Our favorite fall activities in Chicago

I never want to live in a world without October! The changing leaves, cozy weather and fun fall activities make October such a magical month, am I right? We just got back from our annual apple picking trip and had the best time! My girls loved picking apples, and of course the apple cider doughnuts! I asked the rest of the team what their favorite fall traditions are, and created a quick roundup. Take a peek!

Ali: 
My favorite Fall activity is the 15k Hot Chocolate Run because you get tons of free chocolate and the swag sweatshirt they give out is warm for winter running. I also like cooking with Fall vegetables…butternut squash soup, pumpkin pancakes and eggplant lasagna. So yummy.

Jane:
I love visiting the farmers markets in all the different neighborhoods of Chicago! I do this all summer as well, but visiting them in the fall is my favorite. It’s prime time for the best apples, squash and a warm cup of cider!

Julie: 
We love going to an apple orchard as a family.  We usually try a different one every year, as every one has something different to offer.  One of our favorites is All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock. We love this one as it has over 30 activities for the kiddos including a corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides, zip line, magic shows, pig races, bouncy houses, and big slides (to name a few). 

Another family favorite is going to the Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest. This is always great as they have rides, corn mazes, fall foods and more – PLUS, you get to see the animals all on the same day (plus it’s a quicker ride than going to an apple orchard).  We are members of the zoo, so we get free parking and discounted tickets for the rides. This is a great Chicago tradition and something easy to do even for an afternoon after school!

Liza:
With kiddos, a fall festival is a must: we usually hit a few, like the pumpkin fest at Wrigley/Gallagher Way, trick-or-treating at the shops on Southport, and Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest. We also love farmers markets this time of year. We always visit the Lincoln Park market to get a basket of apples, and then make a “picnic” at home with apples and caramel sauce... and s’mores toasted in our fireplace!

Maggie: 
My favorite fall activities are making s’mores by a bonfire, and walking around Lincoln Park. The tree lined streets are so pretty when the leaves start to change!

Pamela: 
I love going to the Green City and the Logan Square farmer’s markets for fall treats!

Susan: 
My favorite fall tradition is visiting Edwards Apple Orchard with my family. We pick apples, stock up on apple cider donuts, and finish our trip with a visit to the cellar for a slice of apple pie with cheese—yes cheese. It’s amazing!