Hello, October! 🍂 This weekend brings Lake County families an inviting mix of painting, farm animals, cultural crafts, talented rescue dogs and handmade treasures. Whether you want an inexpensive Friday-night activity or a full fall adventure, there’s something here for several ages and budgets.
October is arriving with plenty of family fun across Gurnee and Lake County! 🍂 From colorful fall painting and farm animals to cultural crafts, talented rescue dogs and handmade treasures, the weekend of October 2–4 offers something exciting for nearly every age and budget. Gather the kids, grab your sweaters and get ready to make some wonderful fall memories together!
1. Fall Family Paint Night 🎨
When: Friday, October 2, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Foss Park Community Center, 1730 N. Lewis Avenue, North Chicago
Age fit: All ages; especially preschool and elementary-age children with an adult
Cost: $3 per person; supplies and snacks included
Registration: No advance-registration requirement is listed
Why consider it: Families can create a fall-inspired painting together without needing supplies or previous art experience.
2. First Friday in Downtown Libertyville 🌟
When: Friday, October 2, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Libertyville, centered around Milwaukee Avenue and Cook Park
Age fit: All ages; best for families who enjoy strolling, treats and casual shopping
Cost: Free to attend; purchases are extra
Registration: None required
Why consider it: Late-open shops, refreshments, special offers and a festive downtown atmosphere make it an easy, flexible Friday outing.
Official event calendar
3. Festival of Arts and Crafts 🧵
When: Friday, October 2, 2–7 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake
Age fit: All ages; strongest fit for creative children, tweens and teens
Cost: $5 for ages 12 and older; children 11 and under free; free parking
Registration: None listed
Why consider it: More than 200 makers offer plenty of colorful, handmade items to browse while children receive free admission.
Festival details
4. Farm Fall Festival for Good 🐑
When: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Liberty Prairie Farm, 550 Harris Road, Grayslake
Age fit: Toddlers through elementary ages; enjoyable for the whole family
Cost: $20 per vehicle; pumpkins and produce cost extra
Registration:
Advance tickets recommended. Tickets purchased by Wednesday, September 30, include a pumpkin. The event runs rain or shine, with no refunds.
Why consider it: Wagon rides, sheep shearing, animal visits, popcorn and pumpkin picking deliver a classic fall-farm experience while supporting student learning.
Official details and tickets
5. Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop 💀🌼
When: Saturday, October 3, noon–1 p.m.
Where: Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, 1 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan
Age fit: School-age children through teens
Cost: $10–$15
Registration:
Advance registration is required.
Why consider it: Children can learn about Día de Muertos while decorating a traditional sugar skull to take home.
Official details and registration
When: Saturday, October 3, 3–4:30 p.m.
Where: Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest
Age fit: All ages, particularly children who love animals and physical comedy
Cost: $20 children; $28 standard adult seating; $38 premium seating
Registration:
Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Why consider it: A cast of talented rescue dogs performs flips, dances and comedy routines in a lively indoor show designed for families.
Official tickets and details
Outdoor activities may change because of weather, and popular ticketed programs can fill, so check the linked pages before leaving.
Want to see more fun events like this? Go here to search events page.
Have an event you'd like to submit to our calendar for consideration? Submit an Event here
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