A Little Time and a Keyboard: Pumpkin Daze on the Farm at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

Pumpkin Daze on the Farm at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Pumpkin Daze on the Farm at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

Pumpkin Daze on the Farm at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois heralds fall every year with old fashioned farm fun during Pumpkin Daze. With fall just starting, we were in the pumpkin mood and headed over to Abbey Farms savor some early fall fun. Visiting pumpkin festivals early in the season is a good way to beat the crowds! The closer to Halloween, they tend to be very packed. We also visited in between rain showers, so the farm was pretty quiet for those that ventured out!



Tractor  ready to take families to the pumpkin patch at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois.
Tractor  ready to take families to the pumpkin patch!
When you drive to Abbey Farms, you immediately notice that it is adjacent to the Monks of Marmion Abbey. In the 1930's, the monks purchased three adjacent farms. Today, those farms offer seasonal fun to families throughout the year including a place to cut Christmas trees and fall farm fun during Pumpkin Daze.

Which way, that way to fun fall attractions directional signs at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois.
Which way, that way to fun fall attractions!
Discovering Abbey Farms' Fall Attractions:

Upon arrival, we received a map of the festival. I was delighted by the number of attractions available. You will easily find some of your fall favorites as well as some new fun! My husband made a beeline for the petting zoo. The animals were incredible adorable during our visit!

Farm animals just chilling in the golden evening sun at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois.
Farm animals just chilling in the golden evening sun.
For me, I have to say I really loved the log balance beam course. I really like the rustic take on fun!

Log balance beam course at Pumpkin Daze at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

A couple of play areas featured tires piles of tires. We visited on opening weekend in between rain showers. So, the tires were not attracting too many kids. I am sure they are abuzz later in the season!


Winding Through Kane County's Largest Corn Maze:

Abbey Farms is home to Kane County's Largest Corn Maze, so we had to check it out! We found the
12-acre maze to be a particular challenge because sections had very similar patterns. Plus, we did not realize we had a map into we were inside, so did not keep track of the turns we had already made. However, we made it to a very distinct section and were able to determine where we were from there.


Picking Pumpkins:

Near the corn maze is the pumpkin patch. There is a nice overlook right there which yields a stunning view of the patch. Don't miss it! I felt the field was particularly beautiful on this early fall evening.

Pumpkin patch at golden hour at Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL.
Pumpkin patch at golden hour!

A Full Day of Fall Fun:

A Kids Corn Maze, Lasso Challenge, Rope Maze Challenge, Pedal Track, Megadrop Slide and so many more elements really make for a whole day of fall fun! When my daughter was younger, I am sure that we would have had difficulty peeling her away! Of course there is fun for adults such as a craft beer tent. I found this little patio near the emporium which looks like a nice place to snuggle with a craft beer:


All in all we had a wonderful kick off to fall! I wish I had known about Pumpkin Daze sooner! My daughter easily would have spent hours exploring all of the attractions when she was younger. I loved the range of activities at Pumpkin Daze as well as how they are spaced out. Such a wonderful spot for a fall adventure!


Extra fun:
  • On Saturday nights, Abbey Farms hosts a movie night featuring family-friendly Halloween favorites.
  • You can rent private fire pits.
  • Take a gander through the maze with a flashlight.
  • The pirate ship looks like a lot of fun. Alas, my daughter is a bit too old to explore!
  • Most attractions are added in admission, a few are not like the Human Hamster Balls.
  • Don't forget to visit the Farmstead Emporium for apple cider donuts, farm goodies and giftables.

Pumpkin Daze on the Farm at Abbey Farms in Aurora, Illinois

1 comment

  1. This place looks absolutely incredible! I love a good pumpkin patch! This is my favorite fall tradition!

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