UPDATE: The Naperville Park District has just announced a thrilling lineup of Halloween-themed events designed to engage families throughout October. The community is invited to partake in various activities starting today, October 2, as the district ramps up excitement for the spooky season.
Families can immerse themselves in the annual Creepy Critters Month at the Knoch Knoll Nature Center. Drop-in hours are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This hands-on experience features self-guided activities focused on fascinating creatures like fungus, slime, spiders, and bats. Children can also join an indoor scavenger hunt to win Halloween-themed prizes, with no advance registration required.
Adding to the excitement, the Summer Place Theatre will present its annual “Ghost Stories in the Park … in the Dark” event at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion on the evenings of October 3, 4, and 5. This spine-chilling storytelling session is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are priced at $7 each and can be purchased online at www.napervilleparks.org or in person at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center.
The excitement continues with the Halloween Happening, a free event for children ages 10 and younger, scheduled for October 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Kids can come dressed in costumes, enjoy fun games, and collect candy. A special area, Tot Town, will cater to children aged 5 and younger. All costumes must adhere to family-friendly guidelines, prohibiting any props that resemble real weapons.
In addition to these festive activities, residents looking to secure outdoor spaces for winter gatherings can begin submitting pavilion rental applications today at 8:30 a.m.. Non-residents can apply starting on October 9. The winter rental season spans from January 1 through March 31, with several locations available, including the DuPage River Park Pavilion and the Knoch Knolls Frank J. Rus Pavilion.
For those interested in booking, it’s essential to submit requests at least three weeks in advance, and all renters must be at least 21 years old.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Naperville Park District continues to roll out engaging programs for the community. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join in the Halloween fun this October! For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org/pavilionrentals.