Halloween is only days away, and several North Shore communities are still hosting events for families looking for seasonal fun. The schedule runs from a candy stroll in Highland Park to a cemetery walk in Skokie and a costume-friendly bash in Northfield, with most activities aimed at children and their adult companions.
Early Trick-or-Treating and Community Events
The Halloween Candy Stroll takes place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave., in Highland Park. Organizers invite children to trick-or-treat a day early at participating businesses in the Ravinia District, and fall activities are also available at the park.
In Glencoe, the annual Halloween Hello runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Village Hall, 675 Village Court. The Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce event includes trick-or-treating at participating downtown Glencoe businesses and a "Ghosts in the Garden" experience from the Glencoe Historical Society. The Glencoe Public Library and Village Hall will offer family-friendly activities as well.
The Northfield Park District's Boo Bash runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 at 401 Wagner Road. Planned activities include games, crafts, a balloonist and a train ride through Willow Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a trick-or-treat bag, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
A Historical Walk Through Skokie's Cemeteries
The Skokie Heritage Museum's Haunted Heritage Cemetery Walk, titled "BOOm & Bust," runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 31 at St. Peter's United Church of Christ Cemetery, 8530 Harms Road. Tours focus on the major booms and busts in Skokie's development, and walkers visit St. Paul's Lutheran and St. Peter's UCC cemeteries. Tickets cost $15, and children ages 7 and younger are free with a paid adult. Tours last about an hour and leave the cemetery gates every 10 minutes, with the last tour departing at noon.
Planning Tips for Families
Families planning to attend several events should check each organizer's details before leaving home, since start times, age rules and ticket policies differ. The Skokie walk requires tickets, while the Highland Park and Glencoe events are described in the available information as free community activities. Because the Northfield event requires adult supervision for children, parents should plan for an accompanying adult at all times.