5 suburban orchards where you can pick your own apples

Weather has had varying effects on suburban orchards this year, but operators are looking forward to a good season, said Sarah Bell of Royal Oak Farm orchard in Harvard.

Conditions this spring made it hard to mow so trees became susceptible to pests, though damage was limited. The cool spring also hindered the flight of honey bees and the apple supply may be a little lower, however new plantings have been installed to create a healthier habitat, she added.

A few varieties of apples are showing a lower than average yield, but August and early October varieties are "absolutely loaded" and may produce some of the biggest sized apples they've seen, Bell noted.

"So while the weather is causing some issues for us, we are also noticing the blessing among the difficulty and looking forward to a good season," she added.

Visit pickyourown.org/ to find a pick-your-own farm near you. Here are five:

1. All Seasons Orchard

Open daily from Aug. 31 to Nov. 2. What: Fourteen varieties are among the 15,000 apple and pear trees and one of the largest Honeycrisp picking apple orchards in northern Illinois. Pick your own and farm market availability are updated every Friday, or as changes dictate. Dozens of activities include pumpkin picking, a 10-acre corn maze, bakery, cider mill, farm market store and gift shop, County Kitchen, mini zip line, magic shows and pig races. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, Labor Day and Columbus Day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Sign up for the newsletter, view the apple availability calendar or browse the apple use chart.

Info: 14510 Route 176, Woodstock, (815) 338-5637, allseasonsorchard.com.

2. Royal Oak Farm Orchard

Open daily from Aug. 16 through Nov. 10. What: More than 17,000 apple trees and 30 varieties of apples with new varieties planted each spring. Pumpkins, giant pumpkins, gourds and winter squash are also available. Apple trees are available for purchase. Amaze 'N Apples, the country's first apple tree maze, has 1.5 miles of trails with nine varieties of apples. Plus, there's a train, carousel, hay ride and orchard tour rides. Fees apply to the maze and rides. August hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; September and October hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; and November hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Info: 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, (815) 648-4141, royaloakfarmorchard.com.

3. Kuipers Family Farm

The 270-acre farm and store opens Aug. 17. What: Apples sold individually, by the half-peck or peck (about 10 pounds) bag. Prices vary by supply and variety. Admission to the orchard is $10.99 and includes a half peck bag of apples. Children 2 and younger admitted free but don't get free apples. Operators Wade and Kim Kuipers say they have tried to remain true to their original vision of offering a farm experience as close to what you might really find on a Midwest farm without having to get dirty. Kid-friendly activities include a train ride.

Info: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park, (815) 827-5200, kuipersfamilfarm.com.

4. Heinz Orchard

The no-frills favorite for nearly 70 years was hit hard by the Polar Vortex and spring rains but hopes to open in September possibly with limited hours or days. Red and golden delicious varieties will not be available this season. Big groups or field trips also are out this year because of the smaller crop. The schedule will be posted at the end of August. No admission or parking fees, but at least one person in a car must buy a bag to fill.

Info: 1050 Crest Road (corner of Atkinson and Crest), Green Oaks, (847) 770-3449, www.heinzorchard.com/.

5. Prairie Sky Orchard

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Free parking and admission. No animals allowed. U-Pick is $1 pound, no minimum. Features Asian pears and more than a dozen varieties of apples. Koffee Kiosk offers fresh doughnuts on weekends, sugar-free jams, salsas and butters, and several varieties of pies and other goodies.

Info: 4914 N. Union Road, Union. (815) 923-4834. prairieskyorchard.com/.