Fall is such a magical time that lasts for such a short time here in the Midwest. It feels like we exchange our tank tops for winter coats over the short span of a week. If you need a way to make this time last just a little bit longer, you need to find unforgettable activities that let you enjoy every last moment. Luckily, we have so many amazing options in the area! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I love working with families to remember every single moment throughout these years. Here are the fall activities in Springfield, IL I think you should have on your calendar.
Families Shouldn’t Skip These Exciting Fall Activities In Springfield, IL
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62704
During the middle of October, the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon has their Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular for two days. This fall activity is family-friendly with free admission for Springfield, IL kids under the age of 3. Each year, the park brings in hundreds of glowing pumpkins carved by residents all across Springfield. Additionally, there’s an all-new Scarecrow row where you can judge scarecrows designed by local schools and businesses. Once the celebration ends on Sunday, you can stop in and purchase one of the pumpkins or hay bales for beautiful decorations without any of the work.
Carve For The Carillon
1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62704
So, where does the city get the pumpkins for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular? From Carve For The Carillon, of course! This annual event takes place for two days ahead of the Spectacular. From 11-4, you can swing by, grab a pumpkin, and carve up your own design. The team will provide the pumpkins, but you will need to bring your own carving tools. And while you might meet gifted artisans throughout this event, there’s no previous experience required. You can come with your friends and family, figure out your design, and create something that will be viewed by hundreds of visitors during the Spectacular!
Zoolie Ghoulie
1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, Illinois 62712
Zoolie Ghoulie is an annual fall Springfield, IL event that takes place at the Henson Robinson Zoo with tons of activities. The event happens the weekend before Halloween and gives your child a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. You can come by in costume and score tons of candy! You will pay a small fee for admission, and all of the money will be used to help the zoo’s mission of conservation. Throughout Saturday, you can also enjoy a free shuttle that lets you make some memories while getting from one place to the next. It’s the perfect way to see some animals, let your child show off their Halloween costume, and have a day you’ll never want to forget!
Monster Mash Halloween Dance
4965 South 2nd Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
If your child loves nothing more than to show off their moves, a trip to the Monster Mash Halloween Dance is exactly what you need! This event takes place each year for one night only at Erin’s Pavilion. For two hours, people of all ages can come in their costumes, enjoy some snacks, and show off their best dance moves. The best thing about this event? It’s completely free, so all you have to worry about is having the time of your life!
Scout-o-Ween
3801 S. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Scout-o-Ween is a free community event that takes place inside Scheels. The Springfield, IL fall activities event is sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Council and Scouting America. While it might be catered toward the Scouts, you don’t need a badge to have the best time ever. You can stop in and enjoy crafts, games, a climbing wall, and an inflatable archery course. They encourage everyone to come by in costume, and they will supply the candy. Scout-o-Ween has activities for kids of all ages, and it’s completely free to attend! The event runs for one night only through the middle of October.
The Parent Place’s 8th Annual Halloween Parade
531 E Washington St, Springfield, Illinois 62701
Once a year, during the last Saturday of October, The Parents’ Place hosts a parade starting on East Washington Street. During this free celebration, your family can come out and enjoy all the festive fun! The event happens during the evening, and costumes are encouraged. Bring out a lawn chair and relax while the street lights up with kid-appropriate frights! The parade will feature different floats from schools and businesses all across the Springfield area, and all the proceeds will go to The Parent Place. Throughout the event, you can enjoy live music and tons of treats!
Harvest Days At The Gables
2812 Plaza Dr. Springfield, Illinois 62704
During the middle of October, you can head over to the Gables for their annual celebration! Harvest Days At The Gables has been a yearly fall Springfield, IL tradition that gives you the perfect activities to get ready for Halloween. Things kick off on Thursday evening, where you can gather your besties and swing by their Ghouls Night Out. During this event, you will have several local merchants with products you just can’t find anywhere else! All day Friday, you can check out more merchants while sampling some delicious food. Things end on Friday with Trick-or-Treating, Touch-a-Truck, and a Kids Costume Contest.
Trick Or Treat Inn
12828 State Route 125, Pleasant Plains, Illinois 62677
Feeling a little sad that Halloween is over? Trick Or Treat Inn is here to make sure you can keep the magic going for one more day! Following the actual holiday, Clayville Historic Site hosts their very own trick-or-treat with a slight twist. You will be able to explore all the legendary buildings while collecting some candy. In addition to the main event, you can check out children’s activities, costume contests, and photo stations. There will be family-friendly concession stands, plus there will be bar service for those over the age of 21. The event has free admission, and all the winners will walk away with a brag-worthy prize!
I Hope Family Finds Their New Favorite Tradition With These Fall Activities In Springfield, IL
If you are looking for the very best way to celebrate autumn, I just know you are going to love these fall activities in Springfield, IL! No matter what you choose, you’ll have memories that will last for a lifetime!
Are you looking for a way to make this time feel a little more picture-perfect? Then I would love to help you out! I am a Springfield milestone photographer, and I love working with parents to make sure they don’t have to forget a single second. If you want to find out if I’m the right photographer for your crew, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
