Two young costumed heroes visited the Oak Lawn Park District’s annual Howl-O-Ween on Oct. 19 at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, located at 109th Street and Laramie Avenue in Oak Lawn.
On a crisp October evening, the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge transformed into a magical, spooky wonderland as families gathered for Oak Lawn’s annual Howl-O-Ween celebration. Laughter mingled with the rustle of leaves, while costumed children raced from one activity station to the next, collecting treats and creating memories under the twilight sky.
The Oak Lawn Park District hosted its annual Howl-O-Ween at Wolfe Wildlife on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, located at 109th Street and Laramie Avenue in Oak Lawn.
“This was the perfect event because it gets people outside to our beautiful park, is fun for everyone, and lets our staff show why they’re the best in the business,” said Tom Hartwig, executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District. “I was proud of our staff for the hard work they put in. I’m always blown away by their creativity. It was a fun day for everyone, and I look forward to another great event.”
This marks the fifth year the park district has hosted the Howl-O-Ween event at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge. It began after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the park district transitioned its annual Halloween celebration—formerly called Spookview—from an indoor event at the Oak View Center to an outdoor one.
The free event started at dusk, setting the mood for some haunted adventures.
Together, families enjoyed a variety of Halloween-themed games, activities, and performances, including a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, and crafts.
More than a dozen activity stations were set up along the trail at Wolfe Wildlife, each with its own theme and creative activities—from obstacle courses to sensory paths, crafts, and Halloween games.
Participants collected treats, candy, and other goodies at each stop.
“It was a great chance for our staff to show off their creativity,” said Justin Waters, marketing manager for the Oak Lawn Park District. “Every year, they seem to step up their game and offer something unique and fun for the community. Plus, it was a fantastic way for people to enjoy one of our premier parks. Wolfe Wildlife is an excellent park, highlighted by its one-of-a-kind playground.”
More than 300 people attended the event.
“It was a fun way to spend a Saturday with the family,” Waters said. “And since Halloween is still a few weeks away, it gave kids a chance to try out their costumes early.”
Palos Hills resident, Steve Szymczak, could not agree more.
“This is one of our family’s favorite Halloween events every year; we wouldn’t miss it,” Szymczak said. “Our kids have a blast, having another opportunity besides Halloween to wear their costumes and love the pumpkin decorating.”
As the evening wound down and families made their way home, children clutching their candy bags and glowing from the excitement, it was clear that Oak Lawn’s Howl-O-Ween had once again brought the community together for a night of fun and fright. With each passing year, the event continues to grow, proving that a little creativity, spooky spirit, and community involvement can make Halloween memories that last a lifetime.
The Grim Reaper was on hand for the Oak Lawn Park District Howl-O-Ween on Oct. 19 at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge.