Top Fall Activities for College Students in Evanston and Chicago
As a therapy practice offering services for young adults and college students in Chicago and Evanston, IL, we understand the challenges in finding fall activities. We know how difficult it can be to discover all the available options for college students in these areas. It can be difficult if you’re not from the area. Or if you’re a busy college student with limited time to research and plan activities. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of fall activities for college students in Evanston and Chicago.
Apple Picking at Jonamac Orchard 
Located in Malta, IL off Shabona Rd, Jonamac Orchard spans 25 acres. It’s a great place to calm your anxiety and momentarily forget about classes. It offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and other fall activities. Be sure to try the Pazazz apples—a juicy and delightful hybrid similar to Honeycrisp, but even better. The orchard is vast, with both North and South sections. Yet it’s easy to navigate thanks to blue ribbons marking pickable apples and a handy map. Just a 90-minute drive from the city, the orchard also sells donuts, taffy apples, nachos, apple cider slushies, and more. Don’t miss snapping a photo in the big wooden chair at the entrance! Whether you’re planning a fun outing with college friends or a unique date, Jonamac Orchard is the perfect destination.
Chicago Botanic Garden Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
The Chicago Botanic Garden, situated in Glencoe, IL near the Northmoor Country Club, covers 385 beautiful acres. The Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns event, held from October 16–20 and 23–27. It features professionally carved pumpkins all over the garden. They showcase recreations of popular album covers, eerie cartoons, haunted tales from Chicago, and vibrant Día de los Muertos tributes. But don’t worry! There are also costumed entertainers and live pumpkin-carving demos! Plus, there will be food, drinks, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Thus, making it a must-visit for college students looking for a fun and unique fall experience.
Explore the Evanston Farmers’ Market
Fall is never complete without a visit to a farmer’s market! And the Evanston Farmers’ Market is one of the best in the area. It’s located at University Ave. at Oak St. (behind Hilton Garden Inn) and offers a nice mix of vendors. It’s known to often have a friendly, diverse crowd. Discover a variety of fresh vegetables, cut flowers, annuals, and perennials. Indulge in donuts, breads, and treats, or enjoy custom-made crepes and a Mexican breakfast. Sip on fresh coffee while browsing handmade straw hats, bags, and jewelry, along with much more! The best part? Free parking! Parking is available in the Maple Ave. Garage, accessible only from Maple Ave. Don’t forget to bring your ticket to the City of Evanston tent for free validation!
Indulge in a Decadent Chocolate Experience at Noir d’Ébène Chocolat et Pâtisserie
Love chocolate and want to know where to find it? Noir d’Ébène Chocolat et Pâtisserie is located in Evanston, IL at 1631 Chicago Avenue. It is known a great place to buy chocolates for yourself or as gifts. Founded by the talented pastry chef and chocolatier Shannon Sudduth, this artisanal boutique offers incredible edible gifts. Ones that are handcrafted with the freshest ingredients. Including cacao nibs, European-style butter, and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean paste. A must-visit for chocolate lovers! Oh, did we mention chocolate is known to relieve stress?
Experience Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
If you’re not a local, you might not understand the excitement around Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up. Located at 1265 W Le Moyne St in Chicago, IL, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is a yearly event that transforms a parking lot into an Instagram paradise of colorful art installations, food trucks, and bars. This outdoor pop-up offers endless photo opportunities and fun activities like axe throwing, an insanely large corn maze, fortune tellers, carnival games and more! It’s the perfect place to take a break from studying and enjoy some fall-themed fun with friends. Plus, did we mention they have 10,000+ pumpkins?
Thompson Farm Sunflowers 
Now, this one is a bit further out in Bristol, WI, just over the Wisconsin-Illinois border, but it’s definitely worth the drive. Thompson Farm is a family-owned agritourism destination that specializes in perfect U-pick adventures. They offer sunflowers, other flower varieties, raspberries, and pumpkins in late summer and fall. If you’re wanting to decorate your dorm or apartment with beautiful sunflowers, or just enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature and stunning views, this is the place to go. Enjoy picking the largest pumpkin or sunflower you can find, and take some amazing photos while you’re at it!
Walk Northwestern or Loyola’s Campus
Don’t underestimate the beauty of your own campus during the fall season! Northwestern is located by Lake Michigan, offering breathtaking scenic views and a peaceful place to take a walk and clear your mind. Loyola‘s campus is located in the charming Rogers Park neighborhood, providing a mix of historical architecture and nature. Take some time to explore your own campus and appreciate the changing colors of fall. From the trees on Loyola’s campus to the iconic arch and lake views at Northwestern, you’ll be sure to find Instagram-worthy spots and moments to capture. Plus, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and just enjoy the season in a low-key and tranquil way.
Sip & Savor at Backlot Coffee
What’s better than a cozy coffee shop on a crisp fall day? Backlot Coffee, founded by John Kim and Isaac Bloom in 2016, is a comfortable and friendly coffeehouse on the north side of Evanston, IL. It’s like a community within a community, reminiscent of the “Backlot” where homes share a common backyard—a space of belonging and connection. Located off Central St. and a short walk from the Metra train station, it offers a neighborhood feel with great baristas and cafe.
The staff serves delicious house brew and innovative drinks. Thus, creating a place where neighbors can build and share a life together. Just like our own “backlots”—front stoops, back porches, and public parks—Backlot Coffee is a place to sip, connect and belong with others. So grab a book or your laptop and head over to Backlot Coffee to enjoy the fall vibes, while indulging in some warm drinks and food!
Hewn Bakery 
Fresh baked goods are a must during the fall season, and Hewn Bakery in Evanston, IL never disappoints. Located on Chicago’s North Shore, Hewn is a rustic, woman-owned bakery that specializes in made-from-scratch breads, pastries, and sandwiches. Opened by Ellen King and Julie Matthei in 2013, their artisan breads and baked goods are naturally leavened and baked at the Evanston location. Hewn Bakery has become known as one of the best bakeries in the states, reminiscent of authentic Parisian bakeries. Visitors often find themselves purchasing more than planned, drawn in by the delicious, fresh offerings. The warm baguettes and friendly staff contribute to an exceptional experience that has made many new friends in town. Stop by Hewn Bakery this fall and indulge in their famous chocolate croissants, pumpkin bread, or any of their other delectable treats!
Fall is a beautiful time of year, full of colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and fun activities for college students in Evanston and Chicago. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures like apple picking or exploring farmer’s markets, or indulging in sweet treats and Instagram-worthy experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall season. So take a break from your studies and make some memories with friends at these fall activities in the area. We hope our guide helps you discover new and exciting ways to embrace the season and create lasting memories! However, if you find that you are struggling this fall, consider therapy for college students in Chicago and Evanston, IL or therapy for young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing.
Embrace Autumn and Prioritize Self-Care with an In-Person and Online Therapist in Chicago & Evanston, IL
As the weather cools down and leaves change colors, it’s a good reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves. College can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s important to prioritize self-care in order to maintain your mental health and well-being. If you find yourself struggling this fall season, consider reaching out to an online therapist in Chicago & Evanston, IL for support. Or, if you prefer talking to a therapist in person, that is also an option Evanston Counseling offers. At Evanston Counseling, we specialize in working with college students and young adults. Our therapists are empathetic, supportive, and here to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing.
We offer a range of therapy options online, such as therapy for young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL, and therapy for college students in Chicago and Evanston, IL. Don’t hesitate to prioritize your mental health this fall season and reach out for support when you need it. Take the first step toward self-care by following the steps below:
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Speak with an experienced College Student therapist.
- Enjoy the fall season while prioritizing your mental health and well-being!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois
At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering therapy for college students and young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL. We understand that everyone is unique and may benefit from different types of therapy services. That’s why we offer a variety of therapeutic approaches to cater to your individual needs. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Teen Counseling Therapy for Young Adults, and, caters to individuals facing challenges like Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain and GI Distress. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Pet Therapy, ensuring a tailored approach to your individual needs. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can work through personal challenges and achieve your goals.
