October 16, 2026

More ways to play at Sports Park East

In our never-ending goal to expand recreational amenities in Skokie, Sports Park East aims to bring residents together through sports, fitness, and shared experiences. With additional athletic fields, indoor activities, and gathering spaces, the project intends to serve individuals, families, and community groups throughout the year.

Currently, the Skokie Park District has no lighted soccer or cricket fields and only one lighted, full-sized baseball field. The existing baseball field is in such high demand that it is booked from March through mid-November. The proposed addition of another 90-foot baseball field would help meet demand for the existing field. The plans also include lighting, allowing cricket groups to play later into the evening. The lighted soccer field would be the first of its kind in Skokie.

The proposal also includes a .6-mile paved trail for walking, running, and biking; a challenge course designed to promote aerobic activity for all ages, with a particular benefit for teens looking for fun, active ways to spend their time. Indoor courts for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other sports are also included. Native plantings and trees will also be added around the park’s perimeter to enhance the landscape and provide a natural buffer. A central shelter with restrooms brings added convenience for visitors using the sports fields.  

Indoor features will extend recreation into every season. A second golf simulator would increase league offerings and booking capacity, while a multipurpose room would accommodate year-round rentals, including parties for mini golf, the gymnasium, and the driving range. A full concession stand with indoor service as well as an outdoor service window is planned to serve refreshments for players and spectators alike.

The plan also includes a chipping and short-game practice area on the west side of the driving range. The design will incorporate energy-conscious features, such as solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling, along with stormwater retention measures, to the extent feasible within budget constraints.

We hope to be able to provide residents a new place to stay active, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a wider range of recreational experiences close to home.

Upcoming Q&A session

October 18 at 1 p.m. • Click here for the Zoom link

Your community. Your choice. 

Early voting begins on October 19. 

Take charge of your health

Bring the entire family for this free event where you can take advantage of:

• Free health screenings
• Fitness demos 
• Wellness resources 
• Local vendors
• Goody bags to the first 100 people
• Use of Fitness First Facilities 
• Mini-Personal Training Sessions
• Pilates Demonstrations 
• Mini-Massages
• Flu shots provided by the Skokie Health Department

Weber Health and Wellness Fair

Saturday, October 17

9–11:30 a.m.

FREE

Weber Leisure Center

9300 Weber Park Place

Holiday finds and handmade gifts

Looking for a winter birthday gift, a holiday surprise, or a little something for yourself? Shop unique, handmade treasures for all ages and budgets while supporting talented local artists and crafters.

Holiday Gift Market

Saturday, October 17

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

FREE

Oakton Community Center

4701 Oakton Street

Not scary, just un-touchable!

This fall event is fun and informative — NOT frightening. As you’re guided along the trail, you'll investigate the cases of several creatures known as the Un-Touchables, finding out what makes them special and why they shouldn’t be touched. Featured costumed characters include a porcupine, poison ivy, and centipede. Your visit will end at a campfire with cider and songs.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Saturday, October 17 • 5:30–8:15 p.m.

Fee per person: $9

Emily Oaks Nature Center

4650 Brummel St

Guys and Dolls takes the stage

In this oddball romantic comedy, gambler Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years. When Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. 

Performances:

Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 18 at 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m.

Devonshire Playhouse

4400 Greenwood Street

Scream Scene Haunted House: enter if you dare...

Scream Scene is a seasonal haunted house held every October in Skokie. Each haunting season features new characters, sets and scenes making each year more frightening than the last.  

Skokie Water Playground, abandoned for the season, becomes host to the most frightening experience in Skokie. With its chainsaw maniacs and insane clown maze, Scream Scene has been terrifying visitors since 1997.

Parental discretion is advised: Not recommended for children under 10 years old!

Scream Scene

Open Fridays and Saturdays through November 7

7–10 p.m.*

General admission: $14

*Please check the website as certain times may vary

Skokie Water Playground

4715 Oakton Street

Get in the game with Little Blackhawks

New to hockey? Learn to Play makes it easy for children ages 4–9 to get started! Created by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), this beginner-friendly program includes full head-to-toe hockey equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching in a fun, safe environment. Young players can build fundamental skills, gain confidence and discover the excitement of hockey—no experience or equipment purchase required!

Discover new events, workshops & outings in October

If you're looking for new and unique ways to have fun in October—in addition to its hundreds of classes—the Skokie Park District offers great one-day events, workshops, outings, special events and more.

Click on the calendar below to view October Happenings and access their event links.

Click here for the entire calendar of events at the Skokie Park District.

Skokie! Your online full Fall Program Guide is here

Fall classes and events are now viewable online––and with them the district's Fall Program Guide '26.

This fall's guide offers you and your family a convenient look at an enormous variety of recreational, educational and fitness alternatives, including many indoor and outdoor special events.

From Scream Scene, to Halloween events, to winter break fun, celebrate fall by finding a new program, class or hobby at your Skokie Park District!

Registration is now open.