Apple Holler opened the orchard for apple picking last weekend and we were there for our first fall outing as a family. The 78-acre family farm also has a restaurant, along with plenty of family-friendly activities, all within an hour’s drive of Chicago.
The varieties available for picking are frequently updated on the website, so check before you go to see what you can find. We mostly picked honeycrisp apples and they are juicy, crisp and delicious! In fact, we’ve gone through most of them already and it’s only been a few days. It was our first time picking apples!
Bringing a wagon is a good idea if you have little ones; however, if you plan to use the train to the orchards, you’ll have to park them. We chose to walk instead. You can also rent a wagon; however, availability may be limited. The farm attracted a crowd on a Saturday afternoon.
Masks are required when social distancing is not possible and when indoors.
Note: Once you leave the actual orchard you must show a receipt showing that you have paid. You receive wristbands upon entry as well.
After picking your apples, head to the many activities on-site, including a corn maze, giant slide, pony rides and a bounce house. When we arrived we were given free tickets for either a pony ride or a bounce house for each of our girls.
Apple Holler has many photo opportunities throughout, including cutouts and a red tractor.
The farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with last admission at 4 p.m. We paid $20 each for a 1/4 peck bag and $10 admission for our youngest, who is 3. See the website for up-to-date admission prices. Of course, you can also buy pre-picked apples, along with other goodies, like apple cider doughnuts. There’s even various alcoholic ciders available.
