Family Fun: Things to Do in Chicago This Fall

Looking for activities for kids as summer approaches? Even when the temperatures drop, there are plenty of activities and special events in and around Chicago to keep you and the kids busy. This fall, catch a movie or theater show, enjoy the crisp fall air in a pumpkin patch, or attend a spooky event with the whole family in tow.

Fun ideas for fall

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm – Tis the season for fall attractions including tractor rides, a pumpkin park, a petting zoo, carnival rides, a haunted barn and more. Fall comfort foods like donuts, corn and barbecue are available for purchase. September 16-October. 31. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen. Tickets $17.99-$33.99; pumpkinfarm.com

Neighborhood Artisan Market – This pop-up market features local artists from various Chicago communities, including North Park, Woodlawn and Greater Grand Crossing. Check out the crafts, wares and souvenirs every Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm Until September 25th. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free; navypier.org

Special events

Lincoln Park Gyro Fest: Enjoy lamb, beef or chicken gyros and Greek food while listening to music by Sixteen Candles and the Ormi Orchestra. There will be games, activities and crafts to entertain the young guests. September 9-11. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave. $10 suggested donation; lincolnparkgyrofest.com

Film Festival presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Catch a screening of “Cats” or “The Lion King,” with movie props, trivia, zoo admission, free rides and more. “King of the Jungle” VIP tickets include a “Lion King” themed party and screening alongside a pride of lions. September 16 Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Tickets $15-$30; lpzoo.org

Norwood Park Fall Fest: Fun for all ages, this street festival will feature food trucks, live music, shopping and games and entertainment for kids. Headliners include The Breakfast Club, Second Hand Soul Band and 7th Heaven. September 16-17. Norwood Park Train Station, 6088 W. Northwest Hwy. suggested donation of $5; npfallfest.org

Lakeview Taco Fest: A dozen taco vendors will serve hot tortillas at this Lakeview favorite. Children’s activities, two stages of live music and delicious food will keep the whole family happy. Headliners include Too Much Molly Band, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Supernatural Soul. September 17-18. On Southport Avenue between Addison and Roscoe. $10 suggested donation; Lakeviewtacofest.com

Feast on over 1,000 carved pumpkins at the Night of 1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden. October 12-16 and 19-23.

Courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Family Fall Fest: There will be plenty of free activities available at this family-friendly Rosemont festival. Kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, balloon animals, a petting zoo and more from 1pm to 5pm Renowned children’s band ScribbleMonster will perform an engaging set. September 18 Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. Free; parkwaybankpark.com

Hyde Park Children’s Book Fair: Readings, music and dance performances, storytelling and more will take place between 11am and 4pm to celebrate the love of literature. This year, for its 35th year, the theme is “Banned Books”. September 18 57th Street between Woodlawn and Dorchester. Free; thechildrensbookfairofhydepark.org

Taste of Fulton Market – Returning for a second year, this food festival features bites from Fulton Market favorites including Rose Mary, Publican, BLVD and many more. Grab some to benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and Recipe for Change. September 29 Morgan’s on Fulton, 952 W Fulton Market. Tickets $75+; tasteoffultonmarket.com

Fall Fest: Lincoln Park Zoo hosts fall festivities including a pumpkin patch, fall-themed pop-up restaurant, Ferris wheel, harvest maze, train rides and more. While you’re enjoying the fall atmosphere, see what animals come out to say hello in the fall air! September 30-October. 30. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Free admission, select attractions $4-$69; lpzoo.org

Night of 1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns: More than 1,000 professionally carved pumpkins will line the paths of the Chicago Botanic Garden this fall spectacular. Appetizers and drinks will be available for purchase. Non-member parking must be purchased in advance. October 12-16 and 19-23. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. Tickets $13-$20; chicagobotanic.org

Live performances

Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza: Classic Disney characters Mickey, Minnie Mouse and Goofy, along with Marvel’s Spidey, invite you to join them for a costume party, singing, dancing and more. September 25 The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets $19.50+; chicagotheatre.com

Dinosaurs seem to come alive in “Jurassic World Live.”

Jurassic World Live: Powered by people and animatronics, more than 20 life-size dinosaurs from the hit movie roar through the Allstate Arena. November 3-6. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Tickets $20+; ticketmaster.com.

Halloween Spooktakular: The New Philharmonic Orchestra performs spooky tunes from thrillers like “Witches of Eastwick” and “Young Frankenstein.” Dress up in your Halloween best for a chance to win the costume contest! October 22-23. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Tickets $53; atthemac.org

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