With the colors popping, air crisping, and lattes pumpkin-spicing, all signs point to fall – and so do October events at the Fox Valley Park District! We’ve got a cauldron full of Halloween-themed activities – from creepy to crawly to cute – bubbling all month long. Here are some fun options to get you started and be sure to check out our Event Calendar for a full lineup of October treats!
Pumpkin Weekends
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 10), enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities at Blackberry Farm, festively decorated for the fall season. Take in the fresh air and play in the Corn Crib in Farmer’s Junction, visit the Carriage Museum to purchase pumpkins, take pictures throughout the park at various photo-op locations and enjoy the park’s established attractions, such as train, hay wagon, and pony rides.
When: Saturdays & Sundays in October + Columbus Day (Monday, October 10) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: All
More info/purchase tickets
Hocus Pocus Hoe Down
Gather your little ghouls and point the family broomstick to Prisco Community Center where an evening of fun awaits. The evil lineup of activities includes dead dancing, creepy crafts and a menacing movie, “Hocus Pocus!” Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume!
When: Friday, October 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: 2+
Register online
Trick-or-Treat Tango
Trick-or-treat then twist and shout at the Vaughan Athletic Center! Come celebrate the spooky season by joining us for an evening of dancing, crafts, games, and lots of candy. Prizes await the winners of our costume contest. Register early for a discounted rate! All participants must be accompanied by a paying adult.
When: Friday, October 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 3+
Register online
Forest of Fright
Explore the woods of Red Oak through a spooky self-led trail hike. Listen for the shrilling sounds that always seem to surface in the darkness. Then, sit by the campfire and listen to haunted tales. (Due to the thematic elements, children younger than 8 years old are encouraged to stay inside the nature center for crafts, music and games.)
When: Saturday, October 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Red Oak Nature Center
Ages: 8+
Purchase tickets
BOO-st Your Fitness Challenge
Join our fall group exercise participation challenge that’s running the last week of October (24-30). Attend as many group classes as you can to increase your chance of winning! Instructors will have skull eggs at each class with either a ticket for Fox Fitness swag item or raffle ticket for $100 Visa gift card. Raffle winners will be drawn and notified on Halloween (Oct. 31).
When: All week October 24 – 30
Where: Fox Fitness at Eola, Prisco, and Vaughan
Ages: All
Find Classes
Pumpkin Patch Pool Party
Be a part of pumpkin history at the Vaughan Athletic Center and take a dip in our floating pumpkin patch at the first Pumpkin Patch Pool Party! Your admission includes one pumpkin (and materials to use at decorating stations), and 45 minutes of swim time! Choose from two sessions: 8:45-10 a.m. or 10:30-11:45 a.m.
When: Saturday, October 29 at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Aquatic Center
Ages: 2+
Register online
