A Day on the Farm

Although the Southland region surrounds the city of Chicago, there’s also ample amounts of greenery and open space in the outlying suburbs. It’s the best of both worlds. All the amenities of the city are in our backyard, but so are several farms where you can do everything from hayrides to horseback riding to picking your own vegetables. Here’s a few:

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, Homer Glen

Fun seasonal spot where you can get a pumpkin from the patch and partake in fun activities that include amusement rides, pig races, petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides and more.

Bengtson’s Christmas Trees, Peotone

Make it an old-fashioned Christmas and venture out to cut down your own tree.

Bultema Farms, Lynwood

U-pick vegetable farm (beans, peppers, pickles, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and more).

The Center, Palos Park 

Kids can explore the animal pens, take a hayrack ride or a pony ride during the farm’s open farm days.

Konow’s Farm, Homer Glen

Lots of fall fun awaits you here - a corn maze, animal barn, campfires, historic barn and more.

Paarlberg Farmstead, South Holland

Dating back to 1870, this historic farm homestead was one of the first in area settled by Dutch immigrants. Don’t miss the annual Heritage Festival held here each year on Labor Day.

Silver Stallion Ranch, Markham

First opening in 1992, the Silver Stallion Ranch's objective is to give inner-city children an appreciation of nature and the simple joys of hard work, outdoor activity and equine culture. For over 20 years, Silver Stallion Ranch has been hosting annual events, group outings and plenty of family fun! 

Stellwagen Farm, Orland Park

Bring the family for a stroll around historic Stellwagen Farm. This farm dates back to the 1860's. Visitors can see the original farmhouse and its outbuildings, including a milk house, dairy barn, silo and more. The farm has been owned and operated by the Stellwagen family for eight generations! 

Trantina Farm, Homer Glen

Part of Homer Township’s Open Space Program, the southern portion of the farm has a two-acre dog park divided into sections for small dogs and for large dogs. The farm has a fire pit, gardens, historical buildings, an interpretive center, limestone trail, native prairie restoration, picnic area, playground and restrooms.

The Wildflower Farm, Monee

The u-pick flower field is open early-to-mid July through late September. Family fun includes animals, tractor displays, live music on weekends and a variety of special events during the summer and fall.

Windmill Acres, Beecher

Windmall Acres is a small, family-owned and operated greenhouse. Opened in 1997, Windmill Acres hosts events throughout the spring and fall, and sells flowers, vegetables and herbs when they are in season. Kids will enjoy the playground and the adults can kick back, relax and smell the flowers!