Caveat Emptor! Right then, so we need to start with a few words of caution (both which have been covered extensively in almost every review) bc if you don't heed the warning, you're going to be sorely disappointed at minimum or just through the roof Angry during your visit. 1. Come off peak day/hour, ie avoid w/e altogether and busy times. It's that simple. Until they can figure out a way to be more efficient or just simply expand, then it's what you need to do. Alternatively you could also just put on your big boy or girl pants and prepare for a long day along side a bunch of rude, boorish 'Mericans.lol 2. The prices are high, no doubt about it. But it's a matter of supply and demand and if ppl are willing to pay then Tanner's has the right to price an item at whatever point they want. No one is forcing you to buy anything. I will also point out the late, great Kurt Vonnegut's idiom/truism: You get what you pay for! and there are some items that are "must have's" where Tanner's has a lock on: Cider Donuts and Apple Cider to name a few. I grew up in the area and remember coming here when you could come pretty much anytime and actually park in the lot where it's now the cattle call, holding area with a queue a mile long. So it does have a nostalgia draw for me. I also have been bringing my 9 y.o son here every year since birth and he has come to love it as much as I do...at this age he is delirious about the "mining for gold, silver and rocks" exhibit, he is fascinated with that thing! In Sum: As someone who has been coming here for over 30 years, I will alert you to the things you must get at Tanner's, the other items you can probably do fine and save money elsewhere. - Cider Donuts (there is no comparison, i've tried others, impossible to duplicate) - Apple Cider (see above) - Caramel Sauce (see above...perhaps a theme here?) - Apple Tea Ring (this i believe is new? but it is ridiculously good, made in house) - Apple Fritters (Tbh, most of the bakery goods are delicious here, hard to go wrong) - Sweet Bourbon Glaze - Jams and Jellies - Blueberry Syrup, yup yup yummm! [X] Worth it for me! read more

Apple Cider Donuts never disappoint. Weekend visits: long lines and crying children Ready to take home pumpkins spread by the front area, great for mini fall photoshoot. Entry into the area/store is free $3 entry fee + $10-15/picking bag for actual Apple Orchard $6 entry fee for Corn Maze Petting zoo filled with adorable goats that don't want to be petted unless you feed them. There are feeding machines that take quarters, but if you don't have any change, you can always pick up some of the fallen pellets near the pen, the goats often get so excited to eat from your hand that they knock about 1/3 of the pellets onto the ground. Specialty coffee station located near petting zoo area that makes all your favorite fall drinks. Many porter potties and hand washing stations available. read more

Our family was terribly disappointed at the lack of concern during this pandemic. There was zero requirement for mask wearing or social distancing, there was hundreds of people preset without any precaution taken including the staff. We use to love Tanners but with lack even an attempt to keep people safe during this time we won't be returning. read more

Well... Tanners is a family tradition and we come here every year. We also have a great time and make more memories. However.. with that being said. They are also very pricey. We have a family of 3 and always spend about $100 give or take. As long as you plan a budget ahead of time, you'll have a good time. read more

We've gone to Tanner's Orchard every fall for the past several years. There's a lot to do, and the family really enjoys it. There are 2 corn mazes, a big and a little, but you pay once for both. Going through can take 30 minutes to an hour, so it's large and worth it. The play area has a lot to do, a small hay maze, multiple play-sets, pony rides, and putt-putt. My biggest issue with the play area is charging adults to go in. This seems a little greedy to me since I have to go in with my child. On the weekdays you do not, but it would be nice if they'd allow at least 1 adult in free with a paid child admission. The u-pick is a fun experience. They have u-pick apples, and several varieties. They also have u-pick pumpkins. Finally, there's a store where they have several yummy baked items, such as the cider apple doughnuts. However, I wish the would redo the layout of the store. As it is now, you are forced to go through in a single file line, so the line moves very slowly as people pause to look at items and try samples. The line to get in can also be 30 minutes or more if it is a busy weekend. Expect to spend $50 or so to do the activities plus whatever is spent in the store. Overall, if you can make a weekday, do that! If not, it is still a full, fun weekend day. read more

Tanners Orchard - U-pick pumpkins. - Farms Near Me - Speer, Illinois

This is an excellent pumpkin festival event site. The food, attractions , market were all very good. Only some of the prices are high, but you are paying for the entire experience. For instance at the coffee stand the Carmel Apple latte was $4.75, but would you rather have one for 2 bucks in a WalMart parking lot? We went on a beautiful fall MONDAY, and it was full to capacity. I will take my family back next year, but not on a weekend day. read more

Tanners Orchard - Farms Near Me - Speer, Illinois

Every October, we have to make a trip out to Tanners to enjoy some apple cider and atmosphere. We bundle up with scarves and always take the kids to visit the goats and other animals before heading inside for free samples of apple cider and apple varieties. Cheers for Honey crisp apples! I always have to buy at least a gallon of cider and usually a package of apple turnovers. Delicious! My husband is a huge fan of the peach salsa but I've never tried it. I'm leery of new things. But every time we go he buys a huge amount, so that has to say something positive for it. They also have a fun corn maze if you are feeling particularly daring. I've never done the Pick-your-own because I'm lazy and I feel you get a better deal when they pick out the apples, but I know a lot of families love doing that. Maybe next time. I've heard that Apple Blossom Orchard is a cheaper option if you are more interested in the goods than the other stuff, but I've never been. read more

I recently moved here from California and was told so many great things about this place. I knew I had to check it out! I have never seen anything like it! I got alot of stares but even more smiles, everyone was very friendly and the Donuts, Fudge and Caramel Apples were AMAZING!!!! Such a wonderful, beautiful experience I will most definitely be back. read more

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Nice place, as far as the offerings in the gift shop, but extremely overpriced!! Jams... pies... and according to other reviews, they don't even make their own pies on the premises. Good cider donuts. read more

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Great place to bring your family or even come alone. My family loves the apple cider and the apple cider donuts. There's a lot to do and a lot of different things to buy and try out! I come every year, sometimes more than once. I love coming here and the staff is always friendly! read more

Took the family out to enjoy the beautiful fall day. My family had a great time until it was time to check out of the u-pick. The cashier was very rude to me. We pick pumpkins as well as apples and squash. Now as we entered the staff explained about the apples but did not go into detail about the pumpkins. All the sign said was 7 dollars for one two for twelve and three for twenty. As we were out picking no one advised us about the squash. When it was time to check out the lady started ringing up and I asked her to explain the prices. She just kept ringing up and told me my price was 40 bucks. That's when I asked her how much was the squash and she said you know should know what you want. I told her that was rude and I was just asking for the price of the squash seeing if there was a deal like the pumpkins. I told her that she didn't have to be rude all I did was ask a question. The manager was right there and didn't say nothing to her about her tone or her choice words. Sad what a person would let happen just for money. Once I found out the man was the manager and allow her to act in such a manner. I let him know that my family would not be purchasing the pumpkins. read more

Well new to the area I thought we'd take the kids to Tanners. Back at home we went to the same orchard every year and the kids loved it so I wanted to give them a surprise that they would enjoy. I'm afraid I made a little mistake. Well we traveled to Tanners on a Saturday and as I pulled in I said "you've got to be kidding me", this was due to the site of the line to get in the store wrapping around the building. I pulled in to a full parking lot and felt relief when I seen they had parking attendees directing traffic. Unfortunately this wasn't the case. They basically direct you into a circle and then out. So I left and pulled back in until I found a parking spot in my own since how I drove so far to get there. Now that we're parked we walk in headed to the back since there was a huge line in the front. In the back they have a play ground for the kiddies. I thought well at least this is cool... Well that's before I noticed I was going to have to pay $7 each for me kids. Yes, $7 for a 2 year old to play on their play ground. That was only the beginning! Next stop, feeding the goats. Well this was the best part of the while visit. $.50 to feed goats seemed cheap after I got jacked up at the kiddie rides. Unfortunately we seen someone carrying donuts and felt we must give the line a try to see if the donuts were any good. Standing in about a half mile long line to get some donuts was our next journey. It actually only took us about 20 minutes to get in the store which actually was much faster than I expected since how the line was again about half a mile long. We get to the door and well, they informed us they no longer have any donuts. You have to wait 45 minutes if you want donuts and you can only order 1 dozen. Yes, they went there! Well anyway since how we just waited in that line we thought we would go ahead and check out their "country" store. Overall the shop wasn't bad once I got passed the first cold cooler that had a sign that read "APPLE CIDER, 1 GALLON $8.99". Yes, that wasn't a typo folks. They really want you to give up a body part for a gallon of their cider. Again, once I got past this and walked the store I felt it was pretty nice and even had samples. The only issue was the people. You even had some pushing inside and wow, was it crowded! Being new to the area I wanted to make this a great first weekend with the kids so I spend $90 on... 1/2 Gallon cider, roasted nuts, bag of popcorn, small bag of apples and 2 (single) donuts. Yes, all that for $90... What a deal!?? In other words I won't be back on a Saturday nor will I be back on a Tuesday unless I just have money to burn. Visit with caution. read more

The apples are delicious, however miserably overpriced (especially for pick your own). Staff is not rude, but not terribly friendly. Its a fun day for the family, and we enjoy the baked goods, but save a buck or two, drive to Christ Orchard to buy produce. read more

While the kids enjoy the playground I think it is ridiculously over priced. And why as an adult do I have to pay to watch my child play? Absolutely insane! You would think by now they would have a more efficient way of getting into and out of the store on weekends when it is busy. I will never understand why they continue to conduct the store the way they do. It makes no sense at all. I hope they read some of these reviews because even the good ones are mentioning the same things I am mentioning. GET YOUR STORE TOGETHER AND STOP CHARGING ADULTS TO GO INTO THE PLAYGROUND. If there is one thing I can't stand it's greedy people and this place is a perfect example of just that. read more

I haven't been here since I was a kid for field trips and it was interesting to see as an adult. We (me, my 10 year old sister, and my 8 year old son) got here at about 11am and it was already packed. We went to the maze first and it was $6 for me, and $5 per kid which was fine, they had a blast and we got so lost and turned around and didn't find half the checkpoints but it was cool. Then we walked around the place exploring and the line to get in the store wrapped around the building so we didn't make it in there. We went to check the food areas and those line were also forever long so we got a $2 soda out of the vending machine and that was it. We went to the play area, which is way overpriced on the weekend, $7 per kid, and $5 for me and I couldn't do much of it with them, the pony rides, barrel train, etc. I think the adults should be free. The kids had a lot of fun in there too. Then we went to the u-pick area to pick out pumpkins and we took on of their carts with us out back and they wouldn't let me take it out to the field to put pumpkins in. If anywhere in the place you needed a cart, there would be it. My son picked the biggest pumpkin he could find and my sister picked a decent size and you are supposed to carry them back to the shack to pay for them, which is a little bit of a walk. And we tried to go back to the store which after all this it was 5 and the line still wrapped around the building. So in conclusion, the kids had a blast but they need a bigger store, cheaper fees, more places to eat, and you should be able to take the little carts back with you to pick out your pumpkins!! read more

I have liked going to Tanner's in the past, but our visit yesterday was very disappointing. We got there at 3:45 pm, and they had already put away all of the samples. I won't buy overpriced items without trying them first, so needless to say, I didn't purchase anything except the donuts, which I know are good. The staff was rude, especially the lady in the fudge stand, as well as a lady I asked about the samples. Won't ever go back. On a side note, we brought our friends from England along, and I was embarrassed about our visit and apologized for taking them there. read more

Second time taking a trip to Tanners and I will admit, the prices are a bit rediculous but it's worth it. We don't have kids, so I've never done the play area but we have done the store, the u-pick for apples and had food. The store is a zoo. If you can, arrive early, get what you need and get out. We always get a gallon of cider, doughnuts and assorted other things that look good. Then we store in our car until we are ready to go. The u-pick for apples is a bit pricey(10 for 1/2 a peck, 18 for a peck and 3 dollars per person to enter the field). However you get a ton of apples. You get as many as you can fit in the bag.. Which is quite alot depending on size. They take you on a tractor to where they are and set you free to wander and pick apples till your bag is full. Then you can either walk back to the beginning or wait for a tractor to take you back. Food is another epic thing about this place. They have one main place to get food and the line gets long, but it seems to move fast. We always get the cider brat which is tasty and decent sized. Your dessert options are pretty much all things apple. This year my fiancé got an apple fritter which he was more then happy with. I got an Apple Drizzle which is basically a sliced apple with carmel poured over it, topped with whipped cream and nuts. It was too die for and I'll be dreaming about that till next time. Overall it's a good place to take the family for a day. Just be prepared for crowds and to wait for food and in the store. read more

It's an annual tradition. Donuts are great and products are fine. Love maze etc. Two stars due to the fact that the management can't figure out a way to have enough cashiers or a process that you don't have to wait for an hour to check out on the weekend. Year after year it's the same problem. Either add more registers and hire more people it motivate the employees you have to move a little faster than molasses on a cold winter morning. read more

The best place for a fall time fun. The decorations are beautiful. The baked goods are outstanding. The apples are amazing and there is something for all ages. Out back is several things to do with kids or school feildtrips. The country store inside has a little shopping and they offer different types of things to eat. read more

The perfect once per year trip for any family. Tip, arrive very early if you plan to shop. The queue can be daunting. Apple donuts are amazing, and so is their selection of apples. Apple Fritters are to die for. The kids playground is also worth the price. read more

Extremely disappointed with our visit. After getting off the u-pick ride with a pumpkin and being dropped back at the barn we weren't sure where to pay for it at and since the employees in the barn all told us "bye" even though we were carrying the pumpkin in plain view we began the walk back to the front store. Half way there an older man in a golf cart stopped us and asked for our receipt or to see the sticker on the pumpkin, we told him we didn't know where to pay for it at and he sent us back to the barn. After paying and showing the same man the sticker on the pumpkin and taking it to the car and heading back to the corn maze the same old man stopped us AGAIN and told us he shouldn't let us back in because we were trying to steal...won't be making the hour drive back to be treated like a criminal because they don't have proper paying areas labeled. read more

I tried Tanners because I wanted to take my 7 year-old nephew to a real Orchard so he could pick his own apples and pumpkin. I looked at Yelp and most of the comments were positive for Tanners and after checking out their website and saw what they had to offer I decided to take a chance. THE WORSE MISTAKE EVER!!!! First the websites says they are open for 8a-8P, but what they fail to tell you is that the kiddie rides close down at 5:30P. We arrived at 3:45 had to pay 5 per adult, and 7 for my little nephew to enter their "kiddie park", (which by the way all the adults do is stand around and watch their kids play, so kinda sad you have to pay to stand in the park) the lady handing out the bands to enter the park was rude and snappy. Not once did they offer the fact that the rides shut down at 5:30 even after we made it clear this was our first time here. Second issue was when we got in line for the pony rides,(because we didn't know about the time limit) the lady that was handing out bands was there telling the girl supervising the ride that it was the last time for the horses and then to stop. She allowed the kids in front of my nephew to go, telling us sorry the ride was full and this was the last go round. OK that was fine but she pulled a man with a fussy toddler (who had already been on the ride twice according to the mother) out of the back of the line and allowed him to go ahead even through there was my nephew and several other children in line. Three, we did the Mining for stones and was informed by the man running it that the pick your own pumpkin, hay ride and apple picking also closed at 5 or 5:30 but we were more then welcome to purchase these items in the store. (I must say the man running the mining area was very nice and helpful) This was also not stated when we entered or on the website, so this was just another kick in the pants. We were able to feed the farm animals at 50 cents a pop for less then a handful of food. "Bring plenty of quarters to feed the animals" is on their page, go figure!!!! Disappointed to say the least we did stop at the store so that my nephew could get a pumpkin. Which had nothing but slim pickings, with most being bruised, broken or small insect holes in them. Oh and the already picked apples are nothing to brag about either because my 1/2 peck left me with only 3 that weren't brown and edible. This place is not worth the 3 hour drive one way from Chicago. I could have saved the money spent on the gas, "kiddie park", Mining for stones (which you have to pay for), pumpkin, apple cider donuts and took the little guy to the local park and Jewels!!!!! Needless to say it was very, very, very disappointing!!!! read more

I have been to Tanners many times growing up. The last time I was there, I brought my 13 month old son there for the first time. It was absolutely wonderful! We took pictures with the pumpkin characters, fed the goats and we played in the activity area. The activity area was free for my son, $5 for me and my husband and my parents were free as well. We played on the swings, the slide, went on a pony ride and rode in a wagon thing (which was my son's favorite). We of course went inside to sample goodies and buy goodies to take home. Love this place! I can't wait until we go back! read more

A variety of nice apples, with free samples. Too many knickknacks for my taste. The cider, with a free tasting, is good but has preservatives. I'd rather avoid the potassium sorbate. read more

If you are lucky enough to pick some beautiful pot of mums outside the store, they will accused you of taking the flowers from the display area from inside and asked you to put them back. And if you try to defend yourself, they will label you as liar! This was what happened to us today. We asked them to show us the the evidence but they couldn't! One thing that I do not understand is, if they do not want people to buy those flowers, why didn't they label them or use different color pot? Instead, they just randomly open fire to people who they think are suspicious. It ruined our day. My wife was so mad that she cried on her way home because she never been accused of liar, especially for something that she didn't do!! Do not come here unless you are WASP! read more

My husband and I took our 2 and 3 year old here last weekend and had the best time. There is a huge play area, which was $7 for kids and $5 for adults. The kids played for HOURS without stopping. There was also some food/drinks for purchase by the play area that I felt were reasonably priced, although, the items in the store are a bit pricey. You must try the Apple Delight from the outside stand!!!!! Also, I loved that they sell whole bean coffee from Door County. We also took the wagon ride out to the orchard to pick our own. My only complaint there was that they dropped us off without a word of which apples were where, and the lables were hard to find. This could have been a problem, but luckily they dropped us off right by the Honeycrisp apples!!! We plan to make it back before the season ends. read more

We drove an hour to get to Tanners. We got there about 3:45 on a Friday afternoon. This is our second trip there this year. We always go at least once and have for years. Well this visit left a very bad taste. All of the samples were put away and they were cleaning up. Now, if you are open until 5:00 you should be full service until 5:00. Close at 5:00 and then start your clean up. If you want your employees to be out by 5:00 then close earlier so they can start their clean-up. This is very rude to be cleaning up when you still have customers in the store. We always buy some of the sauces and dips because we can sample them. Not this time. We bought some cider, apples and fritters. You lost a bigger sale due to your early clean-up. Very disappointed in this operation. Some people work and cant get there until .4:00. Please reconsider your closing policy. Jill M. C. read more

Excellent donuts and cider as always! ($8 ea for gal of cider & doz donut gets minus 2 stars.) Every year, love going thru knick knacks and all the samples. I avoid weekends though....way too crowded. read more

I have been coming to Tanners for over 15 years and while I still love the place, it's one of our favorite "tourist attractions" for out of town visitors today was my first disappointment with them. We purposely chose a weekday to avoid the crowds but to see the new building that just opened. Could not believe the amount of cars in the lot...it looked like a weekend. Good idea they put port a potties in the lot to alleviate the wait in the bathrooms, however, no washing station or sanitizer available. Then you go in to taste all the food but you can't until you walk to the bathroom to wash your hands. The biggest disappointment was that no samples of the cider was available! That has never happened before. Yes, we know the cider is excellent and yes, we always buy some but today there were no half gallons available and we didn't need a whole gallon for just two people. Lastly, the veggies were missing. No matter what time of the year we visited there was always a variety of veggies to choose from. Not today. On a positive note though, we did LOVE the roominess of the new space. It certainly was needed for the crowds that come and as I said it's still our favorite place to bring out of town company, in fact, they ask to come here. We did get our cider donuts so the day wasn't a total loss. read more

Had a great time.... until one the employees thought it was OK to walk up and move my daughter's stroller (with her in it) without asking my permission. Now, there are some weird people out there and you never know what people's intentions are, so I immediately was on guard and furious. I'm not sure what planet one would be from to think this behaviour is acceptable. Their employee needs to keep her hands to herself from now on! She may run into someone who has even less tolerance than I have for stupidity next time!! read more

Tanners was my family's favorite way to celebrate fall back when I was little (up to 25 years ago!). Lately however, the prices at Tanner's has skyrocketed and their customer service and treatment has only gotten worse. The men and women who collect money for the U-pick orchard seem confrontational and defensive every year even when asked simple questions in a polite manner. It is far too expensive now to pick apples ourselves ($3/person just to walk into the orchard + $18/bag), play in the play area ($8/person INCLUDING adults), or even buy donuts and cider for my family ($7.99/gallon are you SERIOUS?!). Until Tanners lowers their prices and hires polite staff, my daily and I will be boycotting this once-beloved autumn adventure. read more

Yikes! Great place if money is no object, or you have only one child. My family went on a Sat. with our 4 kids and 3 of their friends. The place was VERY crowded, and you will be "nickel-and-dimed" for EVERYTHING! It was almost $40 just to walk through the corn maze, $6 for water, $20 just to play in a playground (they make the adults pay too!) $10 for a gallon of cider, $9 for one dozen of dounuts, $28 for a half peck of apples...REALLY? I know this spring wasn't kind to the apple blossoms and most orchards are not doing any U-Pick,...I know it is a business,... but I left feeling totally ripped off and won't be back. read more

40 years ago Tanner's was a really good place to go for apples. They should have kept it at that. Now, the place has become completely commercialized and is over-priced compared to other orchards in the area. The cider donuts were under cooked, inedible to my taste; the bear claws weren't any better than can be bought at the grocery stores; and the pie was so-so with a lousy crust. The ambiance was that of a crowded airport and equally pleasant. the apples are good, the cider is excellent. i have no intentions of ever going back. read more

Started going to Tanners in 1963. And going this year again. Have seen their progress over the years. Yes prices go up so get over it on complaining about costs. Yes the barn and entrance to parking have long lines to get in but that means people know it's worth it otherwise the lines would not be long. For those of you that want more food options, drive about 30 minutes south into Peoria. Tanners is a great day in the country. How many businesses are still locally owned 66 years later by the same family????? For those coming from the Chicago area, compare those costs and fees to Tanners. We started taking our children years ago when they were not yet walking and they make the trip each time now with their family. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great day. And yes the donuts are a signature item and worth waiting for. Buy your cider at a grocery store. Is it fresh made on site??? As someone said in a review, you get what you pay for. Want fresh local cider, then pay for it.......Go, enjoy, have fun. read more