Explore the Seasonal Activities and Events in Chicago This Fall

The fall season in Chicago is a beautiful time to visit the city, as the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air provides a respite after the heat of the summer. There are many fall events and activities around the city and the suburbs that you can explore during your stay at The Peninsula Chicago.

Fall Foliage

Getting an up-close look at the fall foliage is easy to do in Chicago, even while staying in the heart of the city. Less than a ten-minute drive from The Peninsula Chicago is Lincoln Park, filled with tree-lined walking trails, especially around North Pond and South Pond. Jackson Park is another great option for viewing the foliage. Located in Hyde Park, Jackson Park sprawls over 500 acres which includes a Japanese garden, the Garden of Phoenix.

Pumpkin Patches

For a family-friendly fall day, take a drive outside of our Magnificent Mile neighborhood to the suburbs of Chicago to visit one of many pumpkin patches. Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove has fall activities from a Pumpkin Express Train for the little ones to a haunted house for the adults. Sonny Acres Farm is another option, which has been family owned and operated for 125 years in West Chicago. Here, you take a wagon ride around the farm, feed animals, and pick your own pumpkin.

Apple Picking

With the apple harvest season in full swing, apple picking opportunities are not far from the city limits of Chicago. Open daily through October 30, All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock has an apple orchard filled with over 15,000 apple and pear trees, including Honeycrisp apples. Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park has multiple apple varieties which you can pick yourself in the orchard on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t forget to purchase some of their apple cider doughnuts, too!

Open House Chicago

For culture lovers, Open House Chicago is your way to explore the architecturally, historically, and culturally significant sites across the city of Chicago for free during the month of October. Open House Chicago provides access to a free self-guided tour throughout the Chicago area, highlighting over 150 sites in more than 20 neighborhoods around the city. On October 15 and 16, they also offer in-person site visits for behind-the-scenes access into notable buildings. Some of the sites this year include the Chicago Architecture Center, The Chicago Board of Trade Building, and Holy Name Cathedral.

Start planning your fall stay in Chicago with our Luxury in Advance room offer, providing you with up to 20% savings on stays reserved at least seven days in advance.