Halloween is now officially on the horizon, pumpkins are on the shelves at stores, and your kids have probably already decided on their costume. If you are not already in the spooky spirit, there are only a few short weeks until Halloween to feel full on festive. Despite the challenges of 2020 we still have options to have Halloween Fun this year. These events are for babies and children through their teen years, and we have rounded them up all in one big, killer list.
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
Halloween Events in Lake County
Please note that some events require registration and or tickets. Please check the event host website before heading out. Little Lake County is not responsible for sold out events. Events are listed chronologically under each category. If an event is multiple days, the link goes to the first day.
Not So Scary | Storytimes | For Older Kids | Haunted Houses | Halloween Movies | Crafty | Activities
Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in Lake County
These not scary Halloween Events are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and feature fun and non-scary characters the whole family will love.
19 October – 1 November All Day Browse, Borrow, and Boo!
FREE – Indoors – In-person
{Barrington} Wear your costume to the Barrington Area Library between Monday, Oct 19, and Sunday, Nov 1 to receive a “treat” from the Youth Services Desk!
22 October 6-7:15 p.m. Halloween Bash
In-person – registration Required
{Wauconda} Trick or Treat! Halloween Bash can’t be beat! Children may dress in their Halloween costumes or silly outfit. The evening will be filled with a craft, games, singing, and snack. For children 18 months – 3 years with a parent. Fee is $13 for residents and $16 non-residents.
23 October 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Halloween Monster Mash Costume Party
In-Person – Registration Required
{Grayslake} Boys and ghouls can dress up like a goblin, superhero, or fairy for this Halloween Monster Mash! This scare-free Halloween party is packed with arts and crafts, games, and stories fit for ghosts, goblins, and ghouls. Pizza and juice will be served for dinner. For children ages 3-7. Cost is $17 per resident and $21 per non-resident.
24 October 11:15 a.m. or 12:20 p.m. Pumpkin Painting
Outdoors – In-person – Registration Required
{Glencoe} Create a festive pumpkin with your family this Halloween. Using washable Tempera paints turn an ordinary pumpkin into a masterpiece. Each participant will receive a small pumpkin to decorate. All children must be accompanied by an adult; a maximum of 2 adults from the same household permitted. Activity will be held outside and will be canceled if inclement weather. For children ages 2-6, $5 per resident and $10 per non-resident.
24 October 2:00, 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. Halloween Family Fun Fest
In-Person – Registration Required
Join the Deerfield Park District for an afternoon of Halloween fun featuring balloon twisters, Halloween themed arts & crafts, airbrush tattoos and prepackaged Halloween treats! Registration for one 45 minute time slot is required, all participants m just wear masks. For children ages 2-6 with a parent, $5 per child.
27 October 1-1:30 p.m. Books and Cooks: Pumpkin Party
Virtual – Registration Required
Tune in online for stories, songs, and activities followed by a cooking activity. This one-hour caregiver-and-child program is designed for children ages 3 to 6. It is the perfect way to encourage children to eat their fruits and veggies and have fun, too! The fee is $10 per member child and $12 per non-member child. Hosted by the Chicago Botanic Garden.
30 October 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Virtual Costume Party Story Time
Virtual – Registration Required
{Barrington} Wear your costume and join the Barrington Area Library virtually for stories, songs, and more! For children up to age 6. Limited space.
Halloween Storytimes in Lake County
Enjoy a good story and sometimes a craft and more at these Halloween Storytimes in Lake County.
14 October 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. All About Bats
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Antioch Public Library District. This storytime for children ages 3-5 will feature a different animal every month that highlights learning and fun facts about the animal, as well as stories and crafts! Must pick up the craft from the children’s desk by the day before the event. The video will be posted to Facebook at the time of the event and also available on YouTube.
15 October 10 – 10:15 a.m. Family Storytime and Craft-to-Go: Stumpkin
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Hosted by the Grayslake Area Public Library. Join Mrs. Crabtree for a short virtual story and craft. Craft-to-go kits available at curbside pickup and the Check-out desk beginning this morning as long as supplies last. A recorded video will be posted on their FB page at 10 a.m.
17 October 10 – 10:15 a.m. Family Storytime on the Library Lawn
In-Person – Registration Required – Outdoors
{Wauconda} Pumpkins, cuddly monsters, and fun with Miss Lauri and Miss Patty. Join the Wauconda Area Library for some outside fun. We will dance, sing, and read fall and Halloween stories on the library lawn. Masks and social distancing will be required for everyone over the age of 2 for the safety and enjoyment of all in attendance.
22 October 10 – 10:15 a.m. Family Storytime and Craft-to-Go: Aaaaarrgghh! Spider
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Hosted by the Grayslake Area Public Library. Join Mrs. Crabtree for a short virtual story and craft. Craft-to-go kits available at curbside pickup and the Check-out desk beginning this morning as long as supplies last. A recorded video will be posted on their FB page at 10 a.m.
23 & 24 October 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 p.m. Spooky Stories at Phil’s Beach
In-Person – Registration Required – Outdoors
Come on out to Phil’s Beach for spooky storytime with the professional teller of tales, Jim May, followed by s’mores, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider around the campfire! Resident Fee: $5 per person / Non-Resident: $7 per person. Each time slot has a rating and recommended ages (G – R) please see the website for availability.
26 October All Day Monster Story & Craft
Virtual – Activity Kit
Join Ms. Patty from the Warren Newport Public Library as she reads If You’re A Monster and You Know It and see an example of the Monster Craft project to make at home! Stop by the Youth Services Desk at WNPL any time during the library’s regular operating hours to pick up the Monster Craft project. One craft per child. Supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
26 October 4:00 – 4:20 p.m. Spooky Stories with ASL
In-Person – Indoors
{Zion} Who’s ready for a SPOOKY story with Ms. Mariel and Mr. Ricky from the Zion Benton Public Library’s children’s department? Listen in for a story in English with American Sign Language as well! How cool is that?
27 October 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Scaredy Cat
Virtual
Hosted by the Round Lake Area Public Library. Ages 4-7. The RLAPL will read exciting stories, sing silly songs, and engage your little ones with movement in mind. This program will take place on Facebook.
28 October 10-10:45 a.m. Halloween Storytime
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library. Ages 0-5 years with an adult. Show off those delightful Halloween costumes and see other boo-tastic friends for a virtual celebration filled with holiday stories, songs, and rhymes.
28 October 11-11:45 a.m. Halloween Storytime
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library. Ages 0-5 years with an adult. Show off those delightful Halloween costumes and see other boo-tastic friends for a virtual celebration filled with holiday stories, songs, and rhymes.
28 October 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Millie’s Musical Adventures Halloween Story Time
In-Person- Indoors
{Antioch} Wear your favorite costume and join Rubato Music Studio for some Halloween storytime singing! Face coverings/masks required for all attendants over the age of 2.
29 October 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Young Goblins Boo Bash
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Hosted by the Cook Memorial Public Library District. The event includes spooky stories, games, crafts, and prizes! Costumes not required but encouraged. Craft supply bags will be available for pickup at both libraries, an email will be sent when they’re available for pickup. For children in grades 3 and 4, Limited space available.
29 October 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Not So Scary Halloween Party
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Ghosts, and spiders, and bats, oh my! Deerfield Public Library will share some not so scary Halloween stories, and you will learn how to make a fun Halloween craft. Limited space is available. For children ages 5-8, pre-recorded so you can do it at your own time.
29 October 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Scary Stories for Grades 3-5
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Highland Park Public Library. Bring your best scary story and join us on Zoom for a night of terror! We’ll take turns telling the spookiest, scariest, wet your pants-iest tales we know. Make sure your story is 5 minutes or shorter.
29 October 7 – 8:00 p.m. Scary Stories for Grades 6-8
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Highland Park Public Library. Bring your best scary story and join us on Zoom for a night of terror! We’ll take turns telling the spookiest, scariest, wet your pants-iest tales we know. Make sure your story is 5 minutes or shorter.
30 October 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Virtual Costume Party Story Time
Virtual – Registration Required
{Barrington} Wear your costume and join the Barrington Area Library virtually for stories, songs, and more! For children up to age 6. Limited space.
30 October 4-4:15 p.m. Slightly Spooky Halloween Storytime
Virtual
Hosted by the Lake Forest Library. Take stories to the next level during this interactive storytime. Enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and movement!
30 October 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Night Before Halloween Bash
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Hosted by the Cook Memorial Public Library District. Be prepared for eerie stories, games, virtual costume show-off, and a spooky splash of science! There will be prizes! Costumes not required but encouraged. All materials for the science experiment will be provided. A bag of party materials will be available for pickup from the library; an email will be sent when they are available. For children in grades 5 and 6, Limited space available.
30 October 2-3:00 p.m. Spooky Silhouettes
Virtual
Hosted by the Round Lake Area Public Library. Ages 3-6. The RLAPL will read exciting stories, sing silly songs, and engage your little ones with movement in mind. This program will take place on Facebook.
31 October 10:00 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. Halloween Boo-K Parade
In-Person – Registration Required
{Lake Forest} The Halloween BOO-k Parade is a delightful way for children – and adults – to enjoy reading and have some active Halloween fun at the same time! Halloween costumes are encouraged. The experience begins with a trip to the 2nd floor of Lo Mastro Performing Arts Academy where you’ll parade through the halls as you read pages from the book The Halloween Hustle by Charlotte Gunnufson. Story relevant movement activities are placed throughout to encourage children to exercise their bodies as well as their minds. Families will enjoy an extra special photo op at the end and each registered child will receive a “trick-or-treat” goody bag to take home! Tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure proper distancing. All children must be accompanied by an adult, everyone needs a ticket.
31 October 2 – 3:00 p.m. Creepy Stories
Virtual
Hosted by the Round Lake Area Public Library. Ages 3-6. The RLAPL will read exciting stories, sing silly songs, and engage your little ones with movement in mind. This program will take place on Facebook.
Halloween Events for Tweens & Teens
Now through 24 October After Hours Ghost Tours
In-Person- Registration Required
{Waukegan} Ever since The Genesee opened in 1927, claims of ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena have surrounded the historic theater. Learn about the paranormal activities that have been reported, the theater’s fascinating history, and the unsettling stories that simply cannot be explained. It’s a hair-raising experience that’s sure to get you spooked! This special walking tour includes rare access to all floors of The Genesee, including the dressing rooms and stage where stars from around the world have performed! Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Rated PG-13 Tickets are $20 per person.
15 October 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 3D Printed Jack-O-Lantern
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Barrington Area Public Library for tweens and teens. Follow along as Digital Services Specialist, Ken, provides a video with step-by-step instructions on how to use Tinkercad to create a 3D printed Jack-O-Lantern.
21 October 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Escape Room: Zombie Outbreak
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Indian Trails Public Library District for tweens in grades 6-8. Put your minds to the test as you work together to solve this virtual escape room. Will you find the solution in time?
23 October 7-8:00 p.m. Dread Time Stories
In-Person – Registration Required
{Grayslake} Bring your mask and join us for “Dread Time Stories” in Centennial Park. Put on your costume, grab your lawn chairs and blankets, and snuggle in for a bewitching hour of spooky stories and terrifying tales. This is a socially-distant, limited-capacity outdoor event and spots will go fast, so reserve your seat today!
24 October 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Pumpkin & Ghost Crochet
Virtual
Hosted by the Antioch Public Library District for tweens and teens in grade third grade or older. Learning how to crochet with easy to follow videos. Patrons must provide their own supplies. The video will be posted to Facebook at the time of the event and also available on YouTube.
24 October 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Scary Stories and Scavenger Hunt
In-Person – Outdoors – Registration Required
{Northbrook} River Trail’s annual Scary Storytelling around the campfire – physical distance edition! All participants are required to wear a mask.
26 October 7-8:00 p.m. This is HalloTEEN
Virtual – Registration Required
Looking for your next spooky read? Sip on hot cocoa while listening to spooky stories and discussing scary books and movies. For children in grades 6-12, hosted by the Deerfield Public Library.
29 October Trivia Night: Spooky Spectacular
Virtual – Registration Required
Test your spooky knowledge at this trivia night on Kahoot. Featuring all things Harry Potter, Sabrina, Stranger Things, Hocus Pocus, and our favorite haunting reads. Hosted by the Ela Area Public Library.
30 October 7:00 p.m. Almost Full Moon Hike
In-Person – Registration Required – Free
Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills. Hike a trail under an almost full moon on Halloween Eve. Choose 1.4 miles or 2.0 miles. All participants are required to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
31 October 7-10:00 p.m. Halloween Party
In-Person
{Lake Villa} Celebrate Halloween at Bella’s Bouncies Skate on Grand! Enjoy games, prizes, specialty drinks, and more. There will be a costume contest as well. Admission is $13 without a costume and $10 with, skate rental included. Space is limited.
Halloween Movie Showings in Lake County
From spooky to fun, these movies will get you ready for Halloween fun.
15 October 6:30 – 8:15 p.m. Outdoor Family Movie: The House with a Clock in its Walls
In-person – Registration Required
Grab some snacks and meet on the Barrington Area Library lawn to watch this movie adaptation of The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs. Call Youth Services at 847.382.1300 x 6500 to register and claim your family’s copy of the book to read before or after the program. Blankets provided and set apart for social distancing, or, bring your own blankets or chairs. Out of consideration for other participants, please arrive wearing a mask (adults and children over the age of 2). Weather permitting.
19 October – 1 November All Day Family Firefly Theatre Presents Spark’s (Not So) Spooky Stories
Virtual
{Barrington} Join Spark the Firefly and her friends in Firefly Grove for stories, songs, shadow puppets, interactive movement, and fun! Get in the Halloween spirit! Hosted by the Barrington Area Library.
29 October 4:00- 6:30 p.m. Ghoulish Feature Fest: Hotel Transylvania
In-Person – Registration Required
{Lake Forest} Held at Gorton Center’s John and Nancy Hughes Theater, a “CinemaSafe” theater. Masks are required. Doors open 30 minutes before the movie. $5 per person.
29 October 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. Ghoulish Feature Fest: The House with a Clock in its Walls
In-Person – Registration Required
{Lake Forest} Held at Gorton Center’s John and Nancy Hughes Theater, a “CinemaSafe” theater. Masks are required. Doors open 30 minutes before the movie. $5 per person.
30 and 31 October All Day Improv Playhouse TYA presents Halloween Spooktacular
Virtual
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library. Accompany the Improv Playhouse’s feisty team of trick-or-treaters on a haunted house heist for the perfect candy! Heroes and monsters! Flying pumpkins and haunted peanut butter! Zombie butlers and magic powers! Embark on this “scary good” adventure with the epic Halloween Challenge at the Haunted Hazelnut House! For children in grades K-5.
30 October 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Ghoulish Feature Fest: Creature from the Black Lagoon
In-Person – Registration Required
{Lake Forest} Held at Gorton Center’s John and Nancy Hughes Theater, a “CinemaSafe” theater. Masks are required. Doors open 30 minutes before the movie. $5 per person.
30 October 5:45 p.m. Spooky Drive-in Movie: “Ghostbusters”
In-Person – Registration Required
{Northbrook} Enjoy a night of safe family fun in the Y parking lot. The lot opens at 5:45 p.m., the movie will start around 6:30 p.m. (when dark). Suggested donation of $30 per car, $10 extra for the first three rows (limited). Candy, drinks, popcorn, and DQ blizzards available for purchase.
Halloween Crafting Events in Lake County
From pumpkin decorating to ghoulish costumes get your craft on at these Halloween crafting events in Lake County.
1-23 October Boo! in a Bag
Activity Kit
The Deerfield Park District has everything your little ones will need to celebrate and enjoy a fun, safe, and festive Halloween at home. Each BOO in a Bag includes Halloween Treats, Spooky Crafts, Recipes and Activities, Fun and Safe Halloween Toys. BOO Bags are $10 and can be purchased at the Jewett Park Community Center front desk Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Bags will be available for purchase through October 23.
12 – 18 October All Day Take & Make Crafts: Tissue Paper Pumpkin
Virtual – Activity Kit
{Wauconda} Pick up this week’s craft kit at the Wauconda Area Library. This week’s craft is a tissue paper pumpkin. Watch the video for tips and to see 2 different variety of pumpkins created. You only need glue, the library will supply the rest. The video tutorial posted on the Library webpage.
13 October 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Pipe Cleaner Pumpkin
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Hosted by the Antioch Public Library District. Children in grades 3-5 can make your very own pipe cleaner pumpkin! This simple craft will be a great decoration for Halloween. Once signed up, the child can come to get their supplies to make their pumpkin. Inside the bag will be an instruction sheet, and a video of how to make the craft will be posted to Facebook.
17 October 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Paint a Pumpkin
In-Person – Outside – Registration Required
{North Chicago} The North Chicago Public Library will provide pumpkins and supplies for you and your children to decorate them! The event will take place outside and social distancing will be required for your protection. Registration is very much appreciated as it ensures we have enough pumpkins for every child. Please call the children’s librarian to register at 847-689-0125 ext 103.
19 – 25 October All Day Take & Make Crafts: Coffee Filter Monsters
Virtual – Activity Kit
{Wauconda} Pick up this week’s craft kit at the Wauconda Area Library. Your craft kit will include coffee filters and embellishments. You will need markers, a dropper or a water bottle, and some tape. monster. The video tutorial posted on the Library webpage.
19 October All Day Take ‘n’ Make Halloween Garland
Virtual – Activity Kit
{Gurnee} Stop by the Warren Newport Public Library Youth Services Desk and pick up a craft to take home, make and enjoy! This month you can craft a Halloween Garland, with bats, cats and ghosts. Supplies are limited. Suitable for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade.
19 – 30 October By Appointment Tiny Pumpkin Kits
Registration Required – Activity Kit
In partnership with the Village of Fox Lake, the Fox Lake District Library is giving out mini pumpkin painting craft kits. Each kit will include a tiny pumpkin and three acrylic paint colors. First come first serve, as supplies last.
19 October 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. Pumpkin Decorating
In-person – Registration Required
{Round Lake Beach} Join the Round Lake Area Park District at Renwood Golf Course for their annual pumpkin decorating family event. All participants must be preregistered for a specific time slot – Only 42 guests are allowed in each timeslot to accommodate physical distancing between families. The cost is $1 per person. Children under 14 will receive a pumpkin and supplies to decorate the pumpkin.
19 October 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin Crafts
In-person – Registration Required
{Wauconda} The Wauconda Park District has a ghoulish crafting evening in store. Children will spend their time decorating a few smaller pumpkins of various sizes using a wide variety of crafting materials including stickers, markers, glitter, and accessories. We will also work on some spooky crafts to help decorate your house in time for Halloween. For children ages 3-7, $13 for residents and $16 non-residents.
21 or 22 October 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. The Great Pumpkin Hunt & Decoration
In-person – Registration Required
{Buffalo Grove} Join the Raupp Museum for the Great Pumpkin Hunt with a twist! All participants will start indoors and will decorate a pumpkin. Following the pumpkin decorating, participants will enjoy a flashlight egg hunt in the backyard of the museum, so bring your flashlights! Everyone is invited to explore the museum as well. Each child will be allowed one adult to accompany them to the event. Face coverings will be required at all times Cost is $12 per child ages 3-12 years, $15 for non-resident children.
23 October 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pumpkin Painting and Great candy Hunt
In-person – Registration Required
{Waukegan} A socially distanced Halloween event for your little pumpkin. Ages 3-10. Children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or sibling above age 16. Face coverings/masks are required. Select a pumpkin from the Power Pumpkin Patch. Create your own masterpiece- paint with your favorite colors to take home. Then, hunt for candy in our indoor haunted village! Costumes welcome. Tickets are $10 per child.
24 October 5:00 p.m. How to Paint a Tiny Pumpkin
Virtual
{Fox Lake} In this pre-recorded video the Fox Lake District Library will be showing you a few different ways you can paint a tiny pumpkin using acrylic paint.
24 October 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pottery Pumpkins
In-Person – Registration Required
{Round Lake} Create a lasting pumpkin design or spooky Jack-O-Lantern that you can enjoy year after year with a ceramic pumpkin. Pumpkins will be painted at the Rolek Community Center and will be ready for pick up at the Round Lake Area Park District before Halloween! Choose from a Jack-O-Lantern face or plain pumpkin to create your own. For families and children 5 and older. $22 per resident and $25 per non-resident.
26 – 31 October All Day Messy Art @ Home: Monsters
Virtual – Activity Kit
{Fox Lake} Stop by the children’s department and pick up a Messy Art @ Home bag. The bag will include the main materials to make a paper plate monster. Available while supplies last! See step by step instructions on their Facebook page on Monday, October 26 at 1:00 p.m.
26 October – 1 November All Day Take & Make Crafts: Paper Bag Monsters
Virtual – Activity Kit
{Wauconda} Pick up this week’s craft kit at the Wauconda Area Library, so your family can create a spooky Halloween puppet show. Each kit has a brown bag and is loaded with paper so you can make your very own monster. The video tutorial posted on the Library webpage.
27 October 4:30 – 4:45 p.m. Jump Start Art! Halloween
Virtual
Hosted by the Lake Forest Library. We get you started with an art project, and you let your creativity take off!
28 October 5:30 -9:30 p.m. Spooky Spider 2 Go
Activity Kit
Your favorite crafts and activities are now available 2 GO! The October 28 activity is making a spooky spider out of pipe cleaners! Pick-up for the spider activity kit begins Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 pm at the Sullivan Community Center, while supplies last. Kit includes supplies and directions to complete the activity. You might even find a few surprises! Recommended for ages 5-10. You will need to provide supplies such as scissors and glue.
29 October 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. Art with Miss Jane: Halloween Cat
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library District. Grades K-2 with an adult. Paint a cute Halloween cat on top of a pumpkin! Miss Jane provides step-by-step instructions for this fall painting. You will need to get your own supplies.
29 October 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Art with Miss Jane: Halloween Cat
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library District. Grades 3-5 with an adult. Paint a cute Halloween cat on top of a pumpkin! Miss Jane provides step-by-step instructions for this fall painting. You will need to get your own supplies.
30 October All Day Crafts to Go: Something Spooky
Activity Kit- Registration Required
{Mundelein} Recommended for grades K-5. Go beyond the basics with next-level crafting ideas and tutorials! We provide all the special supplies you need – after registering, pick up your material kit at the library.
Halloween Activities in Lake County
From creature features to Halloween Science there is a spooky something no matter what you like to do.
13 & 14 October 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Powerful Pumpkins
In-Person – Registration Required
{Mundelein} Grades 3-5 with an adult. How much energy does a pumpkin or squash produce? Can we really get energy from fruits? The Fremont Library will use the scientific method to explore circuits and electricity while building a battery using harvest fruits of the season. Adult supervision and masks are required for all participants. Social distancing and capacity limits enforced.
17 October 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spooky Safety Town
In-Person – Registration Required
{Buffalo Grove} Enjoy a treasure hunt for candy on the outdoor Safety Town course while riding bikes. Participants will create a yummy Halloween snack, and play safety games. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite costume. Each participant must bring a helmet, as well as wear a face covering and shoes with socks to class. Fee is $18 per child ages 4-9, $22 for non-resident.
21 October 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. Bats
Virtual – Registration Required
Discover the intriguing world of the only flying mammal. Learn about the unique adaptations that help bats hunt for mosquitoes and other insects in the dark. Hosted by the Deerfield Public Library and presented by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
22- 25 October Halloween Mini Golf
In-person
{Highland Park} Come out to the Golf Learning Center for a frightfully good time playing through our scary course. Dress in costume to receive a discount on your round of golf!
23 October 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Goblin Goo
In-Person – Registration Required
{Vernon Hills} For children, 2-4 years with a parent or caregiver. Toddlers will dabble in slime, goop, Oobleck, finger paint, dough, shaving cream, and other spooky sensory and art experiences. The fee is $16 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
23 October 3 – 5:00 p.m. DIY Halloween Haunted House
Activity Kit – Registration Required
{Bannockburn} Not ready to join us in-kitchen for Halloween fun? Enjoy family bonding and gingerbread fun at home instead with our DIY Haunted House Gingerbread Kit! From frosted candy corn roofs to gummy window panes, you and your creative chef will love the endless decorating options as you work together to design and decorate your very own spooky and sweet gingerbread house masterpiece as a festive and fully edible at-home craft.
24 October 2:30 – 3:30 or 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Halloween Haunted House Gingerbread Class
In-Person – Registration Required
{Bannockburn} Bring your spooky chef to enjoy family bonding and gingerbread fun in our signature Halloween workshop. From frosted candy corn roofs to gummy window panes, you and your creative chef will love the endless decorating options as you work together to design and decorate your very own gingerbread house masterpiece. Enjoy cheerful spooky tunes while sipping on orange hot cocoa and experiencing quality family time. This class is designed for kids ages 2-13 and parents to decorate together!
24 or 25 October 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Creepy Cooking Class
Virtual – Registration Required
Celebrate Halloween cooking up your own scary treats with a little less sugar. We will make banana ghosts (yogurt-covered bananas) and pretzel spider webs using melted chocolate. This 60-minute online program is for ages 4 to 10 with an adult. The fee is $10 per member family, $12 per non-member family.
25 October 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Halloween Cake-Off Class
In-Person – Registration Required
{Bannockburn} Do you have what it takes to create a masterpiece cake that’s as frightfully delicious as its spooky decor? Join Taste Buds Kitchen as we whip up our signature vanilla cake from scratch and learn how to frost and decorate it like a pro using handmade buttercream frosting and surprise Halloween-inspired decorations. Get ready for this fun baking challenge as we present a decorated cake that our budding bakers will be challenged to replicate! Everyone will create their own 4-inch two-layer cake to take home to share with family and friends. For ages 9 – teen.
25 October 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. Halloween for Kids
In-Person – Registration Required
{Lincolnshire} Head to Half-Day Brewing for their Halloween for Kids. Two seatings available, $15 per child. Fee includes kids meal, pumpkin decorating kit, a bucket of candy, taffy apple, and more.
26 October 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Chillin’ Like a Villain Dance Class
Virtual – Registration Required
Children ages 5-11 will join two villain kids as they teach you some dance moves from the movie Disney’s Descendants! The class will feature choreography from the song Chillin Like a Villain. Dancers should wear clothing they can move around in (leotard, leggings, or even your own princess gown!) Class is via Zoom, with a unique link issued to all registered guests the morning of class. Fee is $10 for residents $12 non-residents.
26 October 6:00 p.m. Superhero Science
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Children in Kindergarten – 2nd grade can pick up an experiment at Antioch Public Library District! Hop on and see how fun the science of being super can be. We will talk about a superpower and find out what it would be like to have that power in real life, as well as experiment with that power, such as the awesome forces of magnets to the crazy cool power of freezing things.
27 October 10-10:15 a.m. Pumpkin Investigation
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Ages 3-6. Explore math and science concepts with a fall pumpkin investigation. Register online and pick up corresponding supplies between October 20- 27. Join the Indian Trails Public Library District online for a story and experiment demonstration, then use the handout to guide your discoveries at home.
27 October 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Halloween Gore-tastic Lab Hour
Virtual – Registration Required – Activity Kit
Investigate what makes Halloween so chilling in this electrifying science workshop. Have fun with weird and horrifying Halloween concepts like puking pumpkins, static powered witches, horrific Halloween pranks, blood and bruises, the science of a haunted fall carnival, creepy candy experiments, and more ghoulish Halloween exploration! Kids will have such a blast; they won’t even realize they are acquiring new science concepts! Themed souvenirs included. Hosted by the Barrington Park District, $35 for residents $43 for non-residents.
30 October 7:00 p.m. Spooky Critters with the Frog Lady
Virtual – Registration Required
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library. Snakes, toads, and tarantulas! Oh my! The Frog Lady brings her creepy crawlies right to your house with this special after dark program. Learn all about these creatures, and that they’re not so scary after all.
31 October 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. Halloween Costume Family Fun Walk
In-Person – Registration Required
Participants will enjoy a family-friendly fun walk around Woodland Park in Halloween costumes. Each participant will receive a Halloween Fun Walk medal upon completion of the walk, a treat bag, and the opportunity to participate in a virtual costume contest.
31 October 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Halloween at the Farmyard
In-Person – Registration Required
{Libertyville} Children under 12 will receive a pre-made candy bag, and guests who wear costumes will have a chance to win a Family Season Membership. We will also have a special meet and greets with some of your favorite Farmyard friends all day long!
31 October 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Halloween Spooky Cupcakes Class
In-Person – Registration Required
{Bannockburn} Join in Taste Bud’s Kitchen SPOOK-tacular celebration as we take to the kitchen to whip up oh-so-delicious Spooky Cupcakes complete with monsters and spiderwebs. Grab your friends and learn fun and creative ways to turn cupcakes into spooky treats! Let’s get cooking. Costumes encouraged. This class is designed for kids ages 2-8 and parents to cook together!
What is your family’s favorite Halloween event in Lake County? Did it make our list? Be sure to tell them that Little Lake County sent you!
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