Can you feel it? That chill in the air means finally time for cuddling up with your pup for scary movies, human-dog couples taco costumes, and pumpkin-spiced everything. Give your pooch a break from raking leaves (we can dream, right?) and head out to a dog-friendly Illinois pumpkin patch! And don’t forget to take lots of pictures—it’s gonna be so heckin’ cute.
1. Richardson Farm – Spring Grove
3-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12-9 p.m. Sunday; September 10-October 30
When it comes to Chicago-area pumpkin patches, Richardson Farm tops every good dog’s list. Not only does the farm feature an expansive corn maze (the world’s largest), but they also have FUNNEL CAKE, which dogs obviously love. Don’t be intimidated by the 50-mile trek outside of the city—this one is well worth the travel (please, think of the Instagrams!). Dog-friendly dogs welcome as long as they stay leashed.
2. Abbey Farms – Aurora
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; September-October
Easily the most dog-friendly pumpkin patch fun you’ll have with your pup in the western suburbs this fall. You’ll need to sign a waiver for your leashed pal on entry, and while your dog is not welcome in the corn maze or on the hay rides, Abbey Farms knows the way to our hearts. Once you pick out the perfect pumpkin, you can spend the rest of the afternoon in the craft beer tent (!) reveling in autumnal merriment together.
3. Konows Corn Maze – Homer Glen
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, 3-8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Just 32 miles to the southwest exists an Octobery oasis just waiting for you and your pooch to explore. Bring vet records or a current tag, sign a waiver, and get ready to get lost together in the corn maze. Looking to add another pal to your pack? Konows has been known to host special ‘doption events with local rescues.
4. Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm – Minooka
10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily; September 10-October 31
You asked for a pumpkin patch, so we’re here to deliver with a giant one. Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm is located about an hour out of Chicago and features all the fun your family could need—mazes of different varieties, a castle, and of course a pumpkin patch. They specialize in giant pumpkins, their largest one weighing in at 731.5lbs in 2013!
5. Tanners Orchard – Speer
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; September and October
Tanners Orchard is a bit over 2 hours away from Chicago and definitely worth the drive. While they’re known for their apple orchard with over 11k trees, there’s also a pumpkin patch. After all, if you’re gonna do fall, why not do it all?
There’s a $10 admission fee per dog, with a portion being donated to The A.R.K. Humane Society in Lacon. Dogs aren’t allowed in the farm market or near any of the farm animals on site, and must be leashed at all times.
What’s on your pup’s agendog this fall? Woof at us in the comments and tag us @SidewalkDog in pics of your dog-friendly Illinois pumpkin patch outing.
Featured photo: Jamie Street
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.