WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO
That crisp, cooler day is begging you to get your family outside to enjoy all that the season offers in the Chicagoland area. To help out, here’s five favorite traditions we know your family would love.
Fall Festival at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch In Hampshire/South Barrington With farms located in both Hampshire and South Barrington, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch has long been a tradition for families looking for fall festival activities and some unique experiences including feeding giraffes and pig races. Kids can fly down the two story pumpkin slide, jump on the giant pillow, and pick their holiday pumpkin, but be sure to avoid the pumpkin-eating dinosaur or their souvenir may not make it home. Check it out at www.goebbertspumpkinpatch.com.
Fall Foliage Hiking at Morton Arboretum In Lisle If you want to surround yourself with the vibrant reds, golds and oranges of fall foliage, a trip to the Morton Arboretum should be on your list. The Arboretum’s 1,700 acres are filled with trees from more than 40 countries and will fill your senses with color. There are 16 miles of hiking/biking trails, as well as events such as the Fall Color 5K Run/Walk, the Cider and Ale Festival, the imaginative creations from local scout troops on the Scarecrow Trail, and glass-blowing demonstrations at the Glass Pumpkin Patch. For more information visit www.mortonarb.org.
Autumn Adventures In Galena Still want to see all the vibrant fall colors, but are feeling a little more adventurous? A trip a few hours west to the historic town of Galena will satisfy you. Here, you can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the season drifting down the Galena River. Climb onto a horse for a serene trail ride with Shenandoah Riding Center, or come back at night to ride through their Fear Forest. Want to get off the ground for an aeriel view? Galena on the Fly will take you up in a hot air balloon or you can catapult yourself down zip lines at Long Hollow Canopy Tour. See all the excitement at www.galena.org.
A Good Ol' Fashioned Football Game If you are sporty, when you think fall, you think football! Head out to a local high school game and get into the spirit. Better yet, grab your family for some fun tailgating at a nearby University game or for a special treat, a Chicago Bears game. The fun of burgers and dogs, marching bands, and screaming your heads off for the home team will be lasting memories for the whole family.
Cornfield Maze, Statesville Haunted Prison and More at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest In Lockport Is your family up for a challenge? Along with the over 30 unlimited attractions they offer at their vast fall festival (including a Sniper Zombie Paintball Ride!), Siegel’s Farm is famous for their 15-acre Corn Maze, customized in a new design every year (#FlytheW Chicago Cubs Maze) and available to navigate on the weekends. Statesville Haunted Prison has been ranked as one of the top Haunted Houses in the Chicagoland area and dares you to find your way through 23 maximum security cells with evil surprises. To step up to the challenge, visit www.OurPumpkinFarm.com and www.StatesvilleHauntedPrison.com.
-Mindy Kyle
