Fall 2021 Apple and Pumpkin Farm Guide
(All information in this guide was obtained from the individual businesses websites. Please, check the websites for changes and/or updates before going.)
Abbey Farms - 2855 Hart Road - Aurora, IL 60502
Pumpkin Daze / September 19 - November 1
Safe outdoor fall fun for the whole family at Your Neighborhood Pumpkin Farm.
Limited admissions & tons of outdoor space!
Park Admission: Weekends and Holidays – $17; Weekdays – $12; Ages 2 and under – Free - no ticket required.
For your safety they are limiting attendance in the park and store. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. Due to limited attendance, they are unable to offer discounts
Park Hours:
Wednesday to Friday 10 – 7
Saturday 10 – 7 (Beer/Wine Tent Opens at Noon)
Sunday 10 – 7 (Beer/Wine Tent Opens at Noon)
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Columbus Day 10 - 7
***Last park entry 1 hour before close! No night maze for 2020.
Farmstead Emporium Store:
Tuesday - Sunday 10 - 7
Closed Mondays
No charge to enter the store - face mask required while inside.
Pumpkins:
Mini $2.99, All Regular Orange: $7.99, All Specialty (other colors) $12.99
Park Attractions: Petting Zoo (Animal Feed Available for Purchase) – Weekends***
- Log Balance Beam Course
- Bouncing Cow Train ***
- Zip Lines ***
- Pirate Ship Adventure
- Tractor Tire Hill
- Rope Maze Challenge
- Hamster Wheel Race: NEW for 2020!
- Corn Cannon
- Tractor Tire Mountain
- Combine Slide
- Kane County’s Largest Corn Maze
- Community Fire Pit
- Jumping Pillow ***
- Pedal Track (Go-Karts for Kids & Adults)
- Human Hamster Ball Arena (Closed for 2020)
- Megadrop Slide ***
- Tractor / Hay Wagon Ride ***
- Antique Tractors to Explore
- Water Pump Duck Races
- Lasso Challenge
- Kiddie Coral & Tricycle Race Track
*** Means they have instituted special safety guidelines for our 2020 season. Come on out for SAFE outdoor fun this fall!
For more information, go to: https://www.abbeyfarms.org/pumpkin-daze
Dollinger Farms - 4853 US Hwy. 52 - Minooka, IL
The Pumpkin Farm: Come and find your perfect pumpkin for carving, decorating or making a pie. Whether you like tall ones, round, smooth, chunky or warty, Dollinger Family Farm has the pumpkin for you. There is also a wide variety of gourds, squash, corn shocks, straw bales, mums and mini pumpkins. Prices vary from 75 cents to $25, depending on size.
The Corn Maze: Find your way out of our four-acre Corn Maze! You can test your navigational skills in Dollinger Family Farm's Maize Maze. Each year there is a new design, can you guess what it will be this year? Open every day. Admission: $4 per person
The Playground: Slide, jump, run, climb, even tumble in huge hay piles. Sail in our Pirate Ship, conquer the Castle, sift the sand in the sandbox, hide in the Hobbit Hole, crawl through our tunnel or sit in a Tractor. Adults will want to join in the fun, too!
The Farm Animals: You can see a variety of farm animals at Dollinger Family Farm. Cuddle with a rabbit (weekends) or pet a goat. Visit with sheep, pigs, a calf, turkeys, and ducks.
The Bee Barn: See our bees in action! Learn how honey is made here on the farm with our functioning observation beehive.
Corn Bin & Tipi: Climb up into the corn bin and sink those toes in the corn or crawl into our Tipi to experience what it would have been like for the Native Americans.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES (also available on Columbus Day)
Train Rides/Hay Rack Rides: Take a tour of Dollinger Family Farm on our hay rack or go for a ride on our very own railroad! Available Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 11am–5:30pm. Hay Rack Ride Admission: $6 Train Ride Admission: $4
Face Painting: Local Artist Lynda Mahalik, Owner of "Painting Faces and Spaces" spends each weekend painting wonderful designs of all kinds! Available Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day from 10:00am–5:00pm. Cost: $4–8 per person
For more information, go to: https://www.dollingerfarms.com/the-pumpkin-farm
Goebbert’s Farm and Garden Center - 42W813 Reinking Rd. - Hampshire, IL
Goebbert's Fall Festival starts September 19 and runs through October 31, 2020.
NEW! 2020 Fall Festival:
In an effort to limit the daily capacity and maintain a safe experience for all, they will be charging an entrance fee on Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day starting on Saturday, September 19th and they encourage you to purchase your tickets online before you come. Everyone that is three years old and above will be required to pay the entrance fee to enter the farm. The entrance fee will include Animal Land & Little Farmer's Play Yard, the Haunted House as well as access to the market, Red Barn Cafe & Bakery and additional activities. If you wish to shop for produce, pumpkins or fall merchandise, you will be able to during the week (Monday - Friday) excluding Monday, Columbus Day with no entrance fee required. You can purchase tickets at the ticket booths to enjoy the activities if you wish during the week. On Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day, everyone 3 years and older will be required to pay the entrance fee to enter the farm.
Ticketing is limited and they strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to guarantee entrance to the Fall Festival. Due to their capacity, they are strictly limiting ticket sales by day and time to ensure the safety of the staff and guests. When purchasing your tickets, you will need to select the date you wish to attend and the time you wish to arrive. There will be tickets for the following time slots: 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM and 1PM. You may arrive and enter at your designated time slot. If you come to the farm without a pre-purchased ticket, you are not guaranteed admission. Tickets are non-refundable. In the event of inclement weather or new state mandates, your ticket will be valid during our 2021 season.
For more info, go to: https://www.goebbertsgardencenter.com/pricing.html
Heaps Giant Pumpkin Farm - Rt. 52 & Grove Rd. - Minooka, IL
The Pumpkin Patch: Catch a hayride out to their 25-acre pumpkin patch full of 90 different varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash! Pick from traditional jack o’ lanterns, to white pumpkins of all sizes, bumpy pumpkins, green, red and multi-colored pumpkins, to name a few. They also specialize in GIANT pumpkins! The largest pumpkin was grown in 2013, weighing in at 731.5lbs! Included in admission.
Milo’s Castle: Climb to the top of the towers to get a good vantage point of the farm, crawl through tunnels to navigate throughout the castle, or load up on either one of the two pirate ships. Don’t worry adults … you can play in the castle too… it is a GIANT playground!
Heap’s O-Fun Barn: Climb on the stacks of giant straw bales. It sounds simple, but it turns out what is grown on the farm doesn’t always have to be for work… it can also be for play. Please note: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the corn boxes are not open this season due to them being an enclosed space. They brought in extra straw bales in the fun barn though!! Included in admission.
Corn Maze: You will receive a map that you will use to find checkpoints throughout the maze. When you reach a checkpoint use the hole punch to mark off each checkpoint on your map. If you find all the checkpoints, fill out your information on the map and turn it in for a chance to win a giant pumpkin! Looking for even more fun throughout the maze? Checkout their Maze Master Trivia game. Included in admission.
Farm Animals: One of the coolest parts about visiting a pumpkin farm in the fall is getting to meet the various farm animals! Make sure to visit with the goats, pigs, calf, donkey, sheep and a miniature horse. Also, as you walk around the farm you’ll notice various chickens and turkeys! Included in admission.
Home Grown Products: All of the products at Heap’s are grown on the farm. They offer over 25 different varieties of beautiful Belgium mums, Indian corn and broom corn to name a few! Complete your fall décor with: Pumpkins, Gourds Squash, Mums, Corn Stalk Bundles, Indian Corn, Straw Bales (small, medium & large). Included in admission.
For more info and to see all of the other things they have to offer, go to: https://www.heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com
Honey Hill Orchard - 11783 Waterman Rd. - Waterman, IL
Everyone at Honey Hill Orchard is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable fall experience for its customers and employees during Covid-19. To do so, they will be implementing the following procedures this fall:
-Please do not visit the orchard if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.
-Face masks will be required while shopping in the Apple Barn, while on u-pick wagons and in any outside areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. If you are unable to wear a mask due to a health condition, please visit the orchard Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. when there are fewer customers.
-Limited capacity in the Apple Barn. If possible, they ask that only one person per family comes into the building to shop.
-Outside walk-up windows for the Bakery and Feeding Trough to eliminate crowds in buildings.
-Frequent sanitizing of high contact surfaces
-Hand sanitizer in multiple areas
U-PICK POLICY:
- Everyone must have a picking bag to enter the orchard. (2 and under are free but do not receive a bag).
- Please only use Honey Hill Orchard picking bag.
- Bag must tie closed. You will be charged extra for apples that do not fit in the tied bag.
- Strollers, wagons, backpacks, diaper bags, large purses, etc. may be inspected upon leaving orchard.
- They reserve the right to close U-Pick due to weather or limited supply.
- Please respect the opportunity to pick apples (no throwing of apples, or climbing trees).
OPEN DAILY FROM 9:00-5:30
Check variety listing to see what is available for picking and in the Barn.
U-pick may be shut down due to crowds or limited supply.
U-PICK APPLES PRICE: $8.00 ¼-peck You may upgrade to a 1-peck bag for $28.00.
For more information, go to: https://honeyhillorchard.com/home
Jonamac Orchard - 19412 Shabonna Rd. - Malta, IL
FALL FESTIVAL DAYS: Friday, Saturday, Sunday (also Monday of Labor Day & Columbus Day)
Activity Areas open 9am to 5:30pm (Beginning Saturday August 29-November 1st, 2020)
General Admission $5.00 per person (2 and under free) Required to enter. Includes entrance to the following:
- Barn Yard Play Area (slides, kid fort & wooden maze, play tractor, duck races, trike track, spider web, kiddie barn, straw bale pile, & new this season “Tiny Town” Donut Shop & School House. Corn bin closed for 2020 season due to COVID concerns)
- Jumping Pillow
- Animal Barn Petting Zoo*
- Daytime Corn Maze
- Hayrides
- Pumpkin House
- Apple Train*
- Apple Launchers & Cannons*
- Sunflower Patch (select weekends)
- U-Pick Apple Orchard (+$15 per ½- peck bag of apples, up to 4 people may pick per bag)
- U-Pick Pumpkin Patch (opens mid-September, pumpkins priced separately)
*Apple Tokens also required* Apple Tokens are $2 each or 6 tokens for $10. (tokens do not expire)
Apple Tokens can be used in the following locations:
- Pony Rides – 3 Tokens
- Apple Cannons – 2 Tokens
- Apple Launchers – 1 Token
- Apple Train Ride – 1 Token
- Feed Cup in Animal Barn – 1 Token
WEEKDAYS: Monday-Thursday (excluding Monday of Labor Day & Columbus Day)
Barn Yard Play Area is open free of charge Monday through Thursday, and guests are able to pick apples in our U-Pick Apple Orchard from 9am-5:00pm
After School Special: Monday-Thursday 1pm-5:30pm from August 31-October 29, 2020
$3 per person (ages 3 & up) includes admission to:
- Jumping Pillow
- Animal Barn Petting Zoo (includes small feed cup)
- Sunflower Patch (Only for a couple of weeks)
PRIVATE CAMPFIRE SITES: Campfire Site for 2 – 25 people – $40.00
Available Saturdays & Sundays in September, and Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in October. Includes seasoned apple wood for the bonfire.
APPLE PICKING: Apple Picking is available starting Saturday August 29th, 2020 until quantities last.
A general admission wristband is required during Fall Festival Days to enter the u-pick orchard, since they are limiting the total number of guests on their farm. A picking bag must be purchased from the u-pick building before entering the orchard to pick.
During Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) the u-pick orchard is open from 9am to 5:30pm without a general admission wristband, but a picking bag must be purchased in the Store & Bakery or Cider House before entering the Orchard. 1/2 Peck U-Pick Bag is $15.00 only 4 people permitted per picking bag.
For more information, go to: https://jonamacorchard.com/activities/
Keller’s Farmstand - 2500 Johnson Rd. - Oswego, IL
Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities!
Take your family and friends for some farm fun. Making memories together is what it’s all about. The 2020 corn maze is DINOSAUR! As always, the corn maze is family-friendly.
Due to COVID-19, changes have been made to their Fall Festivities/Farmland activities to make your visit as safe as possible. They are implementing a new TICKET RESERVATION system to monitor the amount of people visiting the Fall Festivities. A TICKET RESERVATION IS NEEDED TO ENTER FALL FESTIVITIES/FARMLAND. No reservation needed for farmstand shopping, apple orchard, or pumpkin patch. Due to the uncertainty of the season, reservations will be made on a week-by-week basis. Reservations for the weekend should begin by mid-week each week.
Masks must be worn (covering mouth AND nose) in farmstand and walking into Fall Festivities/Farmland gate. Once inside gate, masks must be worn when you are unable to socially distance at least 6 feet from others. Please read their Safety Plan for more details.
HOURS:
9am-6pm SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY (including Columbus Day) at the Oswego farm, September 12th – October 25, 2020
ADMISSION for activities is a $9.00 wristband per person (Age 5 – adult). Children 4 years and under are free. Children aged 2-4 years will need a reserved ticket even though they are free. Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult with paid wristband/ticket. They kindly ask you to limit your visit to 2 hours to allow other families the opportunity to participate in the activities.
The Fall Festivities/Farmland wristband includes the following*:
- 10-acre corn maze with 3 observation decks
- playhouse with slide
- rope maze & brick maze
- farm animals
- tire stack for climbing
- old tractors for sitting and taking photos on
- kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and Noah’s ark!
*Does NOT include apple picking
Due to COVID-19, we are unable to offer our free wagon ride for the 2020 season.
HELPFUL HINTS
- They are open rain or shine! Keller’s Farmstand reserves the right to close outdoor activities due to inclement weather and reopen them when weather conditions are safe for visitors.
- Please be respectful of the corn maze. Stay on paths and leave the corn on the stalks. They will be harvesting the corn once the maze closes at the end of the season. Thanks!
- Dress for the weather! If there is recent rain, wear old shoes or boots.
- Typically, the corn maze takes about an hour to complete. Kindly begin your corn maze adventure no later than 5:00pm since they close at 6:00pm.
- Keep your pets at home. Thanks!
*If you get hungry while you are visiting, they offer many concession stand items to choose from — APPLE CIDER DONUTS, gourmet popcorn, hot dogs, chips, hot pretzels, nachos, hot & cold drinks, and fudge! NO OUTSIDE FOOD, DRINKS, OR COOLERS ALLOWED.
For everyone’s safety, NO SMOKING or e-cigarettes allowed!
For more information, go to: https://www.kellersfarmstand.com/fall/saturday-sunday-fall-festivities-2020/
Kuipers Family Farm - 1N318 Watson Rd. - Maple Park, IL
Apple Orchard
Buy Apples: Fresh from the orchard, bagged and sold at the Orchard Shop. Apples sold individually, by the half-peck or peck bag. Prices vary by supply and variety.
Pick Apples: U-pic and COVID-19: This year guests will walk to the picking areas. Strollers will be allowed in the orchard to transport children. Guests should be aware that walks to ripe fruit will vary weekly in location and distance. Apple picking in the orchard is available weekends only through October.
Admission to Orchard: $10.99 per person Includes 1/4 peck bag of apples. Children 2 and under admitted FREE but don’t receive a bag. Everyone entering the orchard must purchase admission.
Pumpkin Farm
OPENS SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
Take the Family to Pick Your Own Pumpkins. Seasonal pumpkin picking at the Kuipers Family Farm may bring you out, but be sure to enjoy many of the other features, benefits, and attractions this fall, and then make it a point to go back in November to pick out your perfect Christmas tree.
- Apple orchard
- Barn store
- Charlotte’s web
- Corn maze
- Duck races
- Gourd Arbor
- Haunted forest
- Hay wagon ride
- Jumping pillow
- Mountain slide
- Pedal tractor derby
- Petting zoo
- Pig races
- Tractor tire mountain
- Tractor train
- Woodland walk
For more information, go to: https://www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com
Newark FFA Chapter - Various Locations - Newark, IL
The Newark FFA Chapter has pumpkin hay racks out at the corner of East Street and Rt 71 and at Rt 71 and Countyline Road, Newark, IL. Pumpkins, Gourds, Broomcorn and Corn Stalks are available. They will be bringing squash and more pumpkins several times a week now. They also sell them at The 3 French Hens Market's in Morris, IL on weekends (be sure to check their Facebook page for dates and times).
The Newark FFA will have mums for sale at the Newark BP Saturday, September 19th from 9-2 pm. Small 2-gal. pot is $7 and Large 3-gal. pot is $15. There will be a few in 5-gal. pots $25. All Colors!
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/NewarkFFA/
Sonny Acres Farm - 29W310 North Ave. - West Chicago, IL
Fall Festival 2020 is Coming Soon!
In the meantime, check out our Farm Fresh Store, dine at Our Kitchen Outdoor Grill, bounce on the giant Jumping Pillow, feed real farm animals at our Self-Feeding Zoo and much more!
Current hours for our Farm Fresh Store: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 to 5:00. Saturday & Sunday 9:00 to 4:00, Closed Mondays
For more information, go to: https://sonnyacres.com
Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm & Produce - 4S041 Merrill Rd. - Sugar Grove, IL
Hours of Operation:
Opening: September 9, 2020 at 12:00pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday:12pm-6pm
Thursday: 12pm-6pm
Friday: 12pm-6pm
Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Special Hours:
Columbus Day: 10.12.20: OPEN 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday, 10.31.20: CLOSED FOR SEASON at 3pm
The Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm offers over sixty varieties of hand-picked carver, heirloom, mini pumpkins and gourds to accent a full stock of corn stalks, straw bales, ornamental corn, mums and broom corn from September 9th to October 31. They also offer local honey! They carry a beautiful stock of pint size mason jars of delicious, liquid gold, harvested just a short walk from the farm.
The Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm does provide wagons for shopping. However, we do not provide bags/boxes for merchandise or liners for vehicles. We recommend guests bring canvas bags for easier transportation of gourds, mini pumpkins and ornamental corn. Our pumpkins may still contain soil from the field. If transporting on floor boards or in trunks, newspaper or some form of liner may be necessary.
Cash & Credit Cards Accepted on Autumn merchandise - a 4% convenience fee applies. Checks will not be accepted for retail purchases. No Public Restrooms or Wash Facilities Available. "You Pick" is not available at Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm.
For more information, go to: https://sugargrovepumpkinf.wixsite.com/sg-pumpkin-farm
Windy Acres - 37W446 Fabyan Pkwy. - Geneva, IL
Apple and Pumpkin Festival
September 19th – October 31st
Food Food & More Food! (Freshly grilled meats, fried foods, Build Your Own Corn Cob Bar, Sweet Treats and so much more!)
Beer Garden Highlighting our Fall Ales, Seasonal Cider and Pumpkin spiked beverages and Brand New Apple Cider Slushies! (open every Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm (12pm -6pm on Sundays) Weather permitted.
Live Music / DJ – On weekends (Weather Permitted). Bring a lawn chair, or enjoy our picnic tables to listen to local musicians/djs. Start times vary per day.
Attractions:
NEW this season to our attraction area: Grand Slam Triple Flag Playground!
- Ziplines
- Pony Rides (Sundays Only)
- U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
- Education Barn including Corn Box and Peddle Tractors
- Giant Hampster Wheels
- Tug O War
- Giant Jenga
- Wiggly Rope Bridge
- Slackline Tightrope
- Farm Themed Relay Races
- Giant Tractor Tire Swing
- Photobooth
- Corn Hole
- Massive Climbing Haystack
- Jumbo Checkers
- Tic Tac Toe
- Photo Ops
- Cattle Shoot Slide
- Hillbilly Harmony Music Station
- Antique Truck Display
- Wooden Train PlaySet
- Wooden Tractor Play Set
- Wooden Truck Play Set
- Pumpkin House
- Ropin’ Rodeo
- Mini Straw Maze
- Corn Stalk Winding Walk
- Tetherball
- Rock Climbing Slide
- Giant Chair
- Saddle Swings
- Educational Signs
- Large Picnic Seating Area
For more information, go to: https://windyacresfarmstand.com/fall-fest
Woody’s Orchard - 3223 Creek Rd. - Plano, IL
Hours:
September
Friday / Saturday / Sunday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
October
Thursday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
(Open Columbus Day 10/12)
Daily Admission: $10 per Adult - $10 per Child (2 years and under Free)
Season Pass: $30 per Adult - $30 per Child (2 years and under Free)
The Woody’s Orchard Playground includes:
Cedar Playhouse Village
Spider Web
Corn Jump – NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON DUE TO COVID-19
Jump Pad
Hay Maze
Big Tractor Slides
Duck Racers
Hamster Rollers
Wooden Tractors
Climbing Tire Pile
*Due to COVID-19 there may be delayed access to certain activities while they are being sanitized for your protection. They ask for your cooperation. Please wear a mask and maintain social distance where possible
Train Rides on the Woody's Express:
*Due to COVID-19 regulations, masks are required while riding the train with others outside of your circle.
The Woody’s Orchard Express is a ½-mile train ride on a quarter scale train. The train ride lasts for approximately 5 minutes.
The Train runs on Saturdays & Sundays only (weather permitting).
$3.00 per ride per person (4 and over)
$5.00 per person for an All-Day Ride pass
Orchard Pricing:
U-Pick and Pre-Picked Apples available starting mid to late August. Pre–picked Apples are for sale in the Farm Market in half peck bags. Orchard entrance is permitted with the purchase of a $7 quarter peck bag for each person. Over the age of 4 requires purchase of an apple bag. Woody’s Orchard has over 18 varieties of apples that ripen throughout the Fall season. Do not pick up apples that have fallen to the ground for your own safety. Hay rides from the store to the Orchard are included on Weekends/Holidays when available (weather permitting).
*Due to COVID-19 we ask that you maintain social distance where possible in the orchard. Wearing a mask is required when you cannot. Masks must be worn on hay rides.
Pumpkin Patch Pricing:
Pumpkins ripen end of September. Check out their website for Updates to find out when the U-Pick Patch is open! Woody’s Orchard has a 2-acre pumpkin field that features 15 varieties of pumpkins planted randomly. The pumpkins range from 1-5 lb “cannon balls” to 100lbs. “Atlantic Giants.” The average pumpkin size is 20lbs. Pre-picked pumpkins will also be available for purchase in the retail store once ripe. Look for them Late September/Early October.
For more information, go to: https://woodysorchard.com
(Note: This a free information guide. Macaroni Kid Yorkville - Geneva - St. Charles has compiled this information from each business' website or social media accounts. It is recommended that you visit these sources before visiting the businesses for any changes and/or updates and to review their health and safety procedures while visiting their properties.)
