Fall fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Some of our favorite fall adventures are completely FREE, from colorful hikes and StoryWalks to fall festivals, farm events and seasonal fun. If you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy fall with the family, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite free fall things to do in the Chicago suburbs. Grab a sweater, pack some snacks and start checking these off your fall bucket list!
Speaking of bucket lists, check out my fall bucket list (with free printable) here.
*Updated for Fall 2026*
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Free Fall Farm + Pumpkin Fun
Visit the Animals at Royal Oak Farm Orchard
You don’t have to pay for all the activities at Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard to enjoy a little fall fun! Stop by the FREE petting zoo area to see the animals, then let the kids explore the cute playhouses in the free play area. You can also browse the market and grab apple cider donuts or other fall treats if you want to make a longer outing of it.
Visit the Go-Ro Fresh Pumpkin Pop-Up
Get into the fall spirit at the Go-Ro Fresh Pumpkin Pop-Up! You can wander around, check out the pumpkins and take advantage of the cute fall photo ops and FREE activities without paying admission. If you’d like more activities, you can pay a little extra that includes train rides! Pumpkins and other fall goodies are available to purchase, but you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the experience.
Spend a Free Day at Hephzibah Farms
Head to Hephzibah Farms on Sunday, September 27, 2026 for their first Customer Appreciation Day. The farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is completely FREE. Families can roam the farm, visit with horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, chickens, alpacas, donkeys and more, plus enjoy bouncy houses and hayrides. No tickets or reservations are required. Food and farm goods will be available to purchase.
September 27, 2026
Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days
Have a FREE alpaca adventure during National Alpaca Farm Days! Two local alpaca farms we’ve enjoyed visiting are SafeHouse Farm Alpacas / Ye Olde Alpaca Shoppe in Barrington, celebrating on September 26, and Magic Meadows Alpacas in Wonder Lake, hosting its FREE open house on September 27 from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Meet the alpacas, learn more about these adorable animals and check out alpaca products available for purchase.
September 26–27, 2026
McHenry County Farm Stroll
SunBerry Orchard
Spend the day hopping from farm to farm during the McHenry County Farm Stroll. This free, self-guided event gives families a chance to visit participating farms throughout McHenry County, see demonstrations and learn more about where their food comes from. Products and food are available to purchase, but you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the experience.
September 27, 2026
Free Fall Hikes + Scenic Spots
One of the easiest ways to enjoy fall for free is to get outside! The Chicago suburbs have so many beautiful forest preserves, nature areas and parks that really show off once the leaves start changing.
Walk the Boardwalk at Volo Bog
Take a fall walk at Volo Bog State Natural Area. Wander the boardwalk and trails through this unique natural area while soaking in the changing colors. It’s an easy, peaceful fall outing when you just need a little nature break.
Take the Hike Lake County Challenge
Turn your fall hike into a challenge with Hike Lake County! Explore designated trails throughout the Lake County Forest Preserves while enjoying fall colors and learning a little local history along the way. Complete at least seven designated trails by November 30, 2026 to earn a FREE commemorative bald eagle medallion. Even your pup can get in on the fun and earn a free commemorative collar tag after completing eligible dog-friendly trails! Download the Hike Lake County Travel Log before you start so you can keep track of your adventures.
See the Fall Colors at Coral Woods Conservation Area
Coral Woods Conservation Area is one of our favorite places to see fall colors in McHenry County. The century-old oak trees are especially beautiful this time of year, and the short Sugar Maple Loop puts you right in the middle of all that color.
Climb a Kame at Glacial Park
Head to Glacial Park in Ringwood, climb a kame formed by glaciers and take in the beautiful fall views. There are miles of trails to explore, but you don’t have to hike far to find a pretty view.
Step Into the Hundred Acre Wood at Lyman Woods
Winnie the Pooh and friends have taken over the trails at Lyman Woods! Character homes inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood are hidden along the trails, turning an ordinary nature walk into a fun little adventure. Best of all, this self-guided experience is FREE. The character homes are available through October 18, 2026.
Go on a Fall StoryWalk
Combine reading with time outside by finding a StoryWalk near you. Pages from a children’s book are placed along a walking path, so you can read the story as you explore. This is such an easy free activity to add to your fall bucket list, especially when the trail is surrounded by colorful leaves.
Hike Chain O’Lakes State Park
Take a fall hike at Chain O’Lakes State Park and enjoy the changing colors along the trails. We loved exploring the park and can’t wait to come back to tackle more trails. It’s such a pretty spot for an inexpensive fall day outside.
Free Fall Festivals + Events
Some of the best fall festivals around Chicagoland don’t charge admission. You can enjoy the atmosphere, entertainment and activities without spending a dime, although you’ll probably want to bring a little money for food and shopping!
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Ravinia District
Celebrate fall at the Ravinia District Oktoberfest in Highland Park on September 26 from 4–8 p.m. at Jens Jensen Park. This FREE, family-friendly event brings a taste of Bavaria to the neighborhood with live entertainment, Oktoberfest fun and plenty of food and drinks available to purchase. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to your fall bucket list.
September 26 from 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy Free Family Fun at Autumn Fest Geneva
Head to downtown Geneva for Autumn Fest for an evening packed with FREE activities for kids at participating businesses throughout town. Families can find pumpkin carving, fall crafts, cookie decorating, games, giveaways, slime making, a fall photo op and more. Stop by the Autumn Fest headquarters at the Courthouse Lawn for even more fall fun.
October 2, 2026, 4–8 p.m.
Celebrate at The Creamery’s Sundae Spooktacular
Dress up the kids and head to The Creamery for Sundae Spooktacular, a FREE evening of family Halloween fun! Kids can decorate mini pumpkins, get their faces painted and show off their Halloween costumes. Of course, you can also grab some ice cream while you’re there!
Elgin: October 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
New Lenox + Lombard: October 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles
Head to downtown St. Charles for Scarecrow Weekend and see all of the creative handmade scarecrows displayed around town. It’s fun just wandering around checking out the scarecrows and taking photos, plus you’ll find family activities and entertainment throughout the weekend.
October 9–11, 2026
Explore Autumn Drive
One of our favorite fall traditions is Autumn Drive in McHenry County. Follow the country roads from stop to stop, where you’ll find farms, antiques, crafts, pumpkins, food and plenty of small-town fall fun. There’s no admission to participate, so you can simply enjoy the drive and browse the different stops.
October 16–18, 2026
Browse a Fall Farmers Market
Farmers market season isn’t over just because summer is! Spend a crisp fall morning strolling through a farmers market, listening to music and checking out the fall produce, baked goods and flowers. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the atmosphere. A few markets that continue into fall include Woodstock Farmers Market, Ravinia Farmers Market and Oak Park Farmers’ Market.
Looking for even more fall fun? Check out my complete Fall Bucket List of things to do in the Chicago suburbs.
