Local pumpkin patches
There are a few great local pumpkin patches near the Lemont area. Some local pumpkin patches include Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Siegel’s Pumpkin Farm in Lockport and Konow’s Corn Maze in Homer Glen. These local options offer a variety of activities including pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides and delicious mouth-watering food.
Apple picking with friends
While there aren’t a ton of apple picking orchards close to Lemont, here are a few orchards within an hour: Kellers Farmstand in Oswego, Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park and Jonamac Orchard in Malta. My favorite out of these three is Jonamac Orchard. The orchard is situated in a small town in rural Illinois, where my family has picked apples each fall. However, all of these options are amazing, family-friendly choices for apple picking.
Hiking to enjoy the fall leaves
There are so many forest preserves and nature trails near Lemont if you know where to look. Here are a few top trails to check out: one trail is the I&M Trail to the Forge. If you start in downtown Lemont at Stephen Street and head down a crushed stone trail along the old towpath of the I&M Canal, there is a half-mile hike that takes you to the Lemont’s Heritage Quarries and The Forge. This trail is open year round for walking, running and hiking. Secondly, the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center near Lemont contains a 2.6 mile loop that’s perfect for beginners and is home to some unique wildlife. Third, the infamous 2,503-acre Waterfall Glen Forest is home to 11 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, campers and walkers alike!
Baked fall treats
One of the best things about fall is the delicious treats that come along with this crisp chilly time. A few treats to test out are apple cider donuts, pumpkin pie, white chocolate pumpkin snicker-doodle cookies, apple crisp, ghost-shaped pizza or Halloween Chex Mix.
“One of my favorite fall foods would have to be apple pie paired with a pumpkin spice latte,” junior Elizabeth Zielinski said. “I think that apple pie is a classic fall meal [and] the [pumpkin spice latte] makes you think of fall.”
Boat cruise in downtown Chicago
One of the greatest ways to experience Chicago is by the water. There are various boat tours and trips in the fall to learn about the rich history of Chicago. One of the cheapest tours I’ve come across is a 45 or 90 minute Chicago Architecture tour that you can sign up for on Wendellaboats.com. This is just one tour among various others that you can sign up for. If you’re looking for other tours check out the Navy Pier official website
Scary movie night
What better to do during a crisp fall evening than to either host a scary movie night or head out to your local movie theater. Many theaters periodically show fall themed movie classics or scary movies. However, if you can’t make it out you can always stay in and watch a Halloween classic movie on the couch. You can’t beat a cozy blanket and delicious fall treats.
“One of my favorite fall activities is taking my little cousins out to trick or treat and watching scary movies,” junior SairaMae Callo said.
DIY fall tie blankets
One of the best fall crafts to make is something that you may have done as a child: tie blankets! This easy craft only requires two fall themed blankets, fabric scissors and determination. This easy to make craft is a great activity on those brisk fall days. Not to mention you can use your newly made blanket for a movie night. Click here for a video and written instructions
Chicago’s iconic museums
Finally one of the most well known things about Chicago is its amazing museums. A few of Chicago’s most popular museums are the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum and the Chicago Sports Museum. These Museums shed a light on Chicago’s rich and diverse history as well as give insight into important scientific and historical knowledge. So check them out this fall as well.
