Trick-or-treating in Chicago is here! You know, that annual excuse to get the family dressed up, sugared up, and out for a spooky adventure? You’ve got the perfect Halloween costume and trick-or-treat bag (plus an extra bag for when that one gets full). Now, you just need to find that extra-special neighborhood to trick-or-treat near Chicago.
Whether you’re looking for haunted mansions, festive parades, live entertainment, or over-the-top decor, we have the best neighborhoods in Chicago for trick-or-treating and Halloween fun for families. If you strategize, you can even hit up multiple events for maximum returns on that costume.
Need more Halloween ideas? Check out our Halloween Guide.
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Top 12 Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat Near Chicago
1. Southport
The Southport neighborhood in Lakeview goes all out for Halloween. Trick or treating takes place on Southport Avenue between Roscoe and Grace Street. The whole family can enjoy games, activities, snacks from local food vendors, craft beer for grownups, music, and trick-or-treating at local businesses.
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Harper Avenue in Hyde Park, one of our favorite neighborhoods to trick or treat in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Anne Rossley Real Estate
2. Hyde Park and Kenwood
With its historic mansions and tree-lined streets, Hyde Park is a storybook setting any time of year. Add a touch of ghostly decor, and you will feel transported into a scary-good tale. On Halloween night, locals flock to Harper Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets. Word on the street is that it can get crowded with long lines, so little ones should go early. Families looking for a more relaxed experience can check out nearby Kenwood on Dorchester between 48th and 50th Streets.
Photo courtesy of the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
3. Lincoln Park
As one of Chicago’s most family-friendly neighborhoods, it's no surprise that Lincoln Park makes our list of best trick-or-treating neighborhoods. You can also participate in the Spooky Zoo on Saturday, October 21st. Trick-or-treating starts at 10:00 am on the zoo grounds.
RELATED: Free Things to Do With Chicago Kids This Fall
Boo-Palooza photo courtesy of the Wicker Park Advisory Council
4. Bucktown and Wicker Park
Bucktown and Wicker Park are favorites of Chicago parents for trick-or-treating, and it’s not hard to see why. There are plenty of activities, entertainment, and free candy for the whole family. Take the kids to Boo-Palooza on October 21 for a costume parade and contest for kids and dogs, plus live entertainment and pumpkin decorating. Enjoy another costume parade in Bucktown, usually held the Sunday before Halloween, followed by games, snacks, and a costume contest. On the 29th, head over to the WPB Trick-or-Treat, where local businesses will be handing out candy.
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5. Andersonville
Named the second coolest neighborhood in the country by Conde Nast Traveler, Andersonville celebrates Halloween for the whole month with fun events throughout the local business district.
Logan Square is one of the best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Chicago. Photo by Kate Connealy, via the Logan Square Halloween Parade Facebook page
6. Logan Square
With all the hip, young families that live in Logan Square, it is no surprise that this Chicago neighborhood is one of the best places to go trick or treating. The annual Logan Square Halloween Parade takes place on Sunday, October 29. On Halloween, kids can trick-or-treat up and down Logan Boulevard.
7. Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square or Lincoln SCARED? Bad jokes aside, Lincoln Square is a top choice for Halloween activities. The Lincoln Square business district transforms into Lincoln Scared on Sunday, October 29, when businesses hand out free candy to costumed kids. Or, visit the kid-friendly Haunted House at Brush Park Gym.
8. Norwood Park
This far northwest side neighborhood has great Halloween vibes with its beautiful and historic houses. Visit the gorgeous, old houses in the neighborhood for traditional trick or treating. The neighborhood's family-friendly feel with more houses and fewer apartments is appealing to many north-side families.
Enjoy neighborhood trick-or-treating or events in Naperville. Photo courtesy of napervilleparks.org
9. Naperville
It's not a neighborhood, it's a suburb. But it's a suburb where you really clean up on pre-Halloween trick-or-treating from local businesses and attractions. Trick or treat at Naper Settlement, the Naperville Riverwalk, or at Naperville's Safety Town courtesy of the Junior Women's Club. And if that's not enough, we recommend the big houses just north of Hobson Road and east of Washington.
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10. Buffalo Grove
In the Chicago area, Halloween has a reputation for being either 40 degrees with a "wintery mix" or 80 degrees. If you're looking to avoid extreme conditions, this northwest suburb has opportunities for indoor trick-or-treating through the Buffalo Grove Park District on October 20th.
Boo-tiful Saturday in Elmhurst. Photo courtesy of Elmhurst City Centre
11. Elmhurst
In addition to traditional trick-or-treating, Elmhurst also offers a fun trick-or-treating event in town. Boo-tiful Saturday is on Saturday, October 21st, so look for signs from participating merchants downtown. Bring a bag and go door to door for treats and fun surprises. Fountain Plaza will host a DJ and prizes as well. Emergency vehicles are available on Schiller Street to tour during the event.
12. Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights has a ton of fun Halloween events for families. On October 28th, head to Melas Park in your costumes for a trunk-or-treat through the Arlington Heights Park District. Arlington Heights neighborhoods also go all out with decorations and treats on October 31st.