Weekend Windup {Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 13-15, 2023}

Fall Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 13-15, 2023

The weekends get a little spookier as we approach Halloween! Here are my picks for weekend fun in the Chicago suburbs:

Ongoing

February 4-December 23 Viking's Voyage, Geneva History Museum, learn about the history of the replica Viking ship in Geneva which started as an attraction at the World's Columbian Exhibition in 1893, $5 per adult, $2 kids and seniors, free for members, closed Sundays and Mondays

May 2 - November 3 Infrastructure: Creating 19th Century Clothing Then and Now, exhibit starts with the fabric scrapbook of Hannah Ditzler Asplaugh. Her memories of creating and recreating 19th century clothing over 50 years inspired the exhibit.  Explore the connection of clothing and memory as well as how the fashions were made then and now. See website for hours and admission.

September 9 - January 7 Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, creatures from Mexican folklore that are composites of multiple animals, free exhibit

September 16 - October 28 Pumpkin Daze, Abbey Farm, Aurora, corn maze, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and so much more fun -- see website

September 16 - October 29 World's Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm, see website

through October 29 Shades of Autumn Festival: Apple picking, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon, farm animals to meet, a hayride, and so much more fun makes Stade's Farm & Market an easy family fall fun favorite! Plus, there is always something great to pick up in the farm market. The event has already started for this year and runs through October 29.

September 9 - January 7 Picasso 50 Years Later, Elmhurst Art Museum, works by Picasso and his contemporaries, with admission

Pumpkin Weekends: Pumpkin Weekends in October at Blackberry Farm treat families to pumpkin fun while visiting the farm. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, pumpkin-themed activities as well as special events each day. Purchase tickets online. You can also enjoy the event on Columbus day.

Through October 31 The Halloween Experience, Elgin, on select days, a drive-through Halloween experience, $15 pp but a variety of packages exist, see website for tickets, family-friendly 

October 17-31 Pleasant Prairie Halloween Lights Tour, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Carol Stream Halloween Decorating Contest: Every year, Carol Stream has a village Halloween Decorating contest! Residents can enter through October 20 this year. Pay attention to the Carol Stream website -- they will post a map of the village's spooky houses.

Fall is for hiking! Check out my Chicago Suburban Hiking Recommendations for ideas. Also, see 20 Chicago Suburbs Forest Preserve for Fall Colors!

Friday, October 13

October 13-15 Naperville Trolley Halloween Light Tour, various times, $25 pp, purchase tix online

October 13-15 Scarecrow Trail and Glass Pumpkin Patch: Each year, scarecrows decorated by local scout groups and organizations surround Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum. The creativity displayed is pretty impressive!  If you visit October 13-15, you will be able to visit the Glass Pumpkin Patch full of glass pumpkins of colors and sizes for sale plus you can watch a demo! Both are included with admission to the Arboretum.

October 13-15 Cantigny Fall Festival: For the first time ever, Fall Festival will be a full weekend this year October 13-15! Friday and Saturday night will feature German-style food and beer, live music, lawn games, and a campfire. Saturday and Sunday during the day will feature fall family fun. See website for full schedule and ticketing info.

Chicago Highlight this weekend: Open House Chicago with free entry to over 170 architecturally and historically significant structures in Chicago -- many not commonly open to the public

Saturday, October 14

October 14-15 Jumptoberfest, Norge Ski Club's fall jump, gates open each day at 11AM, tournament starts at 12PM, $25 pp at gate

October 14-15 Creating Glass Pumpkins: At Mundelein's Patterson Glassworks, fall is the time to craft glass pumpkins! Open Houses for creating glass pumpkins are October 14 & 15, 21 & 22 and November 4 & 5, 11 & 12. The experience is $45-$95 depending on size and type of pumpkin. The Open House runs 11AM-4PM each day. Call 847-949-0013 to book your time. 

October 14 Harvest Hoot, Oakton College, Des Plaines, 12PM-4PM, family activities, artisans, food trucks, pumpkin carving demo and more

Sunday, October 15

October 15 Fall Festival: One of the first fall festivals I attended in this region happens to be the Fall Festival at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook. This year's festival is on October 15 10AM-3PM and will feature autumn fun, beekeeping demos, pumpkin painting, honey sales, and more.

October 15 Pet Costume Contest in Long Grove, 12PM, weather permitting