The Naperville Park District's free Halloween Happening returns to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion on Sunday, Oct. 25, with games, candy and prizes for children 10 and under. The event runs 1 to 4 p.m. at 912 Sindt Court, just west of Centennial Beach, according to the Park District's announcement.
Kids can collect treats and win prizes through Halloween-themed activities at the pavilion, the Park District said. Admission is free.
Costumes are encouraged but come with rules. Masks must leave eyes fully visible with clear peripheral vision. Props that resemble real weapons are not allowed. All costumes must be family-friendly, and the Park District said it reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who doesn't follow the costume guidelines.
Woody Buick GMC is the presenting sponsor. Local businesses including Portillo's, Heinen's Grocery Store, Naperville Bank and Trust, Dave Steinbach of State Farm, Raising Cane's, Duly Health and Care and Bricks & Minifigs are among more than a dozen supporters. Kona Ice and Frosty Dogs will sell food on site.
A packed Halloween weekend
Oct. 25 is the busiest Halloween day on Naperville's calendar.
The Downtown Naperville Alliance's Halloween Hop runs 10 a.m. to noon that morning, with trick-or-treating at participating downtown shops and free trolley rides, according to Positively Naperville's Halloween guide.
Naper Settlement's new Family Spooktacular also wraps up that day, running noon to 4 p.m. at 523 S. Webster St. Tickets for the Spooktacular are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for kids under 4.
Halloween Happening is the only free, dedicated kids' event that afternoon. Families who hit the downtown Hop in the morning can walk over to the Riverwalk afterward.
Other free Halloween activities through Oct. 31
Knoch Knolls Nature Center (320 Knoch Knolls Road) is running its free Creepy Critters Month through Saturday, Oct. 31. Drop-in activities feature slugs, spiders and vultures, plus an indoor scavenger hunt with a Halloween prize.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. No registration is needed, but an adult must accompany children.
After Halloween, the Park District's free Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 7, lets families haul their jack-o'-lanterns to the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots at 811 S. West St. from 9 a.m. to noon to smash them and compost the remains right into the garden beds.
