Indoor Halloween activities, trick-or-treating in Chicago on this snowy October 31

The weather in Chicago this Halloween is enough to scare away even the most enthusiastic revelers. But trick-or-treaters who didn’t feel like adding boots and a winter coat to their costumes opted for indoor activities around the city, including haunted houses, games and costume contests.

Ten-year-old Baby Doll Jones, in a full police officer costume, was accompanied by her mom and family members at the Englewood District police station Haunted House, at 1438 W. 63rd St.  

This year marks the third year in a row the station offered an alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating on Chicago’s South Side.

“We usually go to Hyde Park to trick-or-treat,” her mother, Isreal Jones, said. “I just wanted her to be safe.” 

This year’s haunted house was filled with loads of smiles as hundreds of parents and kids waited in line for their turn. 

“I’m actually very excited to see my cousins get scared,” said Baby Doll. 

Provided photo

Trick-or-treating, Hallowheel at Navy Pier

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., kids are welcome to walk through Navy Pier and collect candy from the businesses that operate there. Unfortunately, because of inclement weather, the Hallowheel — better known as the pier’s iconic Centennial Wheel — will not be in operation Thursday, but it is expected to be back in full swing every day until 8 p.m. beginning Friday.

”Really what it comes down to is the safety of our staff out in pier park all day. To be mindful of the safety of our guests and our staff we decided to cancel the Hallowheel for today,” said Navy Pier spokesperson Payal Patel.

Halloween parties at local park districts

Many Chicago parks are hosting Halloween parties Thursday that include trick-or-treating, haunted houses, games, prizes, snacks and costume contests. Here are some of those events:

Haunted house at Foster Park

All ages are welcome at this haunted house at Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St., which is open Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Community Halloween party at West Lawn

This party at West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St., offers tricks, treats, costume contests and games from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Halloween party at Green Briar

This Halloween party at Green Briar Park, 2650 W. Peterson Ave., runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include carnival games, costume judging and plenty of candy.

Halloween party at Sauganash Park

This Halloween party at Sauganash Park, 5861 N. Kostner Ave., is for kids 10 years and younger. Children should come dressed up and can play games to win prizes.

Halloween party at Loyola Park

This Halloween party at Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features games, treats and more. Admission is limited to children between 3 and 14 years old.

Halloween party at Dvorak Park

The Halloween party at Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St., runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will include games and crafts.

Bootiful Party at Lindblom Park

The Bootiful Party at Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen Ave., will have games, food, a costume contest and prizes. It runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to kids 14 and younger.

Happy Halloween party at Homan Square Community Center Park

This party at Homan Square Community Center Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., will have face painting, games, trick-or-treating and a haunted walkthrough from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is for kids between the ages of 3 and 14.

Halloween Nightmare at Columbus Park

The Halloween Nightmare at Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., will feature “scary scenes, spooky skating, rattling refreshments, creepy crafts” and other activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Costume workshop at the Chicago Children’s Museum

While at Navy Pier, head upstairs to The Chicago Children’s Museum, which is hosting a costuming workshop where kids can transform themselves into a creature of their own design using fabrics, buttons and other recycled materials. The workshop is available to kids ages 3 and older at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Have something you think should be added to the list? Email us at digitalteam@suntimes.com.