n Virtual Cultural History of Hallowe’en
Oct. 21
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Despite what some have tried to say, Halloween as we know it is a surprisingly modern holiday. Learn about the true origins of the spookiest night of the year, some of the wildest ways people have celebrated and the legends that surround it. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
n Guided Nature Tour: Fall Foliage
Oct. 22
KLM Park
5901 County Line Road, Hinsdale
(630) 789-7090
https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Relax and enjoy the great outdoors during this free guided nature tour led by the village’s park and forestry staff. Wear comfortable shoes for this rain or shine event. All ages are welcome; those younger than 12 must be with an adult. Time: 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. RR
n Fall Foliage Walking Tour
Oct. 22
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Enjoy a walk with an arboretum ecologist and take in the changing colors of the arboretum’s trees. Learn more about why leaves change color and drop, why some seasons have great fall color and others don’t and more. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $23. RR, MD
n Howlin’ at the Moon
Oct. 22-23
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St. Naperville
(630) 420-6010
https://www.napersettlement.org
Howl along with live music by some of the area’s best cover and regional rock bands at this event for adults 21 and older. Feast your fangs into local cuisine from the Food Truck Graveyard. Quench your undying thirst with Dead Guy Ale, Knotty Vines wine and hard cider at the Boooze Bar. And let your curiosity take hold with special performances by the Carnival of Curiosities, an illusionist, fire dancers, liquid lights and more. Costumes are encouraged. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Cost: $20. RR, MD
n Halloween Hoopla Expo
Oct. 23
Adolf Funeral Home
7000 Madison St., Willowbrook
(630) 654-0909
Little ghouls will enjoy the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s second annual trick or trunk show, complete with treats and a DJ. All ages are welcome. Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
n Oaks in October
Oct. 23
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn why oak trees are considered an indicator species during a guided hike on White Oak Trail. The program is for ages 10 and older and the hiking pace is average to slow. Time: 10 a.m. RR
n Nature’s Tricks and Treats
Oct. 23
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Learn about trick-or-treating in the world of wildlife. Many animals wear costumes, use misleading tricks and offer treats to help them survive. Then make your own wildlife-inspired masks to get ready for Halloween. The program is for ages 8 and older; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $10.
n Fall Oak Colors
Oct. 23
St. James Farm
2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville
(630) 933-7248
Celebrate OAKtober on a 30-minute covered wagon ride through one of the largest oak forests in DuPage County. Those under 13 must be with an adult. For additional dates as the colors change, visit the website listed above. Times: 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. Cost: $5, free for under 5.
n Cider and Ale Festival
Oct. 23
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Savor 20 3-ounces samples of hard cider and seasonal beers selected from more than 30 local breweries and cideries. Breathe in the fresh autumn air and stroll among the trees while sipping. Ticket purchasers must be 21 or older. Time: 1 to 4 p.m., noon to 4 p.m. for VIP guests. Tickets: $65, $75 for VIP. RR, MD
n Lantern-Lit Haunted Hike
Oct. 23-24
St. James Farm
2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville
(630) 933-7248
Take a self-guided lantern-lit walk along the trails of St. James Farm, starting with a ghost story and ending with a haunted conversation around the fire. Hikes leave every 15 minutes. The program is for ages 12 and older; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Cost: $10, free for those under 3. RR
n Pumpkin Night Hike for Families
Oct. 23-24
Fullersburg Woods
3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook
(630) 933-7248
Use pumpkins and lanterns to light the way on a self-guided night hike, with a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt for kids to complete and a treat at the end. Hikes leave every 15 minutes. The program is for all ages; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10, free for 3 and younger.
n Find the Mightiest Oak
Oct. 24
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Which Sagawau oak is the tallest? The widest? The oldest? Help measure oaks and see who they compare to Illinois’ big tree champions. The program is for ages 14 and older. Time: 1 p.m. RR
n Boo! at the Zoo
Weekends through Oct. 24
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
Guests of all ages can dress up in their favorite costume and head to the zoo for this Halloween-themed event, which features ghoulishly fun photo ops, sweet treats and the spectacular colors of autumn. Enjoy the Crazed Maize corn maze, giant inflatables and tombstone grave yard. Youngsters will receive goodies courtesy of Ferrara as they exit the park. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $24.95, $17.95 for kids 3-11, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older plus $15 parking. MD
n Moonlight Mansion Tour
Oct. 25 & 26
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
After the sun sets, enjoy a guided tour of the mansion and hear urban legends, tales of hauntings and stories of mischief while learning about the building’s architecture, history and ownership. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15. RR
n Virtual Teen Game Night — Werewolf
Oct. 27
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Join on Zoom for an epic game of Werewolf. Halloween costumes are welcome. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR
n Tales from the Tombstones
Oct. 27
Bronswood Cemetery
3805 Madison St., Oak Brook
https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/event_step2/MTMyMzU0/134166
Come explore the lives of the residents of Bronswood Cemetery, sharing stories that shine a light on the people who made our area what it is today. Tour and swap stories of deceased loved ones in honor of Halloween and Day of the Dead while enjoying spooky beverages and bites. The event is geared toward adults; no charge for children. Park and check-in at the Bronswood office across the street from the cemetery. Please wear sensible shoes. Flashlights are encouraged. Times: 7 to 8 or 8 to 9. Cost: $35. RR
n Halloween Animals
Oct. 27
https://www.czs.org/lectureseries
Just in time for Halloween, learn fascinating facts and fiction online about some of Brookfield Zoo’s resident animals associated with the fall holiday. Why do wolves howl at the moon? What does spotting a spider on Oct. 31 mean? Andre Copeland, interpretative programs manager for the Chicago Zoological Society, will take participants on a journey exploring these animals’ connections to folklore and the idea that their long-term attachment to cultural beliefs may provide people with a sense of place. There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the program. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free, $10 donation appreciated.
n Virtual Halloween Monster Party
Oct. 28
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Preschoolers can dress up in costume and join on Zoom to celebrate Halloween with a new monster friend of their making. Pick up the monster kit and special activities bag starting Oct. 21. Time: 10:30 to 11 a.m. RR
n Boo Bash
Oct. 29
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Little ones ages 3 to 5 years old and grown-ups are encouraged to come dressed in costume to enjoy Halloween stories, crafts and a special treat. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $12 per child. RR, MD
n Junior Board Fright Fest
Oct. 30
Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale
(630) 323-5630
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Join the Hinsdale Humane Society Junior Board for Fright Fest 2021. Enjoy an outdoor haunted hallway, a fall-themed photo shoot and a showing of “Hocus Pocus” on the front lawn. Time: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the door.
n Corn Harvest
Weekends in October
Kline Creek Farm
1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5900
Experience life as a field hand while helping to harvest this year’s corn crop, which will feed the farm’s livestock throughout the year and provide seed for next year’s plantings. Learn about the importance of this crop to farmers in the 1890s and today. The program is for all ages. Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
