Oak Park-Area Halloween 2020: Pumpkin Patches, Events

OAK PARK, IL — Coronavirus has taken its toll on Illinois, canceling events and postponing sports, graduations and even weddings, but there’s one thing it hasn’t taken from us: Fall fun.

From pumpkin patches to apple orchards to corn mazes and fall events, there’s plenty to keep us busy as the weather turns cool and crisp.

Here’s a roundup of the places in and around Oak Park and River Forest where you can pick a pumpkin, gather up apples, or attend a safe and socially distanced fall event.

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes near Oak Park and River Forest:

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

Puckerville Farms —

Address: 13332 Bell Rd Lemont, IL 60439

Season opening/closing dates: Now through Oct. 31

Attractions: Pumpkin patch, local honey (while stock lasts), straw, hay bales, cord

Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM

Pricing: Free admission; price varies by item

Phone: 708-508-0906

Website: puckervillefarms.webs.com

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.

Fall events in Oak Park:

Halloween Scavenger Hunt —

What: A puzzle and scavenger hunt designed for participants ages 11 to 15. Players will be kept on their toes while they search for answers all over Austin Gardens. Players will be provided a flashlight and there will be prizes.

When: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Oct. 9.

Where: Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room/Park, 167 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. >> Register

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Spooky Stroll —

There will be costumes, pumpkins, and safe spooks in Austin Gardens Park during Spooky Stroll events in October. According to the Park District of Oak Park, Austin Gardens Park will be decked out for families to safely explore the park's spooky settings on Oct. 10, 16 and 17. This event is suitable for guests ages 3 and older, and registration is required. Halloween costumes are encouraged, as there will be a costume parade, pumpkin carving and decorating, "make your own monster," Halloween stories around the fire, and a magic show to end the evening.

>> Register at pdop.org/register.

Halloween Tree Creation

What: "When Halloween is your favorite holiday, putting up a spooky Halloween tree is part of the fun. We will construct a small version complete with mini ornaments to get you into the Halloween spirit."

When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15.

Where: Fox Community Center (Upper Level), 624 South Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park

>> All participants must preregister to stay within capacity limits.

The Great Pumpkin Smash —

What: Smash your old pumpkin down the Barrie Hill sled hill and enter your carved work of art in the "mushiest and squishiest event of the season!" To be safe, everyone is asked to sign up for time slots (one registration per family). All ages are welcome. Sign up for your slot, smash your pumpkin and help put them in the compost receptacle.

When: Nov. 7, several time slots — preregister.

Where: Barrie Park Park Permit, 1011 South Lombard Avenue in Oak Park

>> Register

• More Halloween and fall events in Oak Park

More fall fun:

• Halloween 2020: Submit Your Haunt For Patch's Tour o' Scary Yards
• 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 or Halloween event, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section or email details to rebecca.bream@patch.com.