Best Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards & Fall Activities Near Chicago Suburbs 2025

Now that September is officially here, bring on all the family-friendly fall fun in the suburbs! Here are a few of our team’s favorite spots for pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and autumn activities you’ll definitely want to check out. Keep reading for a closer look at where to make the most of the season!

1. Sonny Acres Farm — West Chicago, IL

If you’re searching for a fall outing that has something for everyone, Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago is a must-visit. Their annual Fall Festival invites families to soak up the crisp autumn air with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of festive fun. And of course, no visit is complete without trying their famous apple cider donuts—one of the season’s sweetest highlights. The fall festivities kick off on September 20 and run through October 30, 2025. Admission and parking are free, making it an easy and affordable day out, though certain attractions like the haunted hayride and barn activities require tickets. In addition to the festival fun, Sonny Acres is home to a Farm Fresh Market filled with locally grown fruits and vegetables, perfect for stocking up on fall favorites. Families can also visit the wide variety of farm animals and food vendor tents. Between the free entry, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities, Sonny Acres is a spot that makes celebrating autumn simple and fun.

2. Goebbert’s Farm — South Barrington, IL

For a fall outing packed with things to see and do, Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington is hard to beat. Their annual Fall Festival, running daily from September 6 through October 31, 2025, is filled with attractions for all ages. Admission includes access to favorites like the pumpkin-eating dinosaur, Animal Land, wagon rides, pig races, a corn stalk maze, the Haunted House, and even a giraffe barn. The Red Barn Café and Bakery serves fresh apple cider donuts and hearty fall meals every day. On weekends, you’ll also find roasted corn, special desserts, and homemade kettle corn—perfect fuel between activities. Stroll through the Harvest Market and Garden Center to shop pumpkins, gourds, mums, and locally grown produce to bring a taste of fall home with you. With so many attractions, seasonal treats, and picture-perfect moments, Goebbert’s makes it easy to spend the whole day celebrating autumn. They also have a Pingree Grove location, open August 22 through October 31, 2025, so no matter which you visit, you’ll find plenty of fall magic waiting.

3. Keller’s Farmstand — Oswego, IL

If apple picking is on your fall bucket list, Keller’s Farmstand in Oswego is a great place to go. Starting in late August, the orchard offers a full season of apple picking along with prepicked selections for those who prefer to shop and go. With dozens of varieties available throughout the fall, you can even sign up for “Apple Alerts” to get notified when your favorites—like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji—are ready to pick. On weekends, the farm goes beyond the orchard with family-friendly activities, a corn maze, farm animals, and kid-friendly play areas. Pumpkins and fall décor round out the experience, making it easy to check off all your autumn traditions in one visit. Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at the farmstand for fresh produce and treats like warm apple cider donuts. With its blend of orchard fun, weekend activities, and tasty fall flavors, Keller’s creates a timeless autumn outing.

4. Kuipers Family Farm — Maple Park, IL

Fall fun comes in all shapes and sizes at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, where apple picking and pumpkins are just the beginning. The orchard opens on August 23 and runs through November 2, 2025, offering a wide variety of apples to pick. Starting September 19, the farm’s Pumpkin FunFarm brings even more to explore, with kid-friendly play areas, farm animals, a corn maze, endless photo ops, and much more. Families can also hop aboard the Farmview Railway, a train ride that winds through the property for a fun way to take in the views. No visit is complete without a stop at the Orchard Shop & Bakery, where shelves are stocked with seasonal décor, gifts, and farm-fresh treats—plus warm apple cider donuts that are a must-try. From apple picking to pumpkin adventures, Kuipers has all the ingredients for a full day of fall excitement.

5. Jonamac Orchard — Malta, IL

For a farm day filled with both classic charm and unique twists, Jonamac Orchard in Malta is worth the drive. Opening in late August, the orchard offers U-pick apples with favorites like Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold, Fuji, and Granny Smith available throughout the season. On weekends and holiday Mondays (from August 30 through November 2, 2025), General Admission includes access to a wide variety of activities: a corn maze, hayrides, the Apple Train, farm animals, camel rides, pony rides, duck races, racer slides, and even paintball shooters and apple cannons for a little extra excitement. Between activities, stop by the Store and Bakery for fresh treats and seasonal décor, or unwind at the Cider House, where you can sample wines, hard ciders, and flights made from the farm’s own apples. With its mix of traditional orchard fun and unique extras, Jonamac offers plenty of ways to turn a simple outing into a full day of fall memories.

6. Woody’s Orchard and Fun Farm — Plano, IL

For a fall outing that blends classic orchard charm with hands-on fun, Woody’s Orchard in Plano is a must-visit. Their Fall Fest kicks off Labor Day weekend and runs through Halloween week, open Thursdays through Sundays, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the season. Start with U-pick apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers—perfect for both the experience and the photo opportunities. Then dive into their lineup of attractions, which goes well beyond the basics. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the corn maze, apple cannons, obstacle course, farm animals, hamster wheel racers, and a giant cedar play village. Add in family favorites like jumping pads, tractor slides, duck races, and gem mining, and it’s easy to see why Woody’s has become a fall favorite. When it’s time to recharge, the on-site bakery has you covered with seasonal sweets, including their much-loved apple cider donuts. With orchards, activities, and plenty of festive food, Woody’s delivers a full day of seasonal fun.

Whether you’re craving a warm apple cider donut, a cozy hayride, or the perfect pumpkin for carving, there’s plenty to enjoy just a short drive away. From charming orchards to bustling farmstands, these destinations are sure to bring smiles, create lasting memories, and deliver family-friendly fun all season long. They are also some of the Kelly Stetler Real Estate Team’s favorite spots to bring their kiddos—making them tried-and-true fall traditions worth sharing.