10 Family FriendlyThings to do in Chicagoland this Fall
Fall in Chicagoland is a fantastic time for families with small kids to enjoy a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities! As the summer heat starts to wane and the fall season approaches, the Windy City and its surrounding suburbs offer numerous opportunities for family fun. Whether you're looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, or cultural outings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 fun things for families with small kids to do this Fall in the Chicagoland area.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Located in the heart of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission and is a great place for a family outing. Kids can see a variety of animals and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Fall is a great time to visit without the summer crowds. Fall Fest Kicks off September 29 and is open Friday-Sundays through October 29!
Morton Arboretum: Explore nature at its finest by visiting the Morton Arboretum in nearby Lisle. September brings a hint of fall colors, and the Children's Garden is a must-visit for young explorers with its interactive exhibits and play areas. The Arboretum offers a variety of fall activities from a Scarecrow trail to Walking Plays to a Wine tasting for the adults.
Apple Picking - Nothing screams September more than a quick jaunt to one of the many apple orchards driving distance from Chicago. County Line Orchard (about an hour drive from the city) and Honey Hill Orchard (about 90 minutes from the city) both offer a variety of fall activities in addition to apple picking, cider and donuts!
Navy Pier: Navy Pier is a fan favorite, with a range of activities including the iconic Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, and boat rides along Lake Michigan. Check out the Children’s Museum on September 28th for Puppetpalooza and free admission! Head over for some Halloween fun on October 29th for the Slightly Spooky Saturday full of costume contests, entertainment, and Halloween activities.
Pumpkin Patch - There are countless pumpkin patches less than 90 minutes from Chicago and our fave would have to be Goebberts Farm. So many activities and things for the kids to do and the cutest little general store. Open September 9 - October 31.
Brookfield Zoo: Just a short drive from Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is another excellent family destination. While there is an admission fee, the zoo is amazing and has so many fun activities for the kiddos. Check out Boo at the Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays from October 7-22.
Chicago Botanic Garden: The Chicago Botanic Garden is not only a beautiful place to visit but also offers family-friendly programming throughout the year. Check out the model railroad display or hop on the tram for a tour. Grab your tickets now for the Night of 1000 Jack-o'-Lanterns and take a stroll along the pumpkin paths while enjoying fall themed treats and live carving demonstrations.
Jack’s Pop up Pumpkin Patch - This large fall fest located on Elston in the city, has fall themed activities for all ages. Kiddos under 4 are free. Things can get a little boozy later in the evening so it’s recommended to bring little ones before 7pm. Open September 22-November 5th.
Art Institute of Chicago: Cultivate your child's appreciation for art at the Art Institute of Chicago. While the museum may not seem like an obvious choice for young kids, it offers family tours and interactive exhibits designed to engage and educate children.
Outdoor Movies at Rooftop Cinema Club: Located in Fulton Market, this venue is the perfect way to see a movie city style. Relax in an adirondack chair and throw on some wireless headphones and enjoy a movie with skyline views. There are lots of kid friendly movies in September!
