3 FUN DAY TRIPS FOR FALL 2021
Fall is my favorite season. The leaves change colors, holidays are right around the corner, and comfort food is calling my name. I am especially excited when fall comes around because I am a planner.
I love to prepare for new outfits, day trips, and even autumnal traditions. Here are some fun activities to get in the spirit of fall.
KEY:
$ = free to cheap
$$ = inexpensive
$$$ = pricy
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch: ($$)

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, is an outdoor fall festival that has a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and other fall attractions.
It is located at 42813 Reinking Road Pingree Grove, IL 60140, and is open from August 27, 2021 through Halloween Day.
Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m every day, including Columbus Day and Labor Day.
Tickets for General Admission are $17 per person Monday to Friday; $20 per person Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Seniors are $12 each, any day, and children 2 and younger are free. Some attractions include:
- Haunted House
- Kiddie Playland
- Straw Maze
- Singing Chickens
- Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur
- Animal Land
- Pig Races
For more information go to Goebbert’sPumpkinPatch.com.
Six Flags (Great America) Fright Fest: ($$$)
Six Flags, Great America hosts its annual Fright Fest, (from September 18 to October 31) in Gurnee, Illinois, where frights from roller coasters and monsters welcome you.
Ticket prices range from $39.99 for a one-day pass, $69.99 for a seasonal pass, or $6.99 a month. There is also a special Express Fright Pass at $29.99 that allows you skip long lines.
At Fright Fest you will find haunted houses, scare zones, rides, entertainment and shows, and more.
COVID-19 guidelines include face coverings required at all indoor locations for all individuals over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status. And face coverings are not mandatory outdoors but are still recommended for unvaccinated individuals. For more information go to sixflags.com/greatamerica/plan-your-visit/safety-protocols.
Morton Arboretum: ($)
If you love nature, art, and wellness, the Morton Arboretum is for you! Known as “The Champion for Trees,” the Morton Arboretum is a great place to be on a fall day.
It hosts yoga classes, walking plays, and other activities where you can learn about plant life and nature!
The Morton Arboretum is open 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to sunset daily (members-only hours 7 to 9 a.m.). Tickets range from $8-16. Tickets for children are $11 ($8 on Wednesday) $14 for seniors ($10 on Wednesday) and $16 for adults ($11 on Wednesday).
When exploring The Morton Arboretum you can find the Children’s Center, the Maze Garden, the Sterling Morton Library, the Plant Clinic and so much more! To find out more information go to https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum.
Due to COVID-19, masks are required indoors by the state of Illinois, regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks outdoors. Unvaccinated (and partially vaccinated) individuals should wear masks outdoors when unable to maintain a social distance of six feet.