Y’know, there’s nothing quite like that first crisp morning when you wake up and think, “Yep, it’s apple picking time!” As a mom who’s been dragging her kids (and let’s be honest, her slightly reluctant husband) to orchards for the better part of a decade, I can tell you that apple picking season is basically Christmas morning for Midwestern families.
The kids start asking about it in August—”Mom, when can we go get apples?”—and by September, I’ve got our favorite orchards bookmarked and I’m checking their Facebook pages like it’s my job. Because here’s the thing: a good apple picking day can make or break your fall season, and trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
I still remember our first apple picking disaster. It was 2018, we’d just moved to Nebraska from the suburbs of Chicago, and I thought, “How hard can this be?” Famous last words, right? I packed the kids in the minivan on a gorgeous Saturday in October—you know, prime apple picking time—and drove an hour to this orchard I’d found online. We pulled up to what looked like a refugee camp. Cars parked in ditches, kids crying, parents looking like they’d rather be getting root canals. The “orchard” had exactly twelve trees, all picked clean except for the bruised apples nobody wanted. My six-year-old took one look around and said, “Mom, this is worse than grocery shopping.” Out of the mouths of babes.
That’s when I realized I needed to become a serious apple picking strategist. And let me tell you, after years of trial and error, plenty of muddy boots, and more apple cider donuts than I care to admit, I’ve figured out this whole Midwest apple picking thing.
The Science Behind the Perfect Apple Picking Day
First things first—let’s talk about timing, because this is where most people mess up. Everyone thinks Columbus Day weekend is prime apple picking time. Wrong. That’s amateur hour. By then, all the good stuff is gone, and you’re competing with every family within a three-state radius.
The secret? Go the last weekend in September or the first weekend in October. Yeah, it might still be a little warm, but trust me on this. The apples are perfect, the crowds are manageable, and you won’t spend half your day waiting in line for a hayride.
Weather matters too, but not in the way you think. Everyone waits for that perfect 65-degree, sunny, Instagram-worthy fall day. Meanwhile, I’m out there on the cloudy 58-degree morning with a light drizzle, having the entire orchard practically to myself. My kids have learned to embrace what we call “adventure weather.” Plus, there’s something kind of magical about apple picking in the mist—it feels like you’re in a fairy tale, minus the wicked stepmother.
And here’s something nobody tells you: check the wind. Seriously. If it’s been super windy the night before, a lot of the good apples will have blown off the trees. I learned this the hard way after driving two hours to find orchards full of empty branches and disappointed families.
Our Go-To Spots (That Actually Deliver)
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (Gretna, Nebraska)
Oh my goodness, Vala’s. This place is like Disney World for Midwest families, I swear. Yes, it gets crowded—like, really crowded—but there’s a reason half of Omaha shows up here every October.
Let me paint you a picture of what a typical Vala’s day looks like for our family. We leave the house at 8 AM sharp because I’ve learned that parking becomes a contact sport after 10. I pack a cooler with water bottles and granola bars because spending $15 on snacks for four people makes my Midwestern soul die a little inside. The kids are bouncing in their car seats, arguing about who gets to carry the apple picking bag, and my husband is already asking if we really need to stay for the whole day.
The apple situation is solid. We always hit up the Honeycrisp section first because, let’s face it, those are gonna go fast. My youngest is obsessed with the Gala apples (easier for little hands to handle), and my husband—who claims he doesn’t care about apple varieties—always makes a beeline for the Jonathans. “They’re the best for pie,” he says, like he’s ever made a pie in his life. (Spoiler alert: I’m the one making the pies, and I’ve tried telling him that Granny Smiths are actually better for baking, but apparently, I don’t know what I’m talking about.)
The kids have their own apple picking strategies too. My eight-year-old goes for quantity—she wants to fill her bag as fast as possible so she can move on to the “fun stuff.” My twelve-year-old has turned it into an art form, carefully examining each apple for the perfect color and shape. She probably spends five minutes per apple, which drives her sister absolutely crazy. “Just pick one, Emma! They’re all the same!” Meanwhile, I’m trying to keep them focused on actually picking apples instead of eating them right off the tree.
But here’s what they don’t tell you in the brochures: bring your own wagon if you have little ones. Seriously. Those apple bags get heavy, you’ll probably end up carrying a tired four-year-old at some point, and you’re definitely buying way more apple cider donuts than you planned. Speaking of which—get there early for the donuts. By 2 PM, they’re either gone or they’ve been sitting under those heat lamps way too long.
The kids love all the extra stuff—the corn maze (prepare to lose your family for 45 minutes), the hayrides (prepare for hay in your car for the next three months), and don’t even get me started on the petting zoo. Pro tip: pack baby wipes. So many baby wipes. Last year, my youngest decided she needed to pet every single goat, and by the time we left, she looked like she’d been wrestling in a barn. Which, let’s be honest, she basically had.
The corn maze at Vala’s deserves its own paragraph because it’s both amazing and terrifying. They have different difficulty levels, which is great in theory. But here’s the thing—even the “easy” maze isn’t that easy when you’re dealing with kids who want to run in seventeen different directions. We got separated last year, and I spent twenty minutes calling their names while other families gave me those sympathetic “we’ve all been there” looks. Pro tip: take a picture of the maze map with your phone before you go in. You’ll thank me later.
Harvest Time Orchards (Twin Lakes, Wisconsin)
Now this place is more my speed, honestly. It’s what I call a “real” orchard—you know, where the focus is actually on the apples and not on how many Instagram-worthy photo ops they can cram into one farm.
We discovered Harvest Time by accident, actually. We were visiting my sister in Milwaukee, and she mentioned this little orchard about an hour north. “It’s not fancy,” she said, “but the apples are incredible.” She wasn’t kidding. This place is what every orchard should be.
The staff here knows their stuff. Last year, I was standing there totally overwhelmed by all the varieties, and this older gentleman—probably the owner—walked up and asked what I planned to do with my apples. When I said “mostly eating, some baking, and definitely applesauce,” he walked me through the whole orchard explaining which ones would work best. Turns out I’d been buying the wrong apples for applesauce my entire adult life. The Northern Spy he recommended? Game changer.
He spent probably twenty minutes with us, explaining the difference between varieties I’d never even heard of. The Zestar! apples (yes, with an exclamation point) were crisp and sweet with this amazing floral taste. The Cortland apples were perfect for my kids because they don’t brown as quickly when you slice them. And the McIntosh—oh my gosh, I hadn’t had a real McIntosh in years. The ones at the grocery store are nothing compared to these.
It’s quieter here, which is both good and bad. Good because you can actually think and the kids aren’t overstimulated. Bad because there’s less to distract them when they get bored of apple picking after twenty minutes. But honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what we need. We can actually have conversations while we’re picking. My kids ask questions about how apples grow, why some trees have more fruit than others, and whether we can plant our own apple tree at home (the answer is always “maybe,” which is mom-speak for “we’ll see how long this enthusiasm lasts”).
Their apple cider is the real deal—you can taste the difference between this and the stuff you buy at the grocery store. They press it right there on the farm, and you can watch the whole process. My kids were fascinated, asking a million questions about how they get the juice out of the apples. The farmer’s wife was so patient, explaining everything and even letting them help feed apples into the press.
And their caramel apples aren’t those crazy Instagram-worthy ones covered in every candy known to mankind. They’re just… good. Simple. Like something your grandma would make. They use real caramel, not that artificial stuff, and you can actually taste the apple underneath. Novel concept, right?
County Line Orchard (Hobart, Indiana)
This place is worth mentioning because it’s become our go-to stop whenever we’re visiting my in-laws in Chicago. County Line is about an hour southeast of the city, and it’s got everything—apples, pumpkins, and yes, bison. Like, actual bison just hanging out in a field.
The first time we went, my kids spent more time staring at the bison than picking apples. I mean, I get it—how often do you see bison in Indiana? My youngest was convinced they were “really big cows,” and no amount of explaining could convince her otherwise. The bison seemed equally fascinated by us, probably wondering why all these people with bags were wandering around their neighborhood.
The apple selection here is solid, though not as extensive as some other places. They focus on the popular varieties—Honeycrisp, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious—which is perfect if you’ve got picky eaters. My kids know what they like, and they can find it here without getting overwhelmed by choices.
Their corn maze is legitimately challenging—we were in there for over an hour and I definitely questioned some of my life choices. They give you a little flag to wave if you need help, and let me tell you, my pride was tested when my eight-year-old suggested we wave the flag after thirty minutes. But we persevered, mostly because my twelve-year-old was determined to solve it without help. Family bonding at its finest.
The petting zoo here is small but well-maintained. The goats are friendly (maybe a little too friendly—one tried to eat my purse), and they have the softest rabbits I’ve ever felt. My kids always want to take one home, and I always have to explain why that’s not happening. Again.
The Hidden Gems I’ve Discovered
Look, I could tell you about all the orchards I found on Google, but let me share the ones I’ve actually been to with my family:
Edwards Apple Orchard in Illinois feels like stepping back in time, and I mean that in the best way. It’s been in the same family for over 150 years, and you can tell. Everything feels authentic, from the old barn to the way they still use those classic wooden crates. The current owners are probably fourth or fifth generation, and they treat every visitor like family.
What I love about Edwards is that they’ve resisted the urge to turn into an amusement park. Yes, they have some activities for kids—a small play area, a petting zoo with the friendliest goats you’ve ever met—but the focus is clearly on the orchard itself. They grow varieties I’ve never heard of, and they’re happy to let you try before you pick.
Their pies are ridiculous. I may have eaten an entire slice while walking through the orchard. Don’t judge me. They make them fresh daily, and the crust is so flaky it practically melts in your mouth. My husband, who usually turns his nose up at fruit desserts, asked if we could buy a whole pie to take home. (We did. It was gone by Sunday.)
Scholl Orchards in Ohio was another accidental discovery. We were driving back from a family reunion, and I saw the sign from the highway. “Five minutes,” I told the family. “Just a quick stop.” Three hours later, we were finally back on the road, loaded down with apples, apple butter, and promises to come back next year.
The thing about Scholl is their apple butter. I’m not usually an apple butter person—it always seemed too sweet, too thick—but theirs is different. It’s got this complex, almost smoky flavor that works perfectly on toast or biscuits. They make it in small batches, and you can watch them stirring the big copper kettles. My kids were mesmerized.
The orchard itself is beautiful, set in rolling hills with gorgeous views. It’s the kind of place where you want to just sit and soak in the scenery. They have picnic tables scattered throughout the property, and we ended up having an impromptu lunch of apples, cheese, and crackers while watching the leaves change colors.
Pease Orchard in Iowa is our newest discovery, and it might be my favorite. It’s small, family-owned, and they clearly care about what they’re doing. The apples are perfect—crisp, sweet, and obviously loved from tree to table. They have varieties I’d never tried before, including this amazing apple called a SnapDragon that lives up to its name with an incredible crunch.
What sets Pease apart is their commitment to sustainable farming. They use integrated pest management, which means fewer chemicals and healthier soil. As a mom, that matters to me. I want to know that the apples my kids are eating right off the tree are as clean and safe as possible.
Their hayrides are old-school—they use actual hay wagons pulled by tractors, not those fancy trailer things some places use. The kids love bouncing along the dirt roads, seeing parts of the orchard you can’t reach on foot. And the farmer driving the tractor has stories about every tree, every field, every building on the property. It’s like getting a history lesson with your apple picking.
Real Talk: What You Actually Need to Know
Here’s what no one tells you about apple picking:
Timing is everything. Don’t wait until the perfect fall weather hits—that’s when everyone else goes too. Hit the orchards on a random Tuesday morning if you can swing it, or go early in the season when it’s still a little warm. Your kids will be less cranky, and you’ll actually get good apples instead of whatever’s left after the weekend crowds.
I learned this lesson the hard way our second year. We waited until that perfect October Saturday—you know the one, where the leaves are peak colors and the temperature is exactly 68 degrees. Every family in a fifty-mile radius had the same idea. We spent more time waiting in line than actually picking apples. The kids were cranky, the apples were picked over, and I swore we’d never go on a weekend again.
Now we go on weekdays when possible, or very early on weekend mornings. Like, we’re-leaving-the-house-at-7-AM early. Yes, the kids complain about getting up, but once we’re there and they see all those beautiful apples just waiting to be picked, they forget all about their missed Saturday morning cartoons.
Bring snacks. I know, I know, there’s food at the orchard. But that food costs $8 for a soft pretzel, and your kids will be hungry the moment you get out of the car. Pack some crackers and juice boxes. You’ll thank me later.
This is especially important if you have little kids. My youngest gets hangry faster than anyone I know, and a cranky toddler can ruin an apple picking trip faster than you can say “Honeycrisp.” I always pack a cooler with water bottles, string cheese, crackers, and some fruit snacks for emergencies. Yes, it’s ironic to bring processed fruit snacks to an apple orchard, but sometimes you do what you have to do.
Check their Facebook page the night before. Orchards are terrible at updating their websites, but they’re pretty good about posting on Facebook if they’re closed for rain or if they’re out of certain varieties. There’s nothing worse than driving an hour only to find out they’re closed or the apples you wanted are all gone.
I’ve learned to follow all our favorite orchards on social media. They post updates about which varieties are ready, what the weather conditions are like, and sometimes they even share photos so you can see how crowded it is. It’s like having insider information.
Don’t go overboard. I used to come home with like 30 pounds of apples because they looked so pretty on the tree. Then I’d spend the next two weeks frantically making applesauce and forcing apple slices on anyone who’d take them. Now I stick to about a peck per person, max.
My first few years, I went crazy. The apples were so beautiful, so perfect, and I had visions of making pies and applesauce and apple butter and apple everything. Reality check: I’m a busy mom with two kids and a full-time job. I don’t have time to process 40 pounds of apples. Now I’m more realistic. We pick what we’ll actually eat and use, and I don’t feel guilty about leaving some for other families.
Wear layers and good shoes. The grass is wet, it’s probably muddy somewhere, and the weather can’t make up its mind. I learned this after showing up in white sneakers once. Once.
My apple picking uniform now consists of old jeans, boots I don’t mind getting dirty, and layers I can add or remove as needed. I always bring a light jacket, even if it’s warm when we leave the house. October weather in the Midwest is unpredictable at best, and standing around in an orchard can get chilly fast.
Teach your kids how to pick properly. This might seem obvious, but there’s actually a right way to pick apples. You don’t yank them off the tree—you twist gently and pull up. Show your kids how to do it properly, or you’ll end up with a lot of damaged fruit and some very unhappy orchard owners.
My kids learned this lesson when they were little and I wasn’t paying close enough attention. They were pulling apples so hard they were breaking branches. The orchard owner was very nice about it, but I was mortified. Now we have a whole tutorial in the car on the way there: twist and lift, don’t pull; only pick apples you can reach without climbing; and if it doesn’t come off easily, it’s probably not ready yet.
The Apple Varieties You Actually Need to Know About
Let’s talk about apples, because not all apples are created equal, and knowing your varieties can make or break your picking experience.
Honeycrisp – These are the superstars of the apple world, and for good reason. They’re sweet, crisp, and juicy, and they hold up well for weeks after picking. My kids love them because they’re easy to bite into, and I love them because they work for everything—eating fresh, baking, or making applesauce. Fair warning: they’re usually the first to go at popular orchards.
Gala – Perfect for little kids because they’re small, sweet, and not too tart. They have thin skin that’s easy to chew, and they’re great for lunch boxes because they don’t brown as quickly as some varieties. My youngest calls them “kid apples,” and honestly, that’s pretty accurate.
Granny Smith – The classic tart apple, and honestly, the best for baking. I don’t care what my husband says about his precious Jonathans—if you want a pie that doesn’t turn to mush, you use Granny Smiths. They hold their shape, they have just the right amount of tartness to balance the sugar, and they’re available at most orchards.
Jonathan – These are my husband’s favorites, and I have to admit, they’re pretty good. They have a nice balance of sweet and tart, and they work well for both eating and baking. They’re also one of the varieties that stores well, so you can enjoy them for weeks after your orchard visit.
Fuji – Sweet, crisp, and incredibly juicy. These are great for people who want all the crunch of a Honeycrisp but prefer a sweeter flavor. They’re also excellent for making juice or cider if you have a juicer at home.
McIntosh – The old-school favorite that a lot of people remember from their childhood. They’re soft, sweet, and aromatic, but they don’t store as well as some other varieties. If you find good McIntosh apples at an orchard, eat them sooner rather than later.
Northern Spy – This is the variety that changed my applesauce game. They have a complex, almost wine-like flavor that develops beautifully when cooked. They’re not the prettiest apples—kind of rough and rustic-looking—but they’re incredible for baking and sauce-making.
Making the Most of Your Apple Haul
So you’ve picked your apples, taken your Instagram photos, and now you’re home with bags of beautiful fruit. Now what? Here’s what I’ve learned about actually using all those apples before they go bad.
Storage is key. Apples last longest when they’re stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them—the moisture can actually make them spoil faster. If you picked a lot, consider storing different varieties separately, since some types (like McIntosh) give off more ethylene gas and can make other apples ripen faster.
Make applesauce immediately. Seriously, if you’re going to make applesauce, do it within the first few days. It’s so much easier when the apples are fresh and firm. I use a mix of varieties—usually some sweet ones like Gala or Fuji mixed with tarter ones like Granny Smith or Northern Spy. The result is a complex, flavorful sauce that’s way better than anything you can buy.
My applesauce recipe is embarrassingly simple: peel and chop the apples, add a little water, cook until soft, mash or blend to your desired consistency. I don’t add sugar because good apples are sweet enough on their own. The kids love helping with this—they’re great at operating the apple peeler (with supervision) and they love mashing the cooked apples.
Freeze what you can’t use. Sliced apples freeze beautifully for smoothies or baking. I peel and slice them, toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and freeze them in freezer bags. They’re perfect for throwing into muffins, pancakes, or smoothies throughout the winter.
Share with neighbors and friends. This is very Midwestern of me, but I always end up giving away apples. My neighbors have learned to expect bags of apples on their doorsteps after our orchard trips. It’s a great way to share the love and make sure nothing goes to waste.
Get the kids involved in cooking. Apple picking is a great opportunity to get kids interested in cooking and baking. My daughters love making apple crisp (it’s basically impossible to mess up), and even my youngest can help wash and slice apples. It’s a great way to extend the apple picking experience and teach them valuable life skills.
Why We Keep Going Back
Look, I could buy apples at the grocery store. They’re probably cheaper, definitely more convenient, and I wouldn’t have to negotiate with my kids about how many apple cider donuts constitute a reasonable lunch.
But there’s something about apple picking that just feels… right. Maybe it’s watching my kids run between the trees, or seeing them actually excited about fruit for once. Maybe it’s that moment when you bite into an apple you just picked and it tastes like sunshine and fall and everything good about the Midwest.
Or maybe it’s just nice to do something that doesn’t involve screens for a few hours. In our house, apple picking is one of the few activities where the phones stay in the car (mostly) and we actually talk to each other. We make plans, tell jokes, and create memories that don’t need to be documented on social media.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about providing food for your family with your own hands. Yes, I know picking apples isn’t exactly hunting and gathering, but there’s still that primal satisfaction of selecting the best fruit, filling your bags, and knowing you’re taking home something wholesome and delicious.
My kids are getting older now—my oldest is in middle school and definitely too cool for some family activities—but apple picking is still something we all enjoy together. Maybe it’s because there’s no pressure, no competition, no right or wrong way to do it. You walk, you pick, you eat a few apples along the way, and you go home happy.
Whatever it is, every October, I’ll be back out there with my family, probably wearing the same flannel shirt I’ve worn for the past five years, dragging a wagon full of apples and trying not to lose anyone in the corn maze. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because this is what fall looks like in the heartland, and these are the memories we’re making. One apple at a time. And if that’s not the most Midwestern thing ever, I don’t know what is.
Ready for more Midwest family fun? Bookmark HiddenMidwest.com for curated guides, honest reviews, and real stories from families who’ve been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale! Want more? Check out our X, Pinterest, Insta, or Youtube for more action-packed Midwest adventures.
