Pumpkin Palooza at DuPage Children’s Museum

Fall fun takes center stage at the DuPage Children’s Museum with Pumpkin Palooza, an indoor fall celebration for families who love creativity, curiosity, and seasonal play. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the museum fills with hands-on STEAM activities, music, science, and playful discovery.

Whether you live in Naperville or are visiting, this event offers a relaxed, no-scares way to enjoy Halloween fun through hands-on making, music, and science, all included with museum admission or membership.

A No-Scares Fall Celebration in Naperville

Pumpkin Palooza stands out among fall things to do in Naperville because it pairs the museum’s hands-on play with special seasonal activities. The museum’s promise: no scary surprises and no candy, just costumes, creativity, and curiosity.

What to Expect at Pumpkin Palooza

Come in costume and dive into a lineup of creative, hands-on experiences throughout the museum. Highlights include the Monster Maracas MakerSpace and MIS-Fortune Tellers, Brew Your Own Slime, Pumpkin Hammering (a festive fine-motor activity), and Jump and Rake Leaf Piles, where leaves dance in the museum’s giant air tunnel.

• Webby Ramps & Rollers: will the webs change the course?
• Pumpkin Drop with help from Naperville Public Works (time to be announced)
• Tiny Great Performances by the Black Willow Brass Quintet at 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM
• Spooky Science Show, a mix of science and surprises that is equal parts spooky and fun (times to be announced)

Where to Find Pumpkin Palooza

The DuPage Children’s Museum is at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville. Pumpkin Palooza takes place indoors throughout the museum, and the museum bills it as a family-friendly fall celebration with plenty of chances for kids to get hands-on with Halloween fun.

Plan Your Visit

Pumpkin Palooza is included with museum admission or membership. Admission is $22 for children and adults and $21 for seniors; it is free for members and children under 1. The museum says you save $1 per ticket when you buy online at dupagechildrens.org/admission/.

• Advance tickets are recommended to save time at check-in and guarantee admission. Walk-ins are welcome, but if the museum reaches capacity there may be a wait, and special events see increased attendance
• Tickets are non-refundable, though they may be rescheduled based on availability if you notify the museum on or before the ticket date
• Food is allowed in the café space (Bean Sprouts Café offerings or brown-bag lunches and snacks from home) but not in the exhibit spaces
• Private lockers and coat racks are available, and guests can leave and reenter the same day by telling a staff member at the front desk
• No candy and no scary surprises: just costumes, creativity, and curiosity

DuPage Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization, and Pumpkin Palooza is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. For help with your visit, call the museum at 630.637.8000.

Event Details At-A-Glance

• When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Where: DuPage Children's Museum
• Address: 301 N. Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States
• Admission: Included with museum admission, $21 to $22 (free for members and children under 1)
• Organizer: DuPage Children's Museum
• Phone: 630.637.8000
• Tickets / info: Get details

Dates, times, and pricing can change. Confirm the latest details on the official event page before making plans.

Looking for more? Explore other things to do in Naperville or browse the full Naperville events calendar.