Whether you enjoy them in your favorite pancake recipe, baked into pastries or simply by popping them in your mouth, fresh blueberries are a delicious summertime treat.
The next time you want to pick up a pint of blueberries, consider ditching the grocery store and picking your own berries at a u-pick farm. Picking your own berries is so much fun for kids, and many of these farms offer other exciting outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Get ready to have some blueberry picking fun with these helpful tips and u-pick berry farms worth the drive from Chicago.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Best blueberry picking farms near Chicago
Pick your way around Chicagoland and beyond with these kid-friendly spots for fresh berries and tons of family fun.
Stade’s Farm & Market
- Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
- Admission: While there is no admission fee, a $6 minimum blueberry purchase is required.
- U-pick cost: $6/pint, $12/quart, $20/two quarts
This sprawling farm located in McHenry County offers delicious blueberries ripe for the picking. Spend some time exploring their daily, full-service market with seasonal pies, eggs, honey, gifts and more. For an additional cost, kids can have fun at the Farmtractions Theme Park with plenty of rides and attractions.
If your kiddos aren’t able to take the long walk to the fields, be sure to bring a stroller or wagon.
Tammen Treeberry Farm
- Address: 37131 Essex Road, Wilmington
- U-pick cost: Call for pricing
Pick through 50 acres of blueberries at this family farm about an hour southwest of Chicago.
Tammen Treeberry Farm has been growing blueberries since 1964, and growing 160 acres of Christmas trees since 1956.
Johnson’s Farm Produce
- Address: 8960 E. Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana
- Admission: $5/weekdays, $15/weekends. Children under 2 are free.
- U-pick cost: Call for pricing
Johnson’s Blueberry Festival kicks off June 29 (weather dependent). On weekends from June 29-July 21, families can have plenty of farm fun with activities including spin chairs, hayrides, barnyard games, duck races and much more. A free tractor wagon ride to the blueberry fields is included with admission.
Normal u-pick hours are offered on Monday, Thursday and Friday through July 21. Fun festival activities are not offered on these days.
Stateline Blueberries
- Address: 9957 N. Frontage Road, Michigan City, Indiana
- U-pick cost: Call for pricing
Blueberry season begins on June 26, 2024, at Stateline Blueberries. This farm dates back to 1942, and some of the original blueberry bushes are still thriving and producing delicious berries!
Be sure to browse the shelves at the farm store to find blueberry BBQ sauce, blueberry mustard, blueberry beef jerky and other unique goodies.
Tips for picking blueberries with kids
Blueberry is a fun summer activity for families of all ages. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting a u-pick farm.
- Check if they’re open first. Blueberry season typically runs from the end of June through July. Always look for daily updates from the farm, either on their website and social media channels or by calling ahead to see what berry 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.
- Teach your kids which berries are ripe. Here is a helpful tip from Stade’s: “Pick blueberries when they are deep blue. The berry should fall right off the bush when fully ripened. Grip the blueberry between your pointer finger and thumb and roll it off the stem into your palm. This should not require any tugging on the berry. Like strawberries, blueberries will not ripen any further after being picked.”
- Bring a stroller or wagon. Some berry picking farms require a lot of walking. A wagon is a simple way to keep your littles happy.
Be patient. Depending on your child’s age, they can lose focus fast so try to remind yourself the experience is more about having fun than rushing to fill your baskets to the rim.
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