Fall adventures are popping up everywhere around Gurnee and Lake County this weekend! Families can splash through a floating pumpkin patch, build a scarecrow, meet farm animals, follow a Halloween quest or parade with costumed pups. Whether your crew loves crafts, animals, swimming or trick-or-treating, October 9–11 offers plenty of memory-making possibilities.
1. Pumpkin Plunge 🎃🏊
When: Friday, October 9, 6–7:30 p.m.
Where: FitNation, 1655 Nations Drive, Gurnee
Age fit: All ages who are comfortable in a pool; children under 12 must attend with someone age 16 or older
Cost: Free
Registration:
Advance registration is required for everyone attending.
Why consider it: Children can swim through a floating pumpkin patch, select a pumpkin to decorate and enjoy games and light snacks during this unusual indoor fall celebration.
Official details and registration | Gurnee Park District
2. Haunted Canvas 🎨👻
When: Friday, October 9, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Belvidere Recreation Center, 412 S. Lewis Avenue, Waukegan, IL
Age fit: Ages 14 and older
Cost: $12–$14 per person
Registration:
Preregistration is required; spaces were still listed as available when checked.
Why consider it: Teens and adults can follow guided instruction to create a Halloween painting while enjoying a seasonal treat.
Official registration | Event details
3. Fall on the Farm at Lambs Farm 🐐🚂
When: Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
Age fit: Toddlers through elementary ages; enjoyable for the whole family
Cost: $22 for children ages 2–12; $17 for ages 13 and older
Registration: None required
Why consider it: One admission includes the Farmyard, miniature train, carousel, mini golf, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games and music.
Official event details | Lambs Farm
4. DIY Scarecrow Day 🌾
When: Saturday, October 10, noon–4 p.m.
Where: Behind Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 342 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
Age fit: Elementary-age children through teens with adult assistance
Cost: Not listed on the current official event page
Registration:
Advance registration is required; walk-ins are accepted only if space remains. Bring clothing, hats, shoes and accessories for your scarecrow.
Why consider it: Families can work together on a creative character that will become part of Historic Downtown Long Grove’s seasonal display.
Official October Days information | Historic Downtown Long Grove
5. Susanna Farms Fall Festival 🐴🍂
When: Saturday, October 10, noon–6 p.m.
Where: Susanna Farms, 24153 W. Town Line Road, Lake Villa
Age fit: All ages; particularly strong for preschool and elementary-age animal lovers
Cost: $10 per person
Registration: Advance registration is recommended; the festival runs rain or shine
Why consider it: Children can feed chickens, visit goats and sheep, brush or lead an equine, ride a hay wagon, make crafts and roast s’mores while supporting animal care and program scholarships.
Festival and registration information | Susanna Farms
6. The Great Boo Quest 🍬🕵️
When: Saturday, October 10, 1–4 p.m.; costume contest at 3 p.m.
Where: Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee
Age fit: All ages; activities are designed primarily for children ages 3–17 and are not overly scary
Cost: Children ages 3–17: $10 Gurnee residents or $13 nonresidents in advance; $15 on event day. Adults and children under 3 are free.
Registration:
Preregister to save money and skip the registration line.
Why consider it: The event combines trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, maze, hayride, inflatables, pumpkin patch, face painting, car show and photo opportunities in one afternoon.
Official details and registration | Gurnee Park District
7. Winthrop Harbor Fall Fest and Trunk-or-Treat 🍭🚗
When: Saturday, October 10, 5–10 p.m.
Where: Winthrop Harbor Parks and Recreation, 2700 Ninth Street, Winthrop Harbor
Age fit: All ages; strongest fit for preschool and elementary-age trick-or-treaters
Cost: Free admission; food purchases may cost extra
Registration: None listed for general attendance
Why consider it: Candy, decorated trunks, games, food and seasonal activities make this a budget-friendly evening Halloween outing.
Event details | Winthrop Harbor
8. Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Expo 🐕🦇
When: Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; parade at 11 a.m.
Where: Staples Park, 501 Red Bridge Road, Lake Zurich
Age fit: All ages; especially children who enjoy dogs
Cost: Free
Registration: Spectators do not need to register. Advance registration is encouraged for participating dogs; same-day space is not guaranteed. Dogs must meet the listed health and vaccination requirements.
Why consider it: Costumed dogs, a parade, photo booth, DJ, pet vendors, food trucks and adoption organizations create a playful Sunday outing.
Official event information | Village of Lake Zurich
Note: Check the linked pages before leaving for registration availability and weather-related updates.
Have an event you'd like to submit to our calendar for consideration? Submit an Event here
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