Fall Fun Near Chicago: Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes 2026

When the leaves start to turn and a gentle chill sweeps through the Midwest, Illinoisans instinctively head for the countryside. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes become the unofficial invitation to slow down, breathe in the scent of caramel and hay, and make a day of it with kids (or the kid in you).

To make planning a little easier, we’ve rounded up the most popular farms within a two‑hour drive of Chicago. Each spot offers a unique blend of attractions—whether you’re after a spooky haunted barn, a pony ride for the little ones, or a giant pumpkin slide that feels straight out of a cartoon. Below is a quick rundown of dates, must‑see features, and what you can expect to spend.

Sonny Acres Farm – West Chicago
Address: 29W310 North Ave.
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 spooky after dark. Hours shift with each activity, so give them a call at 630‑231‑3859 or check the website for the latest schedule.

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

Didier Farms – Lincolnshire
Address: 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd.
Season: September 16 – October 31
Highlights: Animal Land Zoo, the “Corny Corn Maze,” camel rides, horse‑drawn wagons (weekends only), and a bake shop. No general admission fee; rides and activities cost $1 per ticket (up to eight tickets per ride).

Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center – South Barrington
Address: 40 W. Higgins Rd.
Season: September 11 – November 1
Highlights: Petting zoo, corn stalk maze, duck derby, pony and camel rides, a giraffe barn, magic shows, and even gem‑mining stations. Weekday entry $20, weekend $27 (online discounts available). Open daily 9 a.m.‑6 p.m.

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard – Pingree Grove
Address: 42W813 Reinking Rd.
Season: August 21 – October 31
Highlights: Haunted house, giant pumpkin slide, tire mountain, pumpkin cannon, straw maze, and pig races. Weekday tickets $22, weekend $28 in September; October weekends rise to $30. Kids 2 & under are free.

Stade’s Farm & Market – McHenry
Address: 3709 Miller Rd.
Season: September 5 – November 1
Highlights: Apple cannons, climbing web, corn maze, duck races, pumpkin cannon, slide mountain, tractor pull, and a zipline. Open Fridays‑Sundays 10 a.m.‑6 p.m. Admission varies; a season pass is $55.

Kuiper’s Family Farm – Maple Park
Address: 1N145 Watson Rd.
Season: August 22 – November 25
Highlights: Tractor train, corn maze, pig races, jumping pillow, haunted forest, hayride, and a pedal‑tractor derby. Admission starts at $19.99; apple picking $11.99‑$14.99. Bundles begin at $35.99.

Richardson Adventure Farm – Spring Grove
Address: 909 English Prairie Rd.
Season: September 12 – November 1
Highlights: A massive 28‑acre corn maze, 50‑foot observation tower, wagon & train rides, carousel, zip lines, petting zoo, paintball gallery, gemstone mining, and even zorbing. Hours shift between September and October; check the website for exact times.

Abbey Farms – Aurora
Address: 2855 Hart Rd.
Season: September 19 – November 1
Highlights: 40‑acre corn maze, balance‑beam course, bouncing‑cow train, zip lines, tractor tire hill, antique tractors, and a petting zoo. Weekday admission $17, weekend $21 online (add $2 at the gate). Open most weekends from 10 a.m.‑10 p.m.

All of these farms sprinkle in a few extra touches—like apple cannons at Stade’s or a pumpkin cannon at Goebbert’s—that make each visit feel a little special. The best strategy? Pick one for a half‑day (pumpkin picking) and another for an evening adventure (haunted hayride). And don’t forget to check each farm’s website for the latest COVID‑related guidelines or weather‑related closures.

So, grab a sweater, load up the car, and let the crisp autumn air guide you to the perfect fall outing. Whether you’re hunting the perfect pumpkin for carving or just want to lose yourself in a labyrinth of corn, the Chicago suburbs have you covered this 2026 season.