It may seem early to some, but farm destinations across northern Illinois are preparing for fall festival season — and a few have even gotten the fun started already.

If you’re on the lookout for pick-your-own produce opportunities (apples, pumpkins, sunflowers), you’ll find some great options on this list. The same goes for farm-fresh food and drink (apple cider donuts!) and kids activities, as several farms feature carnival atmospheres, corn mazes, train rides, ziplines, and more.

Goebbert's Farm | Pingree Grove | Already In Progress | Running daily through Halloween, Goebbert's is bringing back its fan favorites, including a Pumpkin Express train, a haunted house, apple picking, and a giant pumpkin-eating dinosaur. Keep an eye out for their annual Oktoberfest, too.

Kuipers Family Farm | Maple Park | Already In Progress | Kuipers is serving up their annual slice of family paradise — their Blooms & Bushels apple- and flower-picking fest is already in progress through Sept. 17. Fall Harvest Fest gets underway on the 18th with a pumpkin patch, farm animals, apple picking, combine playgrounds, a corn maze, food/drink, and regular live entertainment.

Woody's Orchard | Plano | Already In Progress | Tons of activities, from apple picking for the whole family to slides and obstacle courses for the kids, make Woody’s a worthwhile fall destination. Don’t forget to try the apple cider (and apple cider donuts) while you’re there. Open through Halloween.

Jonamac Orchard | Malta | Already In Progress | The store, bakery, cider house, and outdoor play area is already open. Apple picking kicks off on Saturday (8/29), and the rest of the fall activities — flower fields, pumpkin patches, a corn maze, and live entertainment plus food/drink — ramp up in earnest over Labor Day weekend.

Windy Acres Farm | Geneva | Starts Sept. 12 | With over five acres of fall festivities and 40+ attractions — plus live music, a beer garden, live music, and a zipline — you might have to come back for more than just one weekend. Open through Nov. 1.

Keller's Farmstand | Oswego | Starts Sept. 12 | Take advantage of some of the best apple picking in the area, but don’t forget about their pumpkin patch, corn maze, antique tractors, and a variety of other fall activities. The fall fest takes place on Saturdays and Sundays through October 25.

Abbey Farms' Pumpkin Daze | Aurora | Starts Sep. 19 | Running daily through Nov. 1, this festival features a corn maze, zip lines, a petting zoo, and even a corn cannon (I’d never heard of that before). For the adults — there will be a craft beer tent and plenty of live music.

Sonny Acres Farm | West Chicago | Starts Sept. 19 | 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. Open through October 30.

Tom's Farm Market | Huntley | Starts Sept. 26 | Head over to Tom's beginning on September 26 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. Open through Halloween.

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

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