Apple Picking in Illinois

A slight chill in the air and the turning of leaves into riotous colors means it’s time to take the family out for some apple picking in Illinois! Several farms in the area are dotted with red and golden apples weighing heavily on trees lined in neat little orchard rows. One such orchard is just 5 miles from my house and a recent family gathering ended in a trip to Kuiper’s Family Farm.

Apple Picking at Kuiper's Family FarmYou can see by all the cars that this place is hopping!  Every October people swarm to this country farm to enjoy apple picking in Illinois. Kuiper’s has a bakery with a variety of fresh baked donuts. Pumpkins and a corn maze are added attractions.

 

Welcome sign at Kuiper's Family Farm in IllinoisA recent Sunday after the Bears football game found my entire family heading toward the orchard to pick apples.

 

Wagon ride to apple orchard in Illinois via Town and Country LivingA farm tractor takes apple pickers to the orchard in a caravan of wooden wagons. My daughter Stephanie is on the left while daughter Bridget is on the right. My granddaughter Zoe is wedged between the two of them.

 

Apple orchard and farm field in Illinois via Town and Country LivingThe country is beautiful out here, with slightly rolling hills. Christmas trees mingle with apple trees.

 

Apple picking in Illinois via Town and Country LivingMost of the apples you pick straight off the trees, but some are in crates.

 

Apple picking at Kuiper's Family FarmLittle Zoe decided to eat her first apple fetched out of the crate.

 

Family outing to the apple orchard in IllinoisMom and Dad help her find ripe apples off the tree. Can you tell they’re die-hard Bears fans?

 

Apple picking in Illinois via Town and Country LivingDaughter Bridget and her hubby Zac get caught between the Gala apple trees.

 

Kuiper's Family Farm apple orchard in IllinoisYou can get lost in the rows and rows of apple trees.

 

Apple picking in Illinois via Town and Country LivingMy grandson Aiden decided to steal the show in this photo opp. His mother informed me that they did indeed, eat all 3 bags of apples they took home. I think apple picking in Illinois is a great experience for the kids.

 

Jonathon apple trees in Illinois via Town and Country LivingEach week different apples are available for picking. The Jonathons weren’t quite ready yet so we came home with mostly Gala and Golden Delicious apples. My favorite apples are Honeycrisp, followed closely by Gala and Pink Ladies.

 

Apple picking in Illinois at Kuiper's Family FarmMy son Cory and his girlfriend Amy seemed to enjoy the day.  I treasure every minute that I spend with my children and their significant others. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day.

 

Kuiper's Family Farm in Maple Park, IllinoisAn impromptu wrestling match broke out while waiting for the tractor and wagons to pick us up.

 

Apple picking in Illinois via Town and Country LivingI think we wore my hubby out. Shhhh. Don’t tell him I posted this picture!

 

Goat on the farm via Town and Country LivingThis little fella at the farm was quite the ham. I just love goats!

 

Apple orchard in Maple Park, Illinois via Town and Country LivingAt the end of the day, a good time was had by all while apple picking in Illinois.

So tell me … what’s your favorite apple?

 

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9 Comments

  1. Honey crisp apples are my all time favorite….juicy, crisp and oh so sweet. Enjoyed the tour and loved the family photo ops…!

  2. I had not heard of this one and it is a bit farther than we would go but seems like a good place. We usually have gone to Heinz in Green Oaks, IL (in Lake county).

  3. Beautiful photos of your apple picking day, Jennifer. You have a beautiful family. My favourite apple is the Cortland and HoneyCrisp comes in second. We pick at an orchard less than a mile from us. Pam

  4. Great pictures and die-hard fans is right. At least Chicago isn’t embarrassing like the NY Jets. We are very frustrated fans! Thanks for sharing this family fun with us.

    Cynthia

  5. Such a lovely post Jennifer and what a beautiful family you have. The photos are gorgeous and capture the happiness of such a lovely day. How exciting to be able to pick your own apples at an apple farm….. can’t get any fresher than that!
    Hugs,
    Kerryanne

  6. Looks like a fun day Jennifer! Hmmm my favorite….it always changes LOL! We have not been apple picking this year.I have been picking them up at our farmers market.A local farmer sells organic. Great photos of your family.
    xx
    Anne