The best apple picking near Chicago

From Chicago: 60 miles northwest

Open daily, this orchard specializes in apples (15 varieties) and Asian pears. Expect to walk away with at least one peck, a 10-pound bag of apples, the minimum haul for a group of one to four. Before you start picking, stop by the farm's Koffee Kiosk for hot chocolate and apple cider doughnuts.

From Chicago: 65 miles west

This orchard is worth the drive—and it's not too far from Shabbona Lake State Park if you want to make a day of it. You'll find more than a dozen types of apples available for U-Pick and in the country store. Youngsters will love the petting zoo and straw maze, while parents will dig the fact that the orchard doesn't charge admission. That's right: Entry is free, and so are all of the activities.

From Chicago: 65 miles north

You'll want to clear an entire afternoon to wander around this massive Wisconsin orchard. Beyond the obvious (trees filled with apples), the property is home to a restaurant, bakery, gift shop and family farm—which means there's no shortage of family-friendly activities. Come fall, be sure to check out the hayrides and pumpkin patches.

From Chicago: 40 miles southeast

Forty acres of U-pick apples await at this beautiful orchard in Hobart, Indiana, but there's a lot more happening behind the scenes. Get lost in a corn maze, explore the bee yurts, feed the goats or roast marshmallows over a campfire. You won't have to go far for food when the kids get cranky: Find fresh-baked doughnuts, bread, pies and cookies all available on site.

From Chicago: 70 miles west

This family-owned property boasts 105 acres and more than 20,000 apple trees. Check the interactive website to find out what's ripe for the picking and how to use each apple variety. Make a day of it by checking out the corn maze or booking a private campfire site for your group. Before you pack up the car, wander around the Cider House, where you'll find an impressive selection of apple wine and hard cider to take home.

From Chicago: 50 miles northwest

It's right there in the name: In the fall, Goebbert's is a one-stop shop for apple and pumpkin picking, plus tons of other themed attractions like a straw maze, giant pumpkin slide, haunted house and more. Head to the orchard early in the season to catch Honeycrisp, Zestar and Gala apple varieties. 

From Chicago: 40 miles north

There's no hoopla at this small family-run orchard, so don't expect hayrides, hot cider and a sprawling corn maze for the youngsters. You're here for the apples, after all, and there are plenty of those. A word to the wise: Be sure to check the farm's website before you visit for upcoming hours and possible closures.

From Chicago: 60 miles northwest

This farm in far suburban McHenry has offered apple picking since 2017, after planting and studying thousands of dwarf apple trees over the course of several years. There's no fee to enter the farm, but each person over the age of two years will have to purchase at least $10 worth of apples. 

From Chicago: 55 miles west

Back in 1998, Wade and Kim Kuipers opened their pumpkin patch to the public with a simple mission—to share the pleasures of spending the day on their farm. Today, the operation has grown to include apples, hay rides and Christmas trees. You can even get married on their picturesque grounds.

From Chicago: 65 miles northwest

Surround yourself with more than 15,000 apple and pear trees at this family-run orchard in Woodstock, Illinois. You can head straight to the fields for picking, play corn hole with the family or get your thrills on the mini zip line. Return in September to walk through the 10-acre pumpkin patch and munch on hand-dipped caramel apples.

From Chicago: 80 miles northwest

Royal Oak boasts more than 17,000 trees and 30-plus varieties of apples, so lace up your walking shoes. The orchard provides containers for pick-your-own types, and the store features doughnuts, caramel apples, pies and a Royal Oak specialty—apple-cider slushies.