Halloween 2019 Activities In Lake Forest, Lake Bluff

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL — The Halloween season is upon us, which means plenty of eerie activities for local families to take part in all the way through Thursday, Oct. 31. Take a look at a quick rundown of some family-friendly Halloween activities planned for Lake Forest and Lake Bluff — or add your local event to the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch calendar for free.

Halloween Tricks & Treats
From 5 to 7 p.m. at the rec center's gym, there will be activities aimed at pre-schoolers through 3rd graders and parents including a haunted hay ride and zoo, spooky games, a puppet show, storytelling and a creepy science lab. Use code 10390101 to register online or contact Program Manager John Eldridge at 847-810-3940.

Pumpkin Chase
The Lake Bluff Parent Teacher Organization is holding its annual 5K and 1 mile fun run on Saturday, Oct. 26. The 5-kilometer certified race starts at 8 a.m. and the fun run begins at 9:15 a.m. After the race, a pumpkin fest will be held next to the finish line at Lake Bluff Middle School. Registration is available online.

The Big Balloon Halloween Show
A mix of magic, comedy and "jaw-dropping" balloon creations is aimed at ages 3 to 12. Featuring entertainer Smarty Pants and his wife and partner Miss Dena, the show will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in the Kasian Room at the Lake Forest Library. Those interested in attending may register online.

CROCtoberfest 2019
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, the final free reptile-focused event at the Wildlife Discovery Center will feature the center's Orinoco Crocodile.

Halloween Trick-or-Treating
Trick of treating hours in Lake Forest run from 4 to 8 p.m. City officials said youngsters should use sidewalks and be accompanied by an parent, older sibling or caregiver. The hours run from 4 to 7 p.m. in Lake Bluff, where police will hold their 31st annual trick-or-treat and hot dog roast at their station.

Note: Lake Forest's 17th annual Halloween Spectacular Regatta has been cancelled for Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27.