Not-so-scary tricks and treats are part of the Halloween festivities blooming this weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.
"This is a perfect opportunity to come out to the garden and see the trees in fall colors. It's just beautiful. Plus, families can have some Halloween fun, too," said Erin Wellin, visitor events and program manager for the garden.
Families may come in costume and trick-or-treat for prizes and candy throughout the 7,500-square-foot garden. Also, the garden is offering two special events.
First up is HallowFest: A Garden of Good ... and Evil! Visitors may stroll along the "spooky" or "friendly" paths that are inhabited by costumed ghouls. There also will be live entertainment and carnival games. Hours for HallowFest are 6 to 8:30 tonight and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $16, all ages.
Next up is Trains, Tricks & Treats, where visitors may view the Model Railroad Garden, which is decorated Halloween-style with spider webs, ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, as well as seasonal plant materials. Hours for Trains, Tricks & Treats are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and Sunday. Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children 3-12.
For more information, call (847) 835-5440; www.chicago botanic.org/hallowfest. The garden is on Lake Cook Road, one-half mile east of Interstate 94.
GO WEST! The Morton Arboretum's Fall Color Festival is under way in west suburban Lisle. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1. At the "Trick or Trees" event (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday), youngsters may attend in costumes to trick-or-treat in the Children's Garden, get lost in the Haunted Maze and take a ride on the spooky tram. Also offered is Theatre-Hike's new family musical, which offers a twist on the Sleepy Hollow story. Tickets: $10-$25. The shows begin at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1.
General arboretum admission: $8-$11; free for those 2 years and under. Call (630) 725-2066; www.mortonarb. org. The arboretum is on Illinois 53, just north of Interstate 88.