Kids can find out what fall is all about and how people lived long ago at Ryerson Wood’s AUTUMNFEST. They can play with simple, old-fashioned toys that kept kids occupied before TV and computer games existed. They can try to balance on stilts, throw bean bags at a target and see if they can toss a ring back and forth between two sticks. They can make little dolls out of yarn and giant-size figures by stuffing hay into old clothes to create a scarecrow. They can also take a ride on an old-time farm wagon pulled by a tractor and go on a hike through the woods to see how Mother Nature changes the colors of the leaves when the weather starts to grow colder. AutumnFest, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Ryerson Woods, 21950 W. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield, $4 Lake County residents, $5 non-residents; 847-968-3321.
— Nancy Maes
When chrysanthemums begin to bloom it’s a sure sign that fall has arrived. The Garfield Park Conservatory has hundreds of them on display now and is celebrating autumn with a Harvest Festival as well. Square dancers, cowboys and a storyteller are part of the event. While adults can learn how to make old-fashioned quilts and candles, kids can use corn husks to create dolls and hay to stuff scarecrows. They can also make books filled with leaves and other materials from nature’s cupboard. Harvest Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., free; 312-746-5102.
— N.M.
Hear spectacularly spooky stories outdoors during “Ghost Stories in the Park” Friday at Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary. Enjoy the Halloween season as you listen to tales under a tent near a cabin. You’ll walk 10 minutes from the Spring Valley Nature Center to the cabin. Additional parking is available at the Schaumburg Township District Library starting at 5:30 p.m. A shuttle bus will take visitors to and from Spring Valley. The last bus leaves the library at 6:10 p.m. Bring flashlights for this fun gathering in the dark. Recommended for ages 6 to adult. “Ghost Stories in the Park!” 6:30 p.m. Friday, Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., and Schaumburg Township District Library, Roselle and Schaumburg Roads, Schaumburg, free; 847-985-2115.
— Stephanie Price
Elmhurst’s history plays out through songs with the help of folk singer Patti Ecker. Ecker performs “Elmhurst’s Town History” Thursday during the October Tea Time Tour at Elmhurst Historical Museum. Using songs and stories from Elmhurst’s past, Ecker delivers a unique program that points out highlights and low lights in the town’s history. Afternoon tea is after the show. “Elmhurst’s Town History,” 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, free; 630-833-1457.
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— S.P.
Celebrate the harvest season creatively in a country setting Sunday at The Center in Palos Park. Parents and children can build their own scarecrow at a family art program. Instructors Lois Lauer and Karen Stasky have designed the workshop to foster cooperative family effort and individual expression. The event includes a hayride through a pumpkin patch to add to the autumnal atmosphere. The family art program will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at The Children’s Farm at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy., Palos Park, $15 for one parent and child, plus $5 for each additional person; 708-361-3650.
— Pat Harper