Pier Pumpkin Lights 

As the leaves on the trees change from a distinct green, to burnt orange and mustard yellow, and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air that must mean only one thing, fall has arrived. If you are looking for something beyond the traditional apple picking and pumpkin patch take a trip to Chicago’s new pumpkin pop up experience at Navy Pier for free! This pop up will go on for the entire month of October. Although the pop up exhibit will be open during the day, it is strongly suggested that you experience this fall activity after dusk where you will be able to fully enjoy the jack-o-lantern towers and light displays.

Haunted Hay Rides 

If you want to combine the spooky and hayride aspects of fall together Illinois surprisingly has a few options when it comes to haunted hayrides. Depending on what type of experience you are looking for and the level of scare, haunted hayrides can vary. Forest view Farms in Tinley park offers a couple different options for the level of scare you are looking for. From 6-7 p.m. for children and families, and 7-10 p.m. for full effects. With prices ranging from $8.50 for the family friendly hayride, to $12-14 for the full haunted experience!

Apple picking

Now lets be real, you have to go apple picking during the fall. Prairie Sky Orchard located about 1 hour north of Lagrange offers a combination of 15 different apples and pears. Open 10 to 5 starting October 7th. Prairie Sky has free admission, and parking. No animals are allowed at the orchard, but you can stop inside the farm’s Koffee Kiosk for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie to really put you into the festive mood!

Turkey trot

We all love Thanksgiving and the sweets the come along with the fall season, but that does not mean that we don’t want to stay in shape. A turkey trot is a fun way to start Thanksgiving day off before feasting. The Pilgrim Pie Run in Lagrange on November 28, is a 5k through the beautiful color changing streets of Lagrange. The first 2000 registrants will also receive a free Sara Lee pie. It cost $35 for adults and $25 for youth which is 9 and under.

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest

Finally fall would be nothing without the round, orange pumpkins that we spend an excessive amount of time carving that sit on our front porches with a candle lit inside them. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm gives you the perfect opportunity to single handling pick your pumpkin this season. Just 40 minutes outside of Chicago, Bengtson’s pumpkin patch is the perfect escape from the busy city.Bengtsons not just a regular pumpkin patch. It includes award winning food, apple cider donuts, amusement rides, a Haunted Barn, Pig Races, and a world class petting zoo for as low as $11.99 a person. Open 11-9 Monday through Friday, 10 to 9 Saturday and 10 to 8 on Sunday.