Looking to check out a new pumpkin patch? I recently asked Go West readers on the Facebook page about their favorite spots, and here’s what they said.
Photo by Tara Burghart
Please follow the links to find more information about hours, admission prices and amenities. Note that many of these are open until at least 5 p.m. on weekdays, and can make for a fun after-school trip if you want to avoid weekend crowds. Hope you find your own great pumpkin!
Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon: Kristin says this spot was “wonderful grounds and lots to do without breaking the bank!”
Abbey Farms in Aurora: This spot got a couple of mentions. Mandy says her family loves Abbey Farms because it’s clean and all the amenities are included in the admission price.
Johansen Farms in Bolingbrook: Mandy says all the amenities are included in the admission price here, and she likes that there are cute animals — “kids can hold baby chicks!”
Kuiper’s Family Farm in Maple Park: This spot located between Geneva and DeKalb got a lot of mentions. In my personal experience, it’s a much more fun place to visit on weekday afternoons — it’s open until 6 pm. On weekdays (except Columbus Day) everything is included in one price and of course the crowds are much lighter than on weekends.
Norton’s Produce in St. Charles: Leah says she recently chaperoned a field trip and appreciated that the staff was “super nice and good with the kids.” She liked that the “Norton’s Hollow” play area, while large, felt contained. “Perfect for infants through 5 years old,” she says. Kristin also mentioned Norton Farm. She says it’s easy to get to, located off Route 64, and “has a fun corn maze along with hay rides and animals to feed, which kids love.”
Yaeger’s Farm Market in DeKalb, right off Route 38, was recommended by Lauren.
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen. Angel says she’s been visiting this Will County spot since she was a kid. Suzette says her family visits every year, even though it gets busy on the weekends. She likes all the activities for the kids – including rides, a corn maze, hay ride, pig races and petting zoo.
Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago: Another one that got a couple of mentions. Meg says this spot offers a special $10 wristband on Wednesdays for unlimited rides from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and “it’s not super busy.”
Windy Acres Farm in Geneva was recommended by Shannon.
Jonamac Orchard in Malta: Tobey says this DeKalb County spot is worth the drive. “It’s very farm-like and has a place where you can shoot apples with a slingshot and shoot pumpkins out of a cannon. It has a grain silo filled with corn the kids can play in, plus an awesome hay bale pile, a maze and plenty more. It’s never too crowded.”
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch in Hampshire: Eric says it’s a bit of a drive, “but so worth it!” Note that Goebbert’s also has a “farm and garden center” in South Barrington, that offers “fall festival” activities.
The post Readers Recommend: Pumpkin Patches in Northern Illinois appeared first on Go West Young Mom.