Get your corn maze fill at any of these amazing Chicago corn mazes that’ll entertain the family for hours

Local farms know that if they build it, we will come. And by “it,” we obviously mean acres of intricate corn mazes to maneuver through—and get lost in—with your kids. If that isn’t enticing enough, a lot of the maze locations have added bells and whistles like petting zoos and pumpkin doughnuts. Plus, you can check off plenty of fall activities at once as most have options to pick apples or pick pumpkins to complete your fall experience. So lace up those walking shoes and check out this year’s crop of Chicago corn mazes.

Konow’s Corn Maze
A huge indoor western-themed playland, 2 corn pits, gem mining, straw playgrounds, animal barn, tractor-pulled grain train and more make this Homer Glen attraction a fall favorite. The keystone, however, of the operation is the corn maze. Depending on how much stamina your kids have, you could spend a chunk of the day winding your way through the miles-long behemoth.

16849 S. Cedar Rd.
Homer Glen
Online: konowscornmaze.com

Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm
Each year, the cornfields at this farm are cut into elaborate circuits and the activities are designed to entertain your entire clan, Kroll’s has hayrides, a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, sheep and turkeys and a pumpkin patch. Timed entry tickets are required on weekends to help control numbers, so be sure to book online before visiting. The maze is open Sep. 17-Oct. 31.

13236 W. Town Line Rd.
Waukegan
Online: krollsfarm.com

Richardson Farm
Home to the world’s largest maze, it’s go big or go home at Richardson. This sprawling attraction includes 4 separate mazes that make up 9-10 miles of trails winding through 28 acres of live corn. The trail includes games that range from solving puzzles to map reading that keep the littles engaged. In addition to the corny fun, kids can glide on zip lines, cheer for pig races, mosey through pumpkin patches, go for wagon rides and loads more. The maze is open Sep. 10-Oct. 30. 

9405 Richardson Rd.
Spring Grove
Online: richardsonadventurefarm.com

Related: Walk This Way! Colorful Spots for Fall Strolls in Chicago

Odyssey Fun Farm
Romp around 110 acres in Tinley Park and enjoy a pumpkin patch, inflatables zone, zip line, hay rides, a petting zoo and the crown-jewel 15-acre Pac Man-themed corn maze. In case that seems like a lot walking for little feet, the farm also features a pint-sized hay maze. Brave souls may also be interested in the twilight flashlight maze, wherein visitors peruse the maze at night. Don’t worry . . . it’s not haunted . . . or is it? (It's not). The farm opens Sep. 24.

19111 S. Oak Park Ave.
Tinley Park
Online: odysseyfunfarm.com

County Line Orchard
Just over the Indiana border lies an awe-inspiring orchard complete with pumpkin doughnuts, concessions, apples galore and corn mazes. Along with a larger maze, there is also an Albanese gummy bear-themed maze that's perfect for the little ones. Once you’re all maze-d out, pick apples and peruse the massive barn to get your fill of fudge and other farm essentials.

200 S. County Line Rd.
Hobart, IN
Online: countylineorchard.com

Jonamac Orchard
This apple-picking oasis is also home to one stellar corn maze. While mostly renowned for its extensive apple orchards, the 10-acre corny adventure should not be overlooked. And with three miles of pathways and two bridges, it’s almost impossible to ignore. There’s also a nighttime haunted version on Friday and Saturday evenings for the brave corn stalkers. The maze is open Aug. 27-Oct. 30.

19412 S. Shabbona Rd.
Malta
Online: jonamacorchard.com

Related: 100 Things to Do in Chicago Before the Kids Turn 10

Jack's Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up

Looking for a corn maze, but don't want to leave the city? You're in luck! Jack's Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up has the city's largest family-friendly corn maze (before 7 p.m.), carnival games, a pumpkin patch, and so much more. It's recommended that you buy your tickets in advance, but they do accept walk-ups. They are open everyday from Sept. 22 - Oct. 31.

1265 W. LeMoyne St.
Chicago
Online: jackspumpkinpopup.com

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
With 30 attractions on hand, Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm in Crest Hill, truly is a solid catch-all for kids of all ages and interests, whether said interests include pumpkin-picking, pony rides, climbing walls, jellies and jams, hay rides, or even “zombie” paintball. Then, of course, there’s the corn maze, open weekends through October 31. Spanning 15 acres, the corn maze contains 5 miles of winding pathways.

17250 S. Weaver Rd.
Crest Hill
Online: ourpumpkinfarm.com

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch
Through October 31, the farm opens its gates to visitors clambering for homemade fudge and caramel apples and those eager to ride the ponies and take a run through the mazes. The mazes here come in two varieties: a larger corn maze good for slightly older children and a “munchkin maze” ideal for younger kids.

42W813 Reinking Rd.
Hampshire
Online: goebbertspumpkinpatch.com

 

 

 

 

We all know how important it is for our kids to socialize with other little ones. But it’s just as important for us moms (and dads) to have play dates too. Mothers’ Clubs, local parenting organizations and moms groups are a great way to connect with other families in your area and establish a supportive community of like-minded folks. Check out our list below to find a group in your ‘hood. With everything from mothers of multiples to fitness groups to attachment parenting, there’s a group sure to fit your family.

Seattle

Ballard Parents
Ballard is known for its “small town” feeling and Ballard Parents is a great resource for parents who want to bring that small town one step closer. Working, stay-at-home, single? Parents in every circumstance will find resources in this group. Topics include nanny sharing, babysitting, school recommendations, parenting classes and child development.

Capital Hill Parenting
This awesome group supports families living in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Members are welcome to use the group to exchange news and information about kid-focused events and services, connect for play dates, swap baby gear, reach out for help and support on various parenting issues, and much more.

Madrona Moms
Madrona Moms is an informal, fun-loving group of Seattle mamas. The group was created back in 2000 by a couple of moms who met at Madrona playfield with their little ones in tow. Their aim was to “make Madrona feel like a small town” and that’s exactly what they’re still doing today.

Green Lake Moms
Green Lake Moms is a fave for many Seattle-area parents and was the winner of our 2013 Totally Awesome Awards for most awesome group for moms and dads. The group was founded as a community resource in Seattle to provide a place for local moms to share information and support one another. The group has became so popular and fulfilled local moms’ needs so well that today it has more than 2400 members. From Green Lake Mom Daily Deals to organized meet-ups and events, Green Lake Moms is a fantastic opportunity for Seattle moms to connect, bond, and grow.

North East Seattle Moms
North East Seattle Moms is open to families who live in the Laurelhurst, Bryant, View Ridge, Wedgwood, Windermere, Hawthorne Hills, Ravenna, Meadowbrook, Sand Point and Matthews Beach neighborhoods and want to connect with other parents in the neighborhood. Parents in this group are encouraged to ask and share resources with one another as well as wisdom and information on a variety of topics, neighborhood specific information and issues.

Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Seattle
Keeping families together is the mission of this Seattle parenting group. PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy.

Queen Anne Moms and Dads
Moms and dads living on Queen Anne are invited to join this group to get to know one another as neighbors and support each other as parents. Group members coordinate playgroups, announce neighborhood activities, provide resources regarding childcare, schools, and classes, share information about suspicious or criminal activity in the neighborhood, provide tips for things to do or services to try, and discuss things of interest and of use to families living on Queen Anne.

Seattle Attachment Parenting (API)
API Seattle is a support group affiliated with Attachment Parenting International that provides encouragement, advice, education, and friendship for attachment-focused families. API encourages moms and dads to develop secure, peaceful, and enduring relationships with others through trust, empathy, and affection. The group provides the support parents need through monthly meetings, playgroups, potlucks, book club meetings, seminars, a lending library, and an online discussion group.

Seattle Babywearing Network (SABN)
With the goal of encouraging more parents and caregivers to carry their babies, the purpose of this group is to promote, educate and share information about babywearing and its benefits. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month in Seattle and on the Eastside to share babywearing experiences, troubleshoot problems and assist with carrier usage.

Seattle Fremont Moms
Fremont moms (a.k.a Fremomsters) live in The Center of the Universe and share information related to child-rearing including everything from sharing a nanny to babysitting to school recommendations. The group acts as a support group for anyone seeking help with raising their children, maintaining their home, and balancing work and home and encourages its members to set up weekly and monthly playdates.

Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) 
PEPS is known for helping parents connect and grow as they begin their journey into parenthood. PEPS parent support programs educate, inform and create community among parents and have become a vital resource for new mothers and fathers. PEPS serves thousands of families annually all over the Seattle area including the Eastside.

Seattleista Moms
This Seattle group is for expecting moms, new moms, and even moms with school-aged kiddos. It’s a great place to meet moms living in the city and stay fit and healthy while having fun. The group holds special events such as kids clothing swap parties and prenatal and mom and me yoga classes and is known for planning walks around the lake, play dates at the gym and participating in language classes, cooking classes, first aid classes, ladies lunches, spa days, and even moms night out.

Seattle Single Parents
With over 1300 members, this group is designed for single parents living in Seattle and the surrounding areas. The group has an awesome mix of both young and experienced parents and is designed for moms and dads who want to get active as well as find other single parents to connect and network with; to share ideas and support with; and to plan group events with. If you’re thinking the possibilities are endless in this group… you’re right!

WSMOT – Super Moms of West Seattle
WSMOT is a fun group of moms who like to get out and enjoy each other’s company. If you live in West Seattle or the White Center neighborhood and have a kiddo who is entering kindergarten through 3rd grade, you’ll definitely want to check this group out! Psst! Younger siblings are always welcome.

 

Eastside

Eastside Aspergers Kids Social Group
If you have a kiddo age 12 and under with Aspergers Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS or similar diagnoses, this group is designed for you. The motto for this Eastside group is “Let’s get together and help the children make friends” and that’s exactly what the parents and caregivers in this group are doing. Low-key meetups at parks, playgrounds and other fun places are planned monthly.

Eastside Cool Mommies
This group of active and young (or young at heart) cool mamas is designed for moms who are ready to get out of the house and meet like-minded ladies. The group is designed for both stay-at-home and working moms who have kids of all ages—there is no limit in this group! Eastside Cool Mommies encourages its members to get their kiddos out of the house and make new friends as well as get some advice, give some advice and have fun!

Eastside Mothers Club
The Eastside Mothers Club knows that being a mom can be joyous, stressful, wonderful, frustrating, awesome, and trying all at the same time. They also know it can be a lonely and under-appreciated profession. EMC was formed by moms for moms living on the Eastside. The purpose of this club is to provide friendship, community, fun, education, and mutual support for mothers of tots ages birth through five years. Members in this group will meet other stay-at-home moms, enjoy fun events with kiddos in tow and learn about great family activities on the Eastside.

Eastside Mothers of Multiples
Are you a mom of multiples? Eastside Mothers of Multiples (EMOMs) is dedicated to fostering mutual support between families facing the unique joys and challenges of raising multiples. In this group, volunteers facilitate the exchange of information, ideas, and clothing and equipment through their private website, semi-annual sale, and a wide range of other activities. Members in this group will get much-needed support and opportunities to form lasting friendships with other moms and families of multiples.

Eastside Parents: Wing it, Meet it, Bring it!
This group of laid back parents just want to hang out and have fun. Collectively they are made up of working parents and stay-at-home parents and have teens, toddlers, babies, and dogs. The group believes that being in your 30s and 40s is young (isn’t it?) and like to live at the beach in the summer and play in the snow in the winter, but above all – love their kids.

Kirkland Moms Network
Kirkland Moms Network is an online support group for stay-at-home moms (and dads). The group knows the importance of getting together with other parents for support and friendship and knows the importance of kids learning to socialize at an early age. The group shares tips on everything from getting kids to eat to finding great places to go with the family. Above all, they enjoy staying home and having fun with their kids.

Kirkland/Redmond/Bellevue Toddler Playgroup
This group offers free and cheap daytime activities for toddlers (walking, but under 3-years-old) in Kirkland, Redmond and Bellevue. The group is designed mostly for nannies and stay-at-home parents and caregivers as activities take place on weekdays, during the daytime. This group is a great social experience for young children.

MOMS Club of Bellevue
This club is a chapter of the International MOMS Club, the only organization designed especially for moms who choose to stay at home with their children. If you live in Bellevue and stay at home at least part-time to care for your kiddos, this chapter might be for you! The chapter strives to plan activities that are of interest to all of its members including park days, playgroups, coffee club, field trips, and the ever-popular mom’s night out!

MOMS Club of the Sammamish Plateau
MOMS Club of Sammamish Plateau is a chapter of an International organization aimed at providing support for mothers who stay at-home or work part-time to raise their children. Their goals include supporting one another, having fun with their kids and performing service projects in the community. MOMS Club is an awesome way for you to meet other moms who share your interests while providing a safe environment for your kiddos to socialize.

 

Didn’t find the club for you?
Check out these national organizations with clubs in multiple locations throughout the Puget Sound.

Fit4Mom 
Fit4Mom started with Stroller Strides in 2001. With over 1,300 locations nationwide, it offers its members an opportunity to get in shape, meet other moms and have fun with their babies. Since it opened, it has released Fit4Baby (a prenatal fitness class) and Body Back (a workout for any stage of motherhood). All of their programs give moms the “strength for motherhood.”

Meetup
Meetup.com helps moms find other moms who share their same interests or causes and helps form lasting and influential local community groups that regularly meet face-to-face.

MOMS Club
This support group is designed for the stay-at-home mom. If you are interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your kiddos, and are proud of your choice of at-home mothering for your family, this could be the group for you!

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
MOPS connects moms all over the world to a community of women, in their own neighborhoods, who meet together to laugh, cry, and embrace the journey of motherhood. MOPS groups encourage moms to be honest, to feel more equipped, and to find their identity by journeying alongside one another.

See Mommy Run
Stay fit. Stay healthy. It’s one of the most important things we can do as a mom. If you would like to join other moms in your area to run or walk or to share health, fitness, and everyday living tips, this is the group for you. See Mommy Run invites moms to join existing groups in their area or start one of their own.

After witnessing her Mom’s struggle with breast cancer at a young age, Keely—a fitness and wellness specialist and owner of Be Grand Fitness—turned that experience into a mission of healthy food, appropriate exercise and a balanced life.

We’re teaming up with Blue Shield of California to celebrate local Bay Area moms who have inspired us to seek healthy, balanced lives.  First up: Keely Grand of Be Grand Fitness.

Red Tricycle:  You’re part of a group of moms that are on a serious mission.  What’s yours?
Keely Grand: My main mission is to combat childhood obesity. I believe that the majority of the work and responsibility lies with the parents. I love working with different types of people with all types of abilities, but families are at the top of my list.

RT:  What inspired you to pursue health, fitness and fighting childhood obesity?
KG:  It was a combination of things: my mom getting breast cancer, my dad being a runner himself, my mom’s constant efforts to feed us the healthiest food, seeing unfit people get diseases that can be prevented with good health and going through my master’s program – health communication.

RT:  I take it your kids are a big part of what you do?
KG: My kids work with me. My oldest has been my exercise buddy since he was a baby. He’s come to classes with me from 3 months old and up until he went to preschool. My little guy is just 7 months old, and seems to enjoy it all too. Food is another aspect of my passion and my son is right there with me. We make kale smoothies together and go shopping for healthy food.

RT:  I bet your preschooler has said some pretty funny things as your exercise buddy, right?
KG: One time we were doing squat jumps and I was counting backwards and he yelled “Blast off!” when I got to 1. It stuck. Three years later, every time we do a jumping exercise with a backwards countdown we all yell “Blast off!”

RT:  What advice would you give to families that a more healthy lifestyle?
KG: Participate in any activity you can with your child. The joy in their entire being is priceless. Even if its 10 minutes of chase, dribble or bike riding after school or work, show your children that exercise can be fun and that you enjoy fitness with them.

Be Like Keely!  Blue Shield of California’s Wellness Challenge:
Purchase a resistance band if you want to work your muscles, a stroller if you want to walk or run with your child, chalk if you want to play hopscotch with your preschooler, the list is endless. You can burn a ton of calories by just playing chase and they’ll love every second of it!

Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield of California.