Fall is the best time of the year.
Pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, pumpkin and apple donuts… the list goes on.
But best of all, it’s time to visit a pumpkin patch and get lost in a corn maze!
It isn’t just kids and adults that want to get in on the fun, so do our furry four-legged friends!
If you’re a crazy dog parent (and who isn’t?), there’s no reason to leave Fido at home on a beautiful fall day.
After all, your pup loves the crinkling leaves and brisk fall weather just as much as you do.
You can obviously take your pup to the park, but if you’re going for the full fall experience, you’re likely making your way to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard so that they can run around, play, and socialize. It’s all especially important after we’ve spent a lot of time cooped up at home amid the pandemic.
The good news is, there’s a handful of pup-friendly farms near the Chicagoland area that will greet your whole family with open arms.
Just make your Fido also gets a #basic fall photo from the day’s activities.
*Most farms have COVID-19 protocols in place, so be sure to double-check those before going!*
Richardson’s Adventure Farm – 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Open: September 11 – November 7
Fun for the whole family” takes on a new meaning here. Not only does Richardson’s Adventure Farm boast the world’s largest corn maze with 28-acres, but you can get lost in the corn maze with your dog!
“With its 9 – 10 miles of trail winding through 28 acres of live corn, you are in for a challenge and a treat,” the website notes.
There’s also a petting zoo, kiosks with food and drinks, and more!
Per the website, “you are welcome to bring your dog if it is on a leash and plays well with others!”
I speak from experience when I say this is my doggo’s favorite pumpkin patch to visit. He loves socializing with all the other pups!
Konow’s Corn Maze – 16849 Cedar Rd, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Open: September 18 – October 31
A maze, an animal barn, and fun rides — what more do you need?
Other fun activities include a corn pit, shooting gallery, and straw playground. You won’t run out of things to do here. ? Best of all, dogs are allowed on the premises.
Abbey Farms – 2855 Hart Road, Aurora, IL 60502
Pumpkin Daze Opens: September 18 – October 31
Priding themselves on ol’ fashioned fun, Abbey Farms welcomes the families + pups to explore their 40-acre pumpkin farm, sip of craft beer, get lost in a corn maze, and pick pumpkins for at-home celebrations.
If you’re bringing a pup, be sure to be courteous: “We love our furry four legged friends. A few rules do apply tho. We do require all owners to take full responcibility for their pets, clean up after them and abide by the areas of the farm that do not allow pets due to close proximity to other guests. Abbey Farms reserves the right to ask any guest to leave for any reason. Abbey Farms requires all owners to accept all liability for their pet while on Abbey Farms grounds!”
Eckert’s Farm – 951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville, IL 62220
Open: Yearround
This one is a bit of a drive, so make sure you plan it on a weekend when you have some time to spare. But it’s definitely worth it. As the farm is open year-round, you can enjoy the summer months strawberry or peach picking, or check out the sunflower maze.
When fall comes around, you can go apple picking, taste cider, or find the perfect pumpkin to carve.
Your options aren’t limited to summer and fall either as you can pick your Christmas tree in the wintertime.
Thankfully, your best furry friend can come along for the adventures.
“We are a pet-friendly company and we welcome leashed dogs on the farm and bike path. Service dogs are the only dogs permitted inside buildings. We welcome leashed dogs to ride on the wagons. They are also permitted in the apple & peach orchards, Christmas tree fields, and the pumpkin patch. Dogs are not allowed to enter the strawberry or blackberry patch or the veggie fields. Reminder: Please be prepared to pick up after your pet,” the website notes.