Lincoln Park Zoo

"Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a wide variety of events as part of their annual Fall Fest. Haunted history tours take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, and for a less spooky way to see the zoo, there are fall garden tours every Friday at 10am. On October 19th, they’re hosting Spooky Zoo, a day where kids can show up in costume and trick-or-treat while checking out the animals. They also have a few scheduled events like "Adult’s Night Out" on Thursday, October 24, with free rides on the Giant Fun Slide, a DJ, and a cash bar." - john ringor, nick allen

"Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park, this zoo offers free, family-friendly entertainment year-round including the festive Zoolights around the holidays (reservations are required for all visits though). The sprawling grounds are seamlessly woven into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and numerous animal exhibits. If you skip the pricey concessions (but maybe spring for a paddle boat ride), Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option to keep all ages occupied while staying on a budget. Visit the animals, take a spin on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel or the Lionel Train Adventure, and enjoy family-friendly dining options, such as Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill or the Patio at Café Brauer." - Nicole Schnitzler

"Lincoln Park zoo, which started with the donation of mute swans from New York City's Central Park in 1868, has grown to an extensive collection of about 1,100 animals from 200 species. Adhering to their slogan "Lincoln Park Zoo is everyone's zoo", the zoo is dedicated to permanently keeping its admission policy free for everyone, 365 days a year. A fun day out for people of all ages - I may or may not have watched the beaver swim for a solid 10 minutes. When you need a break, grab a snow cone and some popcorn in the cafe (located in the middle of the zoo) and be sure to check out the amazing view of the Chicago skyline from the south pond." - Stephen Merlo

"Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a wide variety of events as part of their annual Fall Fest. Haunted history tours take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, and for a less spooky way to see the zoo, there are fall garden tours every Friday at 10am. On October 19th, they’re hosting Spooky Zoo, a day where kids can show up in costume and trick-or-treat while checking out the animals. They also have a few scheduled events like "Adult’s Night Out" on Thursday, October 24, with free rides on the Giant Fun Slide, a DJ, and a cash bar. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a wide variety of events as part of their annual Fall Fest. Throughout October, you can expect installations and pop-ups with things like a harvest maze, professional carvers making jack o'lanterns, and a pumpkin patch. They also have a few scheduled events like "adult's night out" on October 27, with games, a DJ, and cash bar, and Spooky Zoo, a day where kids can show up in costume and trick-or-treat while checking out the animals." - john ringor