celebrate

Are you looking for some fun new ways to celebrate Halloween with your kids this year? How about a neighborhood contest? Costume contests are just one of the many options to get everyone in the spirit. So read on to see if one of these wicked ideas grabs you.

Craziest costume – Pass out fliers inviting all the neighborhood kids to meet at your house an hour before trick-or-treating begins. Give everyone a name tag when they arrive. Then each child and adult can fill out a voting slip. Include best costume, scariest, funniest, most creative, and more. Hand out a special prize to the winners of each category. And don’t forget a small consolation prize for all children who participate.

Most ghoulish yard – Invite everyone in the neighborhood to join in a decorating contest. You could have a few categories, such as scariest, cutest, silliest, and best overall. Set a decorating deadline for October 21st. Provide delivery instructions on the flier so every house in the neighborhood can vote for the addresses they like best. Also, mention that neighbors should view all the homes after October 21st and deliver their votes to you by a specified date. Ask some of the participating neighbors to help you make up fun ‘Scariest House’ and other signs. Then post them in the yards of the winning homes.

Funniest carved pumpkin – Ask the neighborhood to join you in a carved pumpkin contest. You can schedule a date and time when everyone will meet with their pumpkins at your home or a neighborhood park. Suggest everyone who participates pitch in $2 per pumpkin for a jackpot. To keep it fair, allow only one pumpkin per child. Prepare numbered cards in advance so each pumpkin will have its own number. Then have everyone fill out a voting slip. The carver of the winning pumpkin gets the jackpot. You could also pass out small goody bags for all the kids who participate. Funnest Halloween game – Hand out fliers to everyone in the neighborhood or on your street to hold a Halloween game day. Ask each participating house to set up a Halloween kids game in their front yard. Participating homes can give out small prizes such as stickers or treats to each kid who plays their game. Kids can wander the neighborhood playing the games for the afternoon. When they’re done, have each child fill out a ballot for the most fun Halloween game. Then post a chilling homemade sign in the yard of the winner.

Scariest scarecrow – Ask your neighbors to participate in the scariest scarecrow contest. To keep the scarecrows safe until voting, set a specific day when the scarecrows should

Book now! BIRTH DAY

PARTIES

be displayed in everyone’s yards. Have everyone in the neighborhood, whether they participate by making a scarecrow or not, handdeliver their vote to you by the end of the day that the scarecrows are set out. Then deliver a fun Halloweenish homemade yard sign to the winning home.

Creepiest food – Hold a simple neighborhood potluck Halloween party. Each participating family should be instructed to bring a Halloween themed food or dessert. Place a numbered card next to each dish. Then have everyone fill out a ballot for the cutest, grossest, funniest, and scariest food. Once the winners are announced, take photos of the families next to their creepy food. Then everyone can dig in and eat the yummy dishes and treats.

Create an unforgettable birthday party with the Downers Grove Park District’s Birthday Party Service. Just invite the guests and leave the planning and mess up to us!

LEARN MORE AT DGPARKS.ORG

WhirlyBall

From friendly competition and entertainment to exceptional food and drink, WhirlyBall Naperville provides the perfect venue for all ages and occasions. The two-story “eatertainment” complex features a variety of activities including WhirlyBall, LaserTag, HyperBowling and Bowling plus private event spaces for groups of any size. Round out your event with customized menus featuring The Pivot Room’s selection of elevated American fare and craft beverages. Book your event today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-932-4800 [See our ad on Page 3.]

Sno Daze Tropical Sno

Sno Daze Tropical Sno invites you to step inside their Tropical Oasis for your next dessert destination! Open All Year Long with indoor seating and a warm tropical fun atmosphere! New just in time for Fall is our Hot Cocoa Bar! Also, New are our S’more & Ice Cream Boards! Each board serves a family of four and advance reservations are required! Meet Willow the Witch on the eve of Friday October 29 from 5-8 p.m. 12230 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights. 708-458-2216. www.tropicalsnodaze.com

Fleetwood Roller Rink - Summit

Fleetwood Roller Rink (established 1957) is a family-owned business. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) privates and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages plus for “health sake, roller skate” Come visit us and join in our fun. Instruction available every Saturday at 1 pm Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times. Located at 7231 West Archer Ave., Summit. 708-458-0300. www. fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Rock ‘n’ Kids

It’s party time! Kid Rock ‘n’ Roll music and dance parties are for children 1-6 years! We take our fun on the road and bring the party to you! During our 45-minute program, your party guests will have a blast with our kidfriendly rhythm instruments and movement props, and will participate in a musical parade, parachute games, a freeze dance, a balloon drop, and much more! From toddler songs to the most current dance songs for little ones, we have it all! Wiggle, giggle, dance and play the Kid Rock way! Contact us for our current party specials! Get more information at www. rockitkids.com.

Downers Grove Park District

Create an unforgettable birthday party with the Downers Grove Park District’s Birthday Party Service. With a variety of themes and options, your child will love the party and so will you! Just invite the guests and leave the planning and mess up to us! All themed parties are filled with fun games and activities. LINCOLN CENTER, 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Learn more at: www.dgparks.org/birthday-parties