Where to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Whether you carve an elaborate Halloween scene, a classic smiling face or opt to keep your gourd in tact, pumpkins are a holiday necessity.

Time is quickly running out for you to pick up a choice pumpkin and Patch is here to help. Read through our suggestions for the best local places to pick up your Halloween pumpkins. Most of the suggestions were quelled from suggestions on our Facebook page.

If you think we missed someone, let us know in the comments section.

• First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn, 100th Street and Central Ave., Oak Lawn, annual pumpkin patch offers a huge selection of pumpkins and variety of gourds, Indian corn and strawberry corn, perfect for your fall decorating. There is a big pile of leaves to dive into, tractor rides, pictures and all sorts of gifts and goodies. Pumpkins range from $3 to $30. Proceeds from pumpkin sales will go toward church ministries. The Pumpkin Patch is open from 10 a.m. to dusk, Monday through Saturday; and noon to dusk Sunday, through Oct. 31. For more information contact the church at 708-423-1170.
• Children's Farm at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, offers a pumpkin patch in the middle of a working farm. Admission to the patch itself is free and selections include pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and more. On the weekend you can also pay $8 for admission to Pumpkin Playland which features a petting zoo, maze and straw climb. During the week the patch is open from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays the patch and play land welcomes guests from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 708-361-3650 or visit their website. 
• The Chicago Park District is holding a Pumpkin Patch at Hayes Park, 2936 W. 85th Street, on Saturday, Oct. 27. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. pony rides, hay rides, food and games will all be available for a nominal fee. Plenty of pumpkins will be on hand as well. For more information visit the park district's site. 

Day Trips

If your kid thinks that pumpkins grow in the Jewel parking lot, how about a day trip to a farm? Area farms are offering pumpkin patches, corn mazes, crafts, fall decorations and plenty of fresh air. 

• Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen is a fall tradition for Southlanders, offering pumpkins, pig races, a craize corn maze, eats and treats, kiddie rides, petting zoo, hay rides, milking cows, a pumpkin launcher a Halloween shop and plenty of other activities to keep every member of the family engaged. Admission is $10.99 for children ages 3-10 and seniors 55-plus; $11.99 for adults and children over 11. The website offers a $1 off coupon. Bengston's is located at 13341 W. 151st St., in Homer Glen. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Oct. 30; closed on Halloween.
• Puckerville Farms in Lemont is a 180-acre, family-friendly farm that produces a fine variety of crops, including pumpkins and Christmas trees. Come experience the sights and sounds of a working farm, pick up a pumpkin or two or supplies for your fall yard display. Fall activities include pumpkins, hay rides, kiddie rides, treats and goodies. Visit Puckerville Farms for the giant pumpkin contest with pumpkin weigh-in 9 a.m. to noon; or stop by in your costume on Halloween (Oct. 31) for the Pumpkin Fest, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Puckerville Farms is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Halloween.