Fall in Chicago brings apples, pumpkins, vibrant leaves, and many unique opportunities to indulge in what the season has to offer. For young children and their families, this means there are plenty of hands-on experiences to enjoy. The Gardner School has curated a list of seven preschool-friendly, parent-approved events and activities guaranteed to help you make fun fall memories around the Windy City.
Apple Fest
Celebrate the annual Apple Fest with Lincoln Square Ravenswood. The festival boasts plenty of opportunities for family fun, including a Kid Zone with preschool-friendly musicians, arts and crafts, and games and prizes. This blog’s featured photo is courtesy of Apple Fest.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Recognized as one of the top Halloween events in the world, the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is a free, family-friendly event. The parade takes place in the heart of the Chicago Loop on State Street moving south from Lake Street to Van Buren. Join the festivities to see creative floats, spectacle puppets, and energizing music and dance.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Each year the Chicago Botanic Garden features the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns. Held on select nights in October, preschoolers will enjoy seeing artistically carved pumpkins—some as large as 150 pounds—lighting up the night sky.
Chicago Children’s Theatre
Every fall, the Chicago Children’s Theatre kicks off a new season of performances. The venue’s engaging productions typically run for about an hour and are a great way to introduce children to performing arts.
Chicago Riverwalk
Nestled downtown, a stroll around the Chicago Riverwalk is one of the best places to experience fall’s bright, vibrant colors without leaving the city. Save some time to stop at Extraordinary Playscapes, where your preschooler can enjoy free play in a creatively-designed playground.
Lincoln Park Zoo
On Fridays–Sundays in October, enjoy harvest fun in the heart of Chicago with Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Fall Fest. A free, family-friendly celebration, the event features several ticketed attractions, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Fall Fest includes animal chats, music, and a choose-your-own pumpkin patch.
Madison Street Books
When the weather turns chilly, curl up with a book from Madison Street Books. This women-owned shop offers reading material for parents and preschoolers alike and features a large children’s selection. They also host special events such as Breakfast and Books!
It’s Never Too Early to Start Learning
The Gardner School offers an engaging curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers encourage children’s curiosity while supporting a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our downtown Chicago preschools, contact us to set up a tour.
