All the Best Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Chicagoland

Fall in Chicagoland is one of the best times of the year for families. As the temperatures cool down and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect season for outdoor adventures, local festivals, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and cozy weekend outings.

Whether you’re looking for the best fall events for kids, scenic spots to enjoy the changing colors, or fun weekend plans close to home, we’ve got you covered. This guide brings together all of Kidlist’s fall resources in one place—organized to help you easily discover family-friendly activities, local farms, nature destinations, and seasonal events across Chicago and the suburbs.

We’ll keep updating the guide throughout the season, so be sure to check back for the latest events, openings, and things to do. Happy fall!

Our Fall Guide is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Fall Into Adventure with Girl Scouts! 

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect season for your girl to discover something new. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is more than just an activity — it’s a place where she can explore her interests, build lifelong friendships, and grow into a confident leader.

This fall, she can jump into hands-on projects, outdoor adventures, creative crafts, and meaningful community service. Surrounded by a supportive sisterhood, she’ll learn to lead, collaborate, and shine in her own unique way.

Whether she’s climbing her first rock wall or planning a service project, every Girl Scout experience is designed to spark curiosity, courage, and confidence.

Let this season of change be the start of something amazing.

Join Girl Scouts today and watch her grow!

Local Family-Friendly Fall Activities in 2025

🍁 Fall Festivals & Oktoberfests

Don’t miss the best local spots for pumpkins, brats, apple cider, and fall family fun (sometimes even a carnival)!

See the Guide

👻 Halloween Guide for the Chicago Suburbs

Your one-stop guide for spooky parades, candy hunts, haunted fun, and costume-friendly events.

Find Spooky Fun

🍎 Best Apple Picking Spots

Head to the orchard for apple picking, cider, donuts, and family memories this fall.

Find an Orchard

🎃 Pumpkin Patches Near You

Find the best farms for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and fall fun for kids.

See the Best Spots

🍂 Best Spots for Fall Colors

Explore scenic drives, forest trails, and parks bursting with red, orange, and gold leaves.

Take a Scenic Stroll

💀 Día de los Muertos Events

Celebrate life and remembrance with local family-friendly events featuring altars, music, art, and tradition.

Find Celebrations

📸 Picture-Perfect Fall Photos

Discover beautiful outdoor spots with fall colors for family photo sessions and selfies alike.

Find a Photographer

🛍️ Fall Resale and Consignment Sales

Shop huge sales for kids’ clothes, toys, gear, and more — all at budget-friendly prices.

Find Deals Near You

More Things to Do This Fall

🌾 A Day at the Farm

Enjoy hands-on farm experiences, animal encounters, crafts, and seasonal fun with kids.

Visit the Farm

🐴 Pony Rides

Family-friendly spots where kiddos can enjoy pony rides: carousel style, hand-led, and even trail rides.

Meet the Ponies

🏕️ Camping with Kids

Tips, gear, and kid-friendly campgrounds in the Chicago area for your fall adventure.

Plan Your Trip

🌳 Best Forest Preserve Trails for Kids

Easy, scenic trails in forest preserves around Chicago made for family exploration.

Hike the Trails

🎣 Kids’ Fishing Spots & Tips

Learn how to fish with your little ones and find great fishing spots near Chicago.

Cast a Line

⛳ Mini Golf Courses

Play a round of mini golf before the season ends—check out kid-friendly local courses.

Tee Off

🎢 Amusement Parks This Fall

Some parks close after Labor Day, but others stay open for more fall fun—find them here!

Ride the Fun

💦 Waterfalls Near Chicago

Take a scenic hike and discover beautiful waterfalls close to home—perfect for fall photos!

Explore the Trails

☕ Coffee Shops + Playgrounds

Relax with your latte while the kids play—here are the best spots to enjoy both nearby.

Find Your Spot

🚶 Parks with Great Paved Paths

Find family-friendly parks with smooth trails, nature views, and stroller-friendly paths.

Take a Walk

🛝 Best Playgrounds

Slide, swing, climb, and explore—discover the top playgrounds in Chicagoland your kids will love.

Explore Playgrounds

🎭 Live Theater for Kids

Introduce your kids to the magic of the stage with local performances that spark imagination and joy.

Find a Show

🌿 Nature Centers

Discover hands-on exhibits, indoor nature play, and walking paths at local nature centers.

Explore Nature

🗺️ Interactive Map of Family Fun

Find nearby places to play, explore, and connect—all on one handy, interactive map.

Open the Map