Spotlight Chicago
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.
30 Best Things to Do in Chicago October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
While you're deciding what to do for Halloween, October has plenty of other fun going on.
Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago 2025: Trick-or-Treating, Free Movies, and More
These free Halloween events for kids will give your wallet a break.
The best Halloween events and activities in Chicago
GUIDE
Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Chicago Kids
The best Halloween events and seasonal fun for Chicago kids.
Logan Square Halloween Parade is perfect for showing off costumes. Photo by Kate Connealy
Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families: Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treat, Parades, and More
Your guide to the best Halloween events near Chicago for kids in 2025.
You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids
Educational fun at one of our favorite Chicago zoos.
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Chicago Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
Discover the best things to do with kids in Chicago this fall, from hikes and day trips, to apple...
Try a Fall outing to one of these great pumpkin patches near Chicago. Gobbert's Farm photo by Ryan Dickey via Flickr 2.0
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Chicago for Families
Pick from over 20 pumpkin patches and pumpkin farms near Chicago for a day of fall family fun.
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
Enjoy harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, farm fun, and more.
Just about an hour from Chicago, kids can pick apples at Apple Holler from mid-August to November.
Apple Picking near Chicago: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
The best apple orchards within a two-hour drive of Chicago for your apple-picking pleasure, many...
Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places in Chicago Where Kids Can Earn Scout Badges
These places offer engaging Scout programs to help earn badges.
See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids 2025
Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in Chicago
Level up your family fun with the top arcade spots in Chicago.
If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Chicago
Chicago’s crafting party options make it easy to celebrate your creative teen.
Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Teen Museum Programs in Chicago: Internships, Workshops, and More
Try one of these educational and experiential programs for teens.
Places to celebrate your baby before the smash cake. Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins
Best Places to Celebrate a First Birthday in Chicago
Parks and indoor locations for the perfect first birthday celebration.
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Branch out beyond blue box macaroni.
Try one of these local businesses for a fun and unique birthday party. Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ninjas
Only in Chicago: Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party venues only found in Chicago.
​Launch is a Chicago trampoline park with bowling and an arcade, too. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake County
Trampoline Parks in Chicago to Burn Energy Indoors
Get out of the house but stay in the AC at a trampoline park.
Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
Sensory-Friendly Events in Chicago for Kids
Events with lower levels of noise, lights, and crowds.
The Sugar Hole is a pop-up ice cream shop in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Sugar Hole, courtesy of Color Club.
Best Ice Cream Near Chicago: 14 Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore
Head to one of these ice cream shops for a tasty summer treat.
Spend a weekend in Chicago without breaking the bank.
Chicago Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
A guide to weekend fun on the cheap.
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Indianapolis with Kids: 20 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is full of fun for families with kids of all ages.
Lincoln Park Zoo photo by Dice Sales courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Bureau
Awesome Self-Guided Walking Tours of Chicago with Kids
Take the kids on a walking tour of a new neighborhood with this handy itinerary guide.
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Want to have fun in Chicago with the kids without busting your wallet? Here are 100 great...
Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Chicago for Babies & Toddlers
The perfect play areas for stir-crazy toddlers.
Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
Indoor Golf Places in Chicago for Kids
if you're having a subpar day, gather up your little birdies and swing out to one of these fun...
Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids
Our picks for kids getting their ears pierced for the first time.
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Play gyms, ninja training, and more: Chicago's indoor birthday party options are hard to top.
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
When the weather's at its worst, these indoor play spaces are a wish come true.
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Here are 15 Chicago restaurants where grown-ups can have a great meal and kids can eat for FREE.
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
These great destinations are sure to keep kids (and parents) happy and warm!
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
How to see Chicago's best museums and other attractions on a budget with kids.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Consider this your early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Chicagoan.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.
It doesn't get much better than Halloween at the zoo! Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.
Scarecrow Festivals, Halloween Events, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Check out all the scarecrow festivals and other harvest fun this weekend.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
Sonny Acres Farm - 10:00 AM
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Boo at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo - various times
Skeletober
Downtown LaGrange - various times
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up
1265 - various times
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Sensory-Friendly Time at Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build a Bear Workshops Chicago area locations - 10:00 AM
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
Sonny Acres Farm - 10:00 AM
Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art - 5:00 PM
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Boo at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo - various times
Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children's Museum
DuPage Children's Museum - 8:00 AM
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American Art - 10:00 AM
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
Sonny Acres Farm - 10:00 AM
EXP Presents Horizon of Khufu
EXP Rosemont - 1:00 PM
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
Sonny Acres Farm - 10:00 AM
EXP Presents Horizon of Khufu
EXP Rosemont - 1:00 PM
EXP Presents Life Chronicles
EXP Rosemont - 1:00 PM
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'- Lanterns
Chicago Botanical Gardens - 6:30 PM
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
Sonny Acres Farm - 10:00 AM
Sensory Friendly Friday at Insect Asylum
The Insect Asylum - 11:00 AM
EXP Presents Horizon of Khufu
EXP Rosemont - 1:00 PM
Harvest Pow Wow
DuPage County Fairgrounds - various times Pick
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
'Go Run
Various Chicago Parks - 9:00 AM
Leo Lionni's Frederick
Chicago Children's Theatre - 9:30 AM
Harvest Pow Wow
DuPage County Fairgrounds - various times Pick
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Children's Museum of Oak Lawn Sensory Friendly Play Sessions
Children's Museum of Oak Lawn - 9:00 AM
Leo Lionni's Frederick
Chicago Children's Theatre - 9:30 AM

Latest Articles

Spider-Man in action. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Where to Go Indoor Trick or Treating in Chicago 2025
Siobhan Adcock, Oct 5 - Need a dry, warm place to go trick-or-treating in Chicago this Halloween? READ MORE
These towns near Chicago have some of the best fall colors in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Illinois.gov
Best Towns Near Chicago to See Fall Colors
Lauren Hill, Oct 3 - Pack a thermos of cider, bundle up the kids, and discover why these towns are the perfect backdrop... READ MORE
It doesn't get much better than Halloween at the zoo! Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.
Scarecrow Festivals, Halloween Events, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Oct 1 - Check out all the scarecrow festivals and other harvest fun this weekend. READ MORE
Get gaudy! Wear your craziest clothes for Wear Something Gaudy Day on October 17!
Halloween, Fluffernutter Day, and More Holidays & Activities for October 2025
Meghan Rose, Sep 30 - Halloween has so many holidays and celebrations, it's scary! READ MORE
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.
30 Best Things to Do in Chicago October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Maureen Wilkey, Sep 28 - While you're deciding what to do for Halloween, October has plenty of other fun going on. READ MORE
Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago 2025: Trick-or-Treating, Free Movies, and More
Maureen Wilkey, Sep 26 - These free Halloween events for kids will give your wallet a break. READ MORE
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