As summer comes to an end, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness as I bid farewell to warm days and long evenings. Summer fades away all too quickly in Chicago. The vibrant energy of summer in Chicago always leaves me yearning for just a bit more sunshine and lake days. However, as the air begins to cool and the leaves start to change, I find myself excited for the new season. This midwest city transforms into a canvas of warm colors, and there’s so much to look forward to—apple picking, pumpkin patches, and the delightful array of fall festivals. The post-summer grumps leave me, and I openly embrace the weather change. As the season shifts, fall activities in Chicago ramp up. Here are a few of my favorites.
1.) Exploring Fall Foliage
The midwest has the most stunning spots to witness the changing leaves turn from green to bright red, yellow, and orange. A few of my favorite spots to see the changing leaves are Lincoln Park, Grant Park, and, of Course, Millenium Park. I love walking through Millenium Park to see the red leaves outlining The Bean. While the LakeFront Trail is one of my favorite places to ride a bike in the summer, it is even more beautiful in the fall. The view of the lake framed by vibrant red and yellow trees creates a truly picturesque scene.
2.) Apple Picking Adventures
Apple picking can start as early as July but mid-September through Late October are the best times to go. Edwards Apple Orchard in Illinois is a family-owned orchard perfect for fall enthusiasts. When you visit the orchard to pick your apples, a tractor will take you to a few different orchards. When I went with my boyfriend and a few friends there were several different apples were ready for the picking; Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Autumn Beauty, and Honey Crisp. You can check their website (Edwards Orchards) to see when some of your favorite apples are available. It was so fun hunting for the perfect apples. After picking apples, I stopped by the quaint farm market filled with homemade treats, including delicious apple cider and fresh-baked apple cider donuts, which I sampled. Whether you’re looking to fill your basket with fresh apples or simply savor the beauty of fall, Edwards Apple Orchard is a delightful spot to get in the fall spirit.
3.) Pumpkin Patches
Illinois is the largest supplier of pumpkins, which explains the abundance of pumpkin patches in and around the city. One of my favorites is Sonny Acres, just outside Chicago. They offer adult beverages, rides for kids, and my favorite: apple cider donuts. If you’re looking for spookier activities, check out the Wicked Hallows Haunted Hayride and The Curse of the Scarecrow Haunted Barn.Another one of my favorite pumpkin patches in Chicago is Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up on Goose Island. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is beautifully decorated for the perfect backdrop for a new post on Instagram. Aside from the lights and decorations The pumpkin patch offers an immersive experience with activities like axe throwing, fortune-telling, and a corn maze to explore.
4.) Getting Lost in the Corn Maze at Richardson Farms
Although Jack’s Corn Maze is fun, it’s nothing compared to the corn maze at Richard Farms. Richardson Farms is known for being one of the most giant corn mazes in the country. Visitors can navigate the intricate design of the maze—if they dare! I attempted to complete the maze at night. I did not make it all the way through without having to retrace my steps. This year’s theme is John Deere. Aside from the intricate maze, you can enjoy a scenic hayride or pick your pumpkins from the patch to bring home. The farm also features a petting zoo and a market where I bought apple cider donuts, making it a perfect spot for families looking to embrace the spirit of fall.
5.) Seasonal Events & Festivals
There is no shortage of Festivals in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs during the fall season. Fall festivals in and around Chicago vibrantly celebrate the season. From the popular Chicago Gourmet, where food lovers can indulge in tastings from top chefs, to the Fall Festival at the Lincoln Park Zoo there is no shortage of events happening every weekend in Chicago and in the suburbs. Local towns host charming events with artisans, hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. Last weekend, I attended a Pumpkin Fest in downtown Long Grove. The event had live music, spiked apple cider, a professional pumpkin carver, and a scarecrow decorating contest. Enter the scarecrow decorating contest.
6.) Fright Fest
If you love the excitement of roller coasters and the adrenaline of jump scares from horror films, then Fright Fest is the perfect event for you! My boyfriend and I attended last year and it’s best to attend Fright Fest at night to get in the spooky mood. All of the regular rides are open, but during Fright Fest, there are hired actors and performers walking around in creepy costumes, just waiting for the perfect moment to scare park attendees. If spooky isn’t your thing you could always opt for attending Six Flags Oktober Food Festival instead.
7.) Cozy Drive-in Movie
Catch a thrilling screening of your favorite Halloween classics at Chi-Town Movies! Don’t miss seeing Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, or Friday the 13th on the big screen.
8.) Haunted Houses
The production value of Haunted Houses in Chicago is impressive. The 13th Floor Haunted House is one of the spookiest haunted houses I have ever seen. The haunted house is an immersive experience as Actors in terrifying costumes hide in the dark, waiting to jump out and scare you. At times, it gets trippy with strobe lights flashing as I walk upstairs in a rotating room. I almost fell over.
9.) Fall Day & Weekend Trips
A short drive from Chicago, several idyllic fall towns are perfect for a weekend getaway with local coffee shops, cider donuts, and the best foliage viewpoints. If you want some weekend trip ideas, here are my favorites. No matter which destination you choose, these fall trips will provide a refreshing escape from the city.
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Door County, Wisconsin
- Holland, Michigan
- Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana
- Galena, Illinois
- Green Lake, Wisconsin
- Madison, Wisconsin
10.) Take a Nature Hike
I’ve hiked Starved Rock State Park in the summer and winter, but fall is my favorite. All the leaves turn red and yellow, and the air isn’t as humid, ideal hiking temperatures.
While it seems like fall activities near Chicago are never-ending, the season comes and goes quickly, so enjoy all things fall while you can.
Which one of these events is your favorite? Drop in the comments below.
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