Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Chicago? Read on for our top picks. 

Illinois is the number one pumpkin-growing state in the country, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of great pumpkin patches near Chicago for jack-o'-lantern enthusiasts and pie bakers alike. Even better, many pumpkin patches also offer an array of autumn-themed activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and after-dark experiences for older kids. Here are more than 20 of our favorite pumpkin patches near Chicago, all within a two-hour drive of the Loop!

For more seasonal fun, don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide. And if you're zeroing in on Halloween activities, check out our rundown on the best Chicago neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and other Halloween ideas in our Halloween Events & Activities Guide for Chicago Kids. 

Hop aboard Connecticut hayrides for some autumn fun!

There are more than 700 natural springs in Florida, including several swim-worthy freshwater springs just a short distance from Orlando. Florida natural springs make the perfect place to unwind during humid summers and mild winters.

These spring-fed swimming holes are crystal clear and remain 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making them extremely popular for both residents and tourists alike. Many natural springs are surrounded by park land, offering hiking, fishing, and more pre-swim family activities. Others include water slides and mini water parks.

Check out our 10 favorite natural springs in Florida, centrally located near Orlando, great for kids and families. Find more fun places to visit in Florida with our Family Travel Guide, including the Best Beaches near Orlando and Paddleboard and Kayak Tours.

Enjoy corn mazes and hayrides near Atlanta at farms this fall! Atlanta hayrides and corn mazes are fun seasonal activities, just like apple picking and pumpkin patches. Bring your camera for perfect fall photo ops! In addition to outdoor physical activity, corn mazes encourage the use of problem-solving skills and team building —the ultimate escape "rooms!" And many of these Atlanta farms offer additional outdoor activities, including slides, jumping pillows, and petting zoos.

For more fall activities, check out our Fall Fun Guide for Atlanta Kids!

Summertime visits to an amusement park often mean dealing with long lines and sweating through your sunscreen. Fortunately, many parks around the Philadelphia area extend their seasons into the cooler fall months with Halloween-themed attractions. This can be a fantastic off-peak day trip for thrill-seeking families looking to enjoy a Halloween experience beyond the local parades and festivals. If your family is seeking some over-the-top Halloween fun ranging anywhere from silly to downright scary, check our list of amusement parks sure to provide excitement.  

Looking for more Halloween fun? Don't forget to check out our Halloween Guide and our Top Free Halloween Events round-up for Halloween fun that won't break the bank.

Looking for pumpkin patches near Los Angeles, specifically ones where you can go pumpkin picking? To find perfect pumpkin patches near Los Angeles for your family, you've got some decisions to make because they run the gamut from small to large and from folksy to commercial. 

There are festival-type pumpkin patches with extra activities, farms where kids can do their own pumpkin picking, and smaller pumpkin patches in every neighborhood in town. The good news—all of our top picks are photogenic and will make for timeless fall family memories. So, pick a pumpkin, snap a Halloween photo, and maybe even take a pony ride at one of these pumpkin patches.

Find a corn maze near LA and more things to do in Los Angeles in the fall in our Fall Fun Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids. And if a pumpkin patch visit is your first foray into Halloween festivities this year, you definitely want to find all the best Los Angeles Halloween activities in our Los Angeles Halloween Guide.

Mohonk Mountain House offers a unique and enchanting day trip from New York City and the surrounding areas. Nestled in the picturesque Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley, a day at Mohonk Mountain House combines relaxation, adventure, and luxury, making it a perfect getaway for families looking to escape the daily grind.

Read on for our favorite things to do during a daycation to this legendary Hudson Valley resort and find more day trips and getaways in our local travel guide, which includes a roundup of our favorite Hudson Valley resorts for families.

Transitioning to toddler beds is one of those parenting milestones that can feel both exciting and daunting. You want a bed that’s safe and practical, and ideally one that your little one will even want to sleep in.

Finding that sweet spot between affordability, durability, and something that sparks joy can be tricky, but it’s absolutely doable. Here are some of the best toddler beds that might make bedtime go a little smoother, plus tips for transitioning to a toddler bed and what to look for when choosing one.

Check out our Baby and Kid Gear Guide for more of the best products for your little ones. And if bunk beds are what you're looking for, our list of the best bunk beds for kids includes a few great toddler bunk beds.