10 Family-Friendly Fall Activities In And Around Kankakee County

Posted on: September 13, 2016 | Misc. , Postpartum, Toddlers

It is coming to that wonderful time of year.  Warm sweaters, boots, pumpkin spice…well everything, and looking for some fun family activities before the Midwest weather takes a turn for the frigid.  I have gathered 10 of those such activities that are open for all ages, although it is required that children have an adult present for most.

1. Full Moon Hike: Friday, September 16, 2016     8:00pm – 9:00pm

This is a hike that will be hosted at the Willowhaven Nature Center.  Along the hike you will be listening for the call of owls and other night animals, while also watching for what other creatures prefer to come out of hiding at night.  Following the hike, you can sit around campfire enjoying stories and s’mores!  This Sounds to be a great time for the nature lover in your family.  There is a registration fee of $8.00 which is reduced to $6.00 if you register more than 48 hours in advance and children 5 and under are free.  It is recommended you bring a flashlight and bug spray!

2. A Day of Fun: Saturday, September 24, 2016 9:00am – 10:00am, 10:00am – 12:00pm, & 11:00am – 1:00pm

There is a day of fun planned at the Exploration Station.  It starts with the Scarecrow Parade in the morning.  For $10.00, you bring a wagon or stroller, and you will decorate it like a float using supplies provided.  The parade will travel along the fence checking out the locally submitted scarecrows and price includes a ticket to vote.  Following the parade is the Scarecrow Festival.  There will be celebrity judging and people’s choice voting for $1.00 per vote, along with music and food with proceeds benefiting Presence St. Mary’s Breast Health Center.  While there, stick around for the Worldwide Day of Play!  Worldwide Day of Play is a nationwide event that is designed to get children and parents to turn away from screens and play.  They will have a bounce house, face painting, games, and more!!

3. Fair Oaks Farm: Thursday, September 29, 2016 9:30am – 5:00pm

This is a destination activity.  You will meet at the Recreation Station with a 9:30am departure time to ride out to Fair Oaks Farm in Fair Oaks, Indiana.  Try some fresh dairy such as cheese and ice cream.  Witness the miracle of birth in the Birthing Barn and have fun with other families from the community.  The $30.00 fee includes transportation.

4. Pumpkin Painting: Saturday, October 8, 2016      1:00pm – 2:30pm

Join the staff of Willowhaven Nature Center for a day of painting pumpkins.  For the low price of $10.00 all supplies and a variety of pumpkins and gourds will be available.   While the paint is drying you will be invited to go on a guided hike weather permitting.  If the weather is unfavorable, there will be an indoor activity substituted.  What a great afternoon for the little artists in your house and less mess than pumpkin carving.

5. Harvest and Wine Festival: Saturday, October 8, 2016 8:30am – 7:00pm

This will be another destination outing that will start by meeting at the Recreation Station.  You will be travelling to New Buffalo, Michigan.  You can attend the                 Harvest & Wine Festival, take a walk on the beach, or enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride.  You can even go to some local boutiques and restaurants.  The $30.00 fee covers transportation, but the food & wine tastings will cost extra.  The Festival includes wine tastings, activities for children, food vendors with apple cider, and an art and craft fair.  Sure to be a wonderful time on the coast of Lake Michigan.

6. Annie Jr.: Saturday, October 8, 2016 7:00pm-9:00pm & Sunday, October 9, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm

The Kankakee Valley Theater Association (KVTA) is putting on a production of Annie Jr. at the Lincoln Cultural Center (LCC).  Enjoy watching local actors portray the lovable Annie, the cruel Miss Hannigan, the billionaire Oliver Warbucks and his personal secretary Grace Farrell.  Sure to be a fun time for all ages 3 and up for the price of $15.00.

7. Covered Bridge Festival: Friday, October 14, 2016 7:00am-7:00pm

This is one of the most anticipated destination trips.  The Covered Bridge Festival features beautiful scenery, Great shopping, and food that is sure to please.  Spend the day enjoying all the activities, food, and craft booths at Indiana’s largest festival in Bridgeton, Indiana.  The fee of $36.00 covers your transportation for this popular trip.

8. A Night In Sleepy Hollow: Fridays, October 14 & 21, 2016      5:30pm – 11:00pm                     Saturdays, October 15 & 22, 2016       2:00pm – 11:00pm

One of the area’s most anticipated events held at Perry Farm Park.  This annual event is always a hit.  There are 3 parts to this particular event.  Sleepy Hollow Village has free admission.  There will be multiple photo op areas, monster egg hunts, and yummy concessions while Perry Farm is transformed into a spooky spot.  Games and activities will require the use of $1.00 tickets for kid friendly hayrides (until 7:30pm), carnival style games, barrel train, mini corn maze, photo booth with the Headless Horseman and so much more!  The Sleepy Hollow Re-Enactment is a walking re-enactment that tells the tale of Ichabod Crane and his ghostly encounter.  This includes a hayride so it is not stroller friendly.  Tickets for this part are $12.00, but space is limited so get your tickets in advance, they go on sale Saturday, September 24, 2016.  The Haunted Trail is a haunted hayride that winds through over a mile of thrills and screams and not for the faint of heart.  These tickets are $5.00 each and sold at the event.

9. Halloween Party: Saturday, October 29, 2016 1:00 – 3:30pm

Join us again at the Willowhaven Nature Center for a fun filled night of games and activities.  There will be a bat and skunk presentation.  With only $8.00 per person and limited space, be sure to get your tickets in advance.

10. Turkey Trot: Saturday, November 12, 2016

The 6^th annual Turkey Trot will be held on the trails of Perry Farm.  Bourbonnais Township Park District and Starfish Family Homes are sponsoring this event to run/walk for foster kids.  There is a 5K and 2 mile walk for a pre-registration cost of $20.00 and a 10K pre-registration cost of $25.00.  Spend the morning having a nice walk for a good cause.

Bonus – Harvest Moon’s FrightFest: Fridays, September 16 & 23, 2016              6:00pm                             Saturdays, September 17 & 24, 2016     6:00pm

While this one is neither in Kankakee County nor a destination trip, it is a not miss activity!  The 5^th annual FrightFest help at the famous Harvest Moon drive-in theater in Gibson City, IL is sure to not disappoint.  There will be double features on both screens, with one showing kids friendly films and the other showing a newer horror and a classic.  There will be adult & children costume contest, car decorating contest, trunk or treat, carnival style games, and obstacle course along with all the usual food and fun.  There will also be a haunted trail with themed rooms full of your worst fears.  They have added a photo booth and Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas will be available for pictures.

While all these activities sound like they will be fun for all, I am sure there are so many more I haven’t listed.  Share in the comments some of the local activities you are looking forward to this fall!

---