Naperville Halloween Family Fun For Free (Or Real Close) This Weekend

NAPERVILLE, IL — Here in the 'burbs, fall family activities run the gamut from the quintessential- think: ghost stories in the park, hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and so on- to the peculiar and offbeat. Touching a snake or learning how a horse is groomed are just a couple of the non-traditional offerings hidden throughout these autumnal family fun events. Oh, and did we mention they're FREE? Or darn close to it.

Ghost Stories in the Park...In the Dark: 7 p.m. Oct 6; 6 & 8 p.m. Oct. 7; 7 p.m. Oct 8. Also Oct. 12-14.

Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court; www.napervilleparks.org

Dress warm and bring blankets for this storytelling event. Not recommended for kiddos under 5. Tickets can be purchased before through the Naperville Park District or at the performance. Cash only, $7.

Naper Settlement Oktoberfest: 5 p.m.- 10 Oct. 6, noon - 10 p.m. Oct. 7, noon - 5 p.m. Oct. 8

523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement; www.napersettlement.org

Classic Oktoberfest with oompah music, German beer and cuisine. Family friendly activities are Saturday and Sunday from noon ‘til 4. Adults: $15, kids ages 4-12 $10. Under 4 years old and Naper Settlement members are free.

Family Fall Festival: 7 a.m. - noon Oct. 7

200 E. 5th Ave. at 5th Avenue Station; www.naperville.il

The Naperville Farmers Market has activities for all ages including games, prizes, food, demonstrations and music. Free.

Danada Fall Festival: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 8

3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton; www.dupageforest.org

Join a celebration of the horse and the season at this annual event. Enjoy a parade of breeds, continuous equestrian performances, hayrides, pony rides, face painting, grooming demonstrations, educational displays, food and more. All ages. Free admission and parking; fees for some activities.

Creepy Critters Day: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 9

Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Rd.; www.napervilleparks.org

Dig for slimy worms, touch a snake, observe spiders, and more. Free, drop-in. Creepy story time begins at 10:30 a.m. At least one adult must attend with each group.

Fall Colors Hike: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17

Maple Grove Forest Preserve in Downers Grove. Entrance near intersection of Maple Ave. and Lee Ave.; www.dupageforest.org

Learn about wildlife, plants, history and forest preserve features on a guided hike. Those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Free. Register ahead by calling the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at 630-933-7248.

Scare-illon Concert, 7 p.m. Oct. 28

Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave. on riverwalk near Rotary Hill; www.napervilleparks.org

Head to the Millennium Carillon for a Halloween-themed concert. Hear spooky and atmospheric pieces featuring classical and popular music to set the mood. Élan Dance Company will perform a variety of dance pieces at this free concert for all ages.

Trick or Treat at Safety Town: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 28

Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave.; www.napersafetytown.com

Kids ages 3-12 will learn trick-or-treating safety while practicing in tiny Safety Town. Costumes are encouraged. Please bring a bag or bucket for candy collection. Cost is $1 donation per child and one non-perishable food item (to be donated to Loaves and Fishes).

Halloween Happening: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 29

Naperville Riverwalk Grand West of Centennial Beach, 912 Sindt Court; www.napervilleparks.org

Activities, games and goodies intended for kids 10 and under. They can take a trip through four themed lands complete with treats, treasures and photo opportunities. Free.

Did we miss your event? Email caitlin.ketel@patch.com.

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