by Amanda on September 25, 2023

Top Fall Pumpkin / Apple Farms Near Chicago

Dear friend,

Fall is just around the corner, and with warmer temps still here, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season!

Whether you’re looking for a day of apple picking or searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, we’ve provided a great list of fun, Fall spots below!

**Jonamac Orchard** – Malta, IL

   – A scenic orchard offering apple picking, pumpkin patches, a corn maze, and delicious apple cider donuts.

**Kuipers Family Farm** – Maple Park, IL

   – Enjoy apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a petting zoo at this family-friendly farm.

**County Line Orchard** – Hobart, IN

   – Explore acres of apple trees, corn mazes, and take a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch for your perfect pumpkin.

**Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard** – Pingree Grove, IL

   – A one-stop-shop for apples, pumpkins, farm animals, and fall-themed activities like haunted houses and inflatables.

**Royal Oak Farm Orchard** – Harvard, IL

   – A serene orchard with apple picking, a country store, and a picturesque view of the orchard from a 40-foot lookout tower.

**Didier Farms** – Lincolnshire, IL

   – Known for its pumpkin patches, pony rides, hayrides, and a fun-filled Pumpkin Playland for kids.

**Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm** – Minooka, IL

   – Experience pumpkin picking, a corn maze, pig races, and a pumpkin cannon show for thrilling family entertainment.

*Please note that availability and activities may vary, so we recommend checking their respective websites or contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information.

As you plan your autumn outings, these locations offer an opportunity to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the beauty of the season. 

Our seasonal clock is ticking, so don’t hesitate! Feel free to reach out with any questions on my favorites.

PS – DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST NEXT MONTH!!! TIME TO GET YOUR GAME FACES ON!

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Chicago Pool & Beach Schedule August 2023

by Amanda on August 3, 2023

Dear friend,

With only a few weeks of August remaining it’s time to cross swimming off your summer bucket list.  Starting August 5th, Chicago Park District camps release their stranglehold on public pools and beaches, so it’s your chance to get out there and cool off!

This month we are excited to present you with a curated list of top Chicago spots to go swimming!

Never been to a Chicago pool before?  They’re actually great.  Really well run, clean and conveniently located all over the city.

But I have younger kids!  No problem.  Each pool has scheduled times for families and note the pool depth on their page.

But I DON’T want kids!  Totally understand.  Many pools have adult swim or adult lap swim times blocked off just for you.

Pools really aren’t for me.  We’ve got you covered and included some of our favorite beach spots as well!

Check out our list below, (or the map in the header of this post), to discover the coolest and most refreshing public swimming spots around town. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to dip your toes in the water, our list is your go-to resource for all things aquatic.


Our Top 10 List


Holstein Park (Bucktown)
(Pool, Outdoor, 50 yards, 3-11′ deep)
2200 N. Oakley Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

Hamlin Park (West Lakeview)
(Pool, Outdoor, 50 yards, 3-7′ deep)
3035 N. Hoyne Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

Montrose Beach
(Beach, Dog Beach, Concessions, Life Guard)
4400 N. Lake Shore Drive
Montrose Beach Website
* Check website for water quality issues or swim advisories

Smith Park Pool (West Town)
(Pool, Outdoor, 25 yards, 3-9′ deep)
2526 Grand Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

North Avenue Beach
(Beach, Concessions, Life Guard)
4400 N. Lake Shore Drive
North Ave. Beach Website
* Check website for water quality issues or swim advisories

California Park Pool (Irving Park)
(Pool, Outdoor, 50 yards, 3-9′ deep)
3834 N. California Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

Oak Street Beach
(Beach, Concessions, Life Guard)
1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
Oak Street Beach Website
* Check website for water quality issues or swim advisories

Gompers Park (Albany Park)
(Pool, Outdoor, 25 yards, 3-9′ deep)
4222 W. Foster Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

Pulaski Park (West Town)
(Pool, Outdoor, 25 yards, 3-9′ deep)
4222 W. Foster Avenue
August Schedule and Pool Hours

Osterman (Hollywood) Beach
(Beach, Concessions, Life Guard)
5800 North Lake Shore Drive
Hollywood Beach Website
* Check website for water quality issues or swim advisories

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2023 Chicago Farmer’s Market Schedule

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Each summer the Chicago area plays host to an amazing number of farmers markets.  These markets bring in the best locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other wonderful foods from farmers around the Chicago area.  Almost every neighborhood has one, so you can most likely find one not too far from home starting this month. Since […]

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The 2023 CHP March Madness Pool!

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Enter the 15th Annual Chicago Home Partner March Madness Pool!  Winner gets a $100 gift card. Free Entry!

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The 18th Annual CHP Toy Drive for Lurie Children’s Hospital

December 12, 2022

Dear friend, For the past 18 years, we at Chicago Home Partner have celebrated the holidays through many ways – but none more fulfilling than our holiday toy drive for Ann & Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  If you would like to participate, simply donate an unwrapped toy, by shipping it directly to […]

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The 18th Annual CHP Toy Drive for Lurie Children’s Hospital

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For the past 18 years our team has personally matched each toy donation with a $10 gift card which brightens the holidays for families in need.

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Chicago’s BEST Holiday Lights 2022

November 18, 2022

As temperatures and leaves continue to drop, it’s a tell-tale sign that the season is upon us!  That’s right ladies and gentlemen… ‘Tis the season for LIGHTS!!! Whether Griswold or Scrooge, there’s something magical about seeing thousands, (and sometimes hundreds of thousands!), of lights glowing, blinking and twinkling in the crisp Chicago air.  The way […]

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The 16th Annual Chicago Home Partner Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 18, 2022

As the temperatures begin to tumble like the leaves outside, it’s time to begin thinking about winter, the holidays and most importantly HALLOWEEN! This is one of our favorite holidays here at Chicago Home Partner, and we are pleased to announce that this month will mark the 16th Annual Chicago Home Partner Pumpkin Carving Contest.  This is […]

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