By Sue Zeiler

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Top 10 Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking Near Chicago

Looking for the best apple picking near Chicago for kids and families in 2026? Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are home to some great family-friendly apple orchards where you can pick your own apples, enjoy fresh cider donuts, and spend a fall day on the farm.

From U-pick apple orchards near Chicago with hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and other activities for kids to traditional orchards focused on picking apples straight from the tree, there are plenty of options for a fun family outing.

Apple picking dates, admission, U-pick prices, activities and apple availability vary by orchard and throughout the season. Always check the orchard's website for current hours, ticket information, apple varieties and picking conditions before you go.

Here are our top picks for the best apple orchards and apple picking near Chicago:
For even more options, visit our Chicago Farms and Orchards page for more family-friendly farms and orchards throughout the Chicago area.

Here are some of our picks for your picking - and you can see a more complete list by visiting our Farms and Orchards page.

All Seasons Apple Orchard-Pumpkin Patch
14510 Illinois 176, Woodstock IL
(815) 338-5637
All Seasons is a popular family apple-picking destination with two orchards and thousands of apple trees. Take a wagon ride to the orchard to pick your own apples, with a variety of apples available as they ripen throughout the season. Pre-picked apples are also available in the Farm Market. Families can make a full day of it with more than 30 Barnyard attractions, including the 6-acre corn maze, petting zoo, play areas and other fall activities. Apple picking admission includes orchard entrance, hayride and a 1/4-peck bag. Ages 2 and under are free.
Hours: August 29-November 1, 2026. Mon, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun, Labor Day and Columbus Day 10am-6pm. Closed Tuesdays, plus select early-season dates. Apple picking starts at $12/person; Barnyard admission starts at $9 weekdays/$17 weekends; combination passes start at $19 weekdays/$27 weekends.

Apple Holler
5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant WI
(262) 884-7100
Located just north of the Illinois/Wisconsin border, Apple Holler offers pick-your-own apples along with a full day of family activities. Apple-picking admission includes your picking bag, orchard entry, a tractor-drawn train ride, apple tasting and admission to the Family Fun Park, where kids can explore the corn maze, play structures, Golden Goat Bridge, Corn Palace Corn Box and other farm attractions. More than 30 apple varieties ripen throughout the season, so check the orchard's picking calendar before visiting.
Hours: Farm Park and orchard daily 9am-4pm; last admission sold at 3pm. Apple-picking admission starts at $26/person for a 1/4-peck bag and includes Family Fun Park admission. Larger picking bags are available. Family Fun Park-only admission is $10/person.

County Line Orchard
200 S. County Line Road, Hobart IN
(219) 947-4477
Located in Hobart, Indiana, County Line Orchard is one of the closest U-pick apple orchards to downtown Chicago and a longtime fall destination for families. Pick apples in the orchard, take a tractor-drawn ride and spend time exploring family attractions including the corn maze, Kids Farm, play areas and seasonal activities. Don't miss the orchard's popular apple and pumpkin donuts before heading home.
Hours: 2026 seasonal dates, hours and admission information have not yet been clearly posted on the orchard's official website. Check the County Line Orchard website before visiting.

Honey Hill Orchard
11783 Waterman Rd., Waterman
(815) 264-3337
Honey Hill Orchard is a family-owned orchard where families can pick their own apples and enjoy a classic fall farm experience. The orchard grows 25 varieties of apples and features an 1880s converted Apple Barn, country store, apple cider donuts, fresh cider, caramel apples and pies. Kids can enjoy the free children's play area, petting zoo and straw maze, with wagon rides to the orchard and pumpkin patch offered on weekends, weather permitting.
Hours: Opening September 3, 2026 with limited early-season hours. Sept. 3, 5, 7 and 8: 9am-1pm. Full-time hours begin September 10: daily 9am-5:30pm through Halloween. U-pick opening date will be announced based on apple availability.

Heinz Orchard
1050 Crest Road, Green Oaks
(847) 770-3449
If you're looking for simple apple picking without the extra attractions, Heinz Orchard is a great no-frills option near Libertyville. There are no hayrides, petting zoos, pumpkins or other fall attractions here — the focus is simply on picking apples. There is no admission or parking fee; visitors purchase an orchard bag and fill it with apples.
2026 Update: Opening dates have not yet been announced. The orchard experienced significant fruit loss from spring frosts and summer storms and is evaluating whether it will be able to open for apple picking in 2026. It will not be open Labor Day weekend. If the orchard opens, current posted pricing is $10 for a 1/2-peck bag and $20 for a 1-peck bag. Check the Heinz Orchard website for an opening announcement before visiting.

Jonamac Orchard
19412 Shabbona Road, Malta IL
(815) 825-2158
Jonamac Orchard is a three-generation family farm with thousands of apple trees and plenty of activities for a full fall family outing. Pick your own apples, then explore the farm's play attractions, animal barn and corn maze. Families can also visit the Store & Bakery for fresh-baked treats and seasonal favorites. Weekend and holiday admission includes additional farm activities, while weekday visitors can choose a lower-cost activity wristband.
Hours: Apple picking begins August 29-30, 2026 and is open daily during picking season from 9am-5pm, while apples are available. U-pick apples are $16 per half-peck bag, with up to four people allowed to pick per bag. Weekend/holiday general admission is $10-$12/person depending on date and is required in addition to an apple-picking bag. No general admission is required Mon-Fri, excluding holidays; optional weekday activity wristbands are $5.

Kuipers Family Farm Orchard
1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park
(815) 827-5200
Kuipers Family Farm offers U-pick apples in a family-friendly orchard about an hour west of Chicago. More than 45 apple varieties ripen throughout the season, giving families plenty of opportunities to return and pick different favorites. The Orchard Shop & Bakery is free to visit and sells apple cider donuts, caramel apples, pies and other seasonal treats. Apple picking requires a separate orchard admission ticket.
Hours: August 22-November 1, 2026. Hours vary by date; the farm is closed Tuesdays. Many weekdays and Saturdays are 9am-6pm, with Sundays and select dates 10am-6pm. Check the farm's 2026 calendar for your specific date. U-pick orchard admission is $11.99/person weekdays and $14.99/person weekends and holidays. Online ticket fees may apply.

Royal Oak Farm Orchard
15908 Hebron Rd., Harvard IL
(815) 648-4141
Royal Oak Farm Orchard offers apple picking and family activities on a beautiful farm near the Wisconsin state line. Apple-picking admission includes orchard access and a 1/4-peck bag to fill with apples. Families can also visit the free playground and petting zoo, explore the Amaze 'N Apples apple-tree maze, shop the bakery and gift shop, and enjoy weekend attractions including the train, carousel and orchard tours. Activities such as the maze and rides have additional fees.
Hours: August 21-October 31, 2026. Mon-Thu 10am-5pm; Fri-Sun 10am-6pm. Last entry to the orchard is one hour before closing. Apple picking is $12/person ages 4 and up and includes a 1/4-peck bag; ages 3 and under are free without a bag. Parking, playground and petting zoo are free. Additional attractions are individually priced.

Stade's Farm and Market
3709 Miller Road, McHenry IL
(815) 675-6396
Stade's Farm & Market is a working farm and popular family destination with an orchard of more than 11,000 apple trees. Families can pick their own apples as varieties ripen throughout the season and visit the Farm Market for fresh produce and seasonal treats. Beginning September 5, the farm's Shades of Autumn Fall Festival adds more than 50 farm-themed attractions, including a corn maze, petting zoo, giant slides, jumping pillows, rides and other family activities. Fall Festival admission is separate from apple picking.
Hours: Farm Market daily 9am-6pm. Pick-your-own hours are 9am-5pm when available. Shades of Autumn runs September 5-November 1, 2026, Fridays-Sundays plus Labor Day and Columbus Day, 10am-6pm. Check the farm's website before visiting for current apple-picking availability and 2026 apple pricing.

Keller's Farmstand Apple Orchard
2500 Johnson Rd., Oswego IL
(630) 219-8194
Keller's Farmstand offers family-friendly apple picking at its Oswego farm, with more than 30 varieties of apples ripening throughout the season. Families can pick their own apples or purchase pre-picked fruit, and on fall weekends the farm offers additional Fall Festivities with a corn maze and activities for kids. Check the orchard's current picking report before visiting to see which apple varieties are available.
Hours: Apple picking opened August 15, 2026. Weekdays 10am-6pm; weekends 9am-5pm. Labor Day 9am-3pm. Last orchard entry is 30 minutes before closing. Picking bags are required for guests ages 5 and older; check the orchard website for current bag prices and apple availability.

Homestead Orchard
11802 Charles Rd., Woodstock IL
(815) 338-7443
For families looking for a quieter, old-fashioned apple-picking experience, Homestead Orchard is a small country orchard where the focus is on picking fruit rather than rides and attractions. The historic farm has been cultivated since 1839, and visitors can pick a wide variety of apples and pears, including some unusual heirloom apple varieties. Stop inside the orchard's 1880s horse barn to browse the farm store, where you'll also find honey produced from the farm's own beehives and handmade beeswax candles.
Hours: Open for the 2026 apple-picking season. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun noon-4pm. Apple varieties ripen at different times throughout the season, so check the orchard's website or call before visiting for current picking availability.

Apple Picking Near Chicago FAQ

When is apple picking season near Chicago?
Apple picking near Chicago typically begins in mid to late August and continues through October, although the exact season depends on the weather, apple variety and orchard. September is usually prime apple-picking season for Chicago families, with different varieties ripening throughout the month.

Where are the best apple orchards for kids near Chicago?
Some of the best family-friendly apple orchards near Chicago offer much more than apple picking. Families can find orchards with hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, play areas, train rides, pumpkin patches and fresh apple cider donuts. Check our picks above for the best apple orchards for kids and families near Chicago and the activities available at each one.

Where can you pick your own apples near Chicago?
There are many U-pick apple orchards within driving distance of Chicago, particularly in the north, northwest and western suburbs and surrounding areas. Popular apple-picking destinations can be found in Woodstock, McHenry, Maple Park, Oswego, Marengo and other communities throughout Chicagoland.

What is the best time to go apple picking near Chicago?
September is generally the best month for apple picking near Chicago, but the best time depends on which apple varieties your family wants to pick. Some apples ripen in August, while others aren't ready until September or October. Check the orchard's current picking report before visiting to see which varieties are available.

Do you need reservations for apple picking near Chicago?
It depends on the orchard. Some Chicago-area apple orchards allow families to simply arrive and purchase admission or picking bags, while others offer or require advance tickets, especially on busy fall weekends. Check the orchard's website before heading out for current admission, ticketing and U-pick information.

What should families bring when they go apple picking?
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get a little dirty. Sunscreen, water and layers are helpful since early fall weather around Chicago can change quickly. Many orchards provide or require their own bags for picking, so check the farm's rules before bringing your own.

Are there apple orchards near Chicago with other activities for kids?
Yes! Many family-friendly apple orchards near Chicago also have fall activities such as corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, children's play areas, pumpkin picking and seasonal treats. If you're planning a full fall day with kids, look for an orchard that combines U-pick apples with the activities your family will enjoy most.