Costumes, candy and colorful fall adventures are filling the calendar across Gurnee and Lake County! From nature exploration and pumpkin carving to trick-or-treat trails, a community farm celebration and a bilingual family musical, October 16–18 offers plenty of reasons to get everyone out of the house. Pick a favorite—or make it a full weekend of family fun!
1. Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest 🎃
When: Friday, October 16, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Sachs Recreation Center, 455 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
Age fit: All ages with an adult; especially preschool and elementary-age children
Cost: $15 per person in advance or $20 on event day; children under 3 are free
Registration:
Everyone under age 18 must be registered. Advance registration saves $5.
Why consider it: A trick-or-treat trail, “Grave Rave” DJ and playful surprises create a festive Friday night without an overly frightening atmosphere.
Official details and registration | Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest
2. Fall Forest Exploration 🍁
When: Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–noon
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Age fit: Ages 6 months–10 years with a caregiver
Cost: Free
Registration: Advance registration is requested
Why consider it: Children can collect native seeds, make leaf prints and explore colorful prairie and woodland habitats through hands-on nature play.
Official event information | Park District of Highland Park
3. Pumpkin Jubilee 🎶
When: Saturday, October 17, noon–3 p.m.
Where: Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Avenue, Fox Lake
Age fit: All ages; strongest fit for preschool and elementary-age children
Cost: Free admission; pumpkin carving costs $4 per pumpkin
Registration: None listed
Why consider it: Families can enjoy live music, craft vendors, pumpkin carving and a children’s costume contest beside the lake.
Fox Lake of IL | Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake
4. Mundelein Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat 🍬
When: Saturday, October 17, 2–5 p.m.
Where: Village of Mundelein, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein
Age fit: Children ages 12 and younger with an adult
Cost: Free
Registration:
Required for every child receiving candy. Register by Wednesday, October 14; no same-day registrations will be accepted.
Why consider it: Children can trick-or-treat among decorated trunks while enjoying a giant pumpkin bounce house, pumpkin patch and storybook walk.
Event details | Mundelein Park & Recreation District
5. College of Lake County Urban Farm Center Grand Opening 🌱
When: Saturday, October 17, 2–6 p.m.
Where: CLC Lakeshore Campus, 34 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan
Age fit: All ages; especially school-age children interested in food, farming or sustainability
Cost: Free
Registration: Requested but not required
Why consider it: Facility tours, local food samples, art, music and community activities offer a refreshing educational alternative to the weekend’s Halloween events.
Official information and registration link | College of Lake County
6. Trick-or-Treat Trail 👻
When: Saturday, October 17, 3–5 p.m.
Where: Hart’s Woods Park, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake
Age fit: All ages with an adult
Cost: Free
Registration: None required
Why consider it: The outdoor candy trail also includes a hayride, pumpkin maze, character photos, Zombie Zumba and a dancing Kids Zone.
Official event listing | Round Lake Park District
7. WSRA Trunk-or-Treat in Gurnee 🚙🍭
When: Sunday, October 18, 1–3 p.m.
Where: Warren Township Parking Lot C, 17801 W. Washington Street, Gurnee
Age fit: All ages; inclusive for children and adults with disabilities
Cost: $3 with online preregistration or $5 at the event—cash or check only
Registration: Advance registration is recommended for the discounted price
Why consider it: Families can visit creatively decorated trunks and collect treats while supporting recreational scholarships for people with disabilities.
REGISTER FOR TRUNK OR TREAT NOW | Warren Special Recreation Association
8. Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure 💀🎭
When: Sunday, October 18, 3 p.m.; doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Where: James Lumber Center, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake
Age fit: School-age children and families
Cost: Ticket prices vary; online service fees may apply
Registration:
Advance ticket purchase recommended
Why consider it: Traditional Mexican music and dance bring a magical bilingual story about twelve-year-old Vita and the meaning of Día de Muertos to the stage.
Official show details and ticket link | James Lumber Center
Check the linked pages before leaving for remaining registration space and weather-related changes.
Have an event you'd like to submit to our calendar for consideration? Submit an Event here
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