A Pumpkin Patch Like No Other: Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned farm in the Chicago suburbs, holds a fun, festive annual fall event each season. This popular local favorite, which has been going strong for over 40 years, has been voted “Best Pumpkin Farm in Chicago” by viewers of My Fox Chicago.

I always make it a point to visit on any fall visit to the city or suburbs (and you should too!). Before moving out of the Chicagoland metro, I visited this event as a kid for about 20 years. We lived in an urban area of the city so it was always fun to escape the clutter for a relaxed day on the farm.

It is a nostalgic experience to come back and see that not much has changed! It’s so comforting to go back to these places years later and see all the same attractions that you loved as a kid. And for any first timers, this is a great place to take the family. For one price, you get to enjoy all amenities including: a hayride, rides, and a few haunted attractions.

Pick your own pumpkin patch

The highlight of this fest is a “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch. Hundreds of different sizes and shapes are available. Pumpkins are priced by the pound. They are a bit pricey (and we all know you can get them much cheaper at the grocery store or Walmart, but that takes out some of the fun). My trick is to buy a small or medium size one at the patch, enjoy the amenities, and buy my large carving pumpkin somewhere else. If you are willing to splurge a bit, it’s always great to support local businesses and keep the family farm going strong for the next generation.

Although they used to have a fun hayride that took you out to an actual field to pick your own pumpkins straight from the vine, it’s a bit more commercialized now with a pre picked patch and a separate hayride. Nevertheless, it’s still a great time and one of the better pumpkin patches you will find in the state.

Fall activities & attractions

I like that they include all activities into one package – it takes out some of the hassle. These attractions include: a twisted tunnel, a fun slide, a haunted barn, a fun barn, pumpkin launchers, a petting zoo, pig races, several family friendly rides, and so much more!

If you love sweets you are in luck as apple cider donuts, candy apples, and other tasty seasonal favorites will be there to tempt you as you stroll around enjoying the decor and festivities. I am not huge on sweets, but I don’t mind a nice hot cup of cider and a candy apple every now and then.

One of the great aspects about this festival is that they retain that old-fashioned charm year after year. Most of the attractions and activities (minus the hayride out to the field) are identical to those that I enjoyed over 20 years ago. Almost everything is just as I remember it long ago.

I am guessing anyone from the area who visited as a kid will be hit with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia as soon as they walk in and see all the familiar sights from years past. It’s truly a refreshing step back in time compared to our modern world of technology everywhere. Although they did add one funny new addition that absolutely relates to our world today…

Another cute new addition is 2 giant corn kernel play areas (a much less messier alternative to sand) featuring over 56,000 pounds of corns! For both the kids and the kids at heart! Not really my style, but the kids and families sure seemed to be enjoying this new addition.

The perfect fall day in the burbs

Spending an afternoon here is the perfect family-friendly fall activity in the burb. It’s nice to escape all the retail chains for a fresh day out in nature out on the farm. Strolling around with a cider in hand as you pick out your perfect pumpkin and take in the decor and fresh country air just says fall to me. There are plenty of festive decorations, including this adorable pumpkin tower.

As a fall and Halloween buff, I love the mix of autumn and scary decorations. A lot of other patches seem to go one way or the other. Today, I find that most farms usually stick with the autumn theme – it’s rare to find Halloween decor. It definitely takes me back to the 90’s seeing all the great holiday decorations which you don’t mind much today. You will find a few spooky displays including a great flying witch decoration. Also, there is a great gift shop here that sells novelty costumes and other knick knacks.

These dancing skeletons have been here since I started visiting over 30 years ago!

One of the most unique aspects of this farm has to be the pig races. I have never seen anything like it. 10 times daily, 3 different pig races take place across the track. You can check out the schedule on their website.

Visiting this farm is the perfect kickoff to both the fall and Halloween season. I like visiting in early October to get into the holiday spirit. What better way to get into the fall spirit then by picking out your own pumpkin, enjoying seasonal treats and gorgeous fall weather, and enjoying a wide range of festive fall activities that the entire family can enjoy?

I definitely recommend checking it out if you happen to be visiting the city or suburbs this autumn. This is a great family friendly activity, not to mention a nice escape from everyday urban life.

Fall photo opps

And the best part of all is that you have endless fall photo opportunities…perfect for fall greeting cards and Facebook background photos. Here’s just a few of the festive photo opps located throughout the grounds. They also have a new free family photo area, so you will find more than enough places to take photos. Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to obtain crowd-free photos! This place gets busy on weekends and often we have to walk pretty far just to get in.

Additional Info

The farm is open from early September through early November, from 11:00am-8:30pm (10am on weekends). Admission prices vary from $20-36 based on your date of visit. Your admission ticket includes entry into all attractions (extra fee for pony rides and gem mining). Parking is free!

I highly recommend visiting on a weekday morning or afternoon for cheaper admission tickets, not to mention less crowds. This place is very, very busy on the weekends and you will be waiting forever for the attractions! Yes, it is that great!

*Do be sure to check their website for next year’s date/times/admission prices as they are subject to change.

Address: 13341 151st. Street Homer Glen, IL 60491

More to do in the vicinity

This farm is located in a small ruralish suburb called Homer Glen. As I have family members who live in the Southwest suburbs, I have some favorite places that I go back to time and time again. Here are some of my recommended fall activities in nearby suburbs (within a 10 or 15 minute drive).

Lake Katherine Park: This is a beautiful small park featuring a lovely waterfall and a 1 mile loop around a lake. It’s a great place to visit during the autumn season.

Little Red Schoolhouse: This is a gorgeous little preserve for easy hiking (~3 miles of trails) and birdwatching. There is also a beautiful nature center. I came here all the time as a kid and still come back frequently on return visits.

Fox’s pizza: Home to the best thin crust pizza in the suburbs. We have been ordering pizza from them for over 30 years – they never disappoint. The Orland Park location features a nice indoor dining area with frequent live entertainment.

Orland Square: My favorite mall in the burbs. Lots of great stores and restaurant including a Cheesecake Factory which just opened a few years ago. Also, there is a Dave and Busters on-site.