One reader wanted to know which of the venues mentioned in our “Haunted Houses and Halloween Happenings” would be suitable for mature 10-year-olds, so we sorted out the Haunted Houses geared toward kids and added a lengthier list of scare-free happenings.

The Chicago Park District hosts Halloween events throughout the city. Contact individual parks or go to chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information.

Columbus Park, 500 S Central Ave, (773-287-7641). October 28–30, 7–9pm. $3. Masked volunteers and staffers jump out to spook strollers on the haunted trail. Although the West Side neighborhood tradition is geared to children ages 6–12, a fictional hell-raiser like Freddy Kruger may be more than a hair-raiser for smaller children.

Archer Park, 4901 S Kilbourn Ave, (773-284-7029). October 29–31, 6–9pm. $5. Local teens use simple tools, like flashlights, music and foggers to create mildly, creepy scenes.  Unlike some superfreak shows for mature audiences, touching is prohibited. Candy treats will be handed out to ease the shivers. Park administrators advise Mummies (wah wah) to keep the 5 and under crowd at home.

Peterson Park, 5801 N Pulaski Rd, (312-742-7584). October 23–31, 6:30pm–9:30pm. $10 kids 13 and older, $8 kids 12 and under. Designed to give you goose bumps instead of nightmares, Trails of Terror is the aftermath of a storm-ravaged, seaside town.  Enter with caution to uncover the crew’s ghosts, an eerie abandoned store and other crazed mortals. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

SCARE-FREE HAPPENINGS
Parents are you still afraid that these happenings will leave you to do some ghost-busting (checking in closets and under beds for monsters) of your own? Then read on for other fright-free family options.
Apples On Oak Collecting candy and apple picking are synonymous with Halloween. Gather the gang and travel one hour outside the city to this family owned and operated orchard. 16146 Oak Avenue, Joliet (815-726-0386, peceniak.tripod.com/id5.html). Through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am–6pm, Sundays from 11am–5pm.

Boo at the Zoo The usual merriment: pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and a costume contest are the fixings for the annual Halloween fest. In addition, a costumed parade, magicians and jugglers, skilled pumpkin carving demos and a giant corn maze should keep little ones busy. Area high school marching bands,  animal chats and a haunted hayride round out the fun. You’ll also find DinoNites. This display of Jurassic-sized replicas, roar loudly and mimic the movements of prehistoric creatures. Animal buildings will be open until 9:30pm. The Hamill Family Play Zoo offers free admission. For more information, contact the zoo. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St, Brookfield, (708-485-2200, czs.org). Oct 30–31, 
6pm. $12, kids 3–11 and seniors $8. Special fees may apply for some activities.

Carnival of Curiosities This year, Navy Pier has changed things up a bit to celebrate Halloween. The all-ages, scare-free festivities (separate from the supercreepy Fear Haunted House geared to teens and grown-ups) include interacting costumed characters, such as fortunetellers, a human monkey and a half bride/half groom. Meanwhile, the rides at Pier Park are squeaking, creaking and tricked out to look nice and creepy. Prices for the rides (which depend on the weather) vary. Catch the fireworks before the show on Fridays and Saturday at 9pm. Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave (312-595-PIER, navypier.com). Through October 31. Fridays 5-10pm; Saturdays 2-10 pm; Sundays: 1-6 pm. Free.

Creatures of the Night Receive a treat from each critter station, while you learn the “tricks” of night-roaming fruit bats, spiders and owls. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave (312-746-5100, garfield-conservatory.org). October 31. Noon–3pm. FREE!

Franken Plaza The yearly event returns with staples, such as mask decorating, a costume contest, farmer’s market and the aerial stunt show performances of Midnight Circus. Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. For a complete list of schedules, visit chicagoween.us. Through Oct 31. FREE!

Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest The whole park is decked out in Halloween splendor. The Wiggles provide scare-free entertainment. On Saturdays and Sundays, kids can trick-or-treat with Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals. Beware: Visit in the daylight because the freaks come out at night. Six Flags, 542 N Route 21, Gurnee (847-249-4636, sixflags.com/greatamerica). Weekends through November 1. Fridays 5–11pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am–10pm. November 1. $54.99, online $34.99, parking $15.