Fall, winter offer a lot of fun, attractions for the whole family

Gather the family together and check out these things to see and do for the kids in the coming weeks. We’ve also included ghoulish entertainment for older kids. Check individual websites for COVID protocols and age restrictions.

Morton Arboretum: Fall programming includes a variety of outdoor events including the play “A Haunting in Sherwood Forest” (weekends through October 31), Cider and Ale Fest (October 23), Glass Pumpkin exhibition (October 13-15, exhibition of thousands of mouth-blown glass pumpkins), and the return of “Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum” (the original mile-long walking trail is return, from November 20 to January 2). There is also a long list of other activities, including wellness programs, family hikes, and information programs. 4100 Ill. 53, Lisle, $ 8 to $ 16 (some events require additional ticketing); mortonarb.org

13^e Haunted houses on the ground: “Bad Blood” revolves around an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves and in “Spirit of Halloween” a witch casts a spell to summon the spirits of the underworld. Until November 13 at 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park, $ 19.99 +; 13thfloorchicago.com

Statesville Haunted Jail: The chills and chills of Halloween begin with the final year of this haunted site featuring 30 halls of horrific creatures and doomed. As of Oct. 31 at 17250 S. Weber, Lockport, $ 30, $ 45; Statesvillehauntedprison.com

La Forge: Lemont Quarries: Fall-themed festivities include Zombie Apocalypse Laser Tag (Friday through Sunday through October 31), a screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct 23),” The Tale of Talcott’s Stone – A Guided Adventure Game ” (October 29 to 30), Fireside Ghost Stories with Orion Couling (October 29-30) 1001 Main, Lémont Admission is free; activity prices vary; forgeparks.com

Dr. Seuss’ experience: The 25,000-square-foot immersive attraction experience is a multisensory journey through nine books by Seuss, including “The Cat in the Hat,” “Horton Hears a Who!”, “The Lorax” and “How the Grinch Got stole Christmas “. In addition, there is an interconnected maze with hundreds of balloons. Starts Oct. 8 at Water Tower Place in Old Macy’s, 835 N. Michigan, $ 23 +; experienceseuss.com

Brookfield Zoo: Fall events (October 9-24) include a corn maze, family photo ops, giant inflatables and more. Holiday events include a community tree cutting (November 13-14), a reindeer race (November 20) and Holiday Magic (November 26-December 31), the annual light show. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31^st, Brookfield, $ 17.95-$ 19.95; czs.org

Open House in Chicago: The annual Chicago Architecture Center festival that celebrates the city’s architecture offers self-guided outdoor tours throughout October and indoor tours (October 16-17), with over 200 buildings in the neighborhoods of the city and the suburbs open to the public. To free; openhousechicago.org

Courtesy Brookfield Zoo

Small Park of Horrors: The drive-thru-only Halloween experience features horror screens with music and lighting effects. October 21-24, 28-31. Wing Park, 1010 Wing St., Elgin, $ 10 advance tickets for scheduled admission; ticketweb.com

CSOs for children: Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra introduce children to classical music in two daytime performances (October 23), the orchestra performs John Williams’ score at a screening of “Home Alone” (26-28 November) and the orchestra shares holiday music for the annual family concert “Merry, Merry Chicago!” »(December 17-23). Prices vary; cso.org

Jayme thornton

Laurie Berkner’s Halloween Party: The children’s musician invites families to her virtual party where they can sing original Halloween tunes and old favorites. Aired October 31, $ 20; laurieberkner.com

Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights: The zoo park turns into a land of twinkling lights. There are also photos with Santa Claus, a maze of light, an enchanted forest and much more. 19 November-Jan. 2. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark, $ 5 with some free nights; lpzoo.org

Christkindlmarket: Families can enjoy the return of this holiday tradition with its European vibe and wide range of gifts and food. 19 Nov-Dec 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, and 19 Nov-Dec. 31 outside Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison, free; christkindlmarket.com

Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea: A puppet show featuring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends, as well as photos with the actors, cookies and cocoa. 20 Nov-Dec 24. Chicago Children’s Theater, 100 S. Racine, $ 42 and up; chicagochildrenstheater.org

Chicago Halloweek: The Upside Down Parade in Washington Park (noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 23) features dancers, musicians, circus acrobats and more; Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade (6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 30) features floats, show puppets, and shows downtown on State Street; the Dia de los Muertos celebration (9 am-3pm) at Maxwell Street Market features music, a sugar skull workshop, pumpkin decorations and more. To free; chicagohalloweek.org

Millennium Park: The holidays begin with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 19) and continue with the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (November 19-March 6) and the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (November 26-December 17) . To free; milleniumpark.org

Compiled by Mary Houlihan, For the Sun-Times