I think one of the best topics amongst my mom friends right now is the best pumpkin patches and orchards. With Covid, we are all looking for outdoor activites, but also doing them safely. Here are our favorite pumpkin patches and apple orchards we have been too. Plus, I got a lot of feedback from many of you too!

*please check Covid updates for neighboring states because it’s constantly changing. And check each orchard and patches website for their specific requirements. 🙂

Johnson’s Farm and Produce

We came here late summer for their U-Pick vegetables and we loved it. It’s located in Hobart, Indiana about an hour from Chicago. It’s huge and lots of room to social distant. Masks were required inside (they have a cute grocery store) and outside. Pumpkins available to purchase, there’s an obstacle course and some other things they have for kids. They charge based on what you buy.

Check their website before you leave because the hours change frequently depending on whether and crop availability.

Goebbert’s Farm

I love this farm! We have gone in the past and it’s one of the better patches (I think!). You can buy tickets in advance and I high recommend so you don’t want to wait in line.

 

There is so much to do here. You could easily spend an entire day. Rides, petting zoo, corn maze, hay ride and more. They also have a restaurant and store on site that sells food, snacks and donuts.

Masks are required, but by the time it was 11:30am (we got there at 9am), not everyone was wearing them so it was our time to exit 🙂

Didier Farms

Located in Lincolnshire, Didier Farms is smaller but still has activities for kids like a corn maze, patch, pony rides etc. There is no admission fee, but all the activities are ticketed. You can purchase those while you are there.

The Dawson

So this is NOT your typical pumpkin patch, but the Dawson converts their amazing patio space into a pumpkin and gourd patch. You can purchase pumpkins, have dinner or take cocktails to go. So maybe it’s more like an adult version of a pumpkin patch? It’s really cute! Very random, they also have some of the best heaters too. We were outside and it was so warm!

*I would call beforehand and see if their patio is decorated*

Boots: Target // Faux leather leggings: Amazon

JoJo’s Pumpkin Pop Up

So this isn’t a typical pumpkin patch. This is a popup at JoJo’s Shake Bar at the River North restaurant which you can take fun photos, dine on the very instagrammable patio and snag an igloo to eat in. This isn’t a typical pumpkin patch where you can take a pumpkin home, it’s really all about taking cute photos and indulging in some of their over the top shakes. We had lots of fun and the igloo was adorable. They don’t take reservations, its first come first serve. Definitely get there early or during the week for lunch. We were there right when they opened and there was no one there!

Masks are required when you are not eating or up from your table.

Pants: Old Navy // Necklace: Amazon // Sweater: Amazon // Boots: Target

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up has been happening for a few years now and it’s truly an instagram dream. Kids under 4 are free and pumpkins come with the ticket. Noah loves it (he’s 5) and it’s one of his favorite pop ups. Masks are mandatory and they were actually going up to people without them to enforce it, which I was happy to see. So snap those pics quick and put your mask back on 🙂

Faux leather leggings: Nordstrom Rack // Sweater: Lost Vintage Boutique // Boots: Target // Scarf: Amazon

Apple Orchards

Crane’s Apple Orchard

This is located a little further from Chicago, but it is the best apple orchard! Cranes is located in Fennville, Michigan and literally has everything you can think of. Apple orchard, hay rides, restaurant, corn maze, winery, pumpkin patch and more. Although we haven’t been there this year, they are still open. I would just check their website to see their Covid rules and regulations.

County Line Orchard

Fun fact, when I was a teacher I would bring my students here every year. It’s not too far, right at the Illinois/Indiana border (actually right by Johnson’s farm I listed above!) and it’s not too big, so it’s easy to keep track of students. It’s probably one of the smaller pumpkin patches and orchard. There is a petting zoo, hayride and apple orchard.

We haven’t gone this year and I wouldn’t recommend going on the weekend, but the weekday shouldn’t be too crowded. They have some of the best cider donuts!

Apple Holler

This orchard is about 65 miles from Chicago and it’s very big! You could spend lots of time here. They also have a pumpkin patch, U-Pick vegetables, an onsite bakery and more. This is another orchard I would probably only go during the week, but later in the season shouldn’t be too crowded. They also require masks and social distancing.

So here are few of our favorite pumpkin patches and apple orchards around the Chicagoland area. I know there are so many more, so if you like any others no listed on here, let me know @thechicagogoodlife

If you are looking for other fun Chicago things to do, I have a dedicated tab on this blog to it!

Until next time,

Christine