THE PUMPKIN PATCH

THE ULTIMATE PLACE FOR FALL FAMILY FUN

11 spots to find pick-your-own pumpkins, apple cider donuts and more

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photo provided by Stade’s Farm Market

If you have visions of jacko’-lanterns dancing in your head, it can only mean one thing: It’s time to pack up the family and make the drive to one of these awesome pumpkin farms.

Each location offers a different experience, from loads of activities to the simple opportunity to wander through a field, pulling your wagon of pumpkins. Make time to stop for the house specialties, like fresh pressed apple cider and warm donuts.

Be sure to check online before you head out. For some you’ll be able to purchase tickets in advance or even find discounts. And if your schedule allows, be sure to plan extra time to visit local businesses, where you can indulge in a few more delicious bites at a cafe and make a day trip on a single tank of gas.

¢ ABBEY FARMS 2855 Hart Road, Aurora www.abbeyfarms.org Ticket prices vary by day of the week and whether they’re purchased online; no ticket needed for children 2 and younger The nonprofit pumpkin farm supports the monks of Marmion Abbey and their work. Visitors enjoy shopping for goods, seasonal produce and at the fresh, delicious bakery. During Pumpkin Daze, visitors can wind through a maze or two, enjoy activities like slides and a zip line — and, of course, select pumpkins.

¢ BENGTSON’S PUMPKIN FARM 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen www.pumpkinfarm.com Admission varies by day between $16.99-$29.99; see website to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets required for ages 2 and older. One of the larger pumpkin farms in the area, Bengtson’s boasts an array of attractions and activities, from rides to pig races. There’s even a small roller coaster and a haunted barn — really, there are attractions for all ages. A visit here can surely last a few hours … just don’t get so carried away with playing that you forget to grab a pumpkin.

¢ DAVE’S PUMPKINS 9112 Algonquin Road, Huntley www.davespumpkins.com Free admission and parking There are two locations to fit your fall fun needs. The first location has family fun with hayrides, fresh cider donuts and plenty of pumpkins. There are additional fees for some activities. For those who prefer more produce, travel 3 miles west to the U-pick pumpkin patch at Route 47 and Algonquin Road. To pick your own pumpkin off the vine, it’s best to dress for walking through the fields and recommended to bring gloves. There are wagons to help you bring your pumpkin back to your vehicle.

¢ DIDIER FARMS 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire www.didierfarms.com

Free admission; $1 per ticket, which go toward activities Pumpkinfest starts the last week of September and continues through October with rides, crafts and much more. Visit the farm stand for fresh produce of the season. While there are open fields near the farms, you’re a short drive to plenty of great shopping and eating destinations in downtown Libertyville, near Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills and other suburban communities.

¢ DOLLINGER FAMILY FARM 7420 E. Hansel Road, Channahon www.dollingerfarms.com Free admission and parking; tickets needed for activities including corn maze, train It’s not just the pumpkins that draw crowds to this family farm. Each year the fearless test their skills at the 4-acre corn maze. The designs are a masterpiece. Be sure to plan for time to check out the play areas, which in the past have included huge hay piles, old farm equipment and slides too.

¢ GOEBBERT’S FARM & GARDEN CENTER 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington www.goebbertspumpkinfarm.com Ticket prices vary; weekday season passes available for purchase There is plenty to explore at this location: rides, attractions — and yes, some pumpkins too. There is a haunted house, children’s play area and large corn maze to navigate. Don’t forget to bring home one of the delicious pies and check out the other seasonal specialties at the country store.

¢ JOHANSEN FARMS 710 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook www.johansenfarms.com Free parking, admission to pumpkin patch and bakery; children’s zoo admission: $12.95-$17.95; season passes available The brightly colored pumpkins piled on the lawn beckon you from the busy road; after searching for the perfect shape, you’ll have worked up an appetite for one of the delicious cider donuts and on those chilly days, a warm cup of coffee or cocoa too. The pumpkin farm and bakery are free to visit; for those seeking rides and activities, visit the children’s zoo.

¢ JONAMAC ORCHARD 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta www.jonamacorchard.com Jonamac’s 12-acre patch offers a pumpkin for everyone. If you prefer not to head out to the field, you can find pumpkins already picked by the farm store, which features produce and tons of baked goods. For those 21 and up, Jonamac Orchard’s Cider House offers their house apple wines and ciders. ¢ SONNY ACRES FARM 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago www.sonnyacres.com Free admission; tickets needed for rides, activities Pumpkins great and small are piled high at this favorite pumpkin farm. Recent upgrades include a newly renovated farm shop and activities for children of all ages, as well as a chance to feed some hungry goats.

Goats are also the star of a new type of yoga— turn to P. 22 to read more!

¢ STADE’S FARM & MARKET 3709 Miller Road, McHenry www.stadesfarmandmarket.com

$10-20 admission, free for children 2 and younger; free parking; season passes available Plan your visit well to have enough time for the U-pick pumpkins, apples and more. From the inflatables to the pumpkin cannon, there is plenty to explore and enjoy at this popular autumn destination.

¢ SUGAR GROVE PUMPKIN FARM 4S041 Merrill Road, Sugar Grove www.sugargrovepumpkinfarm.com Free parking, admission and entrance to corn maze Opened in 2015, this relatively new pumpkin farm is a great place to visit for U-pick fields and some simple games and activities to enjoy as you wander the farm on a crisp autumn day. Plan for time to navigate the corn maze.

Kelly Ad