Sure, you can pick up a perfectly good pumpkin at the grocery store. But the annual tradition can be a lot more festive than that. If you feel like turning the errand into a real autumn outing this year, take a drive to a local pumpkin patch that’s set up for family fun.
The Chicago area is dotted with farms-turned-carnivals, where little ones can pick the pumpkins of their dreams. And that’s just the beginning! The patches on this list sweeten the deal with activities like corn mazes, petting zoos, hayrides, carnival rides, games, and music — not to mention plenty of pumpkin and apple cider doughnuts and pies! No matter which pumpkin patch you choose, it’s sure to make for a day that will win points for any parent, babysitter, or nanny.
County Line Orchard
Address: 200 S. County Line Road, Hobart, IN 46342
Dates & Hours: Aug. 30 – Oct. 29, Attractions open daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Big Barn open daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 219-947-4477
Fees: Pumpkin patch admission, $1 | All-Access Pass, $10 (Click here for details.) | Individual activity prices vary.
This apple orchard is also a destination for pumpkin-seekers. Kids can pick their own pumpkins (or parents can buy them from the barn), and then move on to a ton of other activities. Visit the busy bee yurts ($1 admission) to see hundreds of bees at work making honey. There’s live music in the picnic area, plus a corn maze to get lost in. (This year’s maze is Cubs themed!) Kids can take a ride on the cow-shaped train and visit animals like pigs and pygmy goats at the farm.
The orchard also provides plenty of snacks to refuel. The County Line Kitchen serves pizza, sandwiches, soups, and salads, while the bakery offers doughnuts, pies, cookies, and fudge. You can even get a classic apple cider or pumpkin doughnut served in an ice cream sundae with honey, caramel, and whipped cream.
Didier Farms
Address: 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Dates & Hours: Pumpkinfest, Sept. 23 – Oct. 31 | Farmstand open daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Click here for hours of specific activities.
Phone: 847-634-3291
Fees: Admission, free | Hayride + Corn Maze package, $5 | Individual activities require tickets.
This Lake County greenhouse and farm turns into a fall destination in September and October. Pick from unusual pumpkins — white, green, and speckled — in addition to the classic orange, and then check out the rest of Pumpkinfest, complete with hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, and a pumpkin-themed play area. There’s even a “Silly String Asylum,” where teams go to battle with cans of Silly String. One more unique offering: an escape room on wheels! Work with a group to solve puzzles and riddles and escape the trailer.
Don’t leave without a stop at the farmstand to buy local produce, plus apple cider and pumpkin doughnuts, pies, candy, cider, and more.
Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm
Address: 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen, IL 60491
Hours: Sept. 15 – Oct. 30 (Closed Sept. 18 – 21), hours vary | Click here for details.
Phone: 708-301-3276
Fees: Prices vary by day, ranging from $9.99 to $18.99 per person.
This family-owned pumpkin patch has been hosting a fall celebration for decades, but they’re adding even more to the fun this year. Get started by choosing a pie and carving pumpkins from the patch (you can rent a wheelbarrow if you get carried away), and then move on to a host of other activities.
Kids can jump into a giant pit of dried corn, ride a pony, watch pig races, practice mining for gemstones, visit the photo booth, tour the haunted barn, and try one or more carnival rides. When it’s time for a break and a snack, choose from pizza baked in a wood-burning oven, barbecue, tacos, apple cider doughnuts, funnel cakes, and more.
Sonny Acres
Address: 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185
Dates & Hours: Sept. 23 through October, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Phone: 630-231-3859
Fees: Activity prices vary Haunted Wagon Ride, $10 per person | Individual activity prices vary. Click here for details.
The pumpkin patch gets a spooky spin during Sonny Acres’ haunted wagon ride. Big kids can shriek at the sight of goblins and ghouls as they ride through the woods. Little ones can take a fright-free ride in the daytime, too.
Other attractions include a giant slide, rock climbing wall, fun house, haunted barn, spook shed, and petting zoo. Snack on food truck fare, roasted corn, and elephant ears, and browse the Halloween costume shop and country store. Don’t forget to pick a pumpkin while you’re at it!
Abbey Farms
Address: 2855 Hart Road, Aurora, IL 60502
Dates & Hours: Sept. 23 – Oct. 31, Sunday & Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 630-966-7775
Fees: Weekend & holiday admission, $14.99 | Weekday admission, $10.99
This 40-acre pumpkin farm has no shortage of fall festivities. Admission includes most activities — like tractor rides, corn mazes, slides, pedal go-karts, ziplines, a balance beam course, and a petting zoo. Pay a little extra during the weekend to try out the human hamster balls (yes, giant inflatable balls you roll around in), corn cannon, or bouncing cow train.
When you’ve had your fill and loaded up your pumpkins, take a break with concession stand favorites like bratwurst, or pies, doughnuts, and kettle corn from the bakery. There’s also a craft beer and wine tent for the adults on the weekends! Or end your evening roasting s’mores at one of the reservable private fire pits.
Did we list your favorite pumpkin patch? Let us know in the comments below!
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