Each fall, countless families head to Speer IL to enjoy the festivities found at Tanners Orchard. Since 1947, our farm has been the perfect destination for all ages, and a place where families create unforgettable memories. You may be interested in coming for a full day of family fun. Or maybe you just want to pick apples for the perfect pie. Regardless of why you want to visit, if you’re a fan of our orchard, there are several great ways to make the most of your trip. If a visit to Tanners Orchard is on your list this fall, here are six ways you can approach the trip to find the time that’s right for you.
The weekends at Tanners Orchard bring out extra fun beyond our everyday offerings. On Saturdays, Sundays, as well as on Labor Day and Columbus Day weekends, our Festival Days ensure you’ll have even more activities to enjoy. In addition to our normal daily activities, we offer farm-fresh food the whole family will love, including full meals and concession-style foods. We also offer face painting, pony rides for our littlest guests, face painting, and covered wagon rides. Festival Days always add a little more magic to your experience at Tanners Orchard. Planning around those weekends is a great idea if you’re bringing kids so that together, you can experience all we have to offer.
If you’re a cook or baker who loves experimenting with different types of apples, you may want to visit Tanners Orchard at specific times in the fall. We have more than 11,000 U-Pick apple trees and 17 varieties of apples, which ripen at different times during the fall, depending on the variety. If you are picking a specific type of apple for your snacking needs, don’t plan a visit before checking out our apple chart. Our chart lists out the ripen date for each of our varieties, as well as where they are best used. With a detailed plan in place, you can have your holiday pies, sauces, and breads mapped out for months.
It pays to think ahead about who you want to bring with you to Tanners Orchard. Knowing that information can help you determine the best days to visit. For example, if you’re coming on an apple picking adventure with a date, you may want to come during the week when things are a little quieter. If you’re bringing your kids or grandkids, those Festival Days will make the best memories. Or, if you’re planning a field trip for your church, school, or daycare, you’ll want to call ahead to make sure we can accommodate everyone you’re bringing. No matter who is coming with you, Tanners Orchard has something for everyone.
If you want something extra special for your visit to Tanners Orchard, you’ll want to explore the many events we have to offer. These exciting annual events provide countless opportunities for even more memories to be made. From our special Grandparents Weekend to our all you can eat pancake breakfasts to Santa Breakfast, we offer something you’ll love to do with the little ones. And adults looking for a bit of extra fun can plan around our Sunflower Smores N’ More, which features appetizers, a hot dog bar, and an open bar that’s kid-free and unforgettable.
As fall kicks in fully, nothing feels more fall-like than getting to choose your own pumpkins from our pumpkin patch. In late September, our pumpkins are ripe for the picking. If you’re looking for a great way to start decorating your home or bring home pumpkins to carve, you’ll want to plan your visit to Tanners Orchard around the best pumpkin picking times. We offer U-Pick pumpkins with six varieties of pumpkins to choose from. This will make it a truly memorable way to spend your season.
One of the best ways to visit Tanners Orchard is by hosting a birthday party. If you have a child that’s celebrating a birthday in the fall, reserve our party package for a wonderful day at the orchard. Party goers get to pet animals, enjoy face painting and giant bubbles, snack on donuts and apple cider, and pick pumpkins and apples. Birthday packages have specific times set, so be sure to reserve your time early and work with us to plan the perfect day.
At Tanners Orchard, we are proud to have so many options that our guests love. Filled with so many fun things to do, we know you’ll create unforgettable moments no matter when you get here. From jam-packed orchards brimming with apples to our giant pumpkin patch, you’ll want to spend every fall here. And with our Back 40 Fun Acres, Festival Days, fall flavors, and endless events, we’ve got something for everyone.
With so many reasons to visit Tanners Orchard this fall, it’s time to start planning. We are located at 740 IL-40 in Speer IL, just north of Peoria. For hours or details, or for help planning your trip, contact us at 309-493-5442.