Jennifer and Brooke, NBC5 Street Team
With the nip in the air, and an array of overcast skies, the tell-tell signs of fall are becoming more apparent. This time of year, my mommy-radar says it’s the perfect time to get a jumpstart on some seasonal activity planning. So right now, I’m pulling together my October agenda; which includes at least one pumpkin patch and a visit to Navy Pier (usually on Halloween).
There are a variety of pumpkin patches to choose from in the Chicagoland area, and I’ve heard that Johansen Farms and Children’s Zoo in Bolingbrook is a good bet. But our pumpkin patch of choice that we visit annually is Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. Brooke thoroughly enjoys the haunted house, pony rides, pig races, and feeding the animals at the farm. We always culminate our visits there with a hay ride to the pumpkin patch where Brooke runs through the field of pumpkins, thoroughly analyzes well over a thousand, and eventually picks a winner for her father to ever so graciously carry home.
As for Navy Pier, there are quite a number of fall activities for the choosing. Generally, in lieu of house to house trick-or-treating, we stop by the Pier and trick-or-treat at the shops. Brooke enjoys showing off her costume while checking out everyone else’s and participating in whatever featured activities there are for that year. This year, the first 1,500 kids get a bag of treats to help jumpstart their engines before they embark upon the rides, activities and Halloween shows.
Adults and teens are definitely not left out of the Halloween fun at the Pier. There will be a “hardcore” haunted house that I personally will be staying away from. I’m sure it’s fabulous but my nerves just aren’t that good.
Taking in a few films during the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival will also be a part of our October agenda. The CICFF is North America’s largest film festival for kids and by kids, featuring over 220 of the best films and videos from over 40 countires. Locations and times vary for these unique film features so check out CICFF’s website for more details. This festival runs from October 23 to November 2.
It’s an understatement to say that the seasonal activites and events around the town are vast. But whatever you choose, just start the seasons right with some great family fun and comment back if you would like to share your suggestions.
Brooke’s Blog: My favorites at the pumpkin farm are seeing the pig races and riding the frog hopper ride. The frog hopper is scary when we go up, up, up and then drop back down but I love it! Also, I love going to Navy Pier with my mom and dad for the Halloween activities. My favorite things there are going through the haunted house for kids and jumping in the Halloween moon bounce.
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