Halloween Events in Chicago 2009

Are you looking for something to do in Chicago this year? Here is the rundown of a few of the events going on in and around Chicago this year:

In the city:

The Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier - located at 600 E. Grand Ave in Chicago, IL. This event runs September 26th through November 2nd on Wednesdays through Sundays only from 6-11pm. Individual admission is $20.00; VIP Fast Pass is $25.00. You can also get a $5.00 off admission coupon on the event's website located at http://www.thefearhauntedhouse.com. Take into consideration if you park at Navy Pier, you'll need probably an extra $20-25 to park in their parking garage.

Chicago Park District - located at various parks in Chicago, IL. Various events from pumpkin patches, to Halloween parties, to ghost races, to mazes, can be found in Chicago parks celebrating Halloween. Price for these events vary from park to park so I'd recommend going to the Chicago Park District Events page located at http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/events.results/object_id/79fca7d9-1b30-4f9f-ad61-cd55c5855d1e.cfm.

Spooky Zoo Spectacular at Lincoln Park Zoo - located at 2200 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago, IL. This event takes place on October 24th starting at noon. Celebrate Halloween in a free, safe, family-friendly environment. This is more of an educational Halloween event as you learn about animals, partake in crafts, collect treats and have fun while dressed in your favorite costume. The park is free, but parking starts at $17.00. I'd recommend you take public transportation to the zoo; it will drop you off right at the zoo's entrance.

Civic Orchestra of Chicago Halloween Haunts Concert - located at the Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL. The event takes place on October 24th and starts at 3pm but you can come early in your Halloween costumes for fun activities between 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Ticket prices go from $10.00-$60.00 depending on what seating location you choose. To learn more about this event or to purchase tickets, go to: http://www.cso.org/main.taf?p=3,11,6,3&PerfNo=2972.

Chicagoween 2009 - located at the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Street) in Chicago, IL. This event takes place through the entire month of October. Fun-filled events are available for children and adults. Admission is free. For more information, go to http://www.chicagoween.us.

In the suburbs:

Bengston's Pumpkin Patch - located at 13341 W. 151st St in Homer Glen, IL. It's open everyday from 10am-8pm from September 27th through October 30th. It includes hayrides, pony rides, a child-safe haunted house, corn maze, milking cows, petting zoo, and more. Free admission to children 2 and younger, $11.00 for kids 3-11 or seniors over 55 ($10.00 with coupon), and 12 years and older is $12.00 ($11.00 with coupon).

Statesville Haunted House - located at 17250 S. Weber Road in Crest Hill, IL. It is open weekends from October 4th-31st from 7pm to 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 11pm. It is suggested that you arrive early to avoid long lines. Cost of admission is $30.00, group tickets are $25.00. You can also purchase a VIP ticket for $10.00 to avoid the line. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed on the property and children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America - located in Gurnee, IL. This event runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October 2nd through November 1st. Ticket price for the theme park is $34.99 if you buy tickets online; tickets at the gate are $54.99. General parking is $15.00. For more information about the theme park, go to: http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx.

Trunk-n-Treat - located in Lansing, IL. This event is sponsored by the First Christian Church of Lansing, located at 2921 Ridge Road. The event will take place from 6-8pm on October 31st. This is a Halloween alternative that is family-friendly. For more information, call 708-474-3570.

Fun Fest - located in Chicago Heights, IL. This event is sponsored by Prairie State College. The event is free and takes place on October 31st from 4-6pm. The event features games, hayrides, prizes and more. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 708-709-3500.

Sources:

Chicago Halloween - Pumpkin Patches - Haunted Houses
http://www.chicago-halloween.com

Chicago Halloween - Guide to Halloween Events and Halloween in Chicago Things to Do
http://chicago.about.com/od/artsculture/a/Halloween.htm

Halloween Events
http://nwitimes.com/news/local/article_4cc9b792-0799-502b-8796-e3ce87ef35b3.html