Oak Park Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patches, Spooky Stories

OAK PARK, IL — Halloween is almost upon us in Oak Park, and there's still time to get in some seasonal fun. Even in the time of coronavirus, the Chicago area's pumpkin patches are open — and there's still time to scare up some fun with Patch's tour of spooky yard haunts and tales of local lore.

Here's a list list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches near Oak Park.

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

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.

And if pumpkin patches aren’t enough to get you into the Halloween spirit, check out Patch’s tour of haunted yards

• Patch 202 Guide to Chicagoland’s Best Halloween Yards - Part 1
• Patch 2020 Guide To Chicagoland's Best Halloween Yards - Part 2

And while you’re at it, read through Patch’s roundup of urban legends and vote for the scariest — from Resurrection Mary to the Demon Barber of Palos.

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.

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.

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, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.