One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables that add a pop of color (and nutrition) to our favorite meals. While we love getting great organic options from our seasonal farmers markets in Chicagoland, families can also enjoy the thrill of picking berries on their own and popping them into their basket.
Berry picking is an easy day trip option for families. Local farms provide plenty of berry picking experiences from mid-May to late July, depending on the weather and berry availability. Some of the most popular berries to pick from are strawberries and blueberries.
Get ready to have some berry picking fun with these tips and local berry picking farms worth the drive.
Blueberries are now in season! Check out our list of blueberry picking farms near you.
This article was recently updated on March 21, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on berry farms near Chicagoland, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Best berry picking farms for Chicagoland families
Pick your way around Illinois and beyond with our favorite spots for the freshest, homegrown berries at the following farms.
Stade’s Farm & Market
- Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
- Berry picking options: Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
- Cost: $6-$20 depending on the size of the baskets
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
- Berry picking options: Strawberries
- Cost: $3.79 per pound, basket provided
Tom’s is a family-owned farm that has been open for more than 40 years. Located in Huntley, Tom’s offers a bakery, farm market and garden center for delicious treats, plants and more. Strawberry seekers are asked to monitor the farm’s website for updates. Pre-picked strawberries are available in the market and tempting treats in the bakery.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
- Address: 6125 156th Ave., Bristol, Wisconsin
- Berry picking options: Strawberries and raspberries
- Cost: $5 weekday/$12 weekend entrance fee per car (for strawberry picking season), $18 per 4-quart basket
Situated just over the Wisconsin border, this farm’s slogan is, “The Berry Best Place to Be.” Thompson has been growing strawberries for more than 70 years. Pre-picked baskets are available for $26; no admission fee required.
Johnson’s Farm Produce
- Address: 8960 E. Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana
- Berry picking options: Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
- Cost: $5-$15 admission, 2024 U-Pick prices TBA
Depending on the season, you can find a variety of fruits and veggies to pick at the farm or shop from the store market. During the weekends, families can have fun with farm activities including spin chairs, hayrides, barnyard games and more.
Garwood Orchards
- Address: 5911 W. 50 South, LaPorte, Indiana
- Berry picking options: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries
- Cost: 2024 prices TBA
Get the full experience, thanks to a focus on farming, family and community at this nearly 200-year-old family business. Stop at the farm market to find seasonal fruits and veggies, apple cider and household items.
McCann Berry Farm
- Address: 18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock
- Berry picking options: Blueberries
- Cost: 2024 prices TBA
Head out to Woodstock for prime picking at McCann’s, another farm that has been open to families for more than 35 years. McCann’s offers three acres of blueberries.
Stateline Blueberries
- Address: 9957 N. Frontage Road, Michigan City, Indiana
- Berry picking options: Blueberries
- Cost: 2024 prices TBA
This farm dates back to 1942 where some of the original blueberry bushes still thrive and produce fruit. The newest owners have been in business for 20 years strong and their main focus is the U-pick.
Berry picking tips for parents before heading out
While berry 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 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 a ripe berry looks like.
- Bring a stroller or wagon. Some berry picking 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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