Looking for some spooky fun that won’t haunt your wallet? Look no further! I have compiled a list of this year’s free and low-cost family friendly Halloween activities that are so affordable….it’s scary!
Some of my favorites from last year, The Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour and the Mummy Mile Fun Run, are back again! Check them out at the links below:
https://the-thrifty-mom.com/2022/10/06/embark-on-some-bargain-boos-2/
https://www.stcparks.org/halloweenfun/
https://book.peek.com/s/21992230-244f-4104-9043-dee349847151/03opX
New for 2022:
Batavia Bat Fest: This will be the first year we try the Batavia Bat Fest so I don’t know exactly what to expect, but it looks like it will be a lot of fun! The website boasts a 5k race, parade, trick or treating, pumpkin bowl, bat-themed art, and games. It takes place in downtown Batavia, Il on October 29th from 10 am to 2 pm. This event is free! Check out the link below for more information.
https://downtownbatavia.com/venue/downtown-batavia/
St. Charles, Il Scarecrow Weekend: Formerly known as ‘Scarecrow Fest’ and ‘Scarecrow Stroll’ the Scarecrow weekend returns again this year in downtown St. Charles, Il. It takes place on October 7-9 and boasts a craft fair, food trucks, scarecrows (of course), a take home scarecrow in a box, photo opportunities, shopping specials at local small businesses, live entertainment, and a professional pumpkin carver. This event is mostly free! Check out the link below form more details.
https://www.scarecrowfest.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyt-ZBhCNARIsAKH1177BC0N4jUNRHyIoGb-akFg-YYqxwuA750Yv9qdYgU-X4XLXXYqY35kaAp6uEALw_wcB (Scarecrow weekend info)
At the St. Charles Park District:
Ghoulish Golf: Play a game of ‘haunted mini golf’ at Riverview Golf Course. Check out the link below for more details. Fee.
https://www.stcparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GhoulishGolf_FA22_REACH.jpg
Trail of Terror: Riverview Golf Course has gone ‘ghouls only’. Wander the deserted golf course but watch out for ghosts! Fee. purchase tickets at the link below. Park District warns that this may be too scary for young children.
Caravan to Candyland: Head on over to James O’Breen Park and drive around a spooktacular loop collecting candy! Fee. Register in advance with the link below:
https://book.peek.com/s/21992230-244f-4104-9043-dee349847151/03opX
Ghoulish Gourds: Decorate your own spooky squash or simply take a stroll through Pottawatomie Park to see what others have created. Check out the link below for more information. Free.
https://www.stcparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GhoulishGourdsOnParade_FA22_REACH.jpg
Pumpkin Patch Creations: Have a day of fall family fun at Primrose farm! Decorate pumpkins, sip cider, and visit the goats. Fee. Register in advance with the link below:
https://book.peek.com/s/21992230-244f-4104-9043-dee349847151/03opX
Popcorn and Spooky Night: Watch a ‘not too scary’ movie at Pottawatomie Community center. Fee. Register in advance with the link below:
https://book.peek.com/s/21992230-244f-4104-9043-dee349847151/03opX
At the St. Charles Library:
Not So Scary Stories Around the Campfire: Enjoy a Halloween story tailored to be not too scary for your littlest ones. See image above for dates and times. Takes place at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Fee. Register in advance with the link below:
Haunted Stacks: A ‘haunted library’ experience more suitable for older children. See the image above for dates and times. Free and drop in.
Trick or Treat Parade: Free and Drop in for a Halloween themed story and some library trick or treating. See image above for dates and times.
Lil’ Loot: See the image above for more information. Pick up a ‘loot’ bag for your 6-12 graders with a fun age-appropriate themed book to read and return as well as a treat you can keep. Register with the link below and your library card number:
https://scpld.libnet.info/event/6863806
Hope you and your family are able to ‘scare up’ some affordable family fun this Halloween!
Cheers!
Love,
Marie
The thrifty-momcom 
