In this file photo from a previous year, Stella Downing, 18 months, chooses a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at the Morton Grove Park District’s Halloween Family Fest at the Prairie View Community Center. (Alicia Ramirez / Pioneer Press)
Pumpkins abound in local park districts and suburbs at this time of year, but there is also a beer fest, Halloween for dogs and many more opportunities for fun as the weather turns crisp. Some events require a fee. Register well in advance, as many of these events fill up or have pre-registration deadlines.
Morton Grove
Oct. 14. Cold Brews and Corn Hole event. Breweries bring their libations for sampling; must be over 21 to attend. Location: Harrer Park. https://mortongroveparks.com/
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Oct. 21. Happy Howl-o-ween. This event for family dogs will feature a costume contest, agility contest and of course, treats. 10 a.m. at Prairie View Park. https://mortongroveparks.com/
Oct. 21. Family Kite Day. Take advantage of fall breezes to sail your kite through the air. https://mortongroveparks.com/
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Oct. 27. Halloween Family Fest, 4 p.m. at Prairie View Park. This is the chance for kids to show off their costumes, take a hayride, decorate pumpkins, play on inflatables and more. Food available for purchase. https://mortongroveparks.com/
Niles
Through Oct. 23. Nominate your Niles home for the Halloween Decorating Contest. https://www.vniles.com/1383/Halloween-Home-Decorating-Contest
Oct. 14 Harvest Hustle 5K and Youth 1/2 K Run/Walk. https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Niles/NilesHarvestHustle
Oct. 21 Trunk or Treat at Oasis Fun Center. https://www.niles-parks.org/
Oct. 27, 6 p.m. Monster Bash. Families can enjoy a buffet dinner, a hayride and pumpking decorating. https://www.niles-parks.org/
Oct. 28. Halloween Parade and Party. Kids dressed in costume can start at Oak Park in Niles and walk in the parade to Grennan Heights Park, then enjoy games and treats at a party. https://www.niles-parks.org/
Skokie
Oct. 7-31. Scream Scene Haunted House. Frightening new characters, sets and scenes are ready to scare visitors out of their wits. Parental discretion advised: Not recommended for children under 10 years old. Skokie Water Playground, 4701 Oakton St. Skokieparks.org
Oct. 13. Zombie Tag and Movie Night. Play a giant game of tag with a zombie twist, then watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the Oakton Park lawn, 4701 Oakton St. Costumes welcome. skokieparks.org
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Oct. 22-30. Young Frankenstein, The Mel Brooks Musical –– October 22-30 A stage version of the 1974 comedy film spoof of the classic 1931 horror film, “Frankenstein.” Devonshire Playhouse, 4400 Greenwood St. https://www.skokieparks.org/devonshire-playhouse/
Oct. 29. Kooky Spooky Candy Trail. Features over 10 interactive stations where trick-or-treaters will collect candy. 3-5 p.m. Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.skokieparks.org
Park Ridge
Oct. 4. Zombie Tag. Can you avoid the zombies roaming across the prairie, who want to claim you as one of them? https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/zombie-tag-25
Oct. 13. Halloween Hoopla. Stuff a scarecrow, carve a pumpkin, ride on a hayride and enjoy cocoa around a campfire. Wildwood Nature Center. https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/halloween-hoopla-20
Oct. 20. Drive-thru Trunk or Treat. https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/drive-thru-trunk-or-treat-7
Oct. 20. S’more Stories, Songs and Strolls. Enjoy time around the campfire. https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/smore-stories-songs-and-strolls-34
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Oct. 29 Halloween Fall Festival. Kids can wear costumes and play carnival games to win prizes. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Park Ridge Community Church, 1300 W. Crescent Ave. http://parkridgepresby.org
Lincolnwood
Oct. 29. Halloween Trunk or Treat. https://www.lincolnwoodil.org/230/Special-Events
Norridge/Harwood Heights
Oct. 21. Family Pumpkin Festival. Enjoy pumpkins, games, hayrides, food and more. 11 a.m. http://norridgepk.com/