We might be living the urban American lifestyle, but there are still plenty of farmers sprinkled throughout the area who are willing to open their doors and give their time to families looking for a lesson in agriculture. Skip the supermarket chain and go directly to the source for everything from blackberries to peaches to vine-ripened grapes. The newest owners have been in business for 20 years strong and their main focal point is the U-pick.Pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are becoming destinations for families looking to inject a lot of fun and a little learning into their next “shopping” trip. This farm dates back to 1942 where some of the original blueberry bushes still thrive and produce fruit. McCann’s offers three acres of blueberries. Head out to Woodstock for prime picking at McCann’s, another farm that has been open to families for more than 35 years. Address: 18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock.Stop at the farm market to find seasonal fruits and veggies, apple cider and household items. Get the full experience, thanks to a focus on farming, family and community at this nearly 200-year-old family business. Berry picking options: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries. During the weekends, families can have fun with farm activities including spin chairs, hayrides, barnyard games and more. Cost: $5-$10 admission, U-Pick prices TBAĭepending on the season, you can find a variety of fruits and veggies to pick at the farm or shop from the store market.It also offers an adventure farm with an additional admission cost of $6 per child with two bounce pillows, bale pyramid, sandbox and large wooden playground. Situated just over the Wisconsin border the farm’s slogan is, “The Berry Best Place to Be.” Thompson has been growing strawberries for more than 70 years. Cost: $5 weekday/$10 weekend entrance fee per car (for strawberry picking season), $16 per 4-quart basket.Berry picking options: Strawberries and raspberries.Address: 6125 156th Ave., Bristol, Wisconsin.Pre-picked strawberries are available in the market and tempting treats in the bakery. Strawberry seekers are asked to monitor the farm’s website for updates. Located in Huntley, Tom’s offers a bakery, farm market and garden center for delicious treats, plants and more. Tom’s is a family-owned farm that has been open for more than 40 years. For an additional cost, kids can have fun at the Farmtractions Theme Park with plenty of rides and attractions. Spend some time exploring their daily, full-service market with seasonal pies, eggs, honey, gifts and more. This sprawling farm located in McHenry County offers more than 20 acres of strawberries ripe for the picking. Cost: $6-$20 based on the size of the baskets.Berry picking options: Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.Pick your way around Illinois and beyond with our favorite spots for the freshest, homegrown berries at the following farms. Depending on your child’s age, they can lose focus fast so try to remind yourself it’s more about having fun than trying to fill your baskets to the rim.īest berry picking farms for Chicagoland families Some berry picking farms require a lot of walking and while the roads can be bumpy, you want to keep your littles happy. Local farms can help answer your berry picking questions or try a quick Google search to see a ripe berry looks like. Teach your kids which berries are ripe.If it’s a long drive, plan ahead with food for the car ride or even a picnic basket with lunch. Put on rain boots if you expect muddy conditions. Wear hats and apply plenty of sunscreen if it’s sunny. Check the weather and dress accordingly.Arrive as soon as the farm opens to try to avoid crowds. Always look for daily updates from the farm either on their website and social media channels or even calling ahead to see what berry picking options look like for the day. While berry picking can be a fun time for kids of all ages, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting: Looking for more summer activities for kids? Check out our summer fun guide for Chicagoland families! Quick tips for parents before heading out Get ready to have some berry picking fun with these tips and local berry picking farms worth the drive. Some of the most popular berries to pick from are strawberries and blueberries. Local farms provide plenty of berry picking experiences from mid-May to late July depending on the weather and berry availability. 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.īerry picking offers a great day trip for families. One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables available.
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