FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAM From state parks to museums, fill your fall with outdoor escapades By Siobhan Conners
School might be taking up your kids’ weekdays, but weekends are still fair game! When the homework is finished and the fall weather is too good to be ignored, here are a few familyfriendly activities to fill up your weekend calendar.
FARM FUN
Blackberry Farm 100 S. Barnes Road., Aurora Admission price depends on activity. Blackberry Farm is a pioneer village turned playground. From pioneer cookware to a mid-1800s train lobby to a one-room schoolhouse exhibit, this “living history museum” uses demonstrations to teach kids about pioneer life. It also offers fun activities, like a carousel, pony ring and playground. Check online for availability related to COVID-19.
Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo and Pumpkin Patch 710 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook Admission: $9.95 weekdays, $14.95 weekends and Columbus Day.
Dollinger Family Farm 7420 E. Hansel Road, Channahon Admission is free, but the Battle of Dollinger Farm 1776 has an additional cost.
You’re sure to find the perfect pumpkin at Johansen Farms — in the past, they’ve had more than 25,000 to choose from! The fall festival runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 and offers everything from a pumpkin patch to a petting zoo to games. Plus, parking is free.
Like many other public farms, Dollinger Family Farms has a pumpkin patch and expansive gift shop. Unlike other farms, however, it also offers Revolutionary War reenactments on the weekends. The battle begins at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but all weekends are chock-full of events. The farm opens Sept. 14.
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