If you’re a parent like me, or even if you just love all things fall, you’re probably on the hunt each autumn for the perfect place to do all the seasonal things— picking apples, walking through sunflower fields, visiting a pumpkin patch, and we dare not forget, eating as many apple cider donuts as we can. This fall, I finally found the spot that has it all and it was only a little over an hour outside of the city!
Kuipers Family Farm is a family owned and operated farm in Kane County between Aurora & DeKalb. We went over Labor Day Weekend, so we were able to check out the Sunflower Experience & U-Pick Apple Orchards. Their Pumpkin Fun Farm opens mid-September, so it wasn’t quite ready yet, but if the sunflowers last long enough, there’s a chance you can catch all three! We saved money by getting our tickets online ahead of time. You need tickets for each part of the farm.
SUNFLOWER EXPERIENCE
Kuipers has a huge sunflower area with several fields containing all the kinds of sunflowers you could imagine, not just the typical gold & black ones you’re used to! They have pre-made paths so you can walk through the fields, lots of fun photo ops, and shears so you can pick your own sunflower (included with your ticket.)
U-PICK APPLE ORCHARD
After frolicking in the sunflower fields, we made our way to the apple orchards. They had dozens of kinds of apples! The ones that were ripe and ready for picking when we were there were the Honey Golds and they were so delicious! We each got a bag to fill will apples, so we went home with enough to last us for a couple weeks!
OTHER THINGS TO DO
While at Kuipers, there’s a few other things you definitely will want to check out– like the train! They have a mini train that takes you for a ride around the sunflower fields. This was definitely Ivy’s favorite part of the day– a must-do for the kiddos! There’s also a big area outside of their shop & bakery where you can grab food, listen to live music, and just hang out! Also be sure to visit the shop for all the fall goodies! We picked up the classics– apple cider donuts and caramel apple dip– as well as some fun new finds like apple cider donut beer!
PUMPKIN FUN FARM
Unfortunately, the Pumpkin Fun Farm wasn’t open yet when we visited, but we will definitely be going back to check it out! The PFF includes so many fun attractions including a corn maze, tractor tire mountain, jumping pillow, haunted forest, hayrack rides, games, and so much more! The PFF is open through October 30th!
MIDWEST TULIP FEST
Also added to our to-visit list this spring is Kuipers’ Midwest Tulip Fest which happens in April/May! In addition to the over 500,000 predicted blooms, it will include the fun farm, live music, food, and more! And, of course, you get your own blooms to take home.
I hope you get the chance to make it out to Kuipers Family Farm this fall and enjoy all the fall festivities!
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