How to use transit to enjoy fall in the Chicago region
October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024
Instead of mourning another Chicagoland summer come and gone, start creating your plans to make the most of fall. The RTA has curated a list of indoor and outdoor activities you can take the CTA, Metra, or Pace to across the region this season.
The iconic park on the West Side of Chicago spanning 200 acres is an excellent place to enjoy fall colors. Explore the lagoons and boat house, playgrounds, historic statues, formal gardens, natural area, community gardens, and more.
Where: 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622
How to get there:
Just southwest of Humboldt Park is one of the West Side’s most cherished gems, the Garfield Park Conservatory. Step inside for a blast of warmth on a particularly chilly fall day or explore the outdoor gardens to really enjoy the changing leaves.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
How to get there:
Located in the Woodlawn community and accessible via the Lakefront Trail, Jackson Park spans 550 acres and features some of the most stunning foliage in all of Chicago. Check out Wooded Island, including the Japanese Garden, for stunning fall colors.
Where: 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
How to get there:
Lyman Woods is 150 acres of oak woods, prairie, and marsh habitats that supports over 300 species of native plants. Discover an amazing diversity of plant life, including six species classified as rare in the Chicago region.
Where: 901 31st St., Downers Grove, IL 60515
How to get there:
The 257-acre Dan Ryan Woods is a well-loved family destination on Chicago’s South Side, with picnic groves and a mile-long paved loop that connects to the Major Taylor Trail. The site supports a large array of native plants, animals, and migratory birds, providing picture-perfect scenery when the leaves begin to change.
Where: S. Western Ave. & W. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60620
How to get there:
This free fall festival is fun for the whole family, featuring pumpkin picking and Ferris wheel rides above the foliage. Visitors can also enjoy musical entertainment, performances, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment and demonstrations for the animals.
When: Fridays-Sundays now through October 27
Where: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
How to get there:
Check out the creatures, creepy crawlers, and more in your costumes at this Halloween-themed event that's perfect for family photo ops. All ages are welcome, and the kids will leave with a sweet treat.
When: Saturdays and Sundays now through October 20
Where: 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513
How to get there:
Naperville invites kids 16 and younger to this two-day festival that will be filled with outdoor activities and performances, some of which include a zombie maze, blacklight canvas painting, and an immersive skit inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
When: October 18-19
Where: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540
How to get there:
A Halloween Extravaganza with free pumpkins, live entertainment, costume parades, a haunted maze, and much more. Bring your canine companion for Bark-Palooza which includes a costume parade for dogs, treats, and other dog activities.
When: October 19
Where: 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
How to get there:
Check out other Chicago Park District Halloween events here.
For those notorious gloomy, chilly, or rainy fall days, spend some time exploring museums throughout the region. The RTA has some recommendations—and how to get to them—here.
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