Nothing tastes quite like summer like popping a fresh, juicy strawberry in your mouth! Whenever it’s hot outside, these sweet red berries are a go-to snack in my household; we enjoy them plain, in yogurt bowls and on top of chocolate ice cream!
This summer, ditch the grocery store and turn picking up a pint of strawberries into a fun day-trip by visiting a u-pick berry farm. Kids will love picking their own strawberries, popping them in their basket and taking them home. Plus, many of these farms have other outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Get ready to have some strawberry picking fun with these berry picking tips and u-pick farms worth the drive.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Best strawberry picking farms near Chicago
Pick your way around Chicagoland and beyond with these kid-friendly spots for fresh berries and tons of family fun.
Crosswind Farms
- Address: 14435 W. Manhattan-Monee Road, Manhattan
- Admission: $2/week days, $3/weekends. Children 2 and under are free.
- U-pick cost: $8.75/quart, $5.75/pint
This small, family-run farm offers seasonal berry picking in the summer, as well as produce, pumpkins and Christmas Trees in the fall and winter. After you’re done picking strawberries, be sure to visit the farm animals.
Stade’s Farm & Market
- Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
- Admission: While there is no admission fee, a $6 minimum strawberry purchase is required.
- U-pick cost: $6/quart, $18/four quart basket
This sprawling farm located in McHenry County offers more than 20 acres of strawberries 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.
Tom’s Farm Market
- Address: 10214 W. Algonquin Road, Huntley
- Admission: $3.99/person. Children 2 and under are free.
- U-pick cost: $3.99/lb
Tom’s is a family-owned farm that has been open for more than 40 years. Strawberry season opens around June 14, 2024. Strawberry seekers are asked to monitor the farm’s website for updates. Pre-picked strawberry baskets are available in the market; no admission fee required. A bakery, coffee bar and lunch cafe are also available.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
- Address: 6125 156th Ave., Bristol, Wisconsin
- Admission: $5/car on weekdays, $12/car on weekends
- U-pick cost: $18/four quart basket
Strawberry season at Wisconsin’s “Berry Best Place to Be” starts June 6, 2024. Located just over the Wisconsin border, Thompson has been growing strawberries for more than 70 years. Pre-picked strawberry baskets are available for $26 in the market; no admission fee required.
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 Strawberry Festival kicks off June 1. On weekends from June 1-23, 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 strawberry fields is included with admission.
Garwood Orchards
- Address: 5911 W. 50 South, LaPorte, Indiana
- Admission: Free
- U-pick cost: $5/quart, $35/8 quarts; buy 3 of any size, get the 4th free
Get the full strawberry picking experience at this nearly 200-year-old family business in LaPorte, Indiana. Strawberries are typically available in June. Berries, produce, apples, pumpkins and more are available for picking, depending on the season. Stop at the farm market to find seasonal fruits and veggies, apple cider and other farm fresh goodies.
Strawberry picking tips for families
While strawberry picking can be a fun time for kids of all ages, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Check if the farm is open first. Strawberry season typically runs April-June. 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. Local farms can help answer your berry picking questions, or try a quick Google search to see what a ripe berry looks like.
- 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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