Looking for an end-of-summer kid-friendly activity? Even as the temperatures drop, Chicago and its surroundings offer plenty of activities and special events to keep you and your kids busy. Catch a movie or play this fall, enjoy the crisp fall air at the Pumpkin Patch, or join the spooky events for the whole family.
fun ideas for autumn
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm: It’s the season to enjoy fall attractions such as tractor hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, carnival rides and haunted barns. Shop for fall delicacies like donuts, kettle corn, barbecue and more. September 16-October 31. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen. Tickets $17.99-$33.99; Pumpkinfarm.com
Nearby Artisan Markets: This pop-up market features local artists from various Chicago communities, including North Park, Woodlawn, and the Greater Grand Crossing. Peruse the crafts, merchandise, and souvenirs every Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm through September 25th. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. navypier.org
special event
Lincoln Park Gyro Fest: Enjoy lamb, beef, chicken gyros and Greek dishes while listening to Sixteen Candles and the Ormi Orchestra. Games, activities, arts and crafts will keep young guests entertained. September 9-11. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave. $10 suggested donation. lincolnparkgyrofest.com
Movie Fest presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Watch a screening of ‘Cats’ or ‘The Lion King’ complete with movie props, trivia, zoo access, free rides and more. Your VIP ‘King of the Jungle’ ticket includes a ‘Lion King’ themed party and a screening with a pack of lions. September 16th. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street. Tickets $15-$30. lpzoo.org
Norwood Park Fall Fest: This street festival for all ages features food trucks, live music, shopping, games and entertainment for kids. Headliners include The Breakfast Club, Second Hand Soul Band and 7th Heaven. September 16-17. Norwood Park Station, 6088 W. Northwest Hwy. Suggested donation of $5. npfallfest.org
Lakeview Taco Fest: Warm tortillas are served by 12 taco vendors at this Lakeview favorite. Kids-friendly activities, two live music stages, and delicious food will keep the whole family happy. Headliners include Too Much Molly Band, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Supernatural Soul. September 17-18. Located on Southport Avenue between Addison and Roscoe. Suggest a donation of $10. lakeviewtacofest.com
Marvel at over 1,000 carved pumpkins at the Chicago Botanical Garden’s 1,000 Jack-O-Lantern Night. October 12-16 and 19-23.
Courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden
Family Fallfest: This family-friendly Rosemont Festival offers plenty of free activities. Kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, balloon animals, a petting zoo and more from 1pm to 5pm. September 18th. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. free; parkwaybankpark.com
Hyde Park Children’s Book Fair: Celebrate your love of literature with readings, music and dance performances, storytelling and more from 11am to 4pm. This year’s theme, which marks its 35th anniversary, is “Forbidden Books.” September 18th. His 57th Street between Woodlawn and Dorchester. free; thechildrensbookfairofhydepark.org
Fulton Market Flavors: For the first time in two years, this food festival features Fulton Market favorites like rosemary, publican and BLVD. Benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and Recipe for Change. September 29th. Morgans on Fulton, 952 W Fulton Market. Ticket $75+; Tasteoff Fulton Market.com
Autumn festival: The Lincoln Park Zoo hosts fall festivals including a pumpkin patch, fall-themed pop-up restaurants, a Ferris wheel, a harvest maze, and train rides. Enjoy the autumn atmosphere and see what kind of animals greet you in the crisp autumn air! Sept. 30-Oct. 30. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Free entry, some attractions $4-$69. lpzoo.org
A Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns: Over 1,000 professionally carved pumpkins line the paths at the spectacular Chicago Botanic Gardens this fall. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Advance purchase is required for non-member parking. October 12-16 and 19-23. Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Tickets $13-$20. chicagobotanic.org
live performance
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza: Classic Disney characters Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Marvel’s Spidey invite you to a costume party, singing, dancing and more. September 25th. Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St. Ticket $19.50+; chicagotheatre.com
It seems that dinosaurs are alive in “Jurassic World Live”.
Jurassic World Live: With the help of people and animatronics, more than 20 life-sized dinosaurs from the hit movie run through the Allstate Arena. November 3-6. 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets $20+; ticketmaster.com.
Spooky Halloween: The New Philharmonic Orchestra plays spooky tunes from thrillers like “Witches of Eastwick” and “Young Frankenstein.”” Dress up in your Halloween vest for a chance to win the costume contest! October 22-23. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Ticket $53; atthemac.org
