10 Fun-Filled Chicago Area Fall Day Trips Your Kids Will Love

Fall is the perfect time to hit the road with your little adventurers and explore the best kid-friendly destinations around Chicago. From pumpkin patches to scenic drives, these fall road trips are packed with fun activities that will make lasting family memories.

Plus, Chicago is filled with great places to eat, which is just much-needed joy for the road trip drivers.

We live close to one of the most exciting cities in the world and I really like the sound of my children gasping in awe of something they love. Nothing compares to being around children when they experience something for the first time. What a great seat that is.

10 Fun-Filled Chicago Area Fall Day Trips Your Kids Will Love

1. Get Lost in a Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm

Take the kids to Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, where they’ll get lost (on purpose) in the world’s largest corn maze. While you’re navigating 28 acres of twists and turns, there are also wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, and zip lines to keep the energy going!

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2. Walk Among the Giants at Morton Arboretum

The beautiful fall foliage at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle sets the stage for their family-friendly outdoor events. Plus, the "Illumination: Tree Lights" show is a magical walk in the woods where trees light up in vibrant colors as kids ooh and aah with wonder.

3. Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden's Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns

Let your little goblins marvel at over 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins glowing along the garden paths. This event is perfect for fall photo ops, and the spooky but not too scary atmosphere keeps it fun for all ages.

4. Hit Up Brookfield Zoo's Boo! at the Zoo

Brookfield Zoo transforms into a not-so-scary Halloween haven with Boo! at the Zoo. Think trick-or-treat stations, animal-themed activities, and pumpkin smashing. It’s the perfect combination of animals and autumn!

5. Visit the Pumpkin Patch at Bengtson’s Farm

This family-run farm in Homer Glen has it all—pumpkins galore, a petting zoo, tractor rides, and even a haunted barn (for the brave). Kids love the rides, while parents love the variety of pumpkin-flavored snacks.

6. Dive into the Art of Play at the Kohl Children’s Museum

This Glenview gem is a hit with younger kids, offering interactive exhibits that promote play and creativity. Their fall activities include special seasonal crafts and nature-based learning that will have your kiddos in full-on explorer mode.

7. Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

Admission is free, the animals are adorable, and the fall-themed activities are endless. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches and a haunted house (kid-friendly, of course), Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest is a must-do family favorite.

MORE: 3 Illinois Places Among Best for Fall Foliage in America

8. Take a Scenic Drive Along Lake Shore Drive

Pile the kids in the car and cruise along Lake Shore Drive. The view of the autumn leaves against the backdrop of Lake Michigan is breathtaking. For a bonus stop, let the kids run off some energy at Maggie Daley Park’s playgrounds.

9. Get Spooky at Navy Pier’s Pier Pumpkin Lights

Navy Pier transforms into a glowing pumpkin paradise during Pier Pumpkin Lights. Wander through the lighted pumpkin tunnels, enjoy seasonal snacks, and watch the nightly light show—it's the ultimate fall experience in the heart of the city.

MORE: 28 Things People of Illinois Look Forward To Most In the Fall

10. Take the Kids Apple Picking at All Seasons Orchard

In Woodstock, All Seasons Orchard offers more than just apple picking. There’s a corn maze, barnyard animals, and an epic apple cannon that will have your kids launching fruit into the air like seasoned farmers.

Enjoy the crisp air, seasonal treats, and endless fun with these fall family activities in and around Chicago