Your kids can learn about spiders and vultures, collect candy at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion or smash leftover jack-o'-lanterns into compost in October and November, all for free.
The Naperville Park District announced three family Halloween events running from October through early November. Each is open to the public at no cost, according to the Park District's website.
Creepy Critters Month: all October
Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Rd., will host free, self-guided activities featuring Halloween creatures like spiders and vultures throughout October. Families can drop in during regular hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The center is closed Sundays, Positively Naperville reported.
No registration is required.
Halloween Happening: Sunday, Oct. 25
The Park District's annual Halloween Happening runs 1–4 p.m. at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Ct. The free event is geared toward kids 10 and under and includes a chance to show off costumes, Halloween-themed games, candy collection and prize giveaways. Woody Buick GMC is the presenting sponsor.
A few costume rules apply: masks must allow clear peripheral vision with eyes fully visible, and props resembling real weapons are not permitted. The Park District said it reserves the right to deny admission to anyone not following guidelines.
Pumpkin Smash: Saturday, Nov. 7
After Halloween, families can bring their old jack-o'-lanterns to the Pumpkin Smash at Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St., from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees visit a weighing station, then smash their pumpkins themselves or let staff do it. The pumpkins are composted into the garden soil.
The Park District asks that all candles, metal and decorations be removed before arrival.
The event is part of a regional composting movement that started in 2014 with S.C.A.R.C.E. and the cities of Wheaton and Elmhurst, according to the Park District's event page. More than 125 sites now host annual pumpkin smashes across the region, composting over 1,618 tons of pumpkins. Those events have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,189 tons of carbon dioxide and diverted more than 347,000 gallons of water from landfills.
