23 Best Apple Picking Orchards for Families Near New York City
By Katarina Avendano, Jana Beauchamp and Alison Leighton
When September rolls around, we get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking in NY! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples!I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these farms where you can go apple picking near NYC, including apple orchards on Long Island; in Westchester, Rockland, and Orange counties; and in northern New Jersey.
A few things to keep in mind: Apple picking dates are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).
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Psst…The Best Pumpkin Picking Patches Near New York City
Apple Picking in NYC
Queens County Farm
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Queens, NY
718-347-3276
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Hours: 11 am – 4:30 pm. October 5th-26th, Saturdays and Sundays, October 14th
Cost: Gate admission is free.
Join the Queens County Farm on weekends throughout October to explore the grounds and taste a variety of Hudson Valley apples. There will also be scrumptious donuts, apple pie, and even crisp apple cider to enjoy while you pick in the orchards. Don’t forget to pick up your Halloween pumpkins, go for a hayride, and roam The Amazing Maize Maze while you are there.
Apple Picking on Long Island
Harbes Family Farm
715 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY
631-298-0800
Hours: TBA
Cost: TBA
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The star attraction at the 78-acre Harbes Family Farm is the breathtakingly beautiful apple orchard. Featuring 27 different varieties, the orchard uses an innovative trellis system to grow apples that are within reach of even the smallest of hands. Prices vary from $10 per person for the Early Bird Special (three lb bag) to the $22 per person Apple Lovers Big Bag Special (12 lb bag). On weekends and holidays they offer pig races, singing hayride tours, and hosted interactive activities. Plus, Harbes Barnyard Adventure (a paid admission area of Harbes Family Farm) has eight acres of family-friendly attractions where you can discover farm animals and chicken and bee observatories as well as enjoy the Gnome Hedge Maze, trike track, Jumbo Jumpers, sports zone and so much more.
Hank’s PumpkinTown
240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY
631-726-4667
Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Cost: Call for pricing
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Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill, NY is well-known to families for its amazing apple picking and over 30 acres of fall family fun! It costs $25 to pick one peck (about 10 pounds of apples), after you’ve had your fill of picking, wander over to the wooden playground, maze park, face painting, and gem mining. We love mining for fossils and gems and have even found (fool’s) gold before! For some extra fun head to the maze park ($15 admission) and you’ll have unlimited access to check out the giant corn maze, jump on the 70’ jump pad, enjoy hayrides, tractor and family corn trains, duck races, a pedal cart race track and much more! The Market has yummy, freshly baked pies, cookies, cupcakes, candy apples and ever-popular cider donuts.
Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave., Calverton
Apple Orchard: Fresh Pond Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of farm stand, follow signs
631-929-4327
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Hours: Farm stand: Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm; u-pick fields: daily, 9am-4:30pm; call each day for u-pick availability
Cost: Call for u-pick prices. Keep in mind: U-pick fields are cash only; there is an ATM located at the farm stand.
Apple picking is slated to begin in late August/early September and may not be available every day. The farm provides containers, but you are welcome to bring your own. There is a large variety of u-pick fruits and veggies, depending on the season, including berries, apples, tomatoes, peppers and pumpkins. Find the u-pick schedule online. Plus, the whole family will enjoy exploring the corn maze! Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand, which sells fresh fruits and veggies, many of which are grown on the farm, and delicious ice cream with the farm’s own fruit inside!
Milk Pail Fresh Market
Market: 1346 Montauk Highway, Watermill
U-Pick: 50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill
631-537-2565
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Hours: Market: year-round, Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm. U-pick: Labor Day weekend through October: Friday-Sunday, 10am- 5:30
Cost: 5 pound bag price admits one person into the orchard: $15.75 credit card; $15 cash. 10 pound bag price admits up to four people into the orchard: $30.45 credit card; $29 cash.
Apple and pumpkin picking are this farm’s specialty. The farm has lots of varieties of apples during picking season—all ideal for adding lots of flavors to your homemade pie! And when you’re finished picking, treat yourself to cider and baked goods at the farm stand.
Wickham’s Fruit Farms
28700 Main Road, Cutchogue
631-734-6441
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Hours: U-pick: Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm; Retail farm stand: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
Cost: Call to confirm pricing
Picking fruit here is like making your mark on history: Wickham’s fruit is grown on some of the oldest continually cultivated land in the country! Much of the farm dates from 1661 and a large portion of it has been placed in Suffolk County’s Farmland Preservation programs. Apple picking is estimated to start in late September or early October, and the farm asks that you call ahead to confirm availability. Note: You can only use the containers the farm provides; personal bags, plastics, etc. are prohibited. Wagon rides are available on Saturdays during the apple-picking season; it’s a great way to get to the orchards but also to view the farm! When you’re done picking, try the delicious apple cider, which is pressed from the oldest cider press on Long Island (built in 1902!), and some homemade apple cider doughnuts.
Psst… Check out Pumpkin Picking Farms for Families in New York
Apple Picking in Westchester County
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914-485-1210
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Hours: Pick-your-own apples available by reservation. Apple picking season begins in September. Farm store: Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
Cost: Call for information.
Pick-your-own apples are available in September and October. And that’s just the start of the fun at this farm and orchard! Bring the family to enjoy the farm, which offers expansive and panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Browse the farm store, which sells a variety of groceries including farm-raised meats, dairy product fresh produce and more.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights
914-245-5111
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Hours: Farm is open Wednesday-Monday starting late August through mid-December; pick-your-own is available daily, 10am- 4:30pm when fruit is in season. Apple picking is anticipated to start Sept. 3; check website for updates.
Cost: Call for pricing; The minimum to enter the orchard for every 2 adults is 1 peck bag of apples and the minimum to enter the orchard for every 3-4 adults is a 1/2 bushel bag of apples.
Here you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own options, including apples in September and pumpkins in October. Just make sure to call before visiting to confirm the availability of fruit. Picking poles are available to rent to help you reach for the higher apples (there is a rental fee). You can take a hay wagon to that week’s picking orchard, which your children will love. Plus, the three (!) markets—the Apple Farm Market, Country Market, and Bakery—are open daily, 10am-5pm. You can take home freshly baked pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and other treats. Adults will love visiting the winery and the tasting room, and your kids will have a blast in the corn maze. (maze hours: Wednesday-Monday, 10am-5pm).
Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914-277-3188
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Hours: Pick-your-own reservations available on the website.
Cost: Pre-pay $30 for a small bag (15 lbs of fruit) or $45 for a large bag (2 lbs of fruit).
Take in the beautiful fall foliage as you stroll through these orchards. September and October will be full of apples for picking—and there are pole pickers to borrow for the hard-to-reach spots. With the beautiful views surrounding the farm, you’ll love taking the hayride with breathtaking views of the orchards and the surrounding Hudson Valley. And your family will love the farm stand, which sells doughnuts, pies, preserves, honey, flowers, and a variety of farm goods.
Stuart’s Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY
914-245-2784
Hours: Open 10am–5pm daily
Cost: Call for pricing
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Since 1828, Stuart’s Fruit Farm has been a proud family-operated farm. This fall season, bring your family along for the beginning of the apple-picking season where there will be an array of apples to choose from and the opportunity to go on a hayride around the orchard! Before you leave the farm, spread your blanket out for a picnic and share a homemade pie from the farm stand. Apple picking begins in September and runs through November. Cash or check only.
Apple Picking in Rockland County
Orchards of Concklin
2 S. Mountain Road (off Route 45), Pomona (for GPS use 1010 Route 45, Pomona)
845-354-0369
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Hours: Pick-your-own apples projected to start Sept. 11; store: daily, 9am-5pm
Cost: half-peck bag is $13 per person
Not only are you able to come enjoy apple picking, but the orchard also has a farm stand featuring fresh-pressed apple cider and a delicious bakery filled with pies, cookies, and cakes. Retail Store is fully open and curbside pickup is still available. Nursery and Garden Center open daily, 9am-5pm. Check the website for the pick-your-own schedule.
Dr. Davies Farm
306 NY-304, Congers, NY
845-268-7020
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Hours: Open 10am-4pm daily
Cost: $15 per person to enter the orchard
Warm apple pie days are here! Visit Dr. Davies Farm starting in September to pick apples for all your delicious fall desserts. You will be able to pick from 5,000 trees, with 27 different varieties of apples, spanning over 65 acres. Bring your whole family along, even your dog, for a great outing that everyone will enjoy for the fall season.
Apple Picking in Orange County
Ochs Orchard
4 Ochs Lane (off Route 94), Warwick
845-986-1591
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Hours: Store: year-round, daily, 9am-6pm. Call to confirm u-pick hours.
Cost: Prices to be announced. Parking is free.
Apple picking begins in mid September and runs through early November. Choose from a variety of apples, including golden delicious, ruby frost, honeycrisp, snapdragon and many more.
Apple Ridge Orchards
101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY
845-987-7717
Hours: Open to the public from 9 am – 6 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays. Open 9 am – 5 pm, Monday – Sunday for school group reservations only.
Cost: Admission and parking are free. $29 for half a bushel of apples.
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Kick off the fall season by visiting the most scenic and rustic pick-your-own farm. Just 60 miles from New York City, you can pick from a variety of 20 different apples throughout the Hudson and Warwick Valley. Have a fun and educational experience as you spend time at the orchards picking. They even have dwarf trees that little ones can reach! Make sure to also take a trip on a hayride, pet and feed the farm animals, explore the corn maze, visit the honey bee observation hives and taste their sweet and delicious apple treats on the farm.
Lawrence Farms Orchards
306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY
845-562-4268
Hours: Open 9 am- 4 pm, daily.
Cost: Admission is $5 per person with a $2 credit towards produce purchases, children under 2 years old are free. Season passes available.
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Take a drive to Lawrence Farms Orchards and make it a family day out! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the farm and have a blast picking a variety of apples such as McIntosh, Jonamac, HoneyCrisp and Gala. Take a break from picking and head over to their concession stands where you’ll find apple-flavored treats, along with hot dogs, milkshakes, chicken fingers and more.
Masker Orchards
45 Ball Road,Warwick, NY
845-986-1058
Hours: Open 9 am-5 pm, daily.
Cost: Call for pricing
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Masker Orchards is a go-to for family-friendly apple picking in the Hudson Valley region (you can even bring the dog). Drive right to the trees with your family and then get lost in the massive orchard picking a variety of apples (picking poles are also available) and taking in the views and foliage. With 14 varieties of apples ripening throughout the season at Masker Orchards, you’re sure to find all of your family’s favorites; and to help make sure of this, they put together an approximate ripening guide. Admission, parking and bags are free and apples are $29.95 per bag (but you can eat all the apples you wish as you pick for free). For the kids, there are barnyard baby animals, pony rides, and wagon rides. The country store has great cider as well as an assortment of apple jams, butters, pies and other goodies. There is also, a haunted house, live music, country store and more!
Apple Dave’s Orchards
82 4 Corners Road, Warwick, NY
845-772-1242
Hours: Open 9 am – 5 pm, daily.
Cost: Call for pricing
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Opening Labor Day weekend, start your picking at Apple Dave’s Orchards and take home a variety of apples like McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Macoun, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. You can also visit their farm store where they have fresh-pressed apple cider, apple donuts, pies, flowers and seasonal items.
Apple Picking in New Jersey
Demarest Farms
244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale
201-666-0472
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Hours: Apple season begins Sept. 3.Check the u-pick schedule online. Reservations required.
Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes parking and entrance to orchard; free for kids younger than 2; $15 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.).
This farm has it all—lots of pick your own fruit varieties, plus a petting zoo, drive-in movie nights, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider doughnuts, flowers and fresh produce.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
908-879-7189
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Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-6pm; u-pick: daily, 9am-6pm. Last admission at 4:30pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary. Call or see more information at alstedefarms.com.
The farm has over 50 different apple varieties. Call in advance or visit the “What Can I Pick Today” portion of the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are ripe for your trip. Check out the corn maze (opening Sept. 2), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail. Many animal friends live on the farm, too. Visit and say hello to horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys and bunnies!
Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ
908-647-0957
Hours: Open 9am–6pm (field closed to the public at 5 pm) daily.
Cost: Call for pricing info
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Make the trip to Hillview Farms to pick seasonal apples from late August until the end of October. Spend the day with the family on the farm picking from a variety of apples, taking a ride on their hay wagon, and seeing animals roaming around the farm. You can’t go wrong with the classic red apple, but make sure to take home a few other delicious options, such as Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh and Stayman/Winesap.
Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ
908-879-5353
Hours: Open 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily
Cost: Call for pricing info
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With 34 varieties of apples, Riamede Farm is opening its apple-picking gates on August 29. Get a taste of their first batch of ripening apples, or check out their other varieties as they begin to ripen over the course of the next six harvesting weeks.
Psst.. Check out Corn Mazes to Wander Through Near NYC
Apple Picking in Dutchess County
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY
845-227-2306
Hours: Open 9 am – 6 pm, from August-November.
Cost: Call for pricing
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Switch up your typical weekend plans and take a family car ride to Barton Orchards. These apples are known for being the best in the area with over 120 acres of apple trees to pick from. Apple picking starts here from the middle of August through November. As we move through the fall season, a variety of different apples will be available for picking, such as Early Golds in August, Jona macs in September, and Ida Reds in October. And, to make sure that you have the freshest apples, Barton’s Orchards rotates picking areas around the farm! In order to pick apples, you must purchase a Barton apple bag that day.
Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY
845-897-4377
Hours: Open 9 am – 6 pm, last entrance at 5 pm daily.
Cost: Call for pricing
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Fishkill Farms has been part of the Morgenthau family for over 100 years and invites your family for the apple picking season. This 270-acre apple orchard offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year that you can pick. Be sure to stop by for their apple season in the months of September and October.
