Now that Fall is officially here, the seasonal activities you can find in and around Evanston are endless and easily accessible. Of course, each suggestion in this article is family-friendly and has plenty to offer parents and the kids to enjoy together. Whether you’re looking to bake an apple pie or want some quality time with the family, this article will provide more details on ten of the best places to pick apples near Evanston!
APPLE HOLLER
Explore a 75-acre farm and take a long stroll across its rolling hills. Along the way, you and the kids can pick apples of all kinds, including; Autumn Crisp, Fuji, Empire, Blondee, McIntosh apples, and more! Apple Holler is open from 9am-5pm every day, and don’t forget to check out their gift shop, bakery, and country store.
COUNTY LINE ORCHARD
Apple picking season is now open over at Country Line Orchard from September 1st through October 31st. For just two dollars per person, you can take the family apple picking, and Country Line has twenty-five different apple varieties that they have available on weekly rotations. They also have multiple-day pass options if you’d like to explore their other attractions.
GOEBBERT’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Although they’re famously known for their pumpkin patch, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch also offers an apple orchard. They offer over 15 different attractions on the land and will be open to the public until October 31st. Access to apple picking is included in their admission to their Fall Festival, so the whole family will have all kinds of attractions to enjoy.
JONAMAC ORCHARD
With over 20,000 apple trees, Jonamac Orchard has a beautiful acreage alongside a plethora of apples to try. You can go apple picking any day of the week from 9am-5pm during the Fall season. Furthermore, you can even visit their website and see which apples are ready for picking ahead of time!
HEINZ ORCHARD
Being a fan favorite for over seventy years speaks volumes, and Heinz Orchard has some of the best apples you’ll ever taste. They offer a no-frills experience that allows you to experience the joy of apple picking and is currently offering Empire and Jonathan apples! They’ll only be open for a few select dates through October, so much sure to schedule some family fun soon.
STADE’S FARM AND MARKET
Through September and October, Stade’s Farm and Market will have a wide variety of apples to pick from. Although the orchard requires a $10 fee per person to enter, children two and under are free. On this apple orchard, you’ll find the likes of Zestar, Blondee, Red Cameo, Evercrisp, and more! You can stay up to date with their latest available apples on Facebook or their website.
ALL SEASONS ORCHARD
One of the most extensive apple orchards around and containing over 15,000 apple trees, All Seasons Orchard has been a family favorite for quite some time. The list of available apples is updated every Friday in September and October and can be easily found on their website. Furthermore, the orchard is open from 10am-5pm, and the last entry is sixty minutes prior to closing.
ROYAL OAK FARM
For just $10 per person, parents and kids alike can enjoy a beautiful orchard for a fun apple picking experience. Admission includes access to the orchard, pollination garden, and a ¼ peck bag to fill with as many apples as you can! On the Royal Oak Farm, you’ll find over twelve different apples to choose from depending on current availability, and each is as tasty as the next.
KUIPER’S FAMILY FARM
Celebrating their 20th season, Kuiper’s Family Farm has been a staple in the orchard community, and this year they’re open for apple picking during weekends through October. Admission is $12.99, and children two and under get in for free. Strollers are also allowed so the family can enjoy a relaxing walk through their pristine orchard. With over 30 apple varieties, you’ll quickly find something delicious for the whole family.
KELLER’S FARMSTAND
Housing 9,000 apple trees, Keller’s Farmstand carries all kinds of tasty apples, including an excellent new range of varieties. Apple season is in full force, and this orchard offers apples such as the Ruby Mac, Honeycrisp, Golden Supreme, Macoun, Gala, and more unique options to choose from. Additionally, kids four and under get in for free, and admission starts at $8 per person for those five and up.