Yorkville Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patches, Spooky Stories

YORKVILLE, IL — Halloween is almost upon us in Yorkville, 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 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

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.

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

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RELATED:

• Yorkville Trick-Or-Treating Hours Announced

Fall events in Yorkville:

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