🍎 Apple Picking in Chicagoland: A Healthy Fall Family Tradition
👋 Dr. Kelly here.
There is something special about fall in the Chicagoland area. The crisp air, changing leaves, cozy sweaters and, of course, apple picking!
For my family, apple picking has become a favorite fall tradition. It is one of those simple activities that gives us a reason to slow down, get outside, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and spend quality time together.
And that’s a win-win in my book!
Whether you have little kids who love running through the orchard, older children who enjoy exploring, or you’re simply looking for a fun weekend activity with friends and family, visiting an apple orchard near Chicago can make a wonderful fall day.
🍏 My Favorite Apple-Picking Spot: Jonamac Orchard
One of my personal favorites is Jonamac Orchard in Malta, Illinois.
Jonamac is a three-generation family farm that has been part of the area since 1984. In addition to apple picking, they offer a corn maze, pumpkin patch, play areas and other fall activities.
And let’s be honest… the apples aren’t the only reason I love going! 🙃
There is something about walking through the orchard, finding the perfect apple, filling your bag and then heading back for fresh apple cider and those irresistible apple cider donuts. 😋🍩
Jonamac’s bakery makes cider donuts fresh, and their store also offers fresh-pressed apple cider, pies, caramel apples and other seasonal goodies.
It’s a great combination of fresh air, family fun and a little fall indulgence!
🍎 Are Apples a Healthy Fall Snack?
While an apple cider donut might be part of the fall experience, the apple itself is a wonderful whole-food snack.
One medium apple contains approximately 4 grams of dietary fiber, along with vitamin C and other nutrients.
Apples are also naturally portable, making them an easy addition to school lunches, snacks or an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a more satisfying snack, try pairing an apple with:
- Almond or peanut butter
- A handful of nuts
- Seeds
- Another source of protein or healthy fat
This combination can help make your snack more filling and provide longer-lasting energy.
I also try to pick smaller apples that are easier to put into a lunchbox.
👨👩👧👦 Apple Picking Is About More Than Apples
One of my favorite things about apple picking isn’t actually the apples.
It’s the family time.
Okay… maybe the apple cider donuts have something to do with it, too! 🤫😜
But seriously, getting outside together and enjoying a simple activity can create memories that last much longer than the afternoon itself.
Put the phones away for a little while.
Walk through the orchard.
Take pictures.
Let the kids explore.
Laugh together.
Get lost in a corn maze.
Enjoy a hayride.
And yes… finish the day with warm apple cider and a cider donut!
Jonamac also has a firepit area that we haven’t tried yet. It looks like families can bring picnic food and hang out for a couple of hours. As our family gets older, I think an evening visit might be fun to try.
These are the simple experiences that become family memories.
🍏 Why Apple Picking Is a Great Family Activity
Apple picking combines several things I love about wellness:
Movement. Walking through an orchard gets everyone moving without feeling like exercise.
Fresh air. Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to take a break from screens and busy schedules.
Family connection. You’re doing something together rather than everyone being on a separate device.
Learning about food. Kids get to see where their food comes from, choose their own apples and participate in the process.
Healthy eating. When children participate in growing, picking and preparing food, it can help create a greater appreciation for fresh, whole foods.
It doesn’t have to be complicated to be healthy.
Sometimes wellness looks like walking through an apple orchard with your family on a beautiful fall day.
🍎 More Apple-Picking Orchards Near Chicago
If Jonamac Orchard isn’t convenient for you, there are plenty of other wonderful places to go apple picking in the Chicagoland area.
🍏 Kuipers Family Farm – Maple Park
Kuipers Family Farm is a popular choice for families looking for more than just apple picking. Their fall season includes U-pick apples, fall flowers, the Orchard Shop & Bakery and additional seasonal family activities.
Their Blooms & Bushels Festival is another reason to visit during the fall season.
🍎 Royal Oak Farm Orchard – Harvard
If you’re willing to take a little bit of a drive, Royal Oak Farm Orchard offers a full farm experience.
In addition to apple picking, families can enjoy the bakery, playground, petting zoo, train rides and an apple-tree maze.
It’s a great option when you want to turn apple picking into an entire day of family fun.
🍏 Stade’s Farm & Market – McHenry
Stade’s Farm & Market is another great option for families looking for a fall outing.
Along with U-pick apples, Stade’s offers a larger fall-festival atmosphere with seasonal activities, food and treats.
And, of course, there are apple cider donuts!
🍎 Where Is Your Favorite Apple Orchard?
There are so many wonderful farms and orchards around the Chicagoland area that I know I’m probably missing someone’s favorite.
So tell me:
Where do YOU go apple picking? 🍎
Send us your favorite orchard! You can text the office, message us on Facebook or Instagram, or tell me the next time you’re in the office.
We may discover a new favorite — and we may even feature some of your recommendations in a future post!
And if you visit Jonamac Orchard, you might just see me there enjoying the apples, the cider and, I’ll admit it…
the apple cider donuts! 😉🍎🍩
🍂 Get Outside and Enjoy Fall
Fall doesn’t last forever.
Take advantage of the beautiful season. Get outside. Walk through an apple orchard. Eat a fresh apple. Spend time with your family. Make some memories.
And if you enjoy a cider donut along the way?
That’s okay, too. 😉
Wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making healthy choices most of the time while still enjoying the experiences that make life fun.
Yours in Health Naturally,
Dr. Kelly
