Ghost Stories in the Park…in the Dark, Halloween Happening, Pumpkin Smash and more
Naperville Park District again will offer a variety of events to help celebrate autumn this month and next. From free community events to special programs available by registration, something is featured for all ages.
Oct. 7-9 / Ghost Stories in the Park…In the Dark, presented by Summer Place Theatre, returns to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion on October 7-9, featuring talented, local storytellers telling spine-tingling tales. Tickets may be purchased online at www.napervilleparks.org or at the door. This event is appropriate for adults and children ages 5 and up. Guests are advised to dress for the weather, as the performance is outdoors.
Oct. 1-29 / Families can enjoy fall and Halloween-themed activities at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, during Creepy Critters Month, from October 1-29, Monday through Saturday. Self-guided activities are available to explore spiders, bats, skeletons and pumpkins. Additionally, kids can go on an indoor Creepy Critters scavenger hunt and win a fun prize.
Oct. 4 / Knoch Knolls Nature Center has other free events for exploring nature this fall. An Adult Hike with a Naturalist is planned at 9:30AM for Tues., Oct. 4. Registration is required and can be completed online at www.napervilleparks.org.
Oct. 30 / Halloween Happening, presented by Woody Buick/GMC, is scheduled from 1 to 4PM on Sun., Oct. 30, also at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. This free event is designed for children ages 10 and under, featuring Halloween-themed games and activity stations where youngsters can collect treats and win prizes. Everyone is welcome to wear family-friendly costumes to the event. FREE
Nov. 5 / The Park District encourages families to save leftover Halloween jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins for recycling at the Pumpkin Smash at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, located at 811 S. West Street. The smashing event will be held from 9AM to noon, Sat., Nov. 5. Drop off your pumpkins or stay to help smash them directly into the garden soil. Now in its 6th year, this event successfully adds the nutrients of leftover pumpkins to the soil and keeps them out of landfills.
Nov. 12 / To learn more about owls in our area, join a naturalist for the Adult Owl Prowl at 5PM on Sat., Nov. 12, meeting on the deck at Knoch Knolls Nature Center. Registration is required and can be completed online at www.napervilleparks.org.
Nov. 18 / Finally, Fort Hill Fitness invites adults and students age 15 and up to the Friday Night Dance Party from 7 to 9:30PM on Fri., Nov. 18, at Fort Hill Activity Center. Fort Hill’s instructors will lead everyone in the fun dance moves of Zumba, Body Jam and Zumba Gold, followed by refreshments. Registration is open to members and nonmembers at www.napervilleparks.org.
