A Little Time and a Keyboard: Weekend Windup: Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 15-17, 2021

Weekend Windup: Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 15-17, 2021

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 15-17, 2021

 Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs October 15-17, 2021

Another fabulous fall weekend is nearly here! There are a lot of fantastic events this weekend -- both spooky and fun! Here are my picks for this weekend:


Ongoing Human + Nature at Morton Arboretum, Lisle, stunning natural sculptures to help connect people with trees, the exhibition includes 5 incredible sculptures, included with normal admission

September 11 - November 7 Richardson Corn Maze, Spring Grove, try weaving through the World's Largest Corn Maze and enjoy fall farm fun, open Thursdays-Sundays and Columbus Day, see website for hours and prices

Ongoing September and October Abbey Farm Pumpkin Daze, Aurora, corn maze, pumpkin patch, family fun,  

Ongoing-October 31 Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms, Lincolnshire

Ongoing through October 31 Scarecrow Trail, Morton Arboretum, enjoy a trail of scarecrows crafted by local scout troops and organizations, included in admission

Ongoing through October 31 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.

Ongoing through October 31 on Friday and Saturday evenings, Terror in the Timbers, Elgin, 6PM-12AM, drive-through Halloween experience, $65 per car, add-on option of Haunted Hike $25 per car

Ongoing - November 7 Sugar Skull City, Downtown Aurora, exploring looking for beautiful sugar skulls, check for special events and promotions on website, participate in the alebrije hunt

October 13 - January 2, 2022 Par Excellence Redux: The Back 9, Elmhurst Art Museum. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience an interactive exhibit created by local artists. In honor of the original Par Excellence exhibit at The School of the Art Institute, local artists have created 9 unique mini golf holes that you can actually play! To enjoy this exhibit, you do have to reserve a tee time. Please see website for more information and how to book your time.

Apple Orchards:

Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard with an Apple Tree Maze open (starts August 21)

Stade's Farm and Market in McHenry (starts August 21)

Kuiper's Family Farm in Maple Park (starts August 28)

Jonamac Orchard in Malta (opens August 25)

All Seasons Orchard Woodstock (opens August 28)

Goebbert's Farm in Pinegree Grove (opens August 28)

Pumpkin Patches

Abbey Farms Aurora

Stade's Farm and Market in McHenry 

Kuiper's Family Farm in Maple Park 

Jonamac Orchard in Malta 

All Seasons Orchard Woodstock 

Goebbert's Farm 

Didier Farms

Bengston's Pumpkin Farm

Friday, October 15

October 15-17 Glass Pumpkin Patch, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, included in admission, see beautiful glass pumpkins crafted by glass artists, see demos, browse pieces for sale

Octonber 15 & 16 All Hallow's Eve, Naper Settlement, Naperville, Naper Settlement will turn into a spooky, bizarre wonderland. Try a zombie maze, see fire dancers, watch a magician, peruse the dark art gallery and more. $20 per person. Purchase tickets online.

October 15-17 Autumn Drive, McHenry County, explore local farms enjoying farm activities, family activities and viewing art crafted by local artisans

Saturday, October 16

October 16 Walk and Talk: Folklore of the Forest, Glenview Woods, Glenview, 10AM, guided hike, learn the superstitions around plants in the forest, free but must register

October 16-17 Open House Chicago, self-guided tours through some of Chicago's remarkable structures, highlights different neighborhoods of Chicago as well as Evanston and Oak Park, free

October 16-17 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.

October 16-17 Civil War Reenactment, Hainesville

October 16 Downtown Evanston Fall Festival, 1PM-4PM, block party at fountain square, arts and crafts activities, makers market, DJ and more

October 16 Tractor Drawn Hayrides, Danada, Wheaton, 1PM-3PM, $5 pp

October 16 & 17 Walking Plays: The Legacy of Sherwood Forest, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, 4PM, descendants of Robinhood and his men go on a madcap adventure

Sunday, October 17

October 17 Croctoberfest, Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Forest, 10AM-3PM, feeding demos, meet crocodilians, meet special visitors, free but some activities are fee based

October 17 Harvest Celebration, 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.

October 17 OAKTober Walk, St. James Farm, Warrenville,  2PM-3PM, guided walk to learn about oaks, $5 pp, register online

Also, don't forget to check out my Chicago Suburbs Hiking List for new adventures!


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