Chicago Suburban Fall Adventures to Celebrate the Season
Fall crafts such a wonderful time in the Chicago area celebrating the harvest, family and togetherness. We are fortunate to have so many great fall events to spread the fun throughout the season! Here are some of my favorites throughout the upcoming weeks:
Johnny Appleseed Festival: Crystal Lake's annual Johnny Appleseed Festival will be held on September 25 this year. Time to meet the famed man himself! Enjoy a unique family festival, tasty apple treats, scarecrows, an apple scavenger hunt and more.
Party for the Preserves: Party for the Preserves on September 25 is a fantastic celebration of our natural treasures within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Events include a paddle, birds of prey demo, a powwow, guided hikes and more. Take a peek at the event calendar for offerings during this special event.
Shades of Autumn Festival: Stade's Shades of Autumn Festival has long been a family favorite. Apple picking, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon and so much more provide for the perfect fall day.
Pumpkin Daze: Abbey Farm's annual Pumpkin Daze in Aurora invites families to fall fun on the farm including Kane County's largest corn maze, pumpkin picking, a rope maze, live music, a tire course and much more. Admission prices apply.
Scarecrow Trail and Glass Pumpkin Patch: Each year, scarecrows surround Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum. Local scout troops craft the scarecrows with a variety of themes. Included with admission. If you visit October 15-17 you will also be able to check out the Glass Pumpkin Patch with glass pumpkins for sale as well as demos!
Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze: In Spring Grove, adventurers will find an incredible corn maze through 28 acres of land. Each year the maze highlights something special. This year, it celebrates 20 years of the maze. The farm also hosts all sorts of fall fun as well. Don't forget the apple cider donuts! The maze is open Thursdays-Sundays through November 7. Admission fees apply.
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| Pumpkins as far as the eye can see at Abbey Farm's pumpkin patch. |
Pumpkin Weekends: Pumpkin Weekends on Blackberry Farm treat families to pumpkin fun while visiting the farm. Enjoy a pumpkin patch and pumpkin-themed activities. Purchase tickets online. Pumpkin Weekends are held on weekends in October and Columbus Day.
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival: Scarecrows invade St. Charles for the annual festival to be held on October 8-10 this year. Scarecrows crafted by businesses, families and organizations will be found all over town. Visitors will vote for their favorites in a variety of categories. Family activities, window decorations and a craft fair will add to the fun. Check website for times.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival: Imagine being surrounded by hundreds of beautifully carved pumpkins! The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival in Highwood crafts a magical experience among jack-o-lanterns. This year's festival is Oct. 8-10.
Cantigny Fall Fesotival: On October 9 (10AM-4PM), fall fun will delight at Cantigny Park. A scarecrow juggler, hayrides, giant bubble making, craft fair, pumpkin decorating and more will cobble together a wonderful fall day! Parking is $5
Mount Prospect Fall Festival: Mount Prospect's Fall Festival is famous for its trick-or-treat line! The October 9 (1PM-4PM) festival will also include hayrides, pumpkin decorating and more.
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| Canyon Trail Cemetery during the Carol Stream Halloween Decorating Contest. |
Carol Stream Halloween Decorating Contest: The Carol Stream Halloween Decorating Contest is one of my favorite haunts every Halloween! Entrants really know how to craft spooky, eerie and whimsical Halloween scenes. There will be a map posted to the website in October. The deadline to enter is October 22.
Night of 1.000 Jack-o-Lanterns: Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns is one of the most magically spooky events of the season. Sections of Chicago Botanic Garden are adorned with carved pumpkins with intricate designs. Some are so breathtakingly amazing! This year's event is October 13-17 and 20-24 but looks sold out already!
Harvest Celebration: On October 17, families will enjoy visiting the Heritage Farm in Schaumburg to see demos of fall farm activities as well as participate. The day also includes live music and kids crafts. We c always love a day on the farm, especially in the fall! The event runs 12PM-4PM, $4 pp or $16 per family.
Creating Glass Pumpkins: At Mundelein's Patterson Glassworks, fall is the time to craft glass pumpkins! Open Houses for creating glass pumpkins are October 16 & 17, 23 & 24 and November 13 & 14, 20 & 21. The experience is $35-$95 depending on size and type of pumpkin. You must call to reserve your time.
Happy Fall!
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