Blueberry picking is one of the easiest and most rewarding summer farm outings for families. The bushes are usually easy for kids to reach, the fields smell amazing, and there’s a good chance everyone will snack their way through the experience.
Most blueberry picking farms near Chicago open between late June and mid-July, depending on weather and crop conditions. Since availability can change quickly, we always recommend checking the farm’s website or social media before heading out.
In this guide, you’ll find the best U-pick blueberry farms near Chicago, plus pricing, typical opening times, family-friendly tips, and a map to help plan your trip.
Before You Go
- Wear old clothes — blueberry stains are real.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Some farms are cash only.
- Call ahead before driving out.
- Many Indiana farms are in Central Time.
Blueberry Picking Map
Where to Pick Blueberries Near Chicago in 2026
The following spots for u-pick blueberries are within about two hours of Chicagoland. Please call ahead or check for information on the day you plan to go to ensure availability, which can change from day to day.
Questions to Ask When Calling a Farm
Always call before you go picking to verify hours. (We can’t stress this enough!) Ask if the fields are picked over or still have a decent amount of blueberries to pick. The length of the season is greatly affected by the weather, especially with berries.
- Some farms charge for containers or don’t supply them at all, so plan for that, too. You might bring small buckets or metal coffee cans with soft rope through each side.
- Ask the type of payment they prefer. Many prefer cash or check, while others want credit card only.
- You can also ask when the fields were sprayed, to see if it has rained since then. It’s way more fun to pick if you can sample along the way!
What to Bring for Blueberry Picking
- Hats. Sometimes you can stand in the shade of the blueberry bushes, but shade isn’t always available in the field. If you bring a baby, put them in a big-brimmed bucket hat or set up a blanket with an umbrella in the middle of the row and make sure your little one is in the shade.
- Sunblock and insect repellent. Picking blueberries is fun; getting sunburned or bitten is not. Take precautions and don’t forget to reapply.
- Containers. Some places supply their own, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Hand wipes or baby wipes. Double- and triple-check, as this adventure can get sticky quickly.
- Stroller or wagon. The fields can be far away from the parking area.
- Water. Drink it often! You don’t realize all the bending over and sunshine catches up with you.
- Picnic lunch or snack. Even if you plan on going out for a meal afterwards, blueberry picking is hungry work.
- Blanket to sit on while you eat. Depending on the farm, there may or may not be picnic tables available, but a blanket is handy in case the ground is muddy or the tables are full.
What to Wear for Blueberry Picking
Dress lightly and wear gym shoes with socks, or even better yet, boots. Think Peppa Pig and puddles! Don’t wear nice clothes or shoes. Especially with kids, you almost always get blueberry juice on your clothes… which is really hard to get out. Bring a change of clothes to wear on the way home for the kids, and maybe grown-ups, too. Also, don’t forget your sun hats to keep the sun off your face.
Blueberry Picking Tips
Blueberries are ripe when they are all dark blue. The portion around the stem turns color last, so don’t pick berries that are just blue on the bottom. If the berries are slightly red around the stem they are good, just a little tart.
If you have a bucket or coffee can with a rope tied to it, you can hang it around your neck to allow the berries to fall into the container as you pick (much faster).
Often there are great berries in the center of the bush, or down low, which is perfect for your little ones.
When You Get Home
Don’t wash your blueberries until you are ready to eat them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling. If you would like to wash them in batches, we recommend filling a large bowl with water and adding some vinegar. Swish the blueberries around in the diluted vinegar water, then drain and rinse with water.
Freeze your blueberries: It is better to freeze blueberries without washing them so they do not get icy (or make sure to let them completely dry if you want to wash them). Just pour them into a Ziploc bag and place flat in the freezer. Blueberries can keep for months in the freezer!
After your picking trip, don’t forget to freeze a few bags for smoothies, muffins, and pancakes later this summer. And if you discover a favorite blueberry farm we should add to the guide, let us know!
