specialist, bringing 20+ years of consumer marketing experience to her real estate practice. She prides herself on getting her clients' homes sold quicker and for more money through her aggressive online marketing.

West has been awarded the Chicago Magazine Five Star Agent Award for exceptional service and overall client satisfaction for the past six consecutive years (2011-2016).