Bushels of Fall Fun

As the temperatures drop and cool, crisp air lures us out, the Chicago Southland gears up for bushels of fall fun. You’ll find pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere, including at some wonderfully fun fall attractions that the family will enjoy.

Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen is one of the largest fall attractions in the area. For nearly four decades it has been a place for families to make memories. There’s so much fun to be had - ranging from pig races and pony rides to selecting a pumpkin from the patch and making your way through a haunted barn and much more. Nine unlimited rides are included in admission. Shop for decor in the general store and nosh on yummy fall food like sweet corn, bratwurst, caramel apple squares, Bavarian pretzels and kettle corn.

Do you love the thrill of a challenging corn maze? Then you’ll want to check out the 3.4 mile maze at Konow’s Farm in Homer Glen. If you do love corn mazes but not 3-plus miles of them, get a smaller taste of it by trying out the .4 mile maze, which is great for young kids. The historic New Lenox Train Depot was also moved to the property last year. The fun includes kiddie rides, rubber duck races, hayrides and an animal barn. On weekends things expand with barbecue, pony rides and live bands.

The fall fun extends to festivals and events such as Boo at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This annual Halloween celebration provides a fun-filled time and features a 7,000-square-foot corn maze, giant pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a costume parade and contest, crafts and special animal Zoo Chats about some of the zoo’s creepy critters.

The Frankfort Fall Festival has all the makings of a great fall weekend - live music, parade, carnival, food and a huge arts and crafts vendor area. Paarlberg Heritage Festival in South Holland is a throwback to Dutch culture and the area’s early settlers. It includes 1870 house and barn tours, quilters, music and band performances. The Monee Fall Fest features fireworks, beer tents, community-wide garage sale, carnival, classic car show and more. Autumn in the Park Festival in Palos Park also offers fall fun - parade, kid zone, bbq competition and more. Crete Acorn Fest is a classic outdoor celebration that is situated under the 100-year-old oaks in Crete Park, with good music and food. Pumpkin decorating, horse-drawn wagon, scarecrow contest and chili cook-off are all part of the fun at Homewood’s Fall Fest. Fox Pointe is the place to be in early October for the hometown fun at Lansing Autumn Fest, with a beer garden, music, military tribute, kid zone and vendor marketplace.