The fall season is officially upon us, but with the warm days fleeting quickly, it can be gone before you know it. To help you plan an adventure packed season, I have compiled a list of my Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago this Fall.
1) Participate in a Run!
Getting your blood pumping into your veins on a cool fall day is a surefire way to stay warm and burn some energy with friends! There are many upcoming races, but here are a few to spark your attention.
- Chicago Marathon – October 11
- Elgin Zombie Run – October 24
- Hot Chocolate 5k – November 8
None of these suit your taste? You can find a full list of fun runs in Chicago here!
2) Da Bears
The best part about being a Bears fan is that whether we are on a winning or losing streak, we still know how to TAILGATE! There’s something about being amongst thousands of loud, blue and orange ordained, cheering fans that gets your adrenaline pumping. Check out a Bears game at the iconic Soldier Field this fall, before the single digit temperatures hit!
3) Visit Maggie Daley Park
This unique, whimsical park in Chicago is geared towards fun in every season! The greenery of the park is changing into bold colors as the fall season progresses, providing a beautiful transition while we soak up the last few weeks of tolerant outdoor weather. Bring the kids to play and enjoy!
4) Attend a Concert
Joe’s Bar on Weed Street is one of my top recommended locations for live music in Chicago because of the intimate atmosphere and the star-studded lineups. This fall, country stars such as Old Dominion, Chase Bryant, Kip Moore, and Aaron Lewis will all be making appearances. Not into country music? Try the House of Blues, Chicago Theatre or Allstate Arena, and you’re sure to find a concert that will capture your attention.
5) Shopping
While the weather is still bearable, make sure you spend some time hitting all of the outdoor shopping areas that Chicagoland has to offer! I suggest The Magnificent Mile because of all the luxury shopping and restaurants, many of which are unique to Chicago. From apparel to pet boutiques, art galleries to gourmet food shops, you can find it all on The Magnificent Mile, all while enjoying the outdoors. Bonus – the area is actually about 5 miles and 10,000 steps of walking, so you can get a great workout in as well! Who says shopping can’t count as cardio?
6) Go to the Zoo
Aside from the obvious visiting and learning about animals, both Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo are housing fun fall activities such as hayrides, pumpkin art, trick or treating and more! The zoo is a great way to spend a fall day with children and adults alike.
7) Visit Navy Pier
The previously crowded boardwalk at Navy Pier has settled since the summer season, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to completely hibernate for the cooler months just yet! Navy Pier is celebrating Halloween in a two-week span of events called Really Big Halloween Party from October 19-31. Events include pony, camel, and alpaca rides, a petting zoo, spooky variety acts, dance parties, spooky movies, and of course, trick or treating!
8) Hawkey
The official Blackhawks hockey season kicks off at the United Center on October 7, as our Chicago Blackhawks defend The Stanley Cup for another season of nail-biting hockey! Games sell out quickly, so make sure you purchase your tickets immediately!
9) Visit a Pumpkin Patch
If you’re from the Chicagoland area, no matter your age, you know that the fall season isn’t complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch! Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen, IL is my recommended spot! Kids ages 2 and under are free, and during the week, admission is $9.99 for ages 3 and up, which also includes free unlimited kiddie rides! Attractions include a pumpkin chucker, pig races, petting zoo, fun slides, haunted barn, simulated cow milking, and more!
10) Visit a Haunted House
There are many Haunted houses in the Chicagoland area that will reach every level of fright, but there is one that comes to mind for the ultimate thrill-seeker. Even if you’re not from Chicago, you have likely heard of Statesville Haunted Prison in Crest Hill, IL. Describing the terror that is Statesville Prison is not enough! You must check it out yourself for the full effect.