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 Chicagoland families.
On a beautiful day, you have to drive out to one of these local farms for apple picking. Some orchards even offer great apple treats or kids’ activities like corn mazes or tractor rides.
NOTE: Before visiting, please check each apple orchard’s website or call ahead to make sure if apple picking is available (weather permitting).
Quick 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.
All Seasons Orchard
Opens August 26, 2023
- Address: 14510 Illinois Route 176, Woodstock
- Cost: $15/person for1/4 peck apple bag
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.
Apple Holler
Now open
- Address: 5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin
- Cost: 2023 prices TBA. Minimum picking charge is $20.
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.
Boggio’s Orchard & Produce
Now open
- Address: 12087 IL Highway, Granville
- Cost: 2023 prices TBA
This orchard has u-pick apples and pumpkins. Choose from over 1,800 apple trees and visitors will have the option of purchasing a peck, 1/2 bushel or bushel bag to fill. Clippers are not provided.
Christ Orchard
Opens August 2023
- Address: 4317 Texas Road, Elmwood
- Cost: $30/half bushel, $18/one peck, $10/half peck
Customers can pick their own apples at this location from September to mid-October. Take a wagon ride to the orchard and make sure to hit up the Apple Shed for cider and other fall favorites afterwards. Also, offers u-pick pumpkins.
Cody’s Farm & Orchard
Opens September 2023
- Address: 19502 River Road, Marengo
- Cost: 2023 prices TBA
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
Opens Aug. 30, 2023
- Address: 200 S. County Line Road, Hobart, Indiana
- Cost: U-pick: $2 admission. Price per pound TBA.
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.
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Opens August 2023
- Address: 3902 S. Duncan Road, Champaign
- Cost: $8/person (1/4 peck bag), $7/5-plus admissions, free/kids under 36” with paid parent or guardian (no bag included)
This u-pick location is estimated to open early August. Their free activities include a petting zoo and playground. Additional fees for corn maze, pony rides, putt-putt golf and rope maze.
Garwood Orchards
Now open
- Address: 5911 West 50 South, LaPorte, Indiana
- Cost: 2023 prices TBA
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
Now open
- Address: 11802 Charles Road, Woodstock
- Cost: $20/peck
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.
Keller’s Farmstand
Opens mid-August
- Address: 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego
- Cost: TBD, free/ages 4 and under
You can pick your own apples beginning at the end of August through October 30. There are over 20 apple varieties to choose from.
Kuipers Family Farm
Opens Aug. 26, 2023
- Address: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park
- Cost: $12.99/person (includes 1/4 peck of apples), free/kids ages 2 and under (do not receive an apple bag)
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.
Liberty Apple Orchard
Now open
- Address: 8308 Kuhn Station Road, Edwardsville
- Cost: Call for prices
At this orchard, choose from and u-pick 18 varieties of apples from late August through November.
Prairie Sky Orchard
Now open
- Address: 4914 N. Union Road, Union
- Cost: Call for prices
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
Opens in late August, 2023
- Address: 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
- Cost: $12/person (includes 1/4 peck of apples)
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
Now open
- Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
- Cost: $10 per 1/4 peck bag, $30/peck bag, $50/1/2 bushel bag
Families will enjoy this u-pick location with over 15 apple varieties to choose from. No outside bags are allowed.
Valley Orchard
Call for latest opening day information
- Address: 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley
- Cost: Call for prices
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
Opens August, 2023
- Address: 37w446 Fabyan Pkwy., Geneva
- Cost:$12.99/person (includes 1/4 peck of apples)
U-pick apples at this family-friendly and family-owned farm. Also, apple cider donuts and caramel apples will be available to purchase.
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