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Your Chicago Guide to Fall Fun

Pumpkins, apples and all your fall fun events in Chicago and more!

By Sara Yaniga, Macaroni KID Chicago September 23, 2023

It's time for fall family fun in Chicago and we can hardly wait! We are lucky to have so many fall attractions and events in the city and surrounding neighborhood where families have been making fall memories for years. From picking apples to leaf-peeping to Halloween fun ... Macaroni KID Chicago has all the details for you and your family to make the most of autumn in the Windy City.




Fall events and attractions in Chicago

Macaroni KID Chicago is adding fall events regularly as we find them, so check back often to this page for updates or take a look at our calendar!

Upcoming Events For the Whole Family




Farms near Chicago(land) for Family Fun

Didier Farms

16678 W Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Details: Didier Farms offers a variety of vegetables and flowers in our greenhouse this spring, and our farmers market in summer.

During our Pumpkinfest, the last week of September and all of October, corn maze, straw maze, pony rides, camel rides, kiddie rides, pumpkin playland and have an animal land to explore, in beautiful Lake County, Illinois

More information: https://didierfarms.com


All Season Orchard

14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock, IL 60098

Details: All Seasons Orchard is an apple orchard, pumpkin patch and corn maze located in Woodstock, IL in McHenry County. We are near the Chicago metropolitan area and Rockford and are open daily in September and October. View our hours and directions. Stop by to pick your own apples in our orchard or play in our Barnyard. We’re a favorite fall destination for families and groups alike and offer the ideal activities for a day of all fun! If you’re interested in apple picking or pumpkin picking near you, we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you at All Seasons Orchard this Fall!

More information: https://allseasonsorchard.com


Historic Wagner Farm

1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview, IL 60026

Details: Take a leap back in time to farm life from decades past. Wagner Farm provides a unique opportunity for families to learn about its heritage. The Heritage Center is home to many exhibits that teach “life on the farm” during early 20th century. Shop at our 1930’s Grocery Store or purchase a souvenir from the Museum Store.  This month you can find fall and halloween activities on the weekends.  Check their calendar for information. Open Daily 10-5

More information: https://glenviewparks.org/facilities/historic-wagner-farm/





Leaf peeping in Chicago

Winnemac Park

5100 N Leavitt Street 

Details: This large park in the north Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Square is a favorite in fall.  Their mature trees and nature prairie habitat makes for a beautiful setting for fall fun with the family.

Garfield Park Conservatory

300 N Central Park Ave

Details: A year round favorite for Chicago families, the outdoor gardens are alive with fall foliage each year.  Check out their calendar for upcoming fall events too!

Lincoln Park

500 to 5700 N Lake Shore Drive

Details: The largest park in Chicago, stretching from Ohio Street Beach to the Edgewater neighborhood, there are plenty of places to enjoy falls changing colors. If you want to make the most of your time then stick to the area around the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Zoo.  The Nature Walk near the pond is a favorite, especially this time of year. 

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

Details: This beautiful botanic garden is north of Chicago, but it is still accessible by (Metra) train for those who prefer to leave the car at home (or don't own one).  If you hop off at the Braeside station it's about a 20 min walk along a great path to the entrance.  You can also use the Glencoe station and then take a Northbrook Court PACE bus, which will bring you to the Chicago Botanic Garden. 

Your Local Park or Neighborhood

Details: Chicago has no shortage of beautiful trees, gardens and parks throughout the city.  Find one near you and enjoy a picnic, read a story with the family or find leaves to use in a project later at home like these.


 

Bring the Fall Fun home with these activities:


We will continue to update our Macaroni KID Chicago Fall Fun Guide with events as they are posted, so check back often!

Do you know of a family-friendly fall event or attraction in Chicago that isn't listed here? Please submit your event here!