Pumpkin Weekends celebrate fall at Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm is celebrating fall throughout October with its popular Pumpkin Weekends at 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.

Each weekend, Blackberry Farm will be decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season. A picnic area will have pumpkins for purchase and an assortment of decorating materials will be provided.

Carousel rides, hay wagon rides, pony rides, paddle boats, Little Farmer's Junction (for 6 years and younger) and tours on the "Pumpkin Train" are part of each weekend's festivities, along with the historic museums and interactive farm animal areas.

Among the attractions is the Victorian Halloween Party that traces back to the origins of Halloween, with an event host leading crafts and games. Held in the Huntoon House, it's a ghoulish balance of scary and fun.

Other popular features include the Corn Crib - similar to a large sandbox, but filled with corn - where children can roll and wriggle farm style. Also, there's the Adventure Playground, an innovative play area that incorporates climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels.

Park hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $7; free for children younger than 2.

"Pumpkin Weekends originated as a fall festival day, but it was so popular that we expanded it to include every weekend," said Sandie Gilmer, facility supervisor at Blackberry Farm. "This is such a fun time of year that we want to make the season last just a little longer."

Special attractions will be featured throughout the month, including:

• Saturday, Oct. 14: Superhero Day, picnic area 4, noon to 3 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 21: Trick-or-Treat, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 21: Costume Parade (led by farm ponies), Events Plaza, 1 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 29: World's Tallest Scarecrow, 2 to 3 p.m.

For details, call Blackberry Farm at (630) 892-1550 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and the Blackberry Farm Facebook page.