Is apple picking a joyous tradition in your family? If so, here are some delightful places to get all your favorite varieties of apples fresh off the tree, ready to be plucked and savored!

Some orchards charge an admission fee, while others only charge for apples. Additionally, picking conditions can change daily. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it’s always a good idea to check with the orchard you plan to attend before leaving.

Apple picking is a wonderful family activity that brings everyone together to enjoy the outdoors and the fruits of the season. It's a great way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories. Plus, you get to take home delicious, fresh apples to enjoy in a variety of ways - from snacking to baking tasty treats.

Whether you prefer sweet, tart, crisp, or juicy apples, there's something for everyone at the orchard. And the experience of picking your own apples straight from the tree adds an extra layer of fun and satisfaction to the whole process. So, gather your family and friends, put on your comfiest clothes, and head to the nearest apple orchard for a day of apple picking fun. Just remember to check the orchard's website or give them a call before you go to make sure you have all the information you need for a fantastic apple-picking adventure!

Apple Orchards in Illinois

All Seasons Orchard, 14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock, 815-338-5637 — See my All Seasons Orchard post

• U-Pick season runs August 31 through November 2. Hours to be announced.

• Open 10am-5pm weekdays, 10am-6pm Saturday & Sunday. Open Labor Day and Columbus Day 10am-6pm.

• 14 varieties of apples and a pumpkin patch that opens in mid-September

• Over 30 barnyard activities, including a 10-acre corn maze, petting zoo, country market, restaurant, jumping pillow, tire mountain, pedal cart track, mini zipline park, and more.

Honey Hill Orchard, 11747 Waterman Road, Waterman, 815-264-3337

• U-Pick berry season has begun; apples are not ready yet so watch for updates on their website or Facebook page.

• Open September 2, 3, and 5 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Beginning September 6, u-pick is 9:00 am-5:30 pm daily through October 31.

• 17 varieties of apples and a pumpkin patch that opens in mid- or late-September.

• Store, petting zoo, straw maze.

Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta, 815-825-2158 — See my Jonamac Orchard post

• U-pick season has begun. Open 9am-5:30 pm.

• More than 30 varieties of apples and a pumpkin patch that opens in late September.

• Corn maze, jumping pillow, slides, duck races, grain bin, hay bail pile, peddle trikes, spider web, kiddy barn, fort and children’s maze, petting zoo, apple launcher and cannon, apple train. Free barnyard admission on weekdays.

Kuipers Family Farm, 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park, 815-827-5200 ext. 1

• U-Pick season has begun and runs through October 31. Open 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday, but apple picking will ONLY be available on weekends.

• 14 varieties of apples and a pumpkin patch that opens in September.

• Pumpkin farm activities available beginning September 15: corn maze, pig races, duck races, Fort Kuipers, tractor tire mountain, box-o-kernels, woodland walk, peddle tractor derby, haunted forest, haywagon ride, farm animals, chalk house, bail maze, ropin’ roundup, Back 40 playground, cornstalk cavern, Charlotte’s Web, giant checkers, mountain slide, toss games, and more.

• Strollers, wagons, and backpacks are NOT permitted in the orchard.

Prairie Sky Orchard, 4914 N. Union Rd, Union, 815-923-4834

• U-Pick season begins around September 1.

• Open 10am-5pm daily.

• Apples will be limited because of the weather conditions this year.

• Coffee kiosk with coffee, pie, and other refreshments.

Royal Oak Farm, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, 815-648-4141 — See my Royal Oak Farm post

• U-Pick season has begun.

• Open 10am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-7pm Friday-Saturday, and 11am-6pm Sunday.

• Over 30 varieties of apples and a pumpkin patch opens in mid-September.

• Country market & bakery, restaurant, petting zoo, “Royal Oak Express”, carousel, play area, and hay rides.

Valley Orchard, 811 E. State Street, Cherry Valley, 815-332-9696

• U-Pick season has begun.

• Open 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday.

• Over 25 varieties of apples.

• Store and bakery.