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6 Kid-Friendly Things To Do on the Near West Side This Weekend

By Stephanie Lulay | October 16, 2015 6:58am
 From a haunted house in Little Italy (top left) to a Pilsen folk art festival (top right), check out our list of weekend picks.
From a haunted house in Little Italy (top left) to a Pilsen folk art festival (top right), check out our list of weekend picks.
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Chicago Park District; Museum of Mexican Art; Pilsen Community Market; Chicago Park District

NEAR WEST SIDE — Halloween might still be two weeks away, but fall is in full swing and the Near West Side neighborhoods are ready to celebrate this weekend.

From a haunted house and pumpkin patch to outdoor markets stocking fall goodies, here are our top picks.

Get Spooky at Sheridan Park — Appropriate for kids 8 and up, the Sheridan Park haunted house promises to be a ghostly good time. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, 910 S. Aberdeen St., Little Italy. Free.

Meet Mexico's Finest Folk Artists — Although the Museum of Mexican Art's sugar skull decorating sessions are sold out, you can still catch the Mondragon Family making sugar skulls at the opening of the museum's 10th annual Folk Art Festival Friday. While you're there, be sure to check out the "La Muerte Niña: Day of the Dead" exhibit. Sugar skull demonstrations 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, folk art festival continues through Oct. 25. 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen. Free.

Pick Up a Pumpkin at Skinner Park — Skinner Park brings the country to the city for this year's pumpkin patch, where families can pick their favorite pumpkin from a field filled with all shapes and sizes. After picking a perfect pumpkin, kids can personalize it at the decoration station. The afternoon of fun also includes a petting zoo, costume contest, music and food. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 1331 W. Monroe St., West Loop. Free.

Buy a Hoosier Mama Pie in the West Loop — There are only a few weeks left to catch the West Town pie shop at Green City Market's Fulton location — the market closes for the season Oct. 31. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, southeast corner or Fulton and Halsted, West Loop. Free.

Or Head to Pilsen for Provisions to Make Your Own — The outdoor Pilsen Community Market is packed with the fresh fall produce you'll need to make your own pie. 9 a.m-2 p.m. Sunday, 1800 S. Halsted St., Pilsen. Free.

Hit Up the West Loop Donut Fest — The first ever fest, hosted by Old St. Patrick's Church, celebrates everyone's favorite breakfast treat. Kids can decorate pumpkins and Halloween masks and coffee, cider and craft beer will be on tap for the adults to enjoy, too. Noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Greek Park, 610 W. Adams St., West Loop. Free.

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