DuPage offers a wide selection of parks, trails, cultural spots, and family-friendly activities that are especially beautiful during the fall season! Here’s a list of free things to do while exploring DuPage this autumn.

Free Fall Events Throughout DuPage 

Fall Festival, Sonny Acres Farm (Free on Weekdays)
September 19 - October 30, 2026
Get ready to dive into an autumn wonderland at Sonny Acres Farm for their highly anticipated Fall Festival in West Chicago! Prepare yourself for non-stop family fun as you explore a thrilling array of attractions and amusements.

Wilkes Family Halloween Displays, Downtown Bensenville 
September 25 – October 31, 2026 
Get into the spirit of the season at the Wilkes Family Display in Downtown Bensenville. Located at the corner of Center and Green, this fan-favorite attraction features elaborate Halloween decor, festive surprises, and live actors on the weekends for an extra dose of seasonal fun. 

Pumpkin Fest, Cosley Zoo (Free with a Wheaton Park District Universal Resident ID) 
October 1 – 30, 2026 
Taking in the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must-do! Go see the animals and experience thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, and various sizes of straw bales are available for purchase.  

Fall Festival, Danada Equestrian Center  
October 10 – 11, 2026 
The DuPage Forest Preserve District’s largest event of the year returns! Festivities include horse riding and vaulting demonstrations along with equine therapy lessons. Families can also enjoy wagon rides, pony rides, barn tours, and hands-on nature activities. 

Halloween Movies Trivia, Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar 
October 20, 2026 
Test your Halloween and Horror Movie knowledge with a festive-themed trivia while enjoying some delicious food with family and friends. Trivia is free with reservations encouraged.  

Halloween Hop, Downtown Naperville 
October 25, 2026 
The Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop will be hopping from 10 AM to noon on Saturday, October 25. Visitors can expect candy surprises door-to-door, face painting and a free Trick and Treat Trolley ride around downtown.  

Park Districts
DuPage County's park districts offer a variety of free fall activities, events, and programs throughout the season. From guided nature walks to seasonal events, these local organizations provide many ways to enjoy autmun while connecting with the community. Check your local park districts calendar for upcoming events and seasonal offerings.

Girl holding pumpkin and smiling at Cosley Zoo's pumpkin fest.
@kmgarrity, Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest

Marvel Among the Vibrant Fall Colors

Did you know DuPage is home to sixty forest preserves and over 500 miles of trails? You don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy outdoor activities. Think: hikes, bike rides, picnics, and more! Check out our Top Places to Enjoy Brilliant Fall Colors blog for a list of recommendations in DuPage. Two of our favorites include: 

The Illinois Prairie Path (once a railroad) stretches through DuPage and connects to downtown districts in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Villa Park, and Elmhurst. It’s a favorite for walking, biking, and bird-watching. The best part? It’s free to enjoy!

Waterfall Glen features 11 miles of forest trails open year-round. Frequently ranked among the region’s best trails, it draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the area to explore the Sawmill Creek bluff or cool off near the falls during the warmer months.

Fall season on the Illinois Prairie Path
Illinois Prairie Path

Learn about more free and budget-friendly outdoor activities in DuPage County here.

Visit DuPage County Museums

Did you know DuPage has an impressive offering of free museums? One of the most unique cultural spaces in DuPage is the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, the only museum in the country dedicated to the art of carving stone and earth minerals. Free admission is every Wednesday.

You can also delve into Illinois’ past at the DuPage County Historical Museum, which features rotating exhibits of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia spanning from the 19th century to the present. Take a ride down memory lane along Route 66 with The Mother Road & Iconic DuPage Firsts Exhibit or explore how pivotal moments in American history have shaped the nation and resonated locally through Defining US: The 250th Anniversary of the United States Exhibit. 

Here’s a complete list of free museums in the area worth visiting:

 

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art


Ready to Plan your Visit?

This list is just the start. Explore more free and low-cost ways to experience DuPage—then use our curated trip ideas and Official Visitors Guide to help map out where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your time here.