Best River Forest-Area Pumpkin Patches 2020

RIVER FOREST, IL — Not even pumpkin patches are escaping the coronavirus in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic means some of the Chicago area's pumpkin patches have had to adjust hours, regulations and activities as they head into fall. But pumpkin picking — and other fall fun like apple orchards — can still happen with safety measures and social distancing in place.

Fortunately, the coronavirus has only changed — not completely closed — your favorite pumpkin patch and its offerings this fall. Below is a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches and places to get pumpkins near River Forest.

Name: Odyssey Fun Farm

Address: 19112 S Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 26 to Oct. 31; closed on Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 5-7

Attractions: The Odyssey Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch; corn maze; 5 acre courtyard full of family-friendly activities, including Giant Pillow Bouncy, Expanded Barnyard Zoo, corn cannons, a cow train, Duck Races, hay rides (must wear mask) and pony rides and more! (Pony Rides only available on Sat. and Sun. Max weight of 90 lbs.; $5 per ride and not included in general admission. Zip line is $7 per ride and is also not included in general admission.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week; closed on Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 5-7

Pricing: $18 per person; kids 2 and under are free; $16 on weekday; every paid admission gets $3 towards food and drink and $3 towards pumpkins.

>> More on what's included and what's not included

Phone: 708-429-3800

Website: odysseyfunfarm.com

Name: Pumpkin Days at the Children's Farm

Address: The Center - 12700 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Park

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 26 to Oct. 31.

Attractions: Barn tours & Petting Farm; Spooky Wood Shed; Haunted Hay Tent; Hay Rack Rides; Food Concessions; 60 Acres of Mapped Walking Trails; You-Pick Pumpkin Patch (Patch only, no barn or farm admittance) — offering a variety of pumpkins, gourds, mini pumpkins, carving tools, straw bales, corn stalks, local honey, & more!

Hours: Hours vary based on day and event. Calendars/hours; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sundays, and Columbus Day (Oct. 12 ); You-Pick Pumpkin Patch is free admission and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Pricing: $8 admission fee for everyone ages 2 and older; Open Farm Days' admission fee is $7 for guests ages 2 and older.

Phone: 708-361-3650

Website: thecenterpalos.org/farm; and page 12 of this newsletter.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Oak Park-River Forest area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

More fall fun:

• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Illinois
• Fall Fun Amid COVID-19: Illinois Apple Orchards, Fall Fests Reopen

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.