It's time for fall family fun in Chicago and we can hardly wait! We are lucky to have so many fall attractions and events in Chicago where families have been making fall memories for years. From picking apples and pumpkins, to Halloween fun ... Macaroni KID Chicago Northside is busy collecting all the details for you and your family to make the most of autumn.  Here is a preliminary look at some fun events coming our way, so you can get a head start on all the action.  Check back often as this list will continue to grow!

Fall attractions open all season long:

Riverwalk Fall Fest

Join us on the Chicago Riverwalk for the most unique experience of the year including, hayrides on the Chicago River, beer & cider tastings, live music, a pumpkin patch, photo ops, fall food tastings, and more.  

Throw on your favorite sweater and enjoy all the activities that fall has to offer!  At Riverwalk Fall Fest, you'll learn that this season has so much more to offer than pumpkin spiced lattes!

Whether you're looking to get a group of friends together to enjoy some much needed adult beverages or bring the kids out for a stress-free day of fun, this is the perfect destination. This outdoor experience is a safe and fun way to catch up with friends and make new ones, all along the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk!

Tickets include:
- Entry to the outdoor experience taking place on the Chicago Riverwalk
- Live music
- Amazing Photo Ops
- Games & More!

You will also have the opportunity to enhance your experience with everything below. Tickets for these items can be purchased onsite:
- Hayrides on the Chicago River
- Beer & Cider Tastings
- Hot Chocolate & Cider
- Fall Foods (Taffy Apples, Apple Cider Donuts, Chili, Corn, Pizza, etc.)
- A Pumpkin Patch (w/ pumpkins for purchase)
- Pumpkin Decorating
- And more!

Due to current restrictions, only a limited number of tickets will be sold. Reserve yours now before you miss out!

Children welcome before 5pm.

$10 Tickets available now!

Adults Night at the Trampoline Park

Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park
404 North Armour Street
Chicago, IL 60642

With over 30,000 square feet of indoor trampolines and other attractions, Altitude Trampoline Park is jumping! We're giving you a shot to jump around with no kids! This event is 21+ only. Fun for a Date Night, Mom Night Out, Dad Night Out, or Parent Couples Night!  Check out all that Altitude has to offer below!

• 30+ Trampolines
• Trampoline Basketball
• Extreme Dodgeball
• Foam Pits
• Trapeze Swing
• Rock Wall
• Wipeout
• & More!

Plus, you will also receive a cold BEER ON US to help you wind down after you jump!

Come out to jump like a kid, then drink like an adult!  Only 100 tickets max will be sold to ensure everyone has plenty of room to jump!

Buy Now!

Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow

Thu, October 28, 2021
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM CDT

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 North Cannon Dr.
Chicago, IL 60614

Leave the kids at home and head to the zoo for Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow. Guests will enjoy unique animal chats, educational entertainment, a live DJ, and multiple bars throughout the zoo at this after-hours event. No kids. No crowds. Strolling among wildlife with a beer, cider, hard seltzer, or glass of wine in hand. Sound fun? Join us! Proceeds benefit Lincoln Park Zoo and help the zoo stay free and open 365 days a year!

Activities:

• Live music from DJ Marcus Carter
• Animal chats and enrichment
• Free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel
• Cash bars
• Complimentary face painting
• Haunted Trail
• Lawn games
• Costumes encouraged!

Plenty of spaces to stroll, sit, and sip with friends and family!

Buy Now!

Six Flags Great America & Fright Fest

We visit Great America every fall.  It's the perfect time to go.  The temperature is usually a little cooler, the lines are shorter, and the changing colors of all the leaves, really make it quite picturesque.  Add to that all the fun Fall, Halloween decorations, and seasonal menu items, and it is an enjoyable day even for non-riders.  

This year we took a small group for my son's birthday celebration.  The kids, and adults too, were of all different thrill seeking levels.  Fortunately, the park has three different kids' areas for the less daring, and everyone enjoyed the live shows, including the new Monster Bash, an interactive Halloween party for tiny goblins.  On Saturdays and Sundays, kids can get in costume too and join characters on a Trick or Treat Trail.  

My kids just love riding all the coasters, and with reduced crowds, they were able to ride them all.  

But Great America in the Fall, had me at Churro Fries - cinnamon churro fries topped with whipped cream, snickers, caramel & chocolate sauce, and sprinkles.  We stuck a candle in one dish and sang happy birthday.  We also enjoyed the Frightening Fanta Fizz, which is Fanta with candy corn syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles (shot of vodka optional.)  Sugar fuels my bravery when it comes to rides - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  (Note, Great America offers some great group packages and meal deals, including a Mega Meal Deal for $19.99 - including one meal, one snack, and unlimited soft drinks throughout the day.)  

At 5:45pm, The Uprising Parade: Nightly Call of the Dead begins.  This is the cue for kids 13 and under to make their way to the park exit or dare to be scared. We usually high-tail it to the exit, however, with a 14 and 12 year old now, we stuck around to watch the parade.  We were surprised to see quite a few young ones, so it really just depends on your kid's fear level.  

I was definitely more creeped out than my kids.  They thought it was funny to try and get the ax wielding, ghouls and chainsaw threatening, goblins to break character, which they did not.  After the parade, we enjoyed watching the pyrotechnics, lighting, and fog affects, and listening to the scary music as we slowly made our way to the exit, all the while subject to jump scares and the like from zombies and monsters.  

I'm not sure if my kids, (or I), are ready for all of Fright Fest, but I think we may try to push the envelope a little more next time.  Yet another great reason to have a season pass!  

Sleepy Hollow: An Immersive Cocktail Experience

Sleepy Hollow: An Immersive Cocktail Experience is a new Halloween event in Chicago that combines the comedy-horror of the famed spectral universe with gothic, scintillating drinks. It's 'opening night' at a tavern in the woods in 1799, and spirits will be raised on this cozy fall eve!  Fun for a Date Night or a Mom's Night Out!

Highlights include:

• Walk deep into the Western Woods and enter the classic legend of Sleepy Hollow
• Surround yourself with immersive decor, a punk-dance soundtrack, and a faithful staff of characters—each packing a surprise. You may want to bring a raincoat...
• Includes 3 supernatural beverages (non-alcoholic available) and snacks served by doting peasants, waiters, and hosts who've built this experience-in-the-woods just for you

General Info

Various Wednesdays–Sundays thru October 31st

- Wednesdays & Thursdays: 6pm and 8pm
- Fridays: 6pm, 8pm and 10pm
- Saturdays: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm
- Sundays: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm

Location: 170 W Washington Street, Chicago IL 60602

Duration: 90 minutes

Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID

The Forge: Lemont Quarries, The Hottest Adventure Park to Hit Chicagoland, Gears Up for Forge Fear Month Throughout October 

During the upcoming season, the park will open Thursday - Friday, 3:30pm to 8pm, and Saturday - Sunday, 9am to 8pm. Admission to the park is free, with tickets available to book in advance for each desired activity and event. Seasonal events throughout Forge Fear Month will include:  

The Forge Fall Fest: Saturday, October 2 

Adventurers both novice and pro are invited to kick off Forge Fear Month with the Forge Fall Fest, which will feature specials on a multitude of activities throughout the park such as the largest aerial challenge course in the world; plus, a schedule of live music throughout the day and seasonal food and beverages available at ForgefireAdventure Dining. Admission is free.  

Zombie Apocalypse Laser Tag: Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October  

Think you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse?This one-of-a-kind live-action Tactical Laser Tag experience will test your limits as you are immersed in a post-apocalyptic world where a zombie outbreak has run rampant. Battle in an old lab where scientists have been working to find a cure to the zombie infection, with two teams going head to head against each other while simultaneously fending off flesh-eating zombies. The team to earn the most points at the end will be rewarded with the cure and live to see another day.  

Movies in the Park -The Nightmare Before Christmas: Saturday, October 23  

It wouldn’t be a proper October without the showing of this spooky classic. Movies in the Park presents The Nightmare Before Christmas, which follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." Admission is $10 or free to adventurers with same-day activity tickets, and will take place at The Mount at the Forge. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets.  

The Tale of Talcott’s Stone - A Guided Adventure Game: Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30
Join the Forge on an adventure of epic proportions during this guided tour through the haunted trails of the Forge. A sacred stone belonging to Quarry Owner Talcott yielding paranormal powers has been unearthed, and has unleashed evil spirits and creatures upon the Lemont Quarries. Help solve riddles and clues to find the stone and return it to its resting place, banishing the spirits back to where they came from.  

Fireside Ghost Stories with Orion Couling: Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30
Enjoy 45-minutes of terrifying tales by the fire, led by Orion Couling. BYOB (bring your own blanket) and your appetite as you munch on s’mores around the campfire. This spooky experience is suitable for younger audiences as long as there is an adult to hold their hand! Admission is $10 per listener.  

Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo

Dive into the wonderful world of autumn, from picking the perfect pumpkin to sipping festive drinks, with Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Fall Fest. This free, family-friendly celebration is full of harvest days fun this October. Fest guests can enjoy a pumpkin walk, live pumpkin carvers, a festive pop-up bar, animal chats, musical entertainment and more!  Fridays-Sundays October 8-31 & Monday, October 11th 10am-5pm

CITY CRUISES’ FALL 2021 OFFERINGS

City Cruises Chicago have announced their offerings for the autumn season including their seasonal favorites such as their Brunches on the River and the Lake, a Chicago Lake Lunch, a “Sights & Sips” Cruise on the Chicago River and Lake, and much more. Additionally, City Cruises Chicago is offering their Seadog Haunted Tours which explores Chicago's spooky past while winding through some of the city's most gorgeous architecture. Guests will learn the many secrets, spirits, scandals, and sins of the Windy City through spine-tingling tales of mysterious supernatural occurrences and infamous figures. Those planning ahead will also have an opportunity to start booking their Thanksgiving and upcoming holiday season experiences.    

Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up

Join us for the newest interactive Pop-Up Experience to hit Chicago, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is located on over 2 acres in Goose Island. For one month only experience a larger than life, outdoor, multi-sensory adventure in the heart of Chicago. Spend an autumn night outside making memories without having to travel to the Suburbs while you get lost in Chicago’s largest corn maze! Whether you’re seeking a striking nighttime lights display, an outdoor pumpkin-themed party with dozens of fall themed instagramable memories or a one of a kind corn maze, there’s an experience here for everyone! We are open nightly rain or Shine!
ALL AGES WELCOME | 2 ACRES OF OUTDOOR FUN, FULL BAR, CORN MAZE, AXE THROWING, CARNIVAL GAMES + MORE.

Apple Farms

It's a bit of a drive to get to the best Apple Farms from Chicago, but the memories are worth it.

All Seasons Orchard

14510 IL Route 176
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-5637

All Seasons has long been one of our favorites, not just for all the fun, but also their excellent customer service.  Open now through October 31st.  Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm  Sat, Sun, Labor Day, Columbus Day: 10am-6pm 

In addition to a wagon ride to go apple picking among 15,000 apple and pear trees, including Honeycrisp apples, spend the day exploring the 30+ Fall family friendly activities in the barnyard including the corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and more! Pony rides, lives shows and apple cannon available on weekends.  Our favorite activities are the zip lines, the cow train, and unlimited access to the jumping pillow (as opposed to some popular pumpkin farms that charge for each three minute jumping session) New this year:  Mechanical rides - tickets required. Don't leave without trying an apple cider slushie!  

Apple Holler

5006 South Sylvania Ave
Sturtevant, WI 53177
262.884.7100

Now picking Autumn Crisp, Fuji, Gala, McIntosh, Blondee, Snow Sweet, Golden Supreme, and Sansa apples! Open everyday 9:00AM-5:00PM – Last bags and admissions at 4:00PM

Farm Park Fun is open every day! Enjoy activities such as a Corn Maze, Little Red Haybarn, Giant Slide, Corn Palace Corn Box, Straw Mountain, and visit the Goats at the Golden Goat Bridge, PLUS Pony Rides for kids and Peddle Cart Rides on the weekends!  This is another top choice.  And let's face it, I'm all about the seasonal food.  Check out the Red Barn Cafe!

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

Don't want to drive too far, usher in the Fall with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's 34th Annual Apple Fest!  The festivities will take place on Saturday, October 2nd and Sunday, October 3rd from 9am - 6pm.  Apple Fest is a long standing tradition in Lincoln Square, bringing community together to celebrate the beginning of autumn.  Location: Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Wilson

3rd Annual Cider Day

Apple season is here and Gnome Brew is celebrating with their 3rd Annual Cider Day this Saturday, October 23rd! 

What makes Gnome Brew's Cider Day amazing? They pick up freshly pressed organic apple cider and other seasonal treats from a Michigan orchard the morning of the event for guests to enjoy and purchase to take home. Everyone is welcome to join them for their favorite fall tradition! Starting at Noon, guests will enjoy: 

• Fresh Mulled Apple Cider
• Orchard Fresh Apple Cider Donuts and Apples
• Hard Cider Samples from past years
• Cider Share (bottle share for ciders)
• Games!

The Cider Day celebration at Gnome Brew (2026 West Montrose) begins at 12pm. For more information, please visit https://gnomebrewshop.com/cider-buy-2021.

Pumpkin Picking

Get a jump start on pumpkin picking.  

Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center

40 W. Higgins Rd.
South Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone: (847) 428-6727

Goebbert's is open 7 days a week from 9AM to 6PM (No tickets sold after 5:30PM) through October 31st.  There is a ton of stuff to do.  Admission price (which ranges from $17-$20, includes access to the farm as well as admission to Animal Land, Little Farmer’s Play Yard and Haunted House, Wagon Ride & Magic Show. Goebbert's is probably most famous for the Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur, which is located in Animal Land.  Get up close and personal while feeding giraffes at eye level too.  That's my favorite attracion!  Tickets must be purchased online in advance.  Pony ride, camel ride, jumping pillow, and gem mining are all additional fees.  

Didier Farms

16678 W. Aptakisic Rd.,
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-634-3291

Didier Farms is also open 7 days a week from 9AM to 6PM through October 31st.  There is no admission fee, but all activities and rides require individual tickets.
They have many mechanical kiddie rides.  Most rides and activities are 3 tickets, except the Camel ride (6), Pony ride (6), Animal Land Zoo with Pig Races (5), and Pumpkin Playland (4).  Each ticket is $1.  Your best bet is to go on a Thursday from 2pm-6pm for $15 Wristband Thursday. The wristband is good for all mechanical rides and the burlap slide.  Note, no hayrides this year.

Johansen Farms Children's Zoo & Pumpkin Patch

710 W Boughton Rd.
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
630.759.8711

Johansen Farms is open M-TH from 9AM-6PM (Zoo opens at 10AM.)  Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, they are open until 7PM.  Trhough October 31st.  Admission is $12.95 on the weekdays, and $17.95 on the weekends, with children under two always free.  All rides and attractions are free and unlimited with paid zoo admission, including Pony Rides (offered Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm in October), animals & baby chicks to hold, Giant Air Slides, Hay Rides, Train Rides, Corn Maze, Sports Zone Inflatables, Toddler Pooh Bear Park, and Noah’s Miniature Golf Course!  Johansen Farms is really pretty and great for younger kids.  

Leaf Peeping

The Illinois Fall Color Report projects that autumn colors will peak in the Chicago area mid-October.  Just another great reason to visit the Chicago Lakeshore, Millenium Park, Lincoln Park, The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Conservatory, The Forest Preserves, or take a drive out to Galena or Starved Rock for a real foliage show!

The crisp autumn breeze is rolling in and Lake Geneva’s Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is offering a variety of ways for guests to get outside and enjoy the upcoming fresh fall air, incredible Midwest fall foliage, and traditional seasonal offerings and treats. Of course, guests can simply walk around the resort’s stunning glacier-carved 1,300-acre campus to enjoy the Midwest’s magical autumn colors, but here are other fun ways to enjoy the season when you want (and need) to take a break from fall’s back-to-the grind routine. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the Wisconsin Fall Color Report for optimal leaf-looking opportunities. 

No tricks, just treats for fall foodies: 

Grand Geneva’s culinary team is serving up some of the season’s favorite flavors with its popular Apple Crisp Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Dutch Apple Pie with Sour Cream-Apple Cider Ice Cream with a Sea Salt Drizzle, and Sugar Pie Pumpkin Budino di Panettone with Cardamom Anglaise. To make the season even sweeter, Grand Geneva is offering a new “Fall into Flavor” package which comes with 2 coffees from Grand Central, 2 desserts from Geneva ChopHouse or Ristorante Brissago, plus a $50 dining credit. This special offer is available Sunday-Thursday, September 22-November 15, 2021.

For autumn adventure:

Feel the wind in your hair as you zip around the rustic roads of southeast Wisconsin on a scooter. Rent one for a few hours or take a guided tour around the area with Lake Geneva Scooter Tours and Rentals at Grand Geneva. If you can ride a bike, you can drive a scooter. Guests only need a valid driver’s license and some quick on-site instruction before you’re on your way. Scooters are available for rent via the resort’s Adventure Center.

Horseback Riding & Haunted Hayrides: 

Located on the resort campus, Dan Patch Stables prides itself in creating a fun, safe equine experience for all ages to go horseback riding. From pony rides for the kids to peaceful carriage rides for couples and families, the staff are dedicated to providing an experience you'll remember for years to come. The 45-minute guided trail rides offer a scenic view of hundreds of acres of the beautiful Grand Geneva property.

This October, Dan Patch Stables will be offering Haunted Hayrides every Friday and Saturday night in October, 6pm-midnight plus Sunday, October 10 and October 31 (6pm-10pm on Halloween). The first hayrides of the evening (6pm-6:45pm) are family-friendly and designed for younger children, though do expect a few spooks. For those looking for a fright, visit later in the night beginning 7pm. The cost is $20 for adults (ages 11 and older), $10 for ages 5-10 and free for children 4 and younger.

Don’t hang up the bathing suits just yet:

The temperature isn’t the only thing taking a dip – you can too. Book a stay at the on-site Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark and you and your family can spend the day splashing in the resort’s indoor waterpark (named one of the best indoor waterparks by USA Today’s 10Best!) The all-suite resort offers families plenty of room for a fall getaway. Every Friday in October bring the family to Timber Ridge to enjoy Halloween themed activities all night long, plus save on your stay with the resort’s special “Friday Night Frights” offer. Our staff will be getting in the Halloween spirit and dressing up in costumes for your enjoyment, plus guests will enjoy Halloween crafts, bingo, a costume contest with prizes and more.

Halloween Activities

Head to our Halloween Happening 2021 Guide!

Do you know of a 2021 family-friendly fall event or attraction that isn't listed here? email us at debraf@macaronikid.com