Fall is here, and that means it’s time to enjoy some of the rituals of the season. Whether you’re looking for apple picking and hay rides or a spooky haunted house, Chicagoland has ways to celebrate fall for every taste. This week we’re sharing some of our favorites.
Apple Picking
This is apple season, and what better way to enjoy it then by picking your own right from the tree? These are 3 of our favorites:
1) Royal Oak (Havard, Illinois)
With apple picking, fresh cider donuts and the Amaze N Maze apple tree maze, it’s a delicious escape just 90 minutes from the city. Learn more at royaloakfarmorchard.com
2) Apple Holler (Sturtevant, Wisconsin)
With dwarf apple trees, this orchard makes it easier for children to join in on the fun of picking their own apples. With 30 different varieties, there is something for everyone. Plus it’s just an hour from the city. Learn more at appleholler.com
3) Country Line Orchard (Hobart, Indiana)
Featuring weekend barnyard musical jams, you-pick and pre-picked apples, farm animals and “moo choo” rides, it’ll delight the whole family. Just 1 hour from the city. Learn more at countylineorchard.com
Hay Rides & Pumpkin Patches
There’s something about riding on a wagon that makes you feel a million miles away from your usual routine. Add in a pumpkin patch, and you have a new fall tradition.
1) Kuipers Family Farm (Maple Park, Illinois)
Hay rides and so much more! A pumpkin patch, bale maze, farm animals and tractor tire mountain will get everyone into the fall spirit. And don’t forget to bring home their famous apple cider doughnuts and butter fudge! About 1 hour from the city. Learn more at kuipersfamilyfarm.com
2) All Seasons Apple Orchard (Woodstock, Illinois)
A complete farm experience. With hay rides, pig races, and a corn maze, plus pumpkin patch and pick-your-own apples. And, of course, a farm store with fresh pressed cider, raw honey, apple butter and a mouthwatering bakery. About 1 hour 15 minutes from the city. Learn more at allseasonsorchard.com
3) Sonny Acre Farms (West Chicago)
With a famous “18 minutes of terror” haunted hay ride, this is the place to get ready for Halloween! Plus carnival rides, elephant ears, haunted barn, spook shed and more. About 45 minutes from the city. Learn more at sonnyacres.com
The Midnight Circus
Enjoy the magic and excitement of the circus with acrobatics, aerialists and performers right in one of Chicago’s parks! Proceeds from these family-friendly events benefit the Chicago Park District. (Have a bedtime? Don’t worry — there are daytime and early evening shows.) Performances run through October 18 throughout the city. Learn more at midnightcircus.net
Take a Hike
Take a hike in the woods and enjoy the changing foliage while getting some fresh air. You can get into nature without driving for hours. (One of our picks is right in the city!)
1) Kettle Moraine State Forest (Eagle, Wisconsin)
Scenic hikes just two hours from Chicago. This state park has more than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwoods. In addition to miles of trails to explore, there are campgrounds to make a night of it!. Learn more at dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kms/
2) North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski Rd. Chicago)
One of Chicago’s hidden gems. This 46-acre nature preserve and educational facility are situated within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The nature preserve offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie and savanna, all right in the middle of the city. Learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/North-Park-Village-Nature-Center/
3) Bristol Woods Park (Bristol, Wisconsin)
Just over the border in Wisconsin, this park features rolling hills and gentle walks, plus a nature center which hosts Halloween hikes, geocahing and plenty of educational events. Learn more at pringlenc.org/Events.html
Chicago Museum Week
From October 1 to 7, Chicago’s museums are coming together to offer free days, special events and savings on membership. With free family art making at the Art Institute, a lunchtime Sue talk at the Field Museum, the grand opening of a Peanuts Comic at the Nature Museum and more, it’s a perfect time to see some of Chicago’s best museums. Learn more at chicagomuseumweek.com
Haunted Houses
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than visiting a haunted house? Here are 3, from super scary to family friendly.
1) Basement of the Dead (Aurora, Illinois)
Voted Chicago’s best haunted house, the Basement of the Dead promises an experience that’s equal parts terrifying and fun. (Be warned. Even adults have bolted for the emergency exits!) Learn more at 42fear1-px.rtrk.com
2) Jonamac Apple Orchard (Malta, Illinois)
Who says haunted house fun has to always be inside? Jonamac promises and outdoor haunted corn maize for the 13 & up crowd. They’re also a full-experience pumpkin patch, orchard and bakery, so arrive before dark and take in a full fall experience. Learn more at jonamacorchard.com
3) Haunted House at Sheridan (910 S. Aberdeen St., Chicago)
On October 16, Sheridan Park offers a night of freaks and shrieks for kids 8 & up. It’s a free event and parkt of Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks program. Learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/Haunted-House-at-Sheridan2/
Hungry for More?
There’s nothing like a cozy casserole or breakfast-for-dinner to make everyone excited about dinner. But how do you put a healthy spin on classic comfort food? This week we’re doing it with smart updates, like lightening up a Chicken Pot Pie, adding spinach to pancakes, and replacing pasta with spaghetti squash in this Tuscan Spaghetti Squash “Pasta.” Creative recipes. Local footprint. Healthy meals in a heartbeat. That’s the magic of Meez.
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