Ever since Halloween inexplicably morphed from a simple one-day candy grab into an elaborate “season” unto itself, it has become a holiday that appeals to adults and kids alike. Such inclusiveness is certainly one of the draws of Halloween, but the divide between appropriate activities for adults and children can make choosing one’s celebrations a bit complicated—no sense in prematurely scaring the wits out of the little ones or subjecting a group of 20-somethings to an apple bob.
The good news is that just as the reach of Halloween has grown, so too has the number of options for enjoying an age-appropriate good time.--Mark Loehrke
Family Friendly
Navy Pier Really Big Halloween Party
From pumpkin carvers and spooky scavenger hunts to trick-or-treating and pony rides, there’s enough on the Pier to occupy the little ones until next Halloween (top image). Fri.– Sat., 12–9pm; Sun. and Wed., 12–8pm. 600 E. Grand, 312.595.7437.
Zombie Safari
What’s better than a regular game of paintball? Zombie paintball on a haunted trail—that’s what. 6:30–11:00pm. $20–$30. Paintball Explosion, 601 Dundee Ave. in East Dundee, 847.426.2662.
Screams in the Park
As the name suggests, this more intense haunted endeavor is probably best for kids over age 13 only. A recreation of serial killer H. H. Holmes’s mansion, the haunted house (image second from top) is in the basement of the MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Fri.–Sat., 7–11pm; Sun., 5–9pm; Mon.–Wed., 7–11pm. $20. 9703 Bryn Mawr in Rosemont, 847.349.5008.
Adults Only
Spooky Sushi and Spirits
The chic Rebar at Trump Tower breaks out Halloween-themed drink (a Dra-Kahlua, anyone?) and sushi specials through Wed., Oct. 31. 676 N. St. Clair, 312.588.8000.
The good news is that just as the reach of Halloween has grown, so too has the number of options for enjoying an age-appropriate good time.--Mark Loehrke
Family Friendly
Navy Pier Really Big Halloween Party
From pumpkin carvers and spooky scavenger hunts to trick-or-treating and pony rides, there’s enough on the Pier to occupy the little ones until next Halloween (top image). Fri.– Sat., 12–9pm; Sun. and Wed., 12–8pm. 600 E. Grand, 312.595.7437.
Zombie Safari
What’s better than a regular game of paintball? Zombie paintball on a haunted trail—that’s what. 6:30–11:00pm. $20–$30. Paintball Explosion, 601 Dundee Ave. in East Dundee, 847.426.2662.
Screams in the Park
As the name suggests, this more intense haunted endeavor is probably best for kids over age 13 only. A recreation of serial killer H. H. Holmes’s mansion, the haunted house (image second from top) is in the basement of the MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Fri.–Sat., 7–11pm; Sun., 5–9pm; Mon.–Wed., 7–11pm. $20. 9703 Bryn Mawr in Rosemont, 847.349.5008.
Adults Only
Spooky Sushi and Spirits
The chic Rebar at Trump Tower breaks out Halloween-themed drink (a Dra-Kahlua, anyone?) and sushi specials through Wed., Oct. 31. 676 N. St. Clair, 312.588.8000.
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