Pumpkin picking is the perfect fall family friendly activity. Find the perfect pumpkin for you to carve at these locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas.
13341 W. 151st St.
Lockport, Illinois
Comment:
Take a hay rack ride to the field for that perfect pumpkin that has already been cut off the vine.
Other attractions include: petting zoo, train, haunted and fun barn, pig races, playground, slide
reviewed on: September 29 2012
"More than just pumpkins"
Nitty gritty:
Admission is $11.99 for those 11 and up; $10.99 for kids 3-10; 2 and under free. Admission includes most of the activities excluding the train, frog hoppeer, tea cups, flying frogs. Check their website for coupons or to buy tickets online. Many days (26 in fact) offer unlimited free rides. The grounds are mostly paved so bring wagons and strollers, plus there is stroller parking for almost every activity. Parking is free and plentiful. Port a potties are available. Lots of food choices.
The fun:
We attended Bengston's Farm on opening day of the Pumpkin Fest. To say it was busy was an understatement (the beautiful temps certainly did not deter the crowds from coming out either).
When we first entered the farm, we didn't know where to start. It didn't take very long until my train-obsessed toddler heard the train whistles and immediately dragged us to the train depot. My toddler enjoyed the ride so much that we had to ride it again before we left. Good thing we came on a day when they offered free unlimited rides. It normally costs $2 which we would have gladly paid.
After our short (but satisfying) ride on the Hootenanny Express, we explored the rest of the farm. Everywhere we turned, something would always catch our eye. From the animatronic singing chickens to the puking man (you have to see it to know what I mean), we were always intrigued by our surroundings. If you have little ones, keep in mind that some of the decor may be a little too scary for them.
We were lucky enough to watch the pig races and I think all families would enjoy it. The announcer was hilarious, plus it was even more enjoyable with interaction from the audience. The highlight of course (and the main reason we went there) was to pick out pumpkins. Although we didn't get to pick a pumpkin off the vine, it was still fun to ride on a hayrack ride to the area where the pumpkins were waiting for us.
There were other attractions such as a corn maze, a playground, corn box, amusement type rides, pony rides, and more that we didn't get around to. There's many activities to enjoy, that you'll need at least a few hours to enjoy everything.
If you're hungry, you won't be disappointed. You'll find food stations at every corner, just don't forget your cash! We would recommend getting the roasted corn and the kettle corn. If you're a fan of the McRib, you won't want to miss their boneless rib sandwich.
One thing I did notice was the friendliness of the staff. From the food stands to the people in charge of the attractions, everyone had a smile on their face. Must be because everyone was having such a great time!!
Bottom line:
If you're looking for a more subdued, quiet experience, there may be other farms better suited to your needs. If you have kids or adults looking for an exciting time, look no further than Bengston's Farm.
Disclaimer: Special thanks to Bengston's Farm for providing our family complimentary tickets. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
3709 Miller Road
McHenry, Illinois
Comment:
Take the tractor pulled hayride to the field and pick a pumpkin from the field. Or you can go to the store and choose a one that alreadys been picked for you. Activities include: Tractor tire pyramid and swings, Slide, corn play area, Jumping pillow, veggie cars, petting zoo, Barrel trains, combine, corn maze, corn and pumpkin cannons
reviewed on: October 03 2012
Nitty Gritty: At the time (2011) , it was free admission and we paid only for tickets. The hayride was free, but buying a pumpkin was $5. The area is grassy so keep that in mind when bringing the stroller/wagon.
The Fun: We were here for their Shades of Autumn Festival last year. At that time my son was around one and a half and very much full of energy. There were plenty of things to keep him entertained such as the veggie cars, the humongous slide, the barrel train and the pony rides. Our favorite by far was the hayride back and forth to the pumpkin patch. They also had live music playing. If you love kettle corn like I do, do yourself a favor and grab a bag of it. It was delicious!!
Bottom line: If you're looking for fun time on the farm, I can't think of a better place to enjoy your time!
40W. Higgins Road
Barrington, Illinois
Comment:
Pumpkins are already picked for you. Activities include: giraffe feeding, pig racing, pony and camel rides, corn maze, wagon rides, jumping pillow, haunted house. Free admission and free parking, attractions are extra.
reviewed on: August 28 2011
"Fun farm with free admission"
Nitty gritty: Admission is free. There are attractions that you need to pay extra. We came here on a weekend and it was PACKED, but it could have also been because it was an unseasonably warm day. Parking Is free on a gravel or grassy lot. Parents brought wagons and maneuvered around no problem. (probably a smart idea to bring if you don't want to haul your pumpkin around).
The fun: We went to Goebert's farm primarily because admission was free and we live fairly close. It was about time that we visit since we always pased by the huge pumpkin that seems to grab your attention any time we are on Rt. 72. There are many Activities such as camel rides, haunted houses, and more for an additional fee. If its pumpkins you're looking for, there are no shortage of them. They have already been picked for you. I am a fan of kettle corn and it did not disappoint. In fact, I may just have to drop by and grab some. It's that GOOD!
Bottom line: We had a great time and would recommend it to anyone. Don't forget the kettle corn!
710 W. Boughton Road
Bolingbrook, Illinois
Comment:
Walk to the patch and pick a pumpkin. Other attractions include: children's zoo, train and hayrides, corn maze, slides, bouncers, obstacle course, pony rides
19412 Shabbona Rd
Malta, Illinois
Comment:
Attractions include: barnyard, petting zoo. On weekends, try the corn maze, apple train, hayrides, live music
reviewed on: September 23 2011
The Nitty Gritty: We went here in September to go apple picking. There is no entrance fee, and you pay only for your apples. Lots of families brought their wagons/strollers.
The fun: There is a nice sized play area for kids. We didn't take advantage because of the drabby weather. We did peek inside their Country Store and did buy some yummy donuts in different flavors. there are a few rows of apple trees, but we only allowed to pick from about 5 rows.
Son's fav moment: picking an apple and eating it
Parent's fav moment: Trying an apple cider donut
Bottom Line: We would have probably enjoyed it more had it not been rainy. It was a bit of a downer to just pick from a few rows of apples. I would not come back only because I know there are lots of other apple orchards to try. If you are in the area though, I would check it out.
Tip: Bring a lunch because there are plenty of picnic tables around. There is also a little concession stand selling snacks. If you are in the vicinity and it is open, check out the Waterman and Western Railroad.
1N318 Watson Road
Maple Park, Illinois
Comment:
Pick your pumpkin off the vine. Attractions include: pony and hay wagon rides, corn maze,
2500 Johnson Rd.
Oswego, Illinois
Comment:
Besides pumpkin picking off the vine, you'll find tractor drawn rides, an animal barn, and a 12 acre corn maze.
7502 E. Hansel Rd.
Channahon, Illinois
16678 W. Aptakisic Road
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Comment:
Activities include: corn and straw maze, pony rides, jumping pumpkin, camel rides. Weekends they have train rides, face paintings and pig racing.
4853 US Highway 52
Minooka, Illinois
Comment:
Take a hay ride and find a pumpkin from their 30 acre pumpkin patch. Free admission but attractions extra. They have corn mazes, a barn with activities,
9407 Richardson Road
Spring Grove, Illinois
Comment:
You can walk to the field or take a hayride for your pumpkin. Or you can buy ore-picked ones. Activities include: world's largest corn maze,
850 Butterfield Road
Aurora, Illinois
Comment:
For one price, you can enjoy all the activities at the farm. You can pick pumpkins at the field or buy them already picked. Other activities include tractors, hay rides, corn mazes for adults and kids,
24936 S. 80th Avenue
Monee, Illinois
Comment:
Can pick pumpkins on and off the vine. Pumpkin picking is only open to registered groups this year. Activities include rubber duck races,corn cracking, Petting zoo, hayride
24153 Town Line Road
Lake Villa, Illinois
Comment:
Pumpkins already cut. Attractions include: antique hand crank tractor hayride,face painting,farm animals, totem pole painting, Corn mazes
16717 S. Lockwood
Tinley Park, Illinois
Comment:
Take the hayride to the pumpkin patch. Other attractions include rides and a petting zoo.
29W310
West Chicago, Illinois
12700 Southwest Highway
Palos Heights, Illinois
14154 W. 159th St.
Homer, Illinois