Things to Do in Chicago in September, October 2017

Love fall? Discover the best of Chicago in September and October 2017.

 

We’ve broken out some of the most popular events, farm activities, and parties, but if you can’t make one of these or are looking for something else, check out our specific pages for Festivals in Illinois, Apple picking near Chicago, Pumpkin Patches near Chicago, Haunted Houses near Chicago, Corn Mazes in Illinois, and Oktoberfests in Chicago.

Chicago Fall Festivals

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Chicago Apple Orchards

All Seasons Apple Orchard - Woodstock, IL
The McHenry County farm is run by James and Sue Hong, who purchased it in 1989 and planted the apple orchard. They have more than ten varities of apples and pears for picking in September and October. A 10 acre corn maze with 3 miles of paths and a lookout bridge features both a challenging path through the corn and a shorter path for kids. Pumpkin picking and many barnyard activities like the petting zoo, jumping pillow, mini zip line and pig races (weekends only). Their farm market features farm made apple cider, cider donuts, fudge and kettle corn, pies and other baked goods, as well as local honey and other products. Located about 90 minutes from Chicago.

Apple Holler - Sturtevant, WI
Pick pumpkins or pick your own apples in their 75 acre orchard. There is also a farm park with corn maze, slides, bounce house, pony rides, pedal cart rides, gemstone mining and more. Farm animals feature goat walk and Haflinger horses. Country store offers gifts, crafts and more. Special event in September is the Apple Pickin’ Family Festival and October is the month for Apple Pickin’ and Scarecrow Festival. The farm was established in 1988, it has been owned and operated by the Flannery family for more than 25 years.  If you pay for apple picking, you get free wagon ride and farm park admission. Some activities require activity tickets that can be purchased for an additional cost. The farm is located 27 miles south of Milwaukee at 5006 South Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

County Line Orchard - Hobart, IN
The closest u-pick apple orchard to downtown Chicago is actually located in Indiana. They have more than ten varieties for PYO. Fresh pressed cider available in 1/2 gallon and 1 gallon sizes. They also have a toddler play area and cut two maze designs into their corn every year. Apple spiced and pumpkin spiced donuts are made fresh daily. Caramel apples, homemade fudge, pies and breakfast breads also available. Since the start of their farm, they have planted more than 10,000 apple trees in more than 30 varieties.

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Chicago Pumpkin Patches

All Seasons Apple Orchard - Woodstock, IL
The McHenry County farm is run by James and Sue Hong, who purchased it in 1989 and planted the apple orchard. They have more than ten varities of apples and pears for picking in September and October. A 10 acre corn maze with 3 miles of paths and a lookout bridge features both a challenging path through the corn and a shorter path for kids. Pumpkin picking and many barnyard activities like the petting zoo, jumping pillow, mini zip line and pig races (weekends only). Their farm market features farm made apple cider, cider donuts, fudge and kettle corn, pies and other baked goods, as well as local honey and other products. Located about 90 minutes from Chicago.

Apple Holler - Sturtevant, WI
Pick pumpkins or pick your own apples in their 75 acre orchard. There is also a farm park with corn maze, slides, bounce house, pony rides, pedal cart rides, gemstone mining and more. Farm animals feature goat walk and Haflinger horses. Country store offers gifts, crafts and more. Special event in September is the Apple Pickin’ Family Festival and October is the month for Apple Pickin’ and Scarecrow Festival. The farm was established in 1988, it has been owned and operated by the Flannery family for more than 25 years.  If you pay for apple picking, you get free wagon ride and farm park admission. Some activities require activity tickets that can be purchased for an additional cost. The farm is located 27 miles south of Milwaukee at 5006 South Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm - Homer Glen, IL
Opens September 12th this fall.  This farm is a fall tradition for many in the Chicago area. Many visiting it describe it as more like a combination mini-amusement park and farm. They are open everyday through October 31st. The cost for admission is in the $10-13 range per person. Parking is free and there is unlimited rides with admission. There is a slight discount to the regular price if you purchase tickets online, and buying online also allows you to avoid any line to get in. They accept cash and credit at the farm. Food and pumpkins are extra. Wheelbarrows are available to cart away large pumpkins. You can also take a picture next to their gigantic pumpkin. The 3 acre corn maze with stone path is on the smaller side but perfect for kids. The pig races and pumpkin launcher are definitely a favorite of attendees. Tractor drawn hayrack rides, though at least one person has mentioned that there wasn’t any hay on their ride. Petting zoo and pony rides for kids. There is also a mega slide, silly barn, haunted barn and corn box. This is one of the most popular farm attractions in the country with over 126,402 Facebook likes. Their address is 13341 W 151st St., Homer Glen, Illinois. It is about 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.

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Chicago Haunted Houses

13th Floor Haunted House - Shiller Park, IL
Advertised as Chicago’s largest haunted house starts the season on September 10th.  Lots of new attractions this year. An all new world famous haunted house is back in Chicago. It features the attractions The Possession and Dead End District The Cell. Why aren’t there a 13th floor in buildings? Tickets prices depend on the date. The 13th Floor opens in September. Open Friday and Saturday nights in September and nearly every night throughout October.  The attractions run from 7 pm to 12 pm on Friday and Saturday. On some other nights it closes at 10 pm or 11 pm.  The 13th Floor has over 79000 Facebook likes.

Abandoned Haunted House Complex - Mount Pleasant, WI
Abandoned is open from late September on every Friday and Saturday nights in October through early November plus some added dates near Halloween.  Stalker Haunted Cornfield has Ambush and Hysteria Haunted Houses.  Save money and get the combo ticket to get you into all three. Abandoned Haunted House Complex is home to three entirely different Haunted Houses. Abandoned’s Haunted Complex is designed to attack our customer’s senses in multiple ways to ensure people of all types are entertained.  Our Haunted House Complex utilizes a continual walk-through approach for our events. There are 2 entry lines that allow customers to enter either the Ambush / Hysteria Combo ticket or a separate line to enter Stalker Haunted Cornfield. We also offer Quick pass upgrades which allow customers to use their own lines to enter and to SIGNIFICANTLY reduce your wait times

Basement of the Dead - Aurora, IL
Returning with Basement of the Dead in late September.  The haunt attractions here are Zombie Outbreak Apocalypse. Looks like a great event with chance to shoot “live” zombies with laser tag.  Advertised as America’s scariest haunted house.  Open most Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights in October beginning September 23rd. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets available starting at $35 with some nights discounted.  Parking nearby at Hollywood Casino is $4. Warning the city will tow cars not properly parked.  Basement of the Dead has over 81000 Facebook likes.

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Chicago Ghost Tours

Chicago Hauntings Tour - Chicago, IL
All manner of ghost tours and hunts are available to the curious through Chicago Hauntings Tours. From Resurrection Mary to H.H. Holmes, no grisly or blood-soaked secret of Chicago can hide. Please call for reservations, availability, and pricing.

Chicago Segway Haunted Tour - Chicago, IL
Hop on and take a Segway tour of Chicago’s most haunted districts. Ride through the city’s history of murder and mayhem as story after story is told about one of America’s most famous locations. Booking information and pricing varies. Please consult the website for more information.

Spirits of Geneva Pub Crawl - Geneva, IL
Enjoy a brew as this pub crawl takes visitors to Geneva, Illinois through the haunted history of its many bars, saloons, and pubs. More information available through the website and contact information.

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