Snoopy Exhibit (“Take Care with Peanuts”) at the Chicago Children’s Museum
Running from September 13, 2025, through January 4, 2026, Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit invites visitors to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang in an interactive, empathy-themed adventure at the Chicago Children’s Museum. On October 3, there’s a special Peanuts 75th Anniversary Celebration from 6–8 PM—with light bites provided by Chef Art Smith’s Reunion and an art-studio experience, and best of all: no kids required for admission!
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition at MSI
This action-packed exhibit opened in May 2025 and runs into early 2026. Step into the world of Spider-Man with rare comic books, original costumes and props from Marvel movies, life-size statues (Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider, Spider-Man), and plenty of interactive learning fun—lasting around 60 minutes and priced from about $18 per person.
“Coco in Concert Live to Film” at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Treat the family to a night of magic on October 16 and October 18, 2025, when Lyric Opera presents Disney and Pixar’s Coco on screen, accompanied by the Lyric Opera Orchestra performing the beloved score live. This limited experience starts at 7:00 PM on October 16 and a matinee on October 18 begins at 2:00 PM. Tickets and information can be found here.
Balloon Museum – The Only Museum of Inflatable Art in Chicago
Launching on October 30, this vibrant, first-of-its-kind Balloon Museum features monumental inflatable art installations, colorful interactivity, and stunning photo opportunities. It’s described as a “magical experience” that you can touch, walk through, and enjoy for all ages.
Opening of Urban Air (Adventure & Trampoline Park) in Lincoln Park
Chicago’s new Urban Air Adventure Park, at 1801 W Fullerton Avenue, is touted to open in October 2025 and has already begun teasing sneak peeks online. It will house over 35,000 ft² of indoor attractions—ziplines, dodgeball, climbing walls, trampoline courts, laser tag, bumper cars, and more—perfect for energetic family fun, regardless of the season. Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks and maybe a giveaway that will get one lucky family jumping for joy!
Lincoln Park Zoo / Fall Fest
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo returns this year from September 26 through October 26, 2025, with free admission and weekend-only (Friday–Sunday) programming. Families can enjoy pumpkin picking, rides (Ferris wheel, giant slide, inflatables), s’mores over fire pits, live musical performances, and even animal enrichment sessions and talks tailored to the season.
Family Apple-Picking & Farm Fun (Chicagoland)
Illinois and Wisconsin orchards—including All Seasons Orchard, Kuipers Family Farm, Keller’s Farmstand, and Honey Hill Orchard—are open through late October, offering U-pick apples, wagon rides, corn mazes, play areas, farm animals, and baked goods like cider donuts. Check out our list HERE to find one (or two) to visit this fall.
- Arts in the Dark Parade
Returning on October 18 (6-8 PM) Chicago’s 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade transforms State Street into a glowing procession of puppets, floats, masked performers, music and dance—from Lake to Van Buren Streets in the Loop. This dazzling, free event draws tens of thousands every year and is a stunning, family-friendly way to celebrate creativity as a holiday art form. Tips: Arrive early for best viewing, along the south end of the route near Van Buren tends to be less crowded. CTA buses may reroute. Dress warmly—it’s outdoors evening in October!
Rome Sweet Rome
This wildly inventive "add-rap-tation" of Julius Caesar from Chicago's own the Q Brothers Collective blends Shakespeare’s political drama with '90s hip-hop, DJ beats and clever satire—full of energy and humor for older kids and parents alike. Catch performances through Sunday, October 19, including shows on Saturday, October 18 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. You can find tickets and more information on the CST website.
Why it’s exciting for families: It’s not your average Shakespeare—think Caesar dropping beats, Brutus rapping, and history with swagger. A bold live theater night the teens may actually love. Tickets begin around $55, depending on date.
- All the festive fall treats and crafts! Check out some of our favorite fall recipes and projects below:
Cozy Fall Recipes
2 Easy Recipes, One Fall Flavor
5 Easy Crafts for Preschoolers
DIY Costume Ideas
DIY Simmering Scents
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Play Dough
