The Wheaton Park District's Halloween Happening, a free community event running for more than 35 years, takes over the Ray Morrill Community Center on Friday, Oct. 9.

The all-ages event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1777 S. Blanchard St. in Wheaton. It features carnival games, a bounce house, touch-a-truck vehicles, airbrush tattoos, sensory tables, food trucks and a life-size Candyland Trail. Costumes are encouraged.

General admission is free. Families wanting access to more activities can buy a Fun Pass, which covers unlimited play for most games, two bounce house vouchers, one airbrush tattoo voucher, one Candyland Trail voucher and unlimited atrium activities.

The pre-sale deadline for Fun Passes is Thursday, Oct. 8. Resident passes cost $25; nonresident passes are $30. A VIP Fun Pass, which adds early entry at 5 p.m., runs $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

Passes are available through the Wheaton Park District's event page. The press release does not mention day-of pricing, so families should plan to purchase before the Thursday deadline.

Jamie Martinson, superintendent of recreation programs for the Wheaton Park District, said in a Sept. 30 press release that staff look forward to the event each year. "It's an event the Recreation Department looks forward to hosting each year," Martinson said, noting that watching families enjoy activities and seeing young residents arrive in costume "is why we love these community events."

Food and concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

The park district also offers a Social Story, a trademarked preparation guide designed to help visitors with sensory sensitivities know what to expect before arriving. The guide is available on the district's website.

The event takes place both indoors and outdoors, according to a Chicago Parent listing. First Trust is a community event partner for this year's Halloween Happening.

For questions, families can reach Lily Medina, assistant director of marketing for the Wheaton Park District, at 630-510-4987. The park district's fall schedule includes additional family programming listed on its website.