Lake Co. Forest Preserve Hosts Halloween Events for Kids

By Amie Schaenzer

Submitted by the Lake County Forest Preserves:

Halloween festivities designed for little ones are offered at the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago, and the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda.

Ryerson Woods

Join us for the ever-popular Halloween Hikes on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, at Ryerson Woods. The event includes a 60-minute guided group hike along a candlelit path to watch several fun nature-themed skits, followed by donuts and cider. The skits are not scary, so even your littlest will enjoy this family favorite. Hikes begin every 30 minutes from 6 to 8 pm, and are designed for families with children of all ages. Cost is $9 residents, $11 nonresidents. Children ages 3 and under are free. Register by phone at 847-968-3321 or online.

Ryerson Woods is located on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road (Route 22) and Deerfield Road, just west of the Interstate 94 Tollway.

Greenbelt Cultural Center

Trick-or-Treat Trails, a fun, active, non-scary Halloween event will be held Sunday, October 26, from 2 to 5 pm. Costumes are encouraged. This free family event, generously sponsored by Great Lakes Credit Union, is recommended for children ages 12 and under. No registration required. Many activities are held outdoors, so dress for the weather. In the event of rain, activities will be held indoors.

The event features trick-or-treating, games with prizes, mask making, a pumpkin carving demonstration and nature activities from 2 to 4 pm. A costume contest, with prizes, will be held at 4 pm; register by3:20 pm. Entries to the costume contest are limited to the first 20 registrants in each of three age groups: infant–5; 6–8; and 9–12. The event concludes with games led by DJ Kathy and a Michael Jackson Thriller dance performance and dance-along from 4:30 to5 pm.

Greenbelt Cultural Center is located on the east side of Green Bay Road (Route 131), south of Belvidere Road (Route 120).

Lake County Discovery Museum

Bring the tots to the Museum for Small Discoveries—A Happy Halloween on Wednesday, October 22, from 10 to 11 am. Costumes are encouraged. The program celebrates Halloween traditions with stories, games and a variety of hands-on activities, and is designed for children ages 2–5 with an adult. Cost is $6 for adults, $2.50 for children, and includes museum admission. Ages 3 and under are free. Register by phone at 847-968-3321 or online.

The Lake County Discovery Museum is located in Lakewood Forest Preserve. The entrance and parking area are on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road.