What about Bengston Farms in the south Chicago suburbs (I think Orland Park). I went there when I was a kid and loved it. Took my son there last year and loved it even more. They have hay rides, a fun house, pig races. corn maze, pony rides some animals etc. I don't recall the prices but this place is great. I plan to take my son there when we move back in three weeks from AZ. Happy fall!
It is a bit of a drive, but worth it. There is lots of room for the kids to run around and things for them to climb on, etc. You take a wagon ride to actually pick your own pumpkin off the vine which is rare as most places just have a field with pre-picked pumpkins that have been trucked in.
I went to Bengston's once and was very disappointed in the whole experience. It was just really tacky compared to Goebberts. It was small and crowded on a weekday. I wouldn't return.
If you don't mind going a little further west than Kuipers, Honey Hill Orchard is a wonderful family orchard, with no admission charge. Apple picking, pumpkins, cider donuts mmmmmmmmm
I prefer County Line Orchard (~75 min from Chgo) in IN. We went to Apple Hollerbecause it was recommended, but found it was WAAAAAY too much going on and really packed. County Line is better laid out and has a nicer petting zoo area, I think. Last time we went anyway, you didn't have to pay for the wagon rides like you do at Apple Holler.
How old is your child again? You might be better off going to one of the park district Fall fests. Many of them have the pumpkins (pre-picked of course) as well as petting zoos, pony rides, mazes, face painting, etc. Look on their websites under "events".
Originally Posted by zebaby
I prefer County Line Orchard (~75 min from Chgo) in IN. We went to Goebberts because it was recommended, but found it was WAAAAAY too much going on and really packed. County Line is better laid out and has a nicer petting zoo area, I think. Last time we went anyway, you didn't have to pay for the wagon rides like you do at Goebberts.
How old is your child again? You might be better off going to one of the park district Fall fests. Many of them have the pumpkins (pre-picked of course) as well as petting zoos, pony rides, mazes, face painting, etc. Look on their websites under "events".
You must be speaking about the Goebberts in South Barrington as the one near Huntley does not charge for the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and everything is really spread out, so IME, it never seems crowded.
Originally Posted by purplelilacs
You must be speaking about the Goebberts in South Barrington as the one near Huntley does not charge for the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and everything is really spread out, so IME, it never seems crowded.
Ooops! Thank you for that. I was hearing about so many new orchards and forgot the name of the one I went to. I think Goebbert's was one of my top two so I mixed up the two. I was talking about Apple Holler. I corrected my previous post. Thanks!
We went to Bengston farm today and I was dissapointed. Thank goodness my son will be 3 in two weeks otherwise it would have cost him $11 (2 yrs. old and under set are free) to get in addition to $2 for the train ride or any of rides, and $3 to ride one of those poor ponies (which we didn't do). It was packed, frenetic and had a cheesy amusement park feel. I was also mystified WHY during the hay(less) ride, pumpkins were launched into the adjoining subdivision retention pond...? I don't get it...
My friend just told me about a pumpkin patch out in Garden Prairie where they bought an 84 lb pumpkin for $10! I cant remember the name of the place I think it is like Julies farm or something. So if you want a huge pumpkin, go west.
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