Goebbert’s Farm Fall Fest and Halloween light show

The annual Goebbert’s Farm annual Fall Fest, complete with pumpkin patch wagon rides, apple picking, slides, exotic animal tent, train rides, carousels, corn maze, haunted house and much more, runs through Oct. 31.

In addition, they have not one but two Halloween light shows starting at 7 p.m., running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October (every night from Oct. 24–31). 

Visit Goebberts.com for tickets and more info. 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove

Park Ridge Park District’s Trunk or Treat Oct. 24

Save the date for some spooktacular fun at the annual Park Ridge Park District Trunk or Treat, which will be held Friday, Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m. Held in the Centennial Fitness Center parking lot, local businesses and other organizations create a maze of themed trunks filled with treats and surprises for kids to meander through. The registration deadline for families to partake is Oct. 18, so don’t miss out. Visit PRParks.org for more information and to register.

Lake Park Golf Course and Marina

If you’re looking for a fun, casual spot to get your kiddos out golfing for the first time (or second or third), Lake Park Golf Course, located on the 76-acre Lake Park in Des Plaines, is convenient and affordable. All 18 holes are par 3s, so there are no arduous 500-yard adventures that can wear down your young golfers.

And don’t forget Lake Opeka and the Lake Park Marina, where there’s fishing, boating and picnic opportunities as well. 1015 Howard Ave. in Des Plaines. DPparks.org

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C., April 10, 1865.

Abraham Lincoln exhibits and more at the Chicago History Museum
The dynamic Chicago History Museum, located just north of downtown in the Old Town neighborhood, has a number of fascinating exhibits, programs and tours. For an intriguing look at one of our nation’s most famous presidents, check out the Abraham Lincoln exhibit and its artifacts that focus on his election in 1860, steadfast leadership in the face of the Civil War, and the tragic end to his life.

Also on the second floor is Lincoln’s Chicago, which focuses on how the city became his second home and political headquarters during his rise to prominence. This gallery features portraits of Lincoln’s contemporaries with lithograph views of Chicago created in the 1860s.

Insider’s tip: General admission to the History Museum is free for kids under the age of 12. 1601 N. Clark. ChicagoHistory.org

EXP Rosemont virtual reality experience 

In late September, the village of Rosemont welcomed EXP Rosemont — an extraordinary destination where families, groups, and friends can step into immersive adventures that spark wonder, excitement, and discovery.

In Horizon of Khufu, step into the wonders of ancient Egypt with this breathtaking VR journey inside the Great Pyramid. Travel back 4,500 years to uncover its mysteries and experience the grandeur of one of humanity’s greatest monuments like never before.

In Life Chronicles, you can embark on a poetic voyage through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history. From the origins of life to the age of dinosaurs and the rise of humankind, this immersive adventure blends science, art and storytelling into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location: The Pearl District in Rosemont
Getting there:
 9900 Berwyn Avenue
EXPRosemont.com