All Seasons, one of the largest U-pick apples orchards in northern Illinois, has been operating since 1993. In addition to over 15,000 apple trees across two orchards, their Barnyard includes more than 30 different activities for the family including a corn maze, petting zoo, pedal carts, zip line swings, a jumping pillow, a cow train, and more.

The search for the perfect apple to pick, bake, juice, slice, or nibble couldn’t be easier at this orchard near Chicago with 40 tree-blanketed acres comprised of more than 30 varieties. While apples are the core of this northwest Indiana fruit-bearing destination, the activities are as plentiful as the apple selection. A ride aboard a tractor not only takes you to the orchard but it swings by the pumpkin patch so you can stock up on pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, hay, and fall flowers.

There’s no shortage of apples at this 78-acre Wisconsin standout with 30,000 trees bearing more than 30 varieties. You’ll also find juicy pears to pick and a mighty selection of pumpkins to ready your home for fall. Sure to bring a smile to kids’ faces is the outdoor amusement area with gentle ponies to ride: also, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks, a small bunny village in Bunnyville, and goats that cross overhead on the “Golden Goat Bridge.”

If picturesque and simple is the experience you’re seeking, go to Heinz Orchard to pick apples near Chicago. This is a great place to unwind and enjoy a low-key experience that’s easy, fun, and affordable without the added expense of play areas, food, and tractor rides. Branches are low enough for kids to reach, but poles with pouches are available when you spot that prime apple at the tippy-top of the tree.

This family-owned and -operated business has grown since its beginning 30 years ago to include 105 acres dotted with more than 10,000 trees sprouting dozens of apple varieties. In addition to the solid selection of apples to pick near Chicago, the Tiny Town Play Area draws kids in with a giant jumping pillow, slides, duck races, straw bale pile, pedal trikes, rope spider web, tractor-driven barrel rides, apple shooting cannon, and petting zoo.

Since their start in 1998 as a pumpkin farm, Kuipers has grown to a 230-acre apple-growing powerhouse near Chicago committed to showing families kid-powered fun focused on running, climbing, adventure, and fresh air. Visitors pay admission to enjoy a delightful hayride to the orchard where they pick 1/4 peck of apples. For an additional charge, kids can tire themselves out with the corn maze, tractor tire mountain, haunted forest suitable for tiny tots, humungous slide, and more.

Spanning 120 acres with 17,000 apple trees containing 30 varieties of apples, Royal Oak Farm is a great place to spend a day. Once you’ve picked your fill of apples, saunter over to the entertainment area to take a spin on the carousel, ride the train, or buy a ticket for the hayride orchard tour on Saturdays and Sundays.