We enjoyed the day at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm in Lockport at their fall festival and had such a great time! There is so much to do there that you can easily spend hours walking around, doing all the activities, having a meal or snack, and picking out some pumpkins and treats to bring home.
In fact, there is so much to do, we can’t wait to go back. Keep reading for a full overview of everything you will find at the farm, including tips and inside info.
This article is sponsored by Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, but all opinions are my own.
Features of Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
At Siegel’s, there are tons of activities and games for everyone, from toddlers to teens. With a 9-year old and a 3-year old, it’s important for us to find a wide range of activities that everyone can enjoy. Some activities state an age limit or height requirement, and they separate out age groups on the jumping pillow so little kids don’t have to worry about the bigger ones. However the rest of the activities either appeal to all-ages or naturally space out kids based on interest.
Almost everything is included with general admission. The only activities we found to have an extra fee are the paintball shooting range, gem mining, and the Cottonwood Railroad. Otherwise, you can roam around and participate in everything without having to worry about added cost.
The paths are gravel with large rocks at times, so if you are using a stroller, bring one with durable wheels. Also, while some of the areas are fenced in, many are not. Siegel’s recommends writing your cell phone number on your child’s wristband just in case. I thought that was a great idea in general!
If you have all day, we highly recommend wandering around Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm and stopping at each activity and game. There is so much to do you can easily fill the day and have fun the whole time. If you only have a few hours, strategize which activities appeal to your family the most, as the farm is quite large. Snap the QR code from one of the large maps posted throughout the farm to see where all of the activities are located, so you know where you’re headed next. Keep reading to learn more about the activities and some of our favorites at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm.
New for 2024
There are several new additions this year including upgrades to the Dino Barn, a 3 Lil’ Pigs racer ride, a Fossil Dig, Dino Guess Who game and Bubbajax Build a Buddy kiosk where kids can build a custom stuffy to take home.
3 Lil’ Pig Racers
This new attraction is super fun for parents and kids to do together. You pump the hand and foot pedals to get your pig moving to compete for the win. This one is for older kids as there is a 42″ height minimum to ride.
Lifesize Pin Art
There are several places around the farm where you can make impressions of yourself at life-size pin art stations. It was a huge hit with my kids!
Fossil Dig
Geared toward smaller kids, this one was fun for my toddler. There are two sand pits set up near the Dino Barn where kids can dig for dinosaur artifacts. They also have small dinosaur sitting areas that were perfectly placed right by the warm donut stand.
Cottonwood Railroad
For $5 per person, you can ride this tracked train through the cornfields. It’s a smooth, peaceful ride that takes about 10 minutes. The train runs on weekends and Columbus Day.
More Rides Through the Cornfields
While we are talking about rides, we will mention that there are other options for rides around the farm, including a wagon ride pulled by a tractor and an army truck ride outfitted with American flags. You can take either of these rides to the corn maze, or just continue on the loop for the ride. All of the wagon and army truck rides are included with admission.
Kids Train Ride
The Ghost Town Railroad is a great ride for little ones. It’s open daily. Adults can ride with their kids or kids can ride by themselves around the track. There is another small children’s train nearby, which has a weight limit of 50 pounds per seat. Perfect for your littlest riders!
Jumping Pillows and Zipline
There are two jumping pillows right next to a zip line. You store your shoes in the cubbies, then jump away!
There are multiple zip lines, so we didn’t have to wait much at all to be able to glide down. While the jumping pillows are available every day, the zip lines are only open on the weekends and Columbus Day.
Mountain Slide
The mountain slide is a giant mega slide set up on a large hill. It doesn’t go super fast, but it’s fun and has a great view! My son wanted to go again and again. There are also goats on the side of the mountain that roam around and are super friendly. Don’t miss the goats!
Farm Animals
There are so many animals to check out and feed. You’ll find a pot belly pig, horse, mule, llama, sheep, goats, and baby chicks at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm. At Zach’s Pet & Feed barn you can purchase various food options such as a carrot or apple for the horse, and oats for the goats. There is also a coin-operated goat food dispenser by the Goats on the Mountain Side.
Corn Crib
They have a corn box for kids under 10 years old with bowls and colanders to play with the kernels. The corn gets dusty, but it’s tons of fun, especially for my sensory-loving kids.
Dino Barn
I was nervous walking into the haunted barn because I had no idea what to expect! Turns out you don’t have to worry about jump scares or live characters in this one. There are spooky dinosaur scenes, dark hallways, and warning signs, but we found this haunted barn to be pretty tame. Plus there’s a fun walk-on light feature at the end.
Scrap Yard Shoot Out: Paintball Shooting Range
Aim paintballs at zombies, signs, and hanging bowls at the Scrap Yard Shoot Out. This attractions is open on weekends and Columbus Day for an additional fee of $5 for 15 shots and $8 for 30.
Corn Mazes
This year the theme for the corn maze is Luke Bryan, paying tribute to the musical artist. This 12-acre maze is open on weekends and Columbus Day starting at 10am. Last entry is at 4:30pm. Don’t forget to scan the QR code before entering so you have the map on your phone just in case!
There are checkpoints throughout with trivia. Guss the answer correctly, and it will tell you if you should turn left or right.
There is also a smaller, 2-acre maze, Dino Outbreak, open daily and located next to the corn box. This is a great option for smaller kids, taking only 20-30 minutes with activities along the way. With either corn maze, be prepared for muddy conditions.
Playgrounds and Play Houses
There are several playgrounds and playhouses throughout the farm, as well as climbing webs, tunnel slides, and rope bridges.
Games
The Wall Ball of Fun is another attraction that all ages can enjoy. For this interactive game you use two strings to move the ball up to the top, without it slipping through the holes along the way.
My kids also really enjoyed the games along the paths. In Roller Bowler, you try to roll the bowling ball so it stays on top of the hump (or between the two hills, as they like to play.) In the sports zone, you try your hand at all kinds of targets set up for football, baseball, basketball, golf, and more.
Straw Mountain
It’s fun to climb around the enormous straw mountain (and take photos too!).
Free Photo Opportunities
We really loved the selfie stations with ring lights and cute fall scenes. It’s a free and convenient way to get a photo with the whole group or entire family! Get everyone in position, tap the screen, and you have three seconds before the camera takes the photo. You can then have the photo emailed or texted to you.
You can also take your own photos around the farm of course. There are plenty of fun spots to discover and they upgraded their photo op game this year.
…And So Much More!
We also enjoyed pumpkin checkers, duck races, climbing the tire mountain, and more. There is so much at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm that it’s easy to walk by and not notice everything! Make sure you check out their attractions page so you don’t miss anything.
Pumpkins for Purchase
If you are looking for pumpkins, they are everywhere! You can pick up any pumpkin around the farm, by the store, or in the field off the vine. They charge by the pound.
Food
Outside food is not allowed, but there are plenty of opportunities to get lunch, dinner, snacks, and treats. There are burgers, pulled pork, chicken, fries, and more. We went to Cottonwood Cluckers which is right by the climbing webs, so my kids could play while we waited for food. They also really loved their souvenir cup included in the kids meal. Check out the food and drink page if you’d like to see all of the options for where to eat.
There are several areas with picnic tables throughout the farm. The tables are large and spread out across a few different fields. Siegel’s has a big barn with tables where you can eat as well, along with two bars. One even has adult swings while you enjoy your beverage.
We enjoyed the dozen apple cider donuts we bought at the store before we left. Pop them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds and enjoy! They also sell warm donuts while you are out on the farm.
Bathrooms
There is a changing area, as well as many outdoor bathrooms designed to look like outhouses across the grounds. They also have dedicated hand-washing stations set up like troughs, which I appreciated, especially right outside the animal petting barn.
Hours
Siegel’s is open daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Please note that last entry for the corn maze is at 4:30 pm.
Pumpkin Fest runs until October 27, 2024. Please note that the following attractions are only open on the weekends and Columbus Day:
- Cottonwood Railroad
- Saddle-Up Ride
- The Wizzer
- Kendyl’s Kiddie Train
- Army Truck Ride
- John Deere Grain Train (tractor ride through the fields)
- Scrap Yard Shoot Out (paintball shooting range)
- 12-acre corn maze
However, there are still over 30 other attractions, rides, and games to enjoy during the week.
Prices
General admission is $24.95 per person on the weekends (and Columbus Day) and $19.95 per person during the week.
Those with special needs are $10, children 2 and under are free, and other discounts are available, such as an after-school special, which is $11.95 after 3pm during the week.
Combo and all-inclusive passes can also be purchased. Click here to buy tickets online before you go.
Children under 2 years old are free. Parking is also free.
Keep in mind that it’s cheaper to use cash once you are at the farm. Siegel’s charges a fee for every credit card transaction. If you follow them on social media and sign up for their emails, you can find discounts there, too.
Updated in October 2024 and pricing is subject to change.
Recommended Ages
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is truly for all ages. There are plenty of activities for little ones, such as the kiddie train, tractor rides, several different themed playgrounds, petting barn, baby chicks, and more.
Elementary school-aged kids will love the jumping pillow, climbing web, roller bowler, straw mountain, mega slide, duck races, tire mountain, train ride, etc.
There is plenty for older kids, including paintball target shooting, jumping pillow dedicated for ages 12+, The Wizzer and Saddle Up carnival rides, zip line, sports zone, enormous corn maze, and more.
Best Days/Times To Go
In past years, Kidlist has gone on a Friday afternoon in early October and Saturday opening weekend. This year we went on the last Saturday in September. We have never found any of those days crowded, and we have never had to wait in line more than a couple minutes. Siegel’s says that the most crowded weekends are the third and fourth weekends in October.
We’d recommend checking their events page for special activities. It was a Dino Day when we went, but there are special musicians, foam parties, and more meet and greet pop-up events, too.
Special Needs Accommodations
Siegel’s offers discounted rates for those with special needs over opening weekend, their final weekend, and every Monday including Columbus Day. Immediate family up to six people are only $10 per person with identification. When you are on the farm, you’ll notice plenty of areas to find a quiet place if your child is over-stimulated and most areas are wheelchair accessible.
Discounts for Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
We recommend following them on social media and signing up for their emails to find out about exclusive discounts.
You can save money by bundling the extra activities if you are interested in those. The Weekend and Columbus Day All Inclusive Pass is $36.95 and includes general admission, gem mining, paintball, and the Cottonwood railroad. The Weekend and Columbus Day Combo Pass is $27.95, which includes general admission and the Cottonwood railroad.
They offer Military, Veterans, Police, and Firefighters free admission any date they visit when you bring your ID.
Grandparents are free Monday-Friday (except Columbus Day) with a paid grandchild entry, so every child can bring one grandparent for free!
They also offer a discounted rate for groups of 20 or more.
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
17250 S Weber Road
Lockport, IL 60441
(815) 741-2693
You can also find Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm in our Guide to Pumpkin Patches.
