Best Farms For Apples And Pumpkin Picking Around New York for 2013

For an updated list for 2019 of places to go apple and pumpkin picking around NYC, check out The Best Apple-Picking Orchards for Families Near New York City & Pumpkin Patches and Picking In and Near New York City

Autumn is officially here, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time for a fun family outing of apple and pumpkin picking! Nothing tastes better than a juicy apple picked straight from the tree, and nothing evokes the essence of Halloween like picking your very own pumpkin. Think harvest delights are out of reach, city-dwellers? Well get ready to stop fretting and button up your flannels, because there are plenty of well-stocked and kid-friendly orchards and farms within just an hour of NYC! While fresh apples and glowing gourds are the stars of the show, many of our top picks offer hayrides, petting zoos, and delicious treats like classic cider donuts for families throughout this cool, crisp, and colorful season. Make sure to check with individual venues to inquire about which varieties and activities are in season.

Alstede Farms: Chester, NJ At Alstede Farms, the definition of “harvest” isn’t limited to apples and pumpkins. During the autumn months, Asian pears, blackberries, elderberries, raspberries, gourds, Indian corn, and potatoes are ready for you to harvest! A well-stocked farm store has every pre- or post-picking treat you could want, from ice cream to quiche, as well as farm-fresh eggs and flowers, honey, wine, and much more. In addition to harvesting (and munching!), explore a corn maze and take a pony ride.

9am–7pm daily
1 Chesterfield Drive, Chester, NJ
(908) 879-7189
Around an hour and 10 minutes from Manhattan

Riamede Farm, Chester, NJ The self-proclaimed first pick-your-own apple orchard inNew Jersey, Riamede Farm offers 34 varieties of apples and still-on-the-vine pumpkins! Walk or take a free hayride to the pumpkin patch, and bring your own cutting tools for this unique activity.

9am-4:30pm daily
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ
(908) 879-5353
Around an hour and 10 minutes from Manhattan

Applewood Orchards: Warwick, NY Delicious juicy apples and ripe pumpkins are just the start at Applewood Orchards! Free puppet shows, hayrides, and music will keep your whole family entertained, while cider, donuts, and more yummy treats will satisfy little tummies—if they aren’t already full of apples munched straight from the treetops.

9am–5pm daily
82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY
(845) 986-1684
Around an hour and 15 minutes from Manhattan

Orchards of Concklin: Pomona, NY A family-owned and -operated farm since the early 18th century, the Orchards of Concklin is a wonderful weekend destination for apples throughout the fall, and pumpkins on the weekend of Halloween. In addition to fresh produce-picking, a Farm Store and Bakery will satisfy your desire for sweet baked goods, specialty foods, and freshly pressed apple cider.

10am–5pm (weekends)
2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, NY
(845) 354-0369
Around 40 minutes from Manhattan

Dr. Davies Farm: Congers, NY Thirty-five acres of orchards await you at Dr. Davies Farm, built in the early 1800’s. Take a trailer ride to the pumpkin patch and pick your own jack-o-lantern fodder, as well. More delicious fresh produce and cider are available at the Farm Market! Cash only.

10am-4pm daily
306 Route 304, Congers, NY 10920
(845) 268-7020
Around 40 minutes from Manhattan

For tips on where to see fall foliage in full force, click here.

For our favorite autumnal getaways in New England, click here.

For some awesome pumpkin carving tips, click here.

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.