Grant Park’s Halloween parade is refreshingly participatory. Families can simply arrive at Loomis Plaza around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October 25, to walk in the procession. Costumes are welcome, as are decorated bicycles, wagons and strollers. There is no admission fee or elaborate registration described in the event listing.
The parade ends at Grant Park Pavilion #1 around 4 p.m., followed by a party and costume contest at 4:30. Free cotton candy and crafts are advertised while supplies last, with festivities continuing until about 5:30.
This is a particularly good maker challenge for the boys: spend an hour Saturday decorating a small wagon or bike with lightweight printed or cardboard pieces, then actually show off the result in a neighborhood parade. Keep anything attached secure and pedestrian-safe.
What to do: Decorate a bike or wagon and join Sunday’s free 3:30 p.m. Grant Park parade if the family wants a hands-on outing.