Fall is not complete without a trip to a local pumpkin farm. We took a trip to Didier Farms near Lincolnshire for their Fall Pumpkin Festival. We went on Columbus Day when many kids were out of school, including mine. I thought it was going to be crazy busy. There were a lot people there and a few school buses, but it wasn’t crowded and there was ample parking. I was pleasantly surprised.
We began with a visit to see Lucy the pig and her new babies. The kids were fascinated by the mommy pig and babies! We then went to buy some tickets for rides and crafts. Tickets are $1 each and most rides and attractions take 3 or 4 tickets. They have some fun mechanical rides – scrambler, dragon train, mini cars, big strawberry ride, big slide, etc. We tried them all out and the kids loved it.
We then ventured over to the petting zoo. I am usually have reservations about petting zoos, but Didier Farms had a very well kept and clean area for the animals, very nice. There are also plenty of farm animals for viewing. The kids laughed at the goats up on a big platform and then they would run across a little bridge to their house, it was cute.
By now it was getting time for a snack and a beverage. We got some popcorn and lemonade in take a home pumpkin cup and straw. There was plenty of picnic tables inside and outside for us to sit for a few minutes and have a snack. The big pumpkin jumper was next – what a great way for the kids to burn off some energy!
It was getting pretty late and we needed to head home soon. We wanted to go through the corn maze and on a hayride to pick our own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, but we’ll have to save that for our next visit. We chose some pumpkins from the rows and rows of them they have scattered throughout the grounds. We also wanted to take part in some of the fun craft projects too, but simply didn’t have enough time. We then went into the big barn to pay for our pumpkins. They have a wonderful bakery and shop inside. You can get anything from caramel popcorn to donuts to apple cider. It all looked very delicious. Lots of fun Halloween décor as well!

Overall, I was very impressed with Didier Farms. Well kept, clean, ample parking, very friendly and helpful staff and an awful lot of fun to be had! We were there about four hours, but could have easily spent all day.

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