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As we celebrate Illinois’ bicentennial of statehood this year, Richardson’s Adventure Farm has gotten in on the act. The people that brought you mazes depicting the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup and the Cubs’ World Series wins have designed a 28-acre puzzle that highlights the best of Illinois. The design of the maze includes a bust of Abe Lincoln, Chicago skyscrapers, the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier and the Lake Michigan shoreline. It also highlights other state symbols, such as the capitol building, the Mississippi River and agricultural assets. The farm also has pig races, wagon rides, a carousel and a train. $17 for 13 and up, $14 for kids 4-12, free 3 and under in September. Thursdays-Sundays, Sept. 1-Nov. 4, including Labor Day and Columbus Day. 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. (815) 675-9729. richardsonadventurefarm.com.
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Though the calendar says the season changes on Sept. 22, there are still outdoor fests to make sure you’ve filled your street food fix before the temps scream for more layers. The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts (Sept. 8-9) has an interactive children’s art area; Cary Main Street Fest (Sept. 15-16) has a family entertainment stage; the Elim Dutch Festival (Sept. 22) kicks off with a pancake breakfast; and the Homewood Fall Fest (Sept. 29) is late enough to include a pumpkin patch.
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Monarch butterflies begin their trek south to Mexico soon. Oak Lawn Park District is celebrating all things monarch with puppets, music, arts and crafts, butterfly tagging and a bug zoo at its Monarch Festival. There’s also a chance to buy some milkweed if you want to attract the butterflies to your own garden. 2-5 p.m. Sept. 15. Free. Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. olparks.com.
This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of Chicago Parent. Read the rest of the issue.
