Are you looking for some fun fall activities to do with your family or friends this weekend? If so, this article is for you.
There are various places near and around the Lake County Area that are perfect for a nice fall weekend activity.
Richardson’s Adventure Farm in Spring Grove and Stade’s Farm in McHenry are two of the popular places people like to visit. Both are farms with similar themes and activities. Both farms also have a long history in the northern suburbs.
Richardson’s Adventure Farm
Richardson’s Farm was started by Robert Richardson who immigrated to this area from England. The farm first began as a small 240 acre farm, but over the years has grown to a large 544 acres with two farmsteads. While still maintaining their traditional crops of corn and soybeans, Richardson’s now has a corn maze that is offered during the fall season. Richardson’s still continues to add new activities every year. Some of their main attractions are the 50’ long slide and 50’ high aerial observation tower that overlooks the corn maze and the rest of the farm.
Richardson’s Farm holds numerous activities during the fall that are interesting to all age groups: a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a sunflower field, a wagon ride, a train ride, a carousel, a zipline, zorbing, a jumping pillow, 100’ and 150’ long slides, two pedal kart tracks, a spider web, gemstone mining, air cannons, a paintball shooting gallery, private hayrides, and private picnic/campfire sites. On the weekends food trucks and concession stands offer food such as burgers, brats, pulled pork, chicken strips, fries, and drinks.
The messaging to visitors on the Richardson’s Adventure Farm website makes it clear they “hope to see you here.” The variety of activities offered provides something for everyone.
Richardson’s Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081. More information is available on their website at https://richardsonadventurefarm.com.
Richardson’s Farm has a set entry fee for each day which covers all activities offered at the farm. The farm is closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursdays and Fridays are free for children under 2, $20 for children 3-12 years old, and $24 for anyone older than 13 years old. On weekends, children 2 and under are free. Admission for children ages 3-12 is $24 and anyone older than 13 years of age will pay $30.
Stade’s Farm
Stade’s Farm originally began as a private dairy farm in 1977 owned by Vern Stade. In 1989 Stade continued to have dairy cattle, but also started to sell vegetables. In 2001, Stade decided to focus solely on selling vegetables at farm stands. In 2006, the main farm market and entertainment center opened. This area is now the fall staple known as Stade’s Farm.
Throughout the fall season Stade’s Farm holds a Fall Festival. The Farmtractions Theme Park offers over 50 unique attractions for all ages. There is a corn maze, zip lines, a carousel, a petting zoo, jumping pillows, and many more fun activities. There are lunch options available at concession stands around Stade’s. An ice cream shop, and kettle corn and roasted sweetcorn stands are some food options that Stade’s has to offer. Hayrides are available to travel to the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin.Apple picking is also available Thursday through Sunday.
Stade’s Farm looks forward to welcoming visitors each fall, but their main message is as follows: “The great thing about our farm is that you can get out in the beautiful country, enjoy the great view, the fresh air, and the company of one another. There are so many opportunities for people to interact with one another and experience life. Just enjoy the company of one another and have fun!”
Stade’s Farm is located at 3709 Miller Rd, McHenry, IL 60051. More information is available online at https://stadesfarmandmarket.com.
Stade’s Farm admissions prices vary based on what experiences are selected. Apple picking this fall starts at a minimum of $8 per person. This activity is available Thursday through Sunday. On the other hand, for the Farmtractions Theme Park prices are as stated on Stade’s website: $16 on Fridays during September and $20 on Weekends during September. $20 on Fridays in October and $24 on Weekends in October. Ages 2 and under are free and Ages 60+ are half off.
These locations both offer a variety of activities depending on interests. A visit to one of these local farms to run through the corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern is sure to be a fun way to spend a fall day with friends and family.
