Pumpkin Weekends Throughout October at Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm will celebrate the fall season throughout the month of October with its popular Pumpkin Weekends beginning Saturday, Oct 3.
Each weekend – and Columbus Day (Oct. 12) – Blackberry Farm will be festively decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season. A picnic area will have pumpkins for purchase, and an assortment of decorating materials will be provided.
Carousel rides, hay wagon rides, pony rides, paddle boats, a pedal tractor course and tours on the “Pumpkin Train” are part of each weekend’s festivities., along with the historic museums and interactive farm animal areas. Park hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with regular admission rates for residents and non-residents.
New this year is the Corn Crib – akin to a sandbox full of corn – where children can roll and wriggle, farm-style. Also, Lake Gregory will host the Pumpkin Paddle and be converted into a watery pumpkin patch where guests can ride a paddle boat and use nets to scoop floating pumpkins for carving.
Another popular attraction is the new Adventure Playground, a uniquely innovative play area featuring climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels – and a 70-foot zip-line.
“Pumpkin Weekends originated as a fall festival day, but it was so popular that we expanded it to include every weekend,” said Sandie Gilmer, facility supervisor at Blackberry Farm. “This is such a fun time of year that we want to make the season last just a little longer.”
Other attractions include an official pumpkin carver on site Oct. 10, an appearance by the Pumpkin Princess on Oct. 17 and the annual Trick-or-Treat Walk and Costume Contest on Oct. 24.
For more information on Pumpkin Weekends, call Blackberry Farm at 630-892-1550 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
Pumpkin Weekends
- Dates: Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11-12 (Columbus Day), Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- Admission: Residents $4.50 child/senior, $5 adult; non-residents $7 child/senior, $8 adult.
About the Fox Valley Park District
The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the District maintains 164 parks and 45 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. Connected by the Fox River, our communities are tied together by the District’s commitment to promote vibrant, healthy lifestyles through fun and safe recreation opportunities that are environmentally and fiscally responsible. The Fox Valley Park District… Where Fun Begins!
