Now that autumn has officially arrived, let’s run through some of the local pumpkin patches, apple orchards and fall festivals that are worth checking out this season.

✔️ Abbey Farms' Pumpkin Daze (Aurora): Running daily through October 27, this festival features a corn maze, zip lines, a petting zoo and even a corn cannon (I’d never heard of that?). For you adults — head to the craft beer tent and live music.

✔️ Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch (Pingree Grove): Open daily through Halloween, Goebbert's is pulling out all the stops with a Pumpkin Express train, a haunted house and pig races. And where else can you get camel and pony rides around here?

✔️ Kuipers Family Farm (Maple Park): Kuipers is serving up their annual slice of family paradise through November 3. Apple picking, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, a mountain slide, combine playgrounds and a corn maze are just the beginning.

✔️ Windy Acres Farm (Geneva): With over five acres of fall festivities and 40+ attractions — plus live music, a beer garden and a zipline — you might have to come back for more than just one weekend. Open through Halloween.

✔️ Fox River Trolley Museum's Ghost Train (South Elgin): For something a little different, hop aboard the Ghost Train on select Saturdays in October. Don your favorite Halloween costume if you’re feeling squirrely.

✔️ Sonny Acres Farm (West Chicago): Classic fall family fun with amusement rides, hayrides and bounce houses. Plus apples are in season for picking — and they’ve got an outdoor restaurant.

✔️ Tom's Farm Market (Huntley): Head over to Tom's through October for a proper autumn experience. In addition to dozens of activities, you can get your pumpkins, mums and gourds — or hit up their bakery and cafe.

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