Who’s ready to go apple picking? Apple picking is such a fun family activity and a great way to get outdoors while the weather is pleasant. I look forward to this event every year and so do the kids. Whether you want to spend an entire day at an orchard or you are looking for a short family outing there is an orchard for everyone. Head to one of our top 3 apple orchards near Chicago this fall!
County Line Orchard
Hobart, Indiana
Just over 40 miles south of Chicago across the border in Indiana is County Line Orchard. A family favorite of ours for years offering a variety of orchards to pick from, a barn with scrumptious fall treats, and rides for the kids! The Big Red Barn opens an hour before the orchards, come early and grab an apple cider donut and a coffee before apple picking! $2 General Admission + $1.79 Per Pound. Barn Hours: 8am-6pm Attractions 9am-6pm.
Goebberts Apple Orchard
Pinegrove, Illinois
Located about 30 miles Northwest of Chicago is Goebbert’s Apple Orchard. You may know Goebbert’s for their pumpkin patch but did you know they also have apples? If you are looking for more than just apple picking head to Goebbert’s. The family will be entertained all day with over 15 different attractions, rides, in addition to the apple picking! $17-$20 Admission. Children 2 and under are free. Hours are 9am-6pm.
Jonamac Orchard
Malta, Illinois
Saturday September 11th – Sunday September 12th is Cider Fest Weekend at Jonamac Orchard. Be one of the first to sip apple cider as it is released this season. In addition to apple picking, allow the kids to run energy out in the Barnyard Play Area, see their fury friends in the petting zoo, and get lost in the corn maze all at one low cost! Specialty rides such as the pony rides or train rides are an additional cost. $6 General Admission. U-pick apple bags are $15. Children 2 and under are free. Hours 9am-5:30pm.
Now that you have your apples test your cooking skills and make one (or all) of these apple recipes!
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Warm up after a cool fall outing as you sip on homemade apple cider! Do you like your cider sweet or tart? If you want your cider sweeter try using Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious apples. If you want it more tart use Pink Lady or McIntosh. - Caramel Apples
There’s nothing like a Caramel Apple to take you back to your childhood! Grab some lollipop sticks, caramels, and delicious toppings to make your own caramel apples. - Instant Pot Applesauce – Quick and easy homemade applesauce right in your Instant Pot! Customize how smooth or chunky you prefer your applesauce to be. Most homemade applesauces call for Granny Smith apples. Maybe even try mixing in another family favorite! No Instant Pot? No problem. Toss everything in your slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low.
Enjoy Chicago,
Juliana