The best pumpkin patches near Chicago to visit this fall

Driving time from Chicago: 45 minutes to South Barrington, 1 hour to Pingree Grove

Fall fun is the name of the game at Goebbert’s (which has locations in South Barrington and Pingree Grove), where you can not only pick up all the pumpkins your heart desires, but also send your kids down the giant pumpkin slide or check out the exotic petting zoo (seriously, there’s a giraffe). Before you head home, get lost in the corn maze and check out the pumpkin-eating dinosaur.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 20 minutes

You'll find more than apples at this orchard just south of nearby Malta, Illinois. Cruise the 12-acre pumpkin patch, which opens up in mid-September, in search of a perfectly plump squash before hitting up the Cider House, where you can sample apple wines and hard cider. If any teens tagged along, pay $17 to check out the haunted corn maze, which is open Friday and Saturday nights (and, being somewhat spooky, recommended for ages 13 and older). Younger kids are welcome to check out the animal barn or take a ride on a pony.

There’s no need to get into the car to make it to Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up for Chicago residents; instead, just hop on the "L" train or a bus. The annual pop-up doesn’t take place on a farm or an orchard; instead, it’s located just outside of Goose Island. That doesn’t mean it lacks autumnal activities—the two-acre plot that the pop-up is located on features a carnival games, axe-throwing and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for you to bring home.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour

This massive farm is an autumnal wonderland, complete with a pumpkin patch, sunflower patch and sprawling corn maze. Check out the bee yurts, where hundreds of bees work and live. The little ones will adore the Kids Farm, complete with pygmy goats and piggies. Best of all, you can bring home bags of freshly baked doughnuts, pies and other fall treats from the orchard's premises.

Driving time from Chicago: 50 minutes

There’s a reason this lively farm in Lincolnshire, Illinois, calls its fall pumpkin-picking season Pumpkin Fest. Wander through a corn maze, take a ride on one of the farm’s many kids’ rides or grab a hot dog and spiced apple cider at the concession stand. Of course, there's a huge selection of unique, unusual gourds to choose from—perfect for jack-o’-lanterns.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour

As the name suggests, there’s a lot to see at this 25-acre pumpkin farm. Choose from 90 different varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squashes, and then hang out with farm animals or take a hayride. Little ones can also play in a castle playground while adults can wander through a corn maze. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel with pork burgers and pumpkin cookies.

Driving time from Chicago: 55 minutes

More than 35 attractions and 200 farm animals await at this fourth-generation farm in Lockport. Guests can easily spend an entire day exploring the farm's 40 acres, which includes a corn maze, u-pick pumpkin field, animal barn, kiddie train and much more. When you need a break, stop at one of the 13 food stands for funnel cakes, barbecue and (of course) apple cider donuts.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 25 minutes

You’ll find all types of pumpkins to pick at this Spring Grove farm, from Cinderella and blue doll to baby boo. Once you’ve taken a wagon ride back from the patches with your selections, enjoy other attractions like a 28-acre corn maze, carousel and 50-foot-high zipline.

Driving time from Chicago: 50 minutes

This one-stop shop in West Chicago offers piles of pumpkins, squash and gourds—everything you need to bring the season home. When you’re not selecting the perfect pumpkins, kids (and adults) can enjoy snacks—like apple cider doughnuts, taffy apples and hot apple cider—from the outdoor grill. The farm is also the perfect place for visitors of all ages to get ready for Halloween: For the thrill-seekers, stick around for the nighttime haunted hayride and barn filled with thrilling experiences around every corner. During the day, Sonny Acres’ haunted barn does not feature any actors, so it is great for kids or anyone who doesn’t like to be spooked.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour

If you’ve a variety of pumpkin-picking options, the Pumpkin Wagon in Elgin is the place for you. Each year, the family-owned farm produces more than 90 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash. The farm, which is open for fall fun from mid-September through the end of October, also produces plants that are perfect for autumnal decorating: colorful mums, decorative broom corn and straw bales.

Driving time from Chicago: 50 minutes

Pumpkins, pig races and tractor rides make Bengtson’s in Homer Glen a perfect fall getaway. Arrive hungry for apple cider doughnuts, barbecue and kettle corn. Then let the kids check out the Rooster Rodeo rollercoaster and check out the pumpkin chucker as it catapults gourds close to a quarter of a mile. Get a snapshot for the fridge at the free selfie booth before heading home.

Driving time from Chicago: 45 minutes

Family-owned Puckerville Farms can trace its roots go all the way back to 1875. The farm’s fall festival doesn’t date back as far, but it brings in visitors year after year to pick out their own gourds to bring home. The fun doesn’t stop when the season changes—Puckerville is also open through winter, selling Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Family-owned farm in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Jerry Smith Farm hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1975. Visitors can enjoy more than two dozen hand-painted pumpkin displays that have a different theme every year. And Jerry Smith doesn’t just have pumpkins fit for jack-o’-lanterns—you’ll also find big Cinderella pumpkins and swan gourds. 

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 15 minutes

There’s so much to do at Huntley-based Dave’s Pumpkins that the farm and pumpkin patch needed two locations just to house all of it. At the original farm market, you’ll find antique pedal tractors, a mini corn maze and a haunted hayride. The second location is home to the pumpkin patch, leaving plenty of space for you to find the perfect jack-o’-lantern. Before you leave, make sure to pick up a pack of Dave’s Fresh Cider Donuts, the farm’s homemade doughnuts prepared with fresh apple cider.

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 30 minutes

This Caledonia farm is all about family togetherness, which means the little ones will have plenty to do. Families can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo, a playground with inflatable rides and a seven-acre pumpkin patch. Save room for sweets because the Pumpkin Cafe serves up apple cider and pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin bread, pies and more.

Driving time from Chicago: 40 minutes

Odyssey Fun Farm in Tinley Park is just as fun as it sounds, with a pumpkin patch, corn cannons, a 15-acre Peter Pan corn maze, a cow-themed kiddie train, hay rides and so much more. Don’t plan on a quick trip—you’ll want to spend the entire day at this massive 110-acre farm.

Driving time from Chicago: 50 minutes

Throughout September and October, Abbey Farms in Aurora transforms into a fall-lover’s paradise with one of the largest corn mazes in Kane County, an abundance of apple cider donuts and, of course, pumpkins. 

Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Visitors will get a built-in history lesson at this family-owned farm in Channahon, Illinois. Located about an hour from Chicago, the grounds include an old barn that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, along with more historic buildings, including some that tie into the family’s history. In addition to the pumpkin patch, petting zoos and corn maze, check the farm’s website for events like story times, pet adoptions, costume contests and more.