Fall Fun Near Chicago: Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes 2026 Guide

When the air starts to bite a little and the leaves turn that perfect amber‑gold, you know it’s time for pumpkin‑picking, apple‑coring and a day (or two) spent wandering corn mazes. Chicago’s suburbs are packed with farms that turn the ordinary weekend into a mini‑adventure, and 2026 looks especially generous.

We’ve scoured the map, called a few farms, and put together a handy rundown of the top spots. Whether you’re after a spooky hayride, a selfie‑worthy giant pumpkin slide, or just a quiet spot to watch the kids splash through a pumpkin‑filled pit, there’s something here for every autumn lover.

Sonny Acres Farm – West Chicago
Address: 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago
Season: September 19 – October 30
Highlights: The “Sonny Express” train, a self‑feed zoo, pony rides, a sweet shop, plus a haunted hayride and barn that get extra eerie after dark. Hours shift depending on the activity, so a quick call (630‑231‑3859) or a peek at their website will keep you from missing anything.

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm – Waukegan
Address: 13236 W. Town Line Road, Waukegan
Season: September 19 – October 31
Highlights: A corn maze honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary, classic hayrides, a petting zoo, and a sprawling pumpkin patch. Open 1‑7 p.m. Mon‑Thu, 10‑7 p.m. Fri, and 10‑6 p.m. weekends. Admission ranges $5‑$12 weekdays, $12‑$14 weekends; maze entry $8 adults, $6 kids. Call 847‑662‑5733 for details.

Didier Farms – Lincolnshire
Address: 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire
Season: September 16 – October 31
Highlights: Animal Land Zoo, “Corny Corn Maze,” camel rides, agriculture rides, pumpkin playland, kids’ activities, a bake shop, and a concession stand. Weekends bring horse‑drawn wagon rides, draft horse rides, and silly‑string fun. Open 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Wed‑Mon; closed Tuesday. No general admission fee; each attraction costs $1 per ticket (up to eight tickets per ride). Ring 847‑383‑6958 for the latest.

Goebbert’s Farm and Garden Center – South Barrington
Address: 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington
Season: September 11 – November 1
Highlights: Petting zoo, corn‑stalk maze, duck derby, pony & camel rides, giraffe barn, wagon rides, magic shows, jumping pillow, pig races, gem mining, and more. Open daily 9 a.m.‑6 p.m. Weekday admission $20, weekend $27 (or $24 online). Extra fees apply for rides and mining.

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard – Pingree Grove
Address: 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove
Season: August 21 – October 31
Highlights: Haunted house, kiddie playland, giant pumpkin slide, tire mountain, pumpkin cannon, straw maze, jumping pillow, corn box, pig races, and a plethora of other quirks. Hours: 9 a.m.‑6 p.m. Mon‑Wed, 9 a.m.‑8 p.m. Thu‑Sun. Admission $22 weekdays, $28 weekends in September; $30 weekends in October. Kids 2 & under free. Season passes $60 weekdays, $99 all‑access.

Stade’s Farm & Market – McHenry
Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
Season: September 5 – November 1
Highlights: Apple cannons, barn & playhouse, climbing web, corn maze, duck races, petting zoo, pumpkin cannon, slide mountain, tractor pull, zipline, and more. Open 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Friday‑Sunday. Admission varies; a $55 season pass saves a few bucks. Kids 2 & under free.

Kuiper’s Family Farm – Maple Park
Address: 1N145 Watson Road, Maple Park
Season: August 22 – November 25
Highlights: Tractor train, corn maze, pig races, jumping pillow, corn box, tractor‑tire mountain, pedal‑tractor derby, haunted forest, hayride, farm animals and plenty of seasonal treats. Hours change daily. Admission to the Pumpkin FunFarm starts at $19.99; apple picking $11.99 weekdays, $14.99 weekends. Bundle both for $35.99+. Call 815‑827‑5200.

Richardson Adventure Farm – Spring Grove
Address: 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove
Season: September 12 – November 1
Highlights: A 28‑acre corn maze, 50‑foot observation tower, wagon & train rides, carousel, slide, zip line, petting zoo, pig race, goat feeding, jumping pillow, zorbing, eXtreme Air, gemstone mining, paintball gallery, and more. September hours: closed Mon‑Thu, open 3‑11 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.‑11 p.m. Sat, noon‑9 p.m. Sun. October extends Thursday 3‑9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.‑11 p.m.; weekends stay the same. Prices shift by event; call 815‑675‑9729.

Abbey Farms – Aurora
Address: 2855 Hart Road, Aurora
Season: September 19 – November 1
Highlights: 40‑acre corn maze, balance‑beam course, bouncing‑cow train, zip lines, tractor‑tire hill, jumping pillow, pedal track, tractor/hay wagon ride, antique tractors, petting zoo. September: open 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Sat & Sun. October: 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Wed‑Fri & Sun; Sat 10 a.m.‑10 p.m. Admission $17 weekdays, $21 weekends (online; +$2 at gate).

These farms each have their own flavor, but the common thread is clear: they’re all geared toward making your fall memories richer, louder, and a little messier (in the best way). Pack a blanket, bring a thermos of hot cider, and set your GPS—Chicago’s countryside is waiting.

Pro tip: many locations offer season passes that shave off a few dollars if you plan to hop between farms. And if you’re traveling with kids, check the farm’s calendar for special weekend events—sometimes a zip‑line or a haunted house is the extra sparkle that turns a good day into an unforgettable one.

So mark your calendars, grab your camera, and get ready to chase the perfect pumpkin, bite into a crisp apple, and lose yourself in a maze that’s as twisty as the season’s feelings. Autumn in Illinois has never tasted—or felt—so good.