It might be because October days hold the potential for bright blue skies that seem to illuminate the vibrant leaves on our mature trees and the evenings bring a pleasant chill that call for a brisk walk followed by hot cider in front of the fire. Or maybe it’s the last hurrah before we turn the clocks back and hunker down for darker days. Whatever the reason, it’s a great time to join friends and neighbors for lots of treats and a few tricks.
We’ve rounded up a selection of ghostly gatherings:
Burr Ridge kicks things off on the afternoon of September 29 with their 2012 Harvest Fest. A pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and a petting zoo add to the seasonal fun. The adventurous can take Tethered Balloon Rides to raise money for the Burr Ridge Community Park Foundation. 1–5 p.m., Harvester Park, 15 W 400 Harvester Drive, Burr Ridge. brparks.org
The Oak Brook Park District makes good use of their wide open spaces with a Haunted Forest extravaganza the evenings of October 5 and 6. Starting at 7 p.m., fireside storytelling, a pumpkin patch, candy in a haystack, bounce house, and craft tables will entertain attendees of all ages. The bravest among them will make their way through the twists and turns of a life-size haunted maze populated by ghosts and ghouls. Hayrides will wind their way through Central Park’s haunted forest with the last ride departing at 9:30 p.m. The forest closes at 10 p.m. Tickets are sold at the gate. Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. obparks.org
Goblins big and little will make their way to the Halloween Outdoor Movie on October 12. The evening kicks off at dusk with an all-ages cartoon and continues with a second family-friendly movie for slightly older ghouls. A joint venture between The Community House and The Village of Hinsdale Park and Recreation Department, this first-ever movie night will be held at Robbins Park, 7th and Vine Streets, Hinsdale. villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Fall Family Fest in Burlington Park has become a signature event for Hinsdale. This full day of fun is famous for cute kids and dogs in the costume parade, pumpkin decorating, and live entertainment. If your little ones are looking to wear their costumes for more than one day, bring them for this bonus day of trick or treating—merchants hand out candy until 3 p.m. 30 E. Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale. villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Halloween itself brings an abundance of neighborly spirit. Block parties are common, as are open houses after the loot is collected. These gatherings allow everyone to show off their costumes and give those with Martha Stewart tendencies an opportunity to thrill their friends with eyeball cakes and gremlin grilled cheese fingers.
Almost a best-kept secret among area families with small children, The Oak Brook Park District’s Spooktacular Halloween Party is a super way for kids to work off the excess energy that successful trick or treating brings. Held from 6–8 p.m. on Halloween night, this free event is open to everyone and offers the opportunity to jump in the bounce house, play carnival games, and even win candy in case anyone’s jack-o’-lantern was left a little wanting after making the neighborhood rounds.
— Words by Michelle Crowe
