Fall is the season known for everything pumpkin, and it will soon be upon us.<\/p>\n
We’re talking everything from pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin rolls and pumpkin pie. And who can forget – pumpkin patches.<\/p>\n
Illinois actually grows over 90% of the pumpkins in the country, so when it comes to picking the perfect one, there are plenty of options.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 pumpkin patches in the Chicago area and beyond:<\/p>\n
Sonny Acres – West Chicago<\/strong><\/p>\n Sonny Acres Farm, a family-owned and operated pumpkin patch, is likely the closest option for most Chicago residents. While picking a pumpkin might be your top priority, the farm features a number of family-friendly activities, including a hayride, a giant jumping pillow and even carnival rides.<\/p>\n Free admission is available during the farm’s Fall Fest, which runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 30. Tickets for haunted hayrides and haunted barn activities can be purchased online.<\/a><\/p>\n Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest – Homer Glen<\/strong><\/p>\n Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest has been the Chicago area’s “favorite fall festival and pumpkin patch since 1981,” according to its website. Of course, there’s a pumpkin patch. But that’s just the start of the excitement.<\/p>\n There’s live music, plenty of rides, pig racing, a petting zoo, hayrides, train rides and more. The season began on Friday and goes through Nov. 2. <\/p>\n Tickets can be purchased here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jack’s Pumpkin Popup – Goose Island<\/strong><\/p>\n Nearby for city residents, Jack’s Pumpkin Popup is billed as Chicago’s largest fall festival. <\/p>\n Visitors can go through a corn maze, take advantage of the many photo opportunities and even practice some axe throwing. The festival runs<\/a> from Sept. 18 through Nov. 2.<\/p>\n Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm – South Barrington<\/strong><\/p>\n There’s no shortage of fall entertainment at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm.<\/a> Visitors to its Fall Fest have access to everything from a giraffe barn to a corn box, duck derby and more. The festival began on Saturday and goes through Halloween.<\/p>\n Richardson Adventure Farm – Spring Grove<\/strong><\/p>\n Front and center at Richardson Adventure Farm<\/a> is the world’s largest corn maze, though that’s just one part of the “adventure” it offers. Visitors can take in sights from a 50-foot-tall observation tower, watch pig races and go on wagon rides. Its season runs from Sept. 6 through Oct. 26.<\/p>\n Jerry Smith Family Farm – Kenosha, Wisconsin<\/strong><\/p>\n Offering plenty of fall treats like warm cider and gourmet apples, Jerry Smith Family Farm<\/a> opens for the fall season on Sept. 13. Visitors can snap photos with hand-painted displays, interact with animals at a petting zoo and enjoy a hayride.<\/p>\n County Line Orchard – Hobart, Indiana<\/strong><\/p>\n While County Line Orchard<\/a> might be known for its apples, don’t let the name fool you. The popular fall spot has a u-pick pumpkin patch, which opens Oct. 1. There’s also a corn maze, live music and a farm just for kids.<\/p>\n Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm – Lockport<\/strong><\/p>\n Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm<\/a> is another farm where you can pick your pumpkin right off the vine. The farm is packed with plenty of entertainment, from corn mazes to the “Peter Pumpkin Show” and more than 30 other activities. Siegel’s is open daily from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2.<\/p>\n Cody\u2019s Farm\u00a0– Marengo<\/strong><\/p>\n