1. Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm

Kroll’s has a variety of pumpkins pre-picked and priced in rows to make it easy. They are separated by size, shape, or color for decorating, carving, or baking. There are also gourds, Indian corn, mini-pumpkins, straw bales, and corn stalk bundles available for purchase. Families can also have fun on hayrides, explore a corn maze, and visit farm animals such as goats, donkeys, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. 

Check our Fall Fun Guide for the latest pumpkin patch festivities and events and be sure to read our pumpkin guide for some more great patches to visit. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Orchards at Royal Oak Farm

2. Royal Oak Farm Orchard

There’s nothing better than a fall apple. At Royal Oak Farm Orchard, apple pickers can visit what is said to be the world’s only apple tree maze. Blaze a trail through 1.5 miles of trees containing nine varieties of apples, or select from more than 30 kinds of apples in the U-pick section of the orchard. For extra fun, families can enjoy apple cider slushies, train rides, a carousel, and hayrides on the weekends. 

Royal Oak even has an apple tree nursery for families who want to plant their own! Check out more apple orchards on our full list here. 

 
Fresh produce. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm

3. Enjoy Pioneer Farm

At Enjoy Pioneer Farm, your little ones can learn the inner workings of a real farm so it's a perfect fall day trip from Chicago. Kids can hold goats, ducks, and baby lambs, and learn how hens make eggs and how a real farm produces food for the community. You can buy fresh farm eggs and meats raised on the farm, explore a corn maze, and even pick corn to take home.

There's also a pumpkin patch, and straw and haystacks available to take home for your own (Pinterest-worthy) fall display. For other options, check out these fun farms with entertainment, petting zoos, activities, playgrounds, and more.

4. Richardson's Adventure Farm

Richardson's Adventure Farm has amazing corn mazes with a different theme each year and touts its corn maze as the largest and most intricate in the world, with 9.7 miles of trail through 28 acres of corn. The maze is four separate mazes with their own entrances and exits, so families can do as many quarters of it as they choose. Visitors can also play five corn maze games that take between 20 minutes and two hours as they wander through the corn, or view their position from one of three 8-foot tall wooden bridges.

If you want to explore more than just one corn maze, there is no shortage of incredible ones in the Chicago area. Nearby Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan also boast some impressive corn mazes. Check out our guide here to find one near you!

5. Bengston's Pumpkin Farm Haunted Barn 

For many fall lovers, Halloween is what it’s all about. If your family is looking for a spooky little road trip, Bengston's animated haunted barn offers thrills and chills for kids and their grown-ups. Enjoy the ghostly show after picking pumpkins, enjoying kettle corn, and visiting farm animals. You’ll have the anticipation building the whole car ride there and the kids recapping their adventures the entire ride back. It’s bound to be a scary good time. Check out our full list of haunted houses here. 

6. Goebbert's Farm

Petting zoos often make their debut in the fall months. This is a perfect opportunity to take a quick trip to a local farm or animal encounter. Goebbert's Farm has a ton of animals and wildlife to see, hold, and feed. There are also some exotic animals you don't see every day. Take a look at our full list here.

 
Go fishing! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

7. Lincoln Park Lagoon Fishing

Fishing isn’t just for the summer. Cooler temps and the changing season often bring new fish to the surface and keep different species moving around. While the temperatures become more comfortable, enjoy the beautiful fall weather by catching fish with your little ones. Lincoln Park Lagoon is a great spot to take kids fishing. Before or after you can explore the Lincoln Park neighborhood and zoo. Check out our round-up for some of the best fishing spots in Chicago. 

8. Visit Galena, IL

Fall is one of the best seasons to visit Galena. With beautiful trees for miles, it is known for its breathtaking fall beauty. Stroll quaint shops, kayak down the river, take a bike ride with the kids, and soak up all the fall sights. Check out our full guide to Galena with kids here. 

9. The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is a beautiful place to explore in the fall. Since it’s an indoor facility you won’t have to worry about cooler temps or a fall rain shower. Take a trip into the city and see all the Shedd offers. 

10. Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo is a great place to visit in the fall. With temperatures a nice mix of cool and warm, you'll see a lot more animals out roaming than in summer and winter. Brookfield Zoo also hosts Boo! at the Zoo, which is their annual Halloween festival that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. 

 
Boat on the lake. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

11. Visit Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is a quick trip over the border of Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking to take a boat ride, walk the free shore path, or shop, there’s something for everyone on Geneva Lake. Explore this beautiful lake while the colors change for a quick fall getaway without the hotel stay. 

12. See Fall Colors in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

The trees off Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin are worth the short drive in the car. In the fall, this shoreline is transformed into a sea of gold, red, and orange that will keep you coming back year after year. Kayak, canoe, walk or hike. There are also plenty of adorable boutiques, restaurants, and shops to warm up in. 

13. Hike the Kettle Moraine State Forest

A forest in the fall is truly magical for kids and adults of all ages. Located just a short drive from Chicago, the Kettle Moraine State Forest is a great place to spend the day exploring. 

 
Natural beauty. Photo by Jacki Musser, courtesy of the Starved Rock Lodge

14. Explore Starved Rock

Starved Rock is one of Illinois' most scenic natural wonders. With caves, rock formations, and waterfalls, these hikes are beautiful and challenging for older kids. You can spend the entire day exploring all there is to look at here. 

15. See Leaves Changing in St. Joseph, Michigan 

St. Joseph, Michigan is known for its fall beauty. The changing trees and colors make this a great day trip option. You can hike, canoe, kayak, or walk down by the shores of Lake Michigan. Stop in town for coffee, ice cream, hot chocolate, and adorable shopping. See our favorite things to do in St. Joseph with kids here. 

16. Play in Schuamburg, IL

Schaumburg is an easy drive from the city or surrounding suburbs. There is a ton to do with kids from Woodfield Mall, Medieval Times, Peppa Pig World, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Whether you have a little Peppa fan, a future knight, or a LEGO lover, Schaumburg is packed with kids' fun. Check out our full guide to exploring Schaumburg with kids here. 

17. Visit Savanna Along the Mississippi River

Savanna is a beautiful river town located off the Mississippi River. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago makes this a good day trip option. Kayak or take a boat ride along the river, bike, or hike the 15 miles of trails. 

 
Historical fun in Rockford. Photo courtesy of the Rockford Peaches

18. Explore Rockford, Illinois 

Rockford is located about 1.5 hours from Chicago. This quaint town offers shopping, restaurants, and even a bit of movie history! Visit the Rockford Peaches Fan Trail to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rockford Peaches in A League of Their Own. 

19. Enjoy Milwaukee, WI 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers kayaking, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and more in the Fall. This cute town has plenty of fall activities for guests and it’s an easy day trip from Chicago. Check out the aquarium, see a show, walk around the Brewers Stadium, play at a beach along Lake Michigan, or try one of the many great restaurants for a fall treat. The trees and shoreline are magical this time of the year. Check out our list of the top things to do in Milwaukee with kids. 

20. Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory 

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a beautiful and free place in the city to see some greenery even when the weather gets cold. Without spending a ton of money, you can take a road trip or train ride into the city and give your kids a dose of the outdoors without all the elements.