Great Fall Weekend! |
Here is a list of things to do this weekend |
For area families, apple picking offers a welcome break from suburban errands and plenty of options within a day trip of DuPage County. Choose based on whether you want a quiet trip among the trees or a full day of entertainment. Click Here for the list Read More... |
Fall fun is officially underway across the western suburbs! Pumpkins, apple cider donuts, corn mazes, hayrides, orchards and fall festivals are filling the calendar from September through early November. Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon close to home or want to make a full day of it, the Lombard Lilac Ledger has rounded up some of our favorite fall destinations within driving distance of Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park. Some are traditional pumpkin patches. Others have grown into full fall destinations with rides, animals, food, corn mazes and entertainment. And we've even included a pumpkin patch where you won't find a single real pumpkin!
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CLOSE TO HOME:Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest — WheatonOctober 1–31 You don't have to travel far for fall fun. Cosley Zoo's annual Pumpkin Fest transforms the zoo into a seasonal destination throughout October, with thousands of pumpkins displayed across the lawn. It's an especially nice choice for families with younger children or anyone looking for an easy fall outing close to home.
16th Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch — The Morton Arboretum,October 9–11 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Here's a completely different kind of pumpkin patch — and it's practically in our backyard! The Morton Arboretum's 16th Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch returns with a spectacular display of more than 8,000 one-of-a-kind blown-glass pumpkins created by glass artists from around the country. Visitors can browse and purchase pumpkins in traditional fall colors as well as unusual shapes and vibrant contemporary designs. Artists will also demonstrate how molten glass is transformed into these unique works of art, with glassblowing demonstrations throughout the weekend and additional flameworking demonstrations Saturday and Sunday. The Glass Pumpkin Patch is located on the West Lawn near the Visitor Center and is included with regular Arboretum admission. LLL Tip: This isn't your traditional pumpkin farm. It's part fall outing, part art show and a beautiful opportunity to visit the Arboretum as the leaves begin changing color.
Cantigny Fall Fest — WheatonSeptember 26–27 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Cantigny's two-day Fall Fest is another great option right in our backyard. The celebration includes a large vendor market, live music, garden tours, food trucks and children's activities including crafts, bounce houses and a petting zoo. Festival admission is free, with a parking fee and additional charges for some activities.
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival — West ChicagoSeptember 19–October 30 A longtime western suburban fall tradition, Sonny Acres combines pumpkins with daytime hayrides, farm animals, amusement rides, seasonal food and entertainment. For those who prefer their fall fun a little scarier, the farm also offers haunted attractions on select October nights.
Johansen Farms — BolingbrookSeptember 15–October 31 Johansen Farms is especially geared toward families with younger children, with a children's zoo, corn maze, hayrides, train rides, giant slides, miniature golf and plenty of animals. Don't need all the attractions? Families can also visit the pumpkin patch and open market area without purchasing admission to the children's zoo. Stop in for pumpkins, fall decorations, apple cider donuts and other seasonal treats.
Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze — AuroraSeptember 19–November 1 Abbey Farms' Pumpkin Daze offers a full day of fall fun with acres of pumpkins, a large corn maze, hayrides, farm animals and an activity area.
Keller's Farmstand Fall Festivities — OswegoSeptember 12–October 25 Keller's Oswego farm combines several favorite fall traditions in one destination, including apple picking, a U-pick pumpkin patch and weekend Fall Festivities. Good to know: Keller's has multiple locations, but the Oswego farm is the location offering the U-pick pumpkin patch and Fall Festivities.
Bronkberry Farms — Plainfield18061 Bronk Rd., Plainfield Bronkberry offers a smaller farm experience for families who don't necessarily want a huge amusement-style fall festival. Look for pumpkins, apples, mums, seasonal treats, hayrides and special fall events. Click on More to Read the rest of our list Some are worth the DRIVE... Read More... |
Plan a Halloween outing with our Chicagoland Haunted House Guide, featuring 11 attractions from Downers Grove and West Chicago to Lockport and Lake County.
The guide includes dates, locations, official links and daytime family options, with reminders to check current hours and ticket availability. Read More... |