Yes, it’s the time of year when pumpkin spice is everywhere. So why not spice up your next getaway with pumpkins? ’Tis the season to pull on a sweater and breathe in the crisp autumn air before Mother Nature puts a chill on outdoor fun. Aurora is centrally located to some of the best pumpkin patches in Northern Illinois. Come out to Aurora and spend your days sipping on fresh cider, wandering through a corn maze and, of course, picking your own pumpkins.
Yes, Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a farm here! Abbey Farms features a 40-acre pumpkin farm and hosts Pumpkin Daze through the end of October. With slides, mazes, zip lines and even a weekend petting zoo, this farm is sure to please the young and the young at heart. When you’re ready for a break, grab a seat in the craft beer and wine tent on weekends and enjoy the live music. And, of course, don’t forget to shop the farmstand for seasonal produce! Buy your tickets online for a discount.
Just south of Aurora in Oswego is Keller’s Farmstand. Don’t let the name fool you – this is less of a “farmstand” and more of a fall lover’s paradise, with opportunities to pick your own pumpkins and apples, and snack on fudge, apple cider and kettle corn from the concession stand. The farm comes alive on fall weekends with an 8-acre corn maze, kids play area, farm animals, wagon rides, story time and more. Buy your tickets online for a discount.
If you’re looking for a farm with activities that cater to a younger set, don’t miss Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm, with a variety of attractions geared toward kids 10 and younger. But don’t let the kids have all of the fun. The 3/4-acre corn maze will keep the whole family entertained!
Would you prefer to choose the best produce from a wide selection of local farms? Spend your Saturday morning at one of the local farmers markets. Both the Aurora Farmers Market and Batavia Farmers Market run from 8 am to noon on Saturdays in October.
OK, this isn’t a farm, and it’s not for kids, but it is a major fall attraction in Aurora! If you and your friends are looking for an evening activity for your Aurora visit, buy your tickets online and line up to tiptoe your way through this top-ranked, award-winning 15,000-square-foot haunted house. Check the website for special events, like “Lights Out.” Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. This one is for the true horror fan.
If you haven’t seen the Fox River Valley in the fall, now is the time. Admire the changing leaves, take the time to reconnect with family or friends, and come away with a new appreciation for the farms that feed us all!
Start planning your trip to the Chicago, Naperville and Aurora area... book your perfect hotel stay today with Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora!
The hotel offers elegantly decorated, comfortable accommodations to suit every visitor’s need. For a romantic getaway for two, consider the King Suite with bar sink and under-counter refrigerator, or choose the Kids Suite for the family, complete with bunkbeds and a Playstation 4! The indoor pool, whirlpool and kiddie pool will please everyone, as will the delicious breakfast “on the house.” No time to sit for breakfast? No problem – the friendly front desk staff has you covered with “on-the-run” breakfast bags to take with you.
For those who are traveling to and from “the other big city” in Illinois, the hotel is conveniently located close to I-88 with easy access to Chicago.
