There’s only a few more weekends to squeeze in ALL the Halloween fun, so be sure to take advantage of these fun October ideas! Dress for the weather and don’t shy away from outdoor adventures as things cool down on Saturday & Sunday. Happy Weekending!
Put on your costume and explore the scientific side of Halloween
The Museum of Science and Industry Boo Fest is a Halloween celebration with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky science! Explore a specially decorated exhibit with a “Scary Storage” look at the museum’s curiosities, take part in physically distanced trick-or-treating, and examine the science of Halloween with pumpkin drops, slime, eyeballs, and chilling laboratory sessions. Limited capacity, timed entry, and other covid precautions are in place. Boo Fest runs from October 17th-November 1st (October 29th is members only). Hours vary by day, check website for details. Buy tickets here.
Immerse yourself in women’s history on a tour of Lincoln Park
Open House Chicago starts this weekend, and has been reimagined for 2020! In many ways, it is now more family friendly than ever – with an app FULL of self guided walks through the city & other virtual events! I’m super excited about the “Women’s History of Lincoln Park” walk. If you download the app, you can access an audio guide that will lead you through the park! After you have toured your own neighborhood, take your kids on an adventure to a part of the city you haven’t yet explored – all of the guides under “Trails and Experiences” look amazing! To enjoy Open House Chicago 2020, download the app here.
Get your fall foliage fix while biking or scooting on the North Branch Trail
It’s the perfect time to go on a fall colors tour, and this is a great place to do it! The North Branch Trail runs from Caldwell and Devon avenues in Chicago to Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. It’s truly an oasis – the perfect weekend nature escape. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the many parks along the way! If you don’t already have them at home, this would be the perfect time to rent bicycles (and a bike trailer for your little ones) – or drive to the part of the trail you’d like to tackle and pack scooters for the kids. Take it from me – bring a bag for leaves and other treasures if you don’t want them filling up your pockets! Click here for a map of the trail.
Challenge your kids to a round of mini golf with a skyline backdrop
Bundle up and play a round of mini golf at City Mini Golf, in the shadow of the Chicago skyline! The obstacles are Chicago themed, so you can see how many your little ones can identify! Detailed Covid precautions are available on the website. Masks are required during game play. Open Friday & Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 10AM-8PM.
Indulge in over-the-top pumpkin milkshakes and gourmet caramel apples in a festive pumpkin patch
Get your weekend sugar fix, and quickly solidify your role as favorite parent at Jo Jo’s Pumpkin Patch. Pick your own pumpkin and enjoy crazy milkshakes, giant hot chocolates, pumpkin & apple pie, caramel apples, spiked cider, and diner classics. What more do you need!? Located at 23 W Hubbard Street. No reservations (first come first served), so the earlier the better! Open Friday-Sunday 11AM-1AM.
Cheers to a wonderful weekend!