From pumpkins (oh, are there pumpkins!) to the paranormal (eeek!), October features themed activities to celebrate the spirit – and spirits! – of the season.
All events geared toward the younger crowd are costume-friendly, so the kiddos are welcome to stage a dress rehearsal for Halloween!
Pumpkin Weekends
An annual celebration of all things fall throughout October at picturesque Blackberry Farm! Enjoy special themed activities (World’s Tallest Scarecrow, Bounce House, Balloon Artist + more!) every weekend day, along with unlimited rides on favorite attractions, such as the train, hay wagon and carousel. Also, fav destinations inside the park have been renamed in the spirit of the fall season … can ya find ‘em?
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, along with Indigenous Peoples’/Columbus Day on Oct. 14.
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: All
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Pumpkin Palooza
Does the name give it away? This festive, family-friendly event is packed with pumpkin-themed activities for all ages. Decorate pumpkins, participate in playful games, and engage in a variety of creative crafts. Plus, wear your favorite Halloween costume for even more fun! It’s a fab opportunity to create festive memories with the whole family.
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, October 19
Where: Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: All
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Halloween Hayride
Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume (or change in the parking lot) and join us for a scenic hayride around Lake Gregory! Kiddos can make a craft, and the whole fam can enjoy games like bean bags and a jumbo-sized Connect 4 game, before making s’mores at the campfire. Costumes will be judged as you enter the park, and winners receive gift cards!
When: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, October 20
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: All
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The Spirit of Red Oak
The history of Red Oak is varied and long, its tales both common and cryptic. Who lived here? How was the land used? And what – or who – still lingers? An historian and paranormal investigator will fill us in on the history of the residence which now hosts our Nature Center before heading outside for an evening hike. The program focuses on the real science behind the paranormal and supernatural … are you a skeptic or a believer? (Note: Adults only and space is limited!)
When: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, October 25
Where: Red Oak Nature Center, 930 N. River Road, North Aurora
Ages: 18+
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Pumpkin Patch Pool Party
The Leisure Pool at Vaughan Athletic Center sprouts into a floating pumpkin patch, so c’mon over and take a dip! Admission includes a pumpkin, pumpkin decorating (+materials), and refreshments. Zip down the water slides, go for the gold in the inflatable obstacle course, and enjoy splash zones, the zero-entry pool, music and more!
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 26
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: All
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Mini Monster’s Party
Bring your costumed little Blueys and Beetlejuices out to Red Oak for a family friendly Halloween celebration – open house-style! Go at your own pace while trick-or-treating with the animal ambassadors inside the Nature Center or taking a not-so-spooky self-guided hike through the woods. (Note: Adults do not need to register but must accompany their children.)
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, October 26
Where: Red Oak Nature Center, 930 N. River Road, North Aurora
Ages: All
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