Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
pexels-josh-willink
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Strawberries taste sweeter when you pick them yourself at one of these berry picking farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
Strawberries taste sweeter when you pick them yourself at one of these berry picking farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
5/10/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

There's nothing quite like strawberry picking in the summer. As the berrying season begins in the Midwest, families can visit local farms near Chicago and do some strawberry picking starting in June, with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even gooseberries (if you know what to do with those!) in July and August.

We found 14 farms within 90 minutes of Chicago where kids can get some fresh air and go strawberry picking (or other berry picking) as they enjoy a summer day trip near Chicago. And don't miss the strawberry festivals happening in June!

For more fun things to do with kids in Chicago, check out 30 free outdoor summer movies, what you need to know about visiting the Bristol Renaissance Faire, and the best animal encounters and petting zoos near Chicago.

2024 Strawberry Festivals in Chicago

Elmwood Strawberry Festival – June 1

This year, the Elmwood Strawberry Festival is going prehistoric with a dinosaur-themed festival. With a color run/walk, classic car show, aisles of strawberry treats, drinks, and more, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. You’ll also find kids' activities, live entertainment, and vendors ready with crafts, artwork, and all the strawberries your heart desires. 

Johnson's Farm Strawberry Festival — June 8 & 9, June 15 & 16, June 22 & 23

This family farm is just under an hour away from Chicago and instead of a single weekend, their festival stretches out over three weekends in June. The admission fee gains you access to the U-Pick fields, tram rides, and the FUN FARM activities which include pedal cars, a goat village, a pipe swing, an obstacle course, a spider web climber, duck races, a jump pad and pillow, and much more. Tractor riders are also included. Tickets are $15 each, and children ages 2 and under are free. Hours are from 8am - 6pm, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Long Grove Strawberry Festival – June 21-23 

The iconic Long Grove Strawberry Festival takes place June 21-23 this year. Famous for its lineup of all-things strawberry, you'll find everything from BBQ sauce to fried strawberries on a stick, strawberry fudge, and just about anything else strawberry local chefs and restaurants can dream up. In addition to the strawberry-infused drinks and food, festivalgoers can enjoy live music on multiple stages, carnival rides for kids, and different stations with family-friendly activities. Check out the adorable boutique shopping in historic downtown Long Grove while you're there! 

 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Cody's Farm and Orchard offers strawberry picking northwest of Chicago. Photo courtesy of Cody's Farm and Orchard
Cody's Farm and Orchard offers strawberry picking northwest of Chicago. Photo courtesy of Cody's Farm and Orchard

Strawberry Picking Near Chicago: Northwest Farms

Stade's Farm and Market

McHenry
Opens May, 25, 2024
Stade's Farm and Market has more than 200 acres of fresh fruits and vegetables ripe for the picking. Strawberry picking runs through June, while families can pick raspberries, sugar snap peas, and green beans in July and August. Then come back in the fall to pick apples and pumpkins. READ MORE

TOM's Farm Market

Huntley
This family-owned farm has strawberries available to pick starting in mid-June. Families can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables or baked goods from the farm market. TOM's sunflower fields come alive in late July; and check back year-round for Fall on the Farm, holiday activities, and Easter Bunny breakfasts. READ MORE

Heider's Berry Farm

Woodstock
Heider's Berry Farm has strawberries available for picking in mid-June and raspberries in mid-July. Admission and parking are free; patrons only pay for the berries they pick. Berry picking availability depends on the weather, so be sure to check for updates on Facebook before visiting this family-run farm. READ MORE

Cody's Farm and Orchard

Marengo
Cody's Farm and Orchard is open for the season for strawberry picking by the bucket or quart. The strawberry season usually lasts through the end of June, but check the farm's Facebook page to make sure picking is available the day you want to go. The farm also sells a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the summer including corn, radishes, peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, potatoes, and cucumbers. READ MORE

McCann Berry Farm

Woodstock
McCann's offers blueberry picking on Wednesdays and Saturdays and opens for the season in mid-July. The 3-acre patch offers free parking; berry pickers are encouraged to call ahead to check on the availability of berries for the day. Parking is free, and the fields are open from 8am until the fields are picked out. READ MORE
Olive Berry Acres has berry picking near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
Olive Berry Acres has berry picking near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres

Berry Picking Near Chicago: Southwest Farms

Olive Berry Acres

Mazon
Olive's Berry Farm starts its strawberry picking season in June and continues with raspberry picking in July. Check the farm's Facebook page for daily updates on hours and availability. READ MORE

Tammen Treeberry Farm

Wilmington
Enjoy picking blueberries from more than 50 acres of bushes originally planted in 1964. Berries arrive around the Fourth of July and last 3-4 weeks. The farm stand also has homemade jams, pies and other berry products. Come back in the winter to harvest your own Christmas tree! READ MORE

Berry Picking in Northwest Indiana

Garwood Orchards

La Porte, IN
Fresh produce lovers can pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries throughout the season at this 500-acre farm. Return for pumpkins, apples, peppers, and more in the fall. Families must ride a wagon to the picking site. Picking conditions can change quickly due to weather and customer count, so the farm recommends that guests always call (219.362.4385) for a picking status update before visiting. READ MORE

Grandma's Berry Patch

LaCrosse, IN
Grandma's Berry Patch starts its season with blueberries for picking in early July, followed by blackberries and gooseberries later in the season. The farm has a shade shelter and water and beverages available for purchase. Check the Facebook page for the latest weather updates. READ MORE

Johnson's Farm Produce

Hobart, IN
Strawberry season kicks off Johnson's harvest in June, followed by blueberries in July and blackberries, raspberries, and watermelon in August and September. Johnson's Farm Fun Weekends celebrate each fruit in season, beginning with the Strawberry Festival weekends in June. The fields are open daily.  READ MORE

Blueberries of Indiana

La Porte, IN
Blueberries of Indiana opens in July for the season. Check the website for updates on hours and picking conditions. READ MORE

Blue Sky Berry Farm

Wanatah, IN
Blueberry lovers can start picking at this Valparaiso area farm on the 4th of July weekend, with berries typically available through mid-August. Blue Sky Berry Farms prides itself on its large berries, often the size of nickels. The farm also has jam made from freshly picked blueberries and locally harvested honey. Cookbooks, children's books, and cold drinks are also available, along with clean restrooms, a picnic shelter, playground, and lawn games. READ MORE
Head up to Wisconsin for 150 acres of strawberry plants. Photo courtesy of the Thomson Strawberry Farm, Facebook
Head up to Wisconsin for 150 acres of strawberry plants. Photo courtesy of the Thomson Strawberry Farm, Facebook

Berry Picking in Southeast Wisconsin

Thompson Strawberry Farm

Bristol, WI
At one point, Thompson Strawberry Farm had 150 acres of strawberry plants, making it the largest U Pick farm in the nation. Today, families can travel north of the state line to pick strawberries, sunflowers, raspberries, pumpkins, and more. You pay per car for admission plus the cost of strawberries.  READ MORE

Blue Clay Berry Farm

Delavan, WI
Visit this family owned berry farm to pick from 20,000 strawberry bushes and 700 blueberry bushes throughout June and July. Farm fresh eggs are also available in the farm fridge. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: