Halloween Events A'Plenty in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest

Who doesn't like Halloween? Well, witness by the number of events in the area, everyone seems to.

There's a bunch o'things that are going on in the Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest area.

Tuesday, Oct. 23

Even the littlest hands can get ready for Halloween. How? Come to the Toddler Halloween Craft program from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St. No registration required. 

Get dressed up in your best Halloween costume for the Kids Spooktacular Halloween Party at 5:15 p.m. at the Park District of Forest Park's east-side facility, Sansone Drive and Hannah Avenue. Treats and pumpkin decorating also will highlight the festivities, and of course, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Cost is $10 for residents; $15 for non-residents. Call 708-366-7500 for more information.

Thursday, Oct. 25

Forest Parkers - turn your house into the scariest in town and you could get free pool passes for up to four family members. For the Halloween Fear Makeover Contest, park district commissioners and staff wil drive through town on Thursday Oct. 25 to pick the best decorated house. To qualify residents must register their addresses with the Park District's office, 7501 W. Harrison St. Keep in mind when you're decorating: curb appeal, creativity, use of theme, place, use of yard and house and originality. Call 708-366-7500 for details.

Friday, Oct. 26

Halloween Hootenanny Annual Storytime Party and Costume Parade will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. Kids, come in your best costume and enjoy the stories. Register here. Call 708-366-7171 for more information. 

Get a little scared and have a good time with it during the Special Spooky Storytime from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. All ages are welcome; no registration is required.

Enter the Oak Park Conservatory if you dare from 6 to 9 p.m. as you'll never know what happens under the glass. Urban legends abound - is it an ancient burial ground? Does the spirit of the farmer who owned the land still haunt the tropical room? You'll only find out by going.  The 6 to 7 p.m. time is recommended for ages 12 and under; the 7 to 9 slot is recommended for ages 13 and up. Admission is $5. The conservatory is located at 615 Garfield St.

Catch a scary movie complete with s'mores from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. during the Spooky Movie Night at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.  Bring your own treats and lawn chairs for this outdoor movie experience. All the fixings for s'mores, plus roasting tongs, will be provided. The fee is $5 for residents; $8 for non-residents. Click here to register.  Register Now.

Saturday, Oct. 27

If taking a trip to the country sounds like fun, the Park District of Forest Park is sponsoring an excursion to Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago. Folks get to experience a farm market, scary house, rides, Halloween displays and attractions. The trip will leave from the Park District's headquarters, 7501 W. Harrison St., at 8 a.m. and return there around 3:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for residents; $15 for non-residents and includes transportation.  

Get a little creeped out at the Oak Park Public Library with a bit of Halloween fund starting at 6 p.m. at the Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St. Crafts, games, stories and refreshments are just the ticket for this after-hours event. This event is best for youngsters age 4 to 10. Costumes are encouraged. Register at the library, online or call 708-386-9032. The event is free and open to the public.