Trick or Treating for Halloween

Bring her trick-or-treating with Olivia and friends! Last year we took her with a friend's two sons to the street just south of Foster and West of Ashland. The people there are great the block really has a very friendly Halloween spirit. Some of the adults even dress up, and last year they had their doors open or were sitting on their porches. I think we covered maybe 2 blocks, both sides of the street, and we were all exhausted. No doubt Olivia would like to be reunited with her partner in crime, Ms. Skylar. Email us for a sooner get-to-gether or play date as well. In fact, we're going camping the weekend after labor day. ____@____.com.

I think the Century mall does something inside- it's easy and fun!

Hi S. G,

As Halloween approaches it will be easier to find advertised activities for young kids who don't really know what Halloween is. As Emily wrote, below, Park District's are great for appropriate activities. In Evanston, the Women's Club (across Church St. from Whole Foods) usually has a "Fairy Tale Trail" inside their building for a few days leading up to Halloween, geared towards preschoolers. If you want something outside, Wilmette also has a nice family friendly Halloween program at Gillson Park along the lakefront.

Good luck and enjoy "2"!

Zach's Mom

I know Lincoln Square and North Center both have organized trick or treating (businesses along Lincoln Ave. between Irving Park Road and Lawrence). Check the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Goudy Square park at Goethe and Astor Place has a great Halloween party every year. There are locals who have different "trick or treating" stations around the park, plus the kids can play on the equipment and they'll have puppet shows and other entertainment. And the surrounding couple of blocks seem VERY welcoming to outside neighborhood visitors.

(apparently, unlike some Oak Park neighborhoods)

I would check out the various park districts-Skokie has Halloween activities, and the other surrounding suburbs probably do, too. In addition, the Nature Museum, The Field Museum, etc., might have activities, too.

I am wondering why you do not want to go door to door? A two year old is only going to be ready for MINIMAL trick or treating anyway- just a dozen houses would satisfy her. If you live in a neighborhood- any neighborhood- holidays are one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors, who lives where, which kids belong to which house, etc. Is your neighborhood SO dangerous that you don't think your daughter would be safe with you along with her??

As someone who lived in Oak Park for years, we had to contend with HUNDREDS of 'drive in' trick or treaters whose parents sat in a car at the end of the block after driving them in from someplace else. It is very annoying to the locals and not really productive for you or your child to go someplace strange just to get candy.

If you are in a local mom's group talk with other moms who have kids the same age and all go together. Or have a little party for your little kids at someone's house. Don't isolate yourself from the neighborhood where your child will be playing and going to school.

Personally I think driving to someplace like the Mall of America for trick or treating would be crazy. If you are really worried about danger- a little kid is in just as much danger somewhere like that as she would be on her own street. Packing everyone up, driving there, etc. - why hassle yourself with that? Your daughter is only 2!

Your neighbors are your allies in having a safe, healthy street to live on- don't isolate yourself! Get to know each other so you have familiar faces around you. Start now and by the time you are ready for kindergarten, you will know who belongs on your block and who doesn't, where the older kids hang out, where the moms with little kids play, etc. That is a GOOD thing!

You have a lot of Halloweens ahead- just do a couple of blocks and go home and relax and take pictures of your little girl!

I think most malls and shopping districts have some sort of trick or treating. Oak Park's Avenue district has a little costume parade for kids (like a block long - very little) followed by trick-or-treating at the stores that are right there.

There's also a lot of free stuff that Chicago puts on, parades, pumpkin decorating, etc. http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event...

ETA - I live in Oak Park and I'm happy to give candy to kids from anywhere! The more the merrier, and if you run out just turn off your porch light. What a mean-spirited, non-holiday thing to say, that city kids aren't welcome.

But I also have to point out that middle-schoolers and teens from our block go to River Forest for the "good candy." So maybe anyone interested in suburban candy should go the extra couple of miles. Local legend has it that they give out whole candy bars!

You can try Bubbles Academy, they usually have a fun party - the kids dress up, play,parade, do a craft etc. Check out there website closer to the time. We've attended them before -- pretty sure you don't have to be doing classes there. Costs about $20?? It's nice and safe. Also I imagine DayFrog will probably have something for Halloween - they are on Ohio near the NWMH. Similar sort of place. If they aren't on Halloween day they are close to it, and early enough for the little ones to get dressed up and not be over tired - and you can take some photos. I'm sure she'll love it!
Don't forget the city will have a Halloween parade down State Street for the kids too - usually on a Saturday, close to Halloween. The LP Zoo has a Halloween event - might be a little chaotic though.
Good luck!