7 Chicago Halloween Events For The Whole Family

CHICAGO, IL -- For many parents, Halloween can conjure up worrisome images of kids wandering around in the dark and accepting candy from strangers. Some parents have even opted to skip the traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating in favor of family-friendly Halloween parties and events, where kids can let loose without their parents having panic attacks.

Here are some safe, fun parties in Chicago where kids can go, worry free:

LINCOLN PARK: Spooky Zoo Spectacular

Head over to Lincoln Park Zoo for an event that’s fun for the whole family. Celebrating its 31st year, the Spooky Zoo Spectacular encourages kids to wear costumes, and party it up with all kinds of kid-friendly entertainment and plenty of trick or treating. The Spooky Zoo Spectacular takes place on Oct. 28, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the zoo grounds.

STREETERVILLE: Fright Flicks at Navy Pier

There’s nothing like watching a big screen with the sparkling lake in the background! Pack snacks and head to the pier for a double feature of family friendly and classic Halloween films. On Oct. 21, you can catch Monster’s Inc. at 3 p.m. and Ghostbusters at 5:30 on the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns . Then on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m., the pier will feature Monster House and Beetlejuice, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

WICKER PARK: Hogwarts Bash at The Laboratory
Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss the party on October 28, complete with pizza, snacks, games and a movie. Kids are encouraged to put on their favorite costume and get ready to stop any explosions that might arise in the lab. Parents can enjoy a guilt-free night out knowing that kids are being entertained and educated. The Hogwarts Bash takes place from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at 2349 W. North Ave. Tickets are $40.

BUCKTOWN: Not-At-All Spooky Halloween Party

This event will be held at the Purple Monkey Playroom, and features family favorite Daniel Tiger. The party is geared toward small children, but parents will have a fun time, too, especially if they visit the make-your-own caramel apple bar. The event takes place on Oct. 30 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for a child with one adult, $15 for each additional sibling, and $10 for each extra adult. The Purple Monkey Playroom is located at 2040 N. Western Ave.

BUCKTOWN: Halloween Party at Little Beans Café

The Little Beans Village will be transformed into a series of trick-or-treating stops. There will be a costume contest, dancing, a pizza dinner, and spooky snacks. The event is being held on Oct. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for the first child, and $25 per sibling. Little Beans Café is located at 1809 W. Webster.

THE LOOP: Halloween Parade of Artists

Arts in the Dark is a parade that celebrates Chicago's vibrant diversity. The exciting and eclectic parade starts at 6:00 on Columbus Drive at Balbo, and goes to Monroe. Then head over to the Bean for a dance party or Maggie Daley Park for a family friendly Halloween movie.

THE LOOP: EEK-o-Friendly Halloween at the Sod Room

Go green for Halloween! Kids can enjoy a concert by Sarah Jane Lane, pizza, and plenty of playtime. And TK Photography will be on hand to capture your cute kids in their costumes. The EEK-o-Friendly Halloween party takes place on Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at the Sod Room at 1454 South Michigan Avenue, on the second floor. Tickets cost $35 for one adult and one child, $20 for each additional child, and $7 for each additional adult.

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