Best apple picking near Chicago: Top orchards for families in 2025

Apple picking near Chicago is one of the best ways to celebrate fall with kids. From tractor rides and corn mazes to fresh cider and donuts, local orchards turn a simple harvest into a full day of family fun.

In this 2025 apple picking guide, you’ll find the top orchards near Chicago with opening dates, admission prices, activities and insider tips to help plan your visit. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or keeping an old one alive, these orchards offer everything from Honeycrisp apples to hayrides.

👉 Before you go: Be sure to check each orchard’s website or call ahead, since hours and picking conditions can change quickly.

This article was recently updated on Aug. 19, 2025, by Chicago Parent Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her adding the latest opening date and pricing information on apple orchards in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.

Find apple picking near me

Looking for the closest orchard to you? Use our interactive map of apple orchards near Chicago to plan your perfect fall outing. Each pin shows the orchard’s name, location, and website so you can quickly see what’s nearby.

Best apple picking near Chicago

All Seasons Orchard 

• Address: 14510 Illinois Route 176, Woodstock
• Season: Late August-Mid October
• Admission: $12 per person for 1/4 peck bag, kids ages 2 and under are free
• Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

This orchard boasts more than 15,000 apple and pear 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. Strollers and wagons are not allowed.

What families say: “Came here on a Sunday morning to pick Apples and enjoy many of the attractions provided. Had a great time and would come back,” says Tom L. on Google Reviews. “Read the reviews that it was expensive. After breaking down what we spent divided by the hours we were here, it was around $10 an hour. As long as the boys had a great time then it was worth it.” 

Apple Holler 

• Address: 5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin

More than 75 acres of apples highlight the fall for families that have made Apple Holler part of their traditions. Your apple picking package will include your picking bag, tractor-drawn tour of the orchard and all access to the Kids Korral Play Area. The play area includes straw mountain, the Amish built train, Rainbow Play Structure and more.

Cody’s Farm & Orchard 

• Address: 19502 River Road, Marengo

The orchard in north McHenry County is filled with fun things to do, including picking apples and pumpkins. Also, their apple cider donuts will be available again starting in September (only on weekends and special event days only).

County Line Orchard

• Address: 200 S. County Line Road, Hobart, Indiana

The Indiana orchard has more than 30 varieties of apples to be picked from. Meet the bees, check out a kid’s farm and leave with a few dozen donuts.

Garwood Orchards

• Address: 5911 West 50 South, LaPorte, Indiana

The orchard features more than 20 varieties of apples from early-late August through November. Call or check the orchard’s website before you go to ensure your favorite variety is available.

Homestead Orchard 

• Address: 11802 Charles Road, Woodstock

Homestead has more than 20 varieties of apples to pick, beginning in late July and running through October. The farm also keeps bees, so you might find some of the wildflower honey or their beeswax candles. 

Jonamac Orchard

• Address: 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta

Hand pick from over 30 varieties of apples at this 25-acre orchard. Then, sample apple cider (apple wine and hard cider for grown ups!) and do some shopping at the Cider House. 

Keller’s Farmstand

• Address: 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego

You can pick your own apples beginning at the end of August through October. There are over 20 apple varieties to choose from.

Kuipers Family Farm 

• Address: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park

Families can take a hayride to the grove and pick 1/4 peck apples through October. Afterwards, head to the bakery for some of their famous apple cider doughnuts, butter fudge and home-made pies.

“My husband and I visited from out of town to go apple picking last fall, and I’m so excited to visit Kuipers again this year!” says Sarah L. on Google Reviews. “Their Apple Cider Donuts were incredible. 🤤 We picked apples and had a great experience walking around. The employees working inside were helpful and friendly.

Prairie Sky Orchard

• Address: 4914 N. Union Road, Union

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). They also have a kiosk serving hot dogs, apple slices with caramel and nuts, cider, coffee and hot chocolate. 

Royal Oak Farm Orchard 

• Address: 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard

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. While you’re there, check out their apple tree maze, playground, petting zoo, kiddie train and carousel. 

Stade’s Farm and Market

• Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry

Families will enjoy this u-pick location with over 15 apple varieties to choose from. No outside bags are allowed.

Valley Orchard 

• Address: 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley

Check out this 35-acre family-owned orchard where you can u-pick apples beginning the middle of August. Cider, slushies, donuts, pies, cinnamon bread, fudge and more will be available to purchase. 

Windy Acres Farm 

• Address: 37w446 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva

U-pick apples at this family-friendly and family-owned farm. Also, apple cider donuts and caramel apples will be available to purchase. 

Quick apple picking tips for parents before heading out

 While apple picking can be a fun time for kids of all ages, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:

• Check if they’re open first. Always look for daily updates from the farm, either on their website and social media channels or by calling ahead to see what apple picking options look like for the day.
• Get there early. Arrive as soon as the farm opens to avoid crowds.
• Check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear hats and apply plenty of sunscreen if it’s sunny. Put on rain boots if you expect muddy conditions.
• Pack snacks and water. If it’s a long drive, plan ahead with food for the car ride or even a picnic basket with lunch.
• Bring a stroller or wagon (if allowed). Some farms require a lot of walking and while the roads can be bumpy, you want to keep your littles happy.
• Be patient. Depending on your child’s age, they can lose focus fast so try to remind yourself it’s more about having fun than rushing to fill your baskets to the rim.

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