Fall is the perfect time to explore suburban Chicago. During September and October, preschoolers and their families can have hands-on experiences learning about vibrant fall foliage, life on the farm, and the importance of spending time with family and making memories together.
With so many activities to choose from, The Gardner School has created a list of nine family-friendly fall activities in and around suburban Chicago. Let us know which one is your favorite!
Didier Farms
Didier Farms is home to the beloved Happy Times Pumpkin Fest. The festival features some great attractions such as carnival rides, plenty of pumpkins, corn and straw mazes, and pony rides!
Glenview Farmers Market
Located at Historic Wagner Farm, the Glenview Farmers Market is open through mid to late October. As the seasons change, so does the produce offered by local vendors. Come by and let your preschooler choose fresh fall fruits and vegetables to try!
Konow’s Corn Maze
At approximately 0.4 miles, Konow’s smaller corn maze is the perfect size for preschoolers to explore with their families. After you make your way through the maze of maize, enjoy a day of feeding the animals at the petting zoo, taking rides on a cow train, jumping in the corn pit, and more classic fall fun!
Kuipers Family Farm
There is so much to enjoy at Kuipers Family Farm during the fall months. Apple picking, which opens August 26, is available on weekends through October. Then, come back to celebrate the farm’s annual Pumpkin Fest with more than 30 family-friendly attractions and a free pumpkin with the price of admission.
Morton Arboretum
Show your preschooler the world through a kaleidoscope of brilliantly-colored trees at The Morton Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival. Occurring every day in October, the festival features grilled goodies, taffy apples, and a scarecrow trail around Meadow Lake.
Odyssey Fun Farm
Fun for all ages, the Odyssey Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is built on a 110-acre farm 45 minutes outside Chicago. The farm features a huge corn maze and a 5-acre courtyard with inflatables, a petting zoo, corn cannons, duck races, and more.
Sonny Acres Farm
Sonny Acres Farm is a family-owned and operated pumpkin patch offering year-round family fun -and fall is no different! Come enjoy treats, pumpkins, pony rides, and carnival attractions designed with children 12 and under in mind.
Warrenville Fall Fest
The annual Warrenville Fall Fest is usually held in late October. This fun outing offers something for family members of all ages, including games with candy prizes, crafts, inflatables, and live music. Wear your best Halloween gear and participate in the costume contest!
Warrenville Grove
Suburban Chicago is home to beautiful fall foliage, and Warrenville Grove is a great place to take in the colors of the season. Explore the grove’s 127 acres of woodlands and choose a trail to hike for up-close views of color-changing leaves.
Engaging Early Childhood Education in Any Season
The Gardner School offers an engaging curriculum that supports early cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and academic abilities in young learners. Our caring teachers encourage curiosity while building a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our downtown Chicago preschools, contact us to set up a tour.