Spring Fun Fest. Event photo courtesy of Parkway Bank Park
Best Things to Do in Chicago May 2025 with Kids
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
Check out these spring festivals in Chicago.
Best Spring Festivals in Chicago for Kids and Families
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Best Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis and Brown County, Indiana
Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Chicago for Babies & Toddlers
Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
Indoor Golf Places in Chicago for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
Chicago Park District offers financial assistance for their Summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
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
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
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
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 Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
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
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
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
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
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
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
Blooming Fest in West Chicago, photo courtesy of the event.
Flower Festivals, Crafts, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Photo by Nan Ross for Mommy Poppins
Photo by Nan Ross for Mommy Poppins
5/2/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

There's nothing quite like strawberry picking in the summer. As the berrying season begins in the Midwest, families can visit our Favorite Farms with Family Entertainment 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!

2025 Strawberry Festivals in Chicago

Elmwood Strawberry Festival – June 7

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 7 & 8, June 14 & 15, June 21 & 22

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 27-29 

The iconic Long Grove Strawberry Festival takes place June 27-29 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 local chefs and restaurants can dream up. In addition to the strawberry-infused drinks and food, festival-goers 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, 24, 2025
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
Strawberry UPick begins in June
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
Strawberry UPick begins mid-June
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
Strawberry UPick begins in June
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 UPick opens June 22
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
Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres

Berry Picking Near Chicago: South and Southwest Farms

Olive Berry Acres

Mazon
2025 Opening Date TBA
Olive's Berry Farm starts its strawberry picking season in late May or early June. Families can also pick asparagus at this farm. Check the farm's Facebook page for daily updates on hours and availability. READ MORE

Tammen Treeberry Farm

Wilmington
UPick begins mid-July
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

Crosswind Farms

Manhattan
UPick Opening Date TBD
This family-owned farm in the far southern suburbs offers UPick strawberries, blackberries, and red raspberries throughout the late spring and summer, and grapes and aronia in the fall. Families can also enjoy visiting and feeding the goats and buying honey from the farmstand year round. Fresh cut Christmas trees are available the day after Thanksgiving. READ MORE

Guelde Strawberries

Earlville
UPick Opening Date TBD
Guelde Farms is 90 minutes due west of Chicago and offers pick-your-own strawberries in late May and early June. The farm's Facebook page lists berries at $2.50 per pound, accepting cash or checks only. Call or check social media for berry picking updates. READ MORE

Berry Picking in Northwest Indiana

Garwood Orchards

La Porte, IN
UPick Opens May 24
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

Johnson's Farm Produce

Hobart, IN
UPick Opens in June
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
2025 Opening Date TBD
Blueberries of Indiana opens in July for the season. The farm is in the process of being certified as organic and also now accepts credit cards. 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: