Best Palatine-Area Pumpkin Patches 2020

PALATINE, IL — Not even pumpkin patches are escaping the coronavirus in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic means some of the Chicago area’s pumpkin patches have had to adjust hours, regulations and activities as they head into fall. But pumpkin picking — and other fall fun like apple orchards — can still happen with safety measures and social distancing in place.

Fortunately, the coronavirus has only changed — not completely closed — your favorite pumpkin patch and its offerings this fall. Below is a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches and places to get pumpkins near Palatine.

Name: Didier Farms — Pumpkin Fest

Address: 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire, IL

Season opening/closing dates: Now through 4 p.m. on Oct. 31; no hayrides this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

Attractions: Pig races — Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.); Monday through Friday (11 a.m); Animal Land, rides, kids activities, pumpkins; concessions, bake shop; Pumpkin Playland, pony rides, camel rides, and more.

Hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Farmstand open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day during Pumpkinfest.

Pricing: No admission fee; all activities and rides are individual tickets only; military special wristband; buy tickets online.

Phone: 847-634-3291; fax — 847-634-329

Website: didierfarms.com

Name: Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch — Fall Festival

Address: 40 W Higgins Rd., South Barrington

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 19 through Oct. 31; masks are required for entry for everyone 3 years old and above.

Attractions: Pumpkins, Red Barn Cafe & Bakery, store; Animal Land — Multiple tents of animals, Giraffe Barn, Slide, Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur & Pig Racing. Supervision is required for all children under 18yrs old. ; Little Farmer's Play Yard — Wagon ride, Playground, Corn stalk maze, Pumpkin tunnel, Charlotte's web, Pumpkin hut, Wooden truck, Wooden train, Corn hole games, Straw pyramid, Who's your pumpkin game, Interactive fire truck, Straw town maze and Weekend Magic Shows; pony rides, camel rides, Jumping Pillow, Duck Derby, Farmer Gem's Gem Mining; Haunted House

Hours: Monday through Friday (except Monday, October 12th) - Goebbert's does not require a timed entry ticket. You can purchase tickets for the activities, but will not be asked to choose a time slot. If you wish to shop for produce, pumpkins or fall merchandise, you will be able to during the week (Monday - Friday) excluding Oct. 12 (Columbus Day) with no entrance fee required.

Pricing: There is an entrance fee on Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day, and online tickets are required before you come to the farm for ages 3 and older. The entrance fee will include Animal Land & Little Farmer's Play Yard, the Haunted House as well as access to the market, Red Barn Cafe & Bakery and additional activities. Fall Festival Entrance Fee — $16.99; Animal Land & Little Farmer's Play Yard — $12.99; Weekday Season Pass (excludes Columbus Day) — $38; free parking.

>> Individual attraction pricing and more information

Phone: 847-428-6727; fax: 847-428-6850

Website: goebbertsgardencenter.com/pricing

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More fall fun:

• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Illinois
• Fall Fun Amid COVID-19: Illinois Apple Orchards, Fall Fests Reopen
• Register For Scarecrows On Parade In Palatine

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.