7 Ways To Celebrate Fall Around Chicago - Even During A Pandemic

Now that fall is here, Chicagoans are getting ready to break out the sweaters, heat up some apple cider and pick out which pumpkins to carve. Oh, and probably ordering a bunch of PSLs, too.

Throughout the area, there are ways for residents and guests to enjoy seasonal staples while staying safe, as COVID-19 guidelines remain in effect.

Here are seven ways to enjoy fall festivities around Chicago:

1. Embark on a haunted ghost tour — if you dare

Chicago is no stranger to creepy events and urban legends of hauntings around the city, and some tours will break down what happened.

These options aren’t only FREE, but participants are able to maintain a social distance from others.

That’s good to know because some Chicago officials are bracing for possible COVID-19 spikes because of Halloween festivities.

One way to get into the spooky season is to take the Free Tours by Foot — a “pay-what-you-like” tour — including the Ghost & Haunting History Tour.

“First stop is the Congress Hotel, known as the most haunted hotel in Chicago,” according to tour organizers. “We will walk through the streets the H. H. Holmes wandered as he stalked his prey, get a glimpse of Chicago’s sordid past through stories of the Everleigh Club and the 1900’s Red Light district, and learn about downtown prison breaks. Expect more history and humor than hauntings. Our guides aim to tell you the history of the darker side of Chicago with stories of eerie coincidences and stories from the past. We don't promise any hauntings as we haven't seen any ghosts ... yet.”

Tour organizers warn, however, that it’s not for “kiddos.” Plan to treat it like a PG-13 movie.

But don’t worry. Choose Chicago, the destination marketing organization for the city, can point tour-goers to other options if you’re looking for a better fit.

2. Go to one of Chicago's many museums

Depending on the weather, people might be looking for an indoor activity. Chicago has many museums that will have you covered (plus, the Chicago History Museum offered a virtual true crime tour, among other virtual events on its calendar).

Choose Chicago broke down the museums that are open, noting that capacities might be capped and the museums will likely have social distancing measures and additional cleaning routines.

Some of the museum’s include Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Broadcast Communications and more.

3. Pick up some pumpkins

Carving — or painting — pumpkins is an iconic, family-friendly fall activity. It’s even better to pick the ones you want from a pumpkin patch.

One place to go for that is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which has “reimagined [their] seasonal offerings” this year.

Though the Zoo nixed its annual Fall Fest, people can still make reservations to walk one way through the zoo — for FREE — and to enjoy some events, including the pumpkin patch.

“Nothing says ‘fall’ like the perfect pumpkin,” according to the Lincoln Park Zoo. “Whether you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern or making some delicious pie this autumn, your adventure starts at Lincoln Park Zoo.”

Prices for pumpkins might vary.

Depending on when you visit the pumpkin patch, you might also be able to plan for the Pumpkin Walk or Patch’s Pumpkin Bar & Grill pop-up.

Find more information from the Lincoln Park Zoo.

4. Stroll through the apple orchards

Want to trade the pumpkin patch for a bushel of apples? Venture outside the city to an orchard.

Heinz Orchard, located in Green Oaks, promises Red Delicious apples, possibly with Empires and McIntoshes.

But this year, the experience will look a little bit different.

To keep guests safe and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Heinz Orchard requires masks, prohibits picnics, asks that people social distance as much as possible, and other guidelines.

"We appreciate your understanding and patients as we work through this unusual year together," Heinz Orchard said.

5. Venture through corn mazes

Or, if apples aren’t exciting enough, get lost… in a corn maze.

Just be sure to check for social distancing requirements.

Farms and orchards throughout Chicago have routinely invited guests — young and old, in daylight and at sun-down — to scurry through cornstalks.

Jonamac Orchard, for example, has daytime corn maze hours with a course celebrating the 125th anniversary of Northern Illinois University.

6. Take a hike

Fall weather can be perfect for exploring Illinois parks, and there are several trails near Chicago to choose from.

Go chasing waterfalls at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, for example, roughly 30 minutes from the city. The preserve is more than 2,500 acres and trails cater to hikers, cyclists and others.

7. Admire the fall foliage

What would fall be without Instagrammable pictures of the leaves changing color?

Visiting some of Chicago’s parks is a way to see the sights, get some fresh air and remain socially distant from others.

Choose Chicago published a guide to the best spots to see the leaves around the city, including in parks and gardens.

Check out the sights in Lincoln Park, the Chicago Botanic Garden and even the Morton Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival, a series of activities through October.

“Take in 1,700 acres of seasonal splendor, as hundreds of thousands of trees from 40 countries blaze with fiery orange, warm gold, and vivid crimson,” the Morton Arboretum states. “Hike or bike in the crisp fall air. Drive scenic roads to see spectacular vistas. Make family memories in our award-winning Children’s Garden, or enjoy fall-themed events.”

Photos: Getty Images