Best Fall October Activities in Kankakee County

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Coffee, donuts, and all sorts of Fall-themed fun can be found at Benoit Greenhouses and Pumpkin Patch.

Pumpkins, Scarecrows, and Corn Mazes await...

There’s something magical about October in the midwest. The air turns crisp, trees trade their greens for fiery shades of red and orange, and weekends are filled with the smell of apple cider and pumpkin spice. It’s the season for cozy sweaters, hayrides, and evenings that end with a warm blanket and maybe even a bonfire. Fall here isn’t just a change in weather, it’s a change in pace. Families slow down a little, neighbors gather at local festivals, and kids run across pumpkin patches with sticky fingers and big smiles.

The best part? Many of Kankakee County’s fall traditions don’t cost a dime. From pumpkin patches and scarecrow displays to small-town festivals, there are plenty of ways to soak up the season without breaking the bank. If your adventures happen to take you to a local business, just remember to show a little love by buying a pumpkin, a treat, or a fall decoration to support the people who make these events possible.

Here are some of the best October activities to enjoy right here in Kankakee County.

Benoit Greenhouses and Pumpkin Patch


Seasonal fall porch display in Bourbonnais using pumpkins and decor from Benoit Greenhouses.
A porch in Bourbonnais is decorated with fall decor from Benoit Greenhouses.

Benoit Greenhouses has been part of the Kankakee community since 1975, and every fall it transforms into one of the area’s most beloved pumpkin patches. Families come not only for the wide variety of pumpkins but for the playful, farm-inspired atmosphere that makes the trip so memorable. Children climb hay bales, wander through a corn maze, bounce on the giant pumpkin pillow, and giggle their way through a corn-kernel sandbox, all while parents snap photos of the perfect fall afternoon.

The greenhouse itself is a treasure trove of seasonal decorations. In addition to pumpkins and corn stalks, visitors often find colorful mums, rustic baskets, ornamental gourds, straw bales, and wreaths that can bring the feeling of fall right to your doorstep. Admission is free, but the spirit of the place relies on a simple courtesy: if your family enjoys the play spaces, pick up a pumpkin or two before heading home. It’s an easy way to support a local business while making lasting memories.

What makes a visit to Benoit Greenhouses even more special is that Illinois is at the heart of America’s “pumpkin belt.” Central Illinois produces more pumpkins than anywhere else in the country, and Morton, IL is even known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Alongside Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California round out the nation’s top pumpkin-producing states. Living here means we’re lucky to have access to real pumpkin patches where the harvest is fresh, plentiful, and truly part of our local identity.

Benoit Greenhouses has everything you need to celebrate autumn, from picture-perfect photo spots with vintage trucks and pumpkins to vibrant mums and a cozy market full of fall treats. Kids love the grain wagon basketball hoops, the pumpkin-shaped jumping pillow, and playing with toys in a giant sand box filled with corn kernels.

St. Anne Pumpkin Fest


Every October, the town of St. Anne comes alive with its annual Pumpkin Fest. What might seem like a small-town gathering quickly proves itself to be a full weekend of celebration, where music, laughter, and community pride fill the air. Live bands perform under glowing lights, a car show brings in gleaming classic rides, and families line the streets to enjoy the creativity of the lighted golf cart parade.

The festival also offers plenty of fun for all ages. Children dive into hands-on activities like pumpkin painting and tie-dyeing, while adults enjoy a cold drink under the beer tent or sample the spread from food trucks. Tractor pulls remind everyone of the town’s agricultural roots, and the whole event feels like a homecoming where neighbors reconnect. And of course, pumpkins are the star of the show. Being in Illinois, part of the country’s pumpkin belt, means the gourds at the heart of this festival are as authentic as they come. St. Anne may be a small town, but its Pumpkin Fest gives families a true taste of the season.

A Night in Sleepy Hollow at Perry Farm


Hayrack wagon with benches at Perry Farm, set up for public seating during a tractor-pulled ride.
Guests ride in a hayrack at Perry Farm during a portion of A Night at Sleepy Hollow, enjoying the story as the tractor pulls them along the trail.

For something a little spookier, Perry Farm in Bradley hosts A Night in Sleepy Hollow, a tradition that began in the early 1990s and has grown into one of Kankakee County’s most unique fall experiences. The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association brings Washington Irving’s classic ghost story to life, guiding audiences through barns, wooded paths, and even orchards as the tale unfolds. The performance is immersive, and by the time the hayride finale rolls around, guests feel as though they have stepped straight into the haunted town of Sleepy Hollow itself.

The event doesn’t end with the story. Visitors can gather around a bonfire, play seasonal games, and sip on a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. For adults, there are also drink options that make the chilly evening even cozier. With its mix of live theatre, autumn atmosphere, and a touch of Halloween fright, A Night in Sleepy Hollow captures the essence of October and remains a can’t-miss event for locals and visitors alike.

Guests move through these historic Perry Farm barns as part of the A Night at Sleepy Hollow experience, exploring different scenes of the play throughout the park.

Scarecrows at Perry Farm


Vintage wagon at Perry Farm decorated with a hay bale and pumpkins for fall.
A vintage wagon at Perry Farm is adorned with a hay bale, corn stalks, and pumpkins, bringing classic fall charm to the farm.

Another favorite fall tradition at Perry Farm is the annual Scarecrow Festival. While the contest itself takes place in late September, the scarecrows remain on display through Halloween, lining the park paths with whimsical, funny, and sometimes spooky creations. Families, schools, businesses, and nonprofits all take part, showcasing their creativity in displays that become a highlight of any October walk through Perry Farm.

The festival is a collaboration with the Community Arts Council of Kankakee and the Fall Art Stroll, which makes it as much about celebrating local artistry as it is about family fun. Children love spotting scarecrows dressed as superheroes, animals, or movie characters, while adults admire the imagination and craftsmanship behind each entry. Whether you come to see who won the prizes or just to enjoy a stroll on a crisp fall afternoon, the scarecrows add a playful charm to Perry Farm that lasts the whole month.

Scarecrow Fest showcases a mix of creative and friendly-themed scarecrows, from beloved characters to traditional designs, celebrating the spirit of fall and Halloween.

Wrapping Up


October in Kankakee County is filled with opportunities to make memories, whether you’re picking pumpkins, cheering at a tractor pull, or warming your hands by a bonfire. These traditions are more than just events, they are part of what makes fall in this community so special. They bring people together, highlight the talent and dedication of locals, and remind us to pause and appreciate the season.

So grab your favorite sweater, pack up the kids, and explore everything the county has to offer. Fall only comes once a year, and in Kankakee County, it’s one of the very best times to be here.

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My favorite Fall activity is “just supervising” when I help my kids with their Halloween candy.
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