If you’re wondering what to do in Chicago for Halloween 2025, you’re in for a treat — and maybe a few tricks. 🎃
Every October, Chicago transforms into a city-wide celebration of spooky fun: haunted houses, candlelit concerts, costume parades, pop-ups, pumpkin patches, and ghost tours that make even skeptics shiver. I’ve rounded up 20 of the best Halloween things to do in Chicago, grouped by family-friendly and adult adventures, so you can plan the perfect fall weekend in the city.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Chicago
These picks are perfect for kids, families, and anyone who prefers smiles over screams.
Lincoln Park Zoo — Spooky Zoo
Where: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: Free admission (all ages)
Highlights: Trick-or-treat stations, sustainable candy, carousel rides, kid-friendly entertainment and learning activities.
PRO-TIP: Arrive early — candy may run out and it’s very popular with families.
Navy Pier — Slightly Spooky Saturday (Family edition)
Where: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12 p.m.–6 p.m. (family session)
Cost: Free activities; some experiences may require tickets.
Highlights: Trick-or-treating at 70+ stations, free workshops, live performances, dog costume contest, vendor market at Navy Pier.
Note: This event is great for families; distinct from the adult-only after-hours events.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop‑Up
Where: 1265 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642
When: September 18 – November 2, 2025 (check site for updated hours)
Cost: Ticketed attraction; children under 5 free with paid adult ticket.
Highlights: Over 10,000 pumpkins, giant corn maze, photo-ops, food trucks, carnival games, axe-throwing (18+). Family-friendly before 7 p.m.
PRO-TIP: This is great for families in daylight hours; but after dark the vibe leans more adult.
Wicker Park Dog Halloween Parade
Where: Wicker Park neighborhood, Chicago, IL.
When: October 18
Cost: Free (for spectators)
Highlights: Costumed dogs parading through Wicker Park, family-friendly fun with prizes for best dog costumes.
Note: Bring your pet’s leash and costume, arrive early for best views and photo moments.
CTA “L” — Halloween Train
Where: Various CTA train lines, Chicago, IL.
When: Select nights during October (exact dates TBA)
Cost: Regular CTA fare applies (approx. $2.50)
Highlights: Decorated trains with Halloween lights, spooky tunes, and themed décor — budget-friendly thrill.
Note: Check CTA website for 2025 schedule and lines participating.
Arts in the Dark Parade
Where: State Street, Downtown Chicago (Loop)
When: October 18, 2025; 6- 8 pm
Cost: Free to spectators.
Highlights: Giant puppets, illuminated floats, creative performances, family-friendly costume fun.
Note: Arrive early for a good viewing spot; bring a blanket and snacks.
Chicago Botanic Garden — Night of 1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns
Where: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022 (north suburb)
When: October dates nightly (e.g., Oct 8-12, 15-19, 22-26) from ~6:30-10:30 p.m. in 2025.
Cost: Adults ~$25 advance, children ~$17 advance (ticketed)
Highlights: Over 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins lining illuminated garden paths, seasonal food & drink for adults.
Note: Typically requires advance online ticket purchase; event fills up quickly.
Brookfield Zoo — Boo! at the Zoo
Where: 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 (suburb)
When: Throughout October (check zoo events calendar)
Cost: Zoo admission + optional event fee (varies)
Highlights: Trick-or-treating, hayrides, costumed characters, pumpkin-feeding for animals
Note: Suburban location — plan for parking; check times for weekend vs weekday.
Chicago Children’s Museum — “Not-So-Scary” Halloween
Where: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (Navy Pier)
When: Mid-October through Halloween (dates vary)
Cost: Museum admission + special program fee (if applicable)
Highlights: Costume parties, sensory-friendly programming, crafts for littlest trick-or-treaters
Note: Great for toddlers and families looking for a gentler Halloween experience.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Magnificent Mile
Where: Michigan Avenue, between Oak and Water Streets, Chicago, IL
When: Mid-October (date varies — many stores participate weekends leading up to Halloween)
Cost: Free to stroll; optional purchases
Highlights: Candy stations in stores, costumed characters, family-friendly atmosphere under city lights
Note: Parking can be tricky — take CTA or rideshare if possible.
Halloween Events & Haunted Fun for Adults
13th Floor Haunted House
Where: 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176.
When: Select nights (season opens in early fall 2025).
Cost: Tickets start at ~$15.99 (general admission); “skip-the-line” tiers around ~$35.99.
Highlights: Chicago’s iconic haunted house experience with immersive sets and professional actors.
Note: It’s intense and better suited to adults or older teens.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Where: Northalsted (Boystown) neighborhood, Chicago — roughly 3200-3415 N Halsted St.
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 — 6:30 PM-10:00 PM.
Cost: Free to watch; registration needed if entering costume contest.
Highlights: One of the top Halloween parades in the U.S., featuring a costume contest with $4,000 in cash prizes.
Note: Family friendly during early part, but also big after-party vibe.
Dance of the Dead at Theatre on the Lake
Where: 2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL.
When: Evening of October 31, 2025 (exact time to be confirmed)
Cost: Ticketed event (pricing varies)
Highlights: Elegant masquerade ball overlooking the lake and skyline; live music and costume prizes.
Note: Ideal for stylish adults seeking upscale Halloween night.
Haunted Speakeasy @ The Rookery
Where: 209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL
When: Select nights during Halloween week (verify for 2025)
Cost: Ticketed (check event site)
Highlights: 1920s Prohibition-era themed cocktails and costumed bartenders in a historic building.
Note: Adults only; dress to impress.
Haunted Bar Crawl – River North
Where: Various bars in River North, Chicago, IL
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 — generally evening into late night
Howl‑o‑ween at Lincoln Park Zoo (Adults Night)
Where: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
When: Friday, October 24, 2025 — 6:30 PM-10:00 PM.
Cost: ~$25 general admission.
Highlights: Adults-only evening at the zoo with DJ, haunt trail, drinks & costume fun.
Note: Great for younger adults or couples.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop‑Up Adult Evening
Where: 1265 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642
When: September–November 2025; adult-friendly hours start after dusk
Cost: Ticketed — vary by time and date
Highlights: Giant outdoor Halloween experience—pumpkins, maze, games; adult hours bring cocktails & DJs.
Note: Good transition event for families + adults.
Haunted Hotel Halloween Ball (Alternative Adult Option)
Where: Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 — 9:00 PM-2:00 AM.
Cost: GA from ~$20; VIP & hotel bundle packages range much higher.
Highlights: Costume contest, live DJs, immersive haunted hotel vibe.
Note: Same venue as #12; you may choose to merge or present as alternate event.
Theatre on the Lake Halloween Ball
Where: 2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
When: Evening of October 31, 2025 (exact details TBD)
Cost: Ticketed (premium)
Highlights: Elegant masquerade with skyline views, live performance, costume prizes.
Note: Ideal for upscale couples or groups.
Plan Your Chicago Halloween Weekend
- Getting Around: CTA trains & buses run late; Divvy bikes and rideshare are great for hopping between events. If you’re new to the city, be sure to use our guide to Planning Trip to Chicago with tips on navigating the city.
- Where to Stay: Downtown or River North for easy access to both family and nightlife events.
- Weather Tip: Late October nights can drop into the 40s °F (4–8 °C) — bring layers!
Final Thoughts
Halloween in Chicago is one of those times when the city truly shines — from families in costume parading down State Street to skyline parties on Lake Michigan. Whether you want pumpkins and parades or cocktails and costumes, there’s a perfect event waiting for you.
I’ll be checking out Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up and maybe the 13th Floor this year — so if you see someone with a camera and a pumpkin-spice latte, say hi!