Apples don’t just keep the doctor away—they can also make for a day full of family fun! Apple picking is already a treasured fall tradition for many Chicago families, but if you don’t have a spot to call your own, check out one of these local farms and apple orchards nearby.
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on apple picking availability, safety precautions and any last-minute closings. Stay safe!
All Seasons Orchard
Where: 14510 Illinois Route 176, Woodstock
Cost: Starts at $9-$14 per person (includes 1/4 peck bag of apples), Free for kids ages 2 and under (do not receive a bag); passes available for activities
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Maze
This orchard boasts more than 15,000 apple trees. (Bonus: If you love Honeycrisp apples, All Seasons has one of the largest Honeycrisp orchards around.) Also, check out the on-site bakery where you may watch the making of extremely delicious apple cider doughnuts along with other amazing fall treats. Online ticketing will be available for weekend picking.
Apple Holler
Where: 5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Cost: $15 1/4 peck bag
Stock: Apples
More than 75 acres of apples highlight the fall for families that have made Apple Holler part of their traditions. This season, pickers will be asked to wash their hands at one of the provided stations before they head to the orchard. Face masks are required, especially in areas where social distancing can’t be maintained. Check the farm’s website for complete details about enhanced coronavirus regulations.
Cody’s Farm
Where: 19502 River Road, Marengo
Cost: $20 per peck
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Maze
The orchard in north McHenry County is filled with fun things to do, including picking apples and pumpkins beginning in late September. Masks and social distancing are required in the farm market.
County Line Orchard
Where: 200 S. County Line Road, Hobart, Ind.
Cost: U-pick: $1 admission, $1.79 per pound; Pre-picked: $9.99-$14.99 1/2 peck
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Maze
The Indiana orchard has more than 30 varieties of apples to be picked from early September through late October. Meet the bees, check out a kids farm and leave with a few dozen donuts. Masks are required in indoor spaces and when social distancing can’t be maintained.
Garwood Orchards
Where: 5911 West 50 South, LaPorte, Ind.
Cost: $1.79 per pound
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins
The orchard features more than 15 varieties of apples from late August through October. Families can also opt for curbside pickup and pre-order the apples online. Call or check the orchard’s website before you go to ensure your favorite variety is available.
Edwards Apple Orchard
Where: 7061 Centerville Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: $40 1/2 bushel bag, $7 1/4 peck bag
Stock: Apples
For the past 50 years, Edwards Apple has been offering apple picking for families. Hop on the wagon to the orchard to pick the apples available from the 25 varieties. Face coverings are required in the Apple Barn, where families can pick up pre-picked apples, apple cider, donuts and other specialty items. Check the farm’s website for the best picking dates for your favorite variety.
Heinz Orchard
Where: 1050 Crest Road, Green Oaks
Cost: $10 1/2 peck bag, $20 peck bag
Stock: Apples
This no-frills orchard is a Lake County favorite for apple picking. Picking opens in mid-September. Visit the farm’s website for more information about COVID-19 restrictions and which apples are in season.
Homestead Orchard
Where: 11802 Charles Road, Woodstock
Cost: $20 peck
Stock: Apples, Pears
Homestead has more than 20 varieties of apples to pick, beginning in late August and running through October. Visit the farm’s website for information about what’s in season. Picnicking will not be allowed this season, and masks are required in the store and orchard when social distancing can’t be maintained.
Kupier’s Family Farm
Where: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park
Cost: $10.99 per person (includes 1/4 peck of apples); Free for kids ages 2 and under (do not receive a bag)
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees
Families can take a limited-capacity hayride to the grove and pick 1/4 peck apples from 25 acres of trees. The farm is open only Saturdays and Sundays through October. Masks are required in the market and there will be a limited capacity indoors on busier weekends. Pumpkin tickets can be purchased online, and most attractions will be available for families to enjoy a day on the farm.
Lang’s Orchard
Where: 17411 Secor Road, Woodstock
Cost: $16 peck
Stock: Apples
Picking for the 10 varieties begins Sept. 12 (Honeycrisp and Snowsweet are only available pre-picked). Families should wear masks both at the stand and in the orchard when social distancing can’t be maintained. The farm asks that parties not meet at the farm with friends and family members not already in close contact with. The farm is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends through the growing season.
Prairie Sky Orchard
Where: 4914 N. Union Road, Union
Cost: Check at the farm
Stock: Apples, Pears, Pumpkins
Pick apples or Asian pears and while you’re at the store, add pumpkins or U-Bake pies to your list (wow your family with a scrumptious, hot pie from your oven). Check the orchard’s website for updated regulations and changes due to COVID-19.
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Where: 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
Cost: $13 (includes a 1/2 peck bag) and $7 kids ages 4-18 and seniors (includes a 1/4 peck bag)
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Squash, Apple Maze
Located just south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, Royal Oak Farm has more than 20,000 apple trees in more than 30 varieties at the orchard. Follow the farm’s Facebook page for updates about coronavirus precautions.
Stade’s Farm and Market
Where: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
Cost: $10 1/4 peck bag, $25 peck bag, $50 1/2 bushel; Festival: $15, free 2 and under
Stock: Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Maze
Families flock here for Shades of Autumn Festival and classic farm fun beginning Sept. 12. Activities abound, including a mini-Ferris wheel, veggie cars, slide mountain, a unique cattle truck maze, hand-cut corn maze, outdoor concerts, zip lines, climbing bins, jumping pillow, corn box, barrel train and pedal cars. Social distancing and masks are required in the market. Cash and credit cards are accepted, but checks are not.
Woody’s Orchard
Where: 3223 Creek Rd., Plano
Cost: $7 ages 4 and older (includes 1/4 peck bag of apples); additional fees for some activities
Stock: Apples
Take a tractor-pulled wagon to the orchard with 6,000 trees with 15 varieties of apples. The orchard, store, bakery and playground are open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Some activities are modified to alleviate coronavirus concerns.
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This story originally published Sept. 12, 2019 and has been updated with the most recent information.