Yorkville-Area Halloween 2020: Pumpkin Patches, Events

YORKVILLE, 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 Yorkville where you can pick a pumpkin, gather up fall apples, wind your way through a corn maze or attend a safe and socially distanced fall event.

Pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes near Yorkville:

Richardson Adventure Farm —

• Address: 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove
• Season opening date: Sept. 12 to Nov. 8. Pumpkins likely not ready for picking before Sept. 24.
• Hours of operation: 3 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12. The maze is also open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3. Last admission is two hours before closing.
• Attractions: The 28-acre maze —which the farm touts as the world's largest — celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day Along with the maze, there's a 700-foot zip line and 50-foot observation tour; Zorbing; live pig races; jumping pillows; giant slides, pedal carts and wagon rides; paintball and campfires. Masks required in all buildings and when social distancing can't be maintained.
• Pumpkins and produce: The farm has pick-your-own pumpkins
• Cost: Prices vary by event. Check the farm's website.

Johansen's Farm —

• Address: 710 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
• Season: Sept. 18 to Nov. 1.
• Hours of operation: Hours vary; check the website on zoo opening dates.
• Attractions: Attractions include holding a baby chick, miniature golf, pony rides, hayrides, train rides, air slides, corn maze, pumpkin bouncer and more.
• Pumpkins, produce and more: There is free parking and no charge to visit the pumpkin patch and open market area. There is a pie house and bakery, fall decor and autumn treat shop.
• Cost: Admission price includes all animals, rides and activities. Admission is $9.95 per person on weekdays, $14.95 per person on the weekend and Columbus Day. Free for kids ages 23 months and younger; $1 discount for seniors on weekdays and $3 discount for seniors on weekends and Columbus Day. Free for anyone with a military ID, active or veteran.

Keller's Farmstand —

• Address: 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego, IL 60543 - Use driveway entrance off Johnson Road only, not Schlapp Road.
• Season: Through Oct. 25.
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; "Call for holiday hours." Ticket reservations needed (see below).
• Hours of operation: Ticket reservations needed for Fall Festivities/Farmland only. Enjoy the 10-acre corn maze with 3 observation decks; play house with slide; rope maze & brick maze; farm animals; tire stack for climbing; old tractors for sitting and taking photos on kids play area with pirate ship; castle and Noah's ark; pumpkins, produce and more. As of Sept. 24, the apple orchard is closed temporarily." Check the Apples webpage for updates.
• Cost: Admission for activities is a $9 wristband per person ages 5 to adults. Children 4 years and under are free, however, children ages 2 to 4 years will need a reserved ticket even though they have free admission. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult with paid wristband/ticket. Keller's kindly asks that you limit your visit to 2 hours to allow other families the opportunity to participate in their activities. Masks must be worn while shopping at the farmstand, and when entering the orchard and weekend fall festivities.
• Phone: 630-219-8194
• Website: kellersfarmstand.com

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Fall events in Yorkville:

Zombies Virtual Dance Party: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 17 — virtual, interactive event hosted on Zoom. Register Now; Hosted by zombie-loving cheerleader, Addison, this event will get your family "fired up" for Halloween, and is open to family members of all ages. For $15 a family, you will get access to the virtual dance party and a package in the mail from Addison and Zed with activities for your family to enjoy leading up to the event. Registrations must be completed by Oct. 8 to receive the mailed Halloween package. Halloween costumes are encouraged for all because prizes will be awarded for the best individual and group costumes. The village reminds participants that this is a family-friendly event and all costumes must be appropriate. An access link to the virtual dance party will be emailed the week of the event.

>> More information and updates

RELATED:

• Yorkville Trick-Or-Treating Hours Announced

Biz Boo Trick or Treat & Trunk-or-Treat Trail:

• Biz Boo! Business Trick-or-Treat — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 24 at Riverfront Park, 131 E. Hydraulic Avenue. The Yorkville Chamber of Commerce's annual Biz Boo! Business Trick-or-Treat returns this year during which businesses will welcome families for treats and fun activities, along with some new formats and guidelines that will be in place. The city asks that you watch for a list of participating businesses that will be published. Businesses may sign up by contacting support@yorkvillechamber.org.
• Trunk-or-Treat Trail — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 24. Families can check out the festive, fun, spooky, and creatively designed vehicles when they line the Eastern most end of Riverfront Park. Treat bags will be given to each child as they enter the event as candy and treats will not be passed out at each vehicle.

Scarecrow Walk: Happening throughout October at Riverfront Park. Back by popular demand, the Scarecrow Walk returns this fall and will be on display through Halloween (Oct. 31). Walk through the woods on the Eastern end of Riverfront Park and discover some spooky and fun scarecrows along the trail.

>> Add a scarecrow to the walk: Local organizations and businesses are encouraged and welcome to add a scarecrow to the walk. Simply send your (family-friendly) scarecrow design proposal to recreation@yorkville.il.us for approval and additional information on how to participate.

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

Send details on fall and Halloween happenings in Yorkville, including health guidelines being put in place, to rebecca.bream@patch.com. Patch will continue updating Yorkville's fall event lineup.