Things To Do This Fall in Chicago and the Surrounding Suburbs
RH Business Marketing Solutions
The hot weather is slowly coming to an end, and the temperature will start cooling off. It’s almost Fall time, and that means there will be a ton of outdoor activities you can go out and do! We’ve gathered a list early this year so you can plan in advance, and get tickets as needed because a lot of events have presale tickets! Most of these activities take place in Chicago, or the suburbs, but you can also take these ideas and find another location if the location listed doesn’t suit you.
1. Look at the changing trees
Starting out with something free, this is a perfect activity to do if you want to walk around and breathe in the fresh Fall air. There are so many places that have beautiful trees around this time of the year.
Morton Arboretum
Jackson Park
Lincoln Park
All of these locations have a beautiful display of colorful trees when Fall comes around.
2. Morton Arboretum
Speaking of the Morton Arboretum, there are a couple of different activities they host for the Fall season.
Scarecrow Trail: Open daily in October from 7AM to Sunset, you can walk around the trail and view all of the scarecrows along the trail. The scarecrows are all made by local Boy Scout troops, and at the end of the trail you can cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow.
Fall Color 5K Run and Walk: On October 1st, 2022 at 8am, you can participate in the Fall Color 5k run! There will be live music, and a post-complimentary beer for those over 21 years of age. In person cost to participate is $50, and if you’d like to participate virtually it is $45.
Glass Pumpkin Patch: Open Wednesday, October 12, 2022 and runs through Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, you can go and view or buy the hand made and designed glass pumpkins. You can also watch daily demonstrations by glassblowers making pumpkins out of the glass into beautiful masterpieces.
Cider and Ale Festival: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, from 12pm to 4pm, you can sample 80+ beers, ciders, and meads at the festival. This event comes with a souvenir tasting glass.
3. Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden
Open on October 12-16 & 19-23, 2022, you can explore 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins in all their beauty illuminated. They are all real pumpkins, and there are some up to 150 pounds! There are famous Halloween characters, celebrities, and live carving demos all included into admission. Pre-sale tickets drop in a couple of days, so make sure to snag them to get the time you want!
4. Boo! At The Zoo! at Brookfield Zoo
This event is only open on Saturdays and Sundays October 8 to 23, 2022, so you better act fast and grab tickets, it won’t last long! What kid doesn’t like the zoo, and you can dress up in your costume and there’s plenty of cute photo-ops all around the park to stop and snap a picture.
5. Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
This event is a one night thing, so if you miss it, it’s gone! Children are able to trick-or-treat from 10am til 1pm on Saturday, October 22, 2022. This event is free for all ages.
6. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
There are tons of pumpkin patches around Chicago and the local suburbs, but we listed our favorite ones for you to visit to get the best experience.
Bengston’s in Homer Glen - This is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the area, so be aware it might be a little crowded. This pumpkin farm has rides, a petting zoo, and lots of areas to get yummy snacks and drinks. Notice: Bengston’s is CASHLESS as of this year.
Konow’s Corn Maze in Homer Glen - This is the cutest little pumpkin patch, and very underrated. Ticket prices are $12 on Monday-Friday, and $15 for Saturday and Sunday, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. This pumpkin patch has a huge corn maze, a corn pit to play in, a petting zoo, and tons of games to play. They also have a little track with tiny scooters to ride, as well as a huge jump pad that all the kids love.
Odyssey Fun Farm: Corn Maze in Tinley Park - This farm is built on 110 acres of land, and filled with fun to during the fall season. There is a HUGE pumpkin to take pictures with, a pillow bouncy, a corn pit, a petting zoo, hay rides and pony rides.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-up in Downtown Chicago - This is one of those events that’s aimed towards the adults. Children can get in in the day time, but at night it’s adults only. This is a perfect place to go if you love photo-ops, because that’s the main point of the place! There is a huge corn maze, axe throwing, bars all around, photo-ops, and carnival games all over the place.
There are tons of things to do in the Fall time, whether it be just as basic as walking around and enjoying the crispy fall air. Get out and enjoy the weather!!
Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell