For an updated list for 2019 of apple picking around NYC, check out The Best Apple-Picking Orchards for Families Near New York City and Pumpkin Patches and Picking In and Near New York City
This fall, get out of the city and enjoy some foliage, family time, and fresh produce on an apple or pumpkin-picking outing with the whole family! Best of all, you don’t even have to drive that far–most of these destinations can be reached in under two hours.
In an hour or less:
Queens County Farm: On weekends October 3-25 (and on Columbus Day, October 12), the Queens County Farm invites families to peruse their pumpkin patch. While you’re there, get lost in their Amazing Maize Maze, covering three acres of farmland, and on the weekend of October 24-25, their annual Haunted House! No admission fee to walk through the pumpkin patch, 11am-4:30pm (weather permitting). 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, New York, queensfarm.org
Demarest Farms: Only forty minutes from Manhattan, Demarest farms has more than 14 varieties of apples tavailable for picking. Along with apple and pumpkin picking, the farm has hay wagon rides, friendly farm animals, and a farm store with apple cider and honey. The farm is also known for its made-from-scratch salad bar and freshly prepared hot foods and soups. You can also prepare for the fall holidays with crafts and decorations available at their country store. *Important note: Their corn maze is not available this year. 3pm to 4:30 pm on weekdays, weekends 10 am to 4:30 pm. 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ, 201-666-0472, demarestfarms.com
The Orchards of Concklin: Families can come to the Orchards of Concklin to pick their own apples and visit the famous on-site bakery. The bakery has everything from pies to quiches along with fresh-pressed cider. The orchard also sells at many farmers markets throughout the season, offering their fresh produce to you even if you don’t have the opportunity to visit the orchard again before the season ends. 8am-6pm. 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, NY, orchardsofconcklin.com
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard: Don’t confuse Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard with the famous Outhouse Orchards down the street. Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard has apple-picking available during the week, but it also has a Fall Festival every weekend in September and October from 10 am to 5 pm. Children can go on hayrides or pony rides and can play in bounce houses. You and your family can refuel with the farm’s BBQ lunches and dinners. And, of course, families can grab homemade apple cider doughnuts for the ride home. There are six different apple varieties that will be available for picking throughout the season. 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY, 914-485-1210, harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com
Outhouse Orchards: Family owned since the late 1800s, Outhouse Orchards offers apple picking and pumpkin picking throughout the season from 9 am to 5 pm. Enjoy the vibrant colors of fall and the crisp air with hay rides that take you on tours around the orchard. There is also a corn maze with interesting facts about apples that you and your family can explore. 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY, 914-277-3188, outhouseorchardsny.com
Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm: With over 13 different varieties of apples available throughout the season, Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm starts your visit off right by bringing you and your family into the farm on a hay ride. Along with the apple picking, families can visit one or all of the farm’s three shops that offer fresh baked pies, strudel sticks, brownies and muffins. They also have fudge, brittle and candy sticks to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their country market, open from 10am-5pm, has crafts, Christmas ornaments and custom designed shirts that your little ones can buy to take home to remember the trip.10am to 4:30 pm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, wilkensfarm.com
In 1.5-2 hours…
Applewood Orchard (Apple Dave’s Orchards): Apple Dave’s Orchid offers plenty of fun activities for you and your family. They have apple and pumpkin picking along with wagon rides and puppet shows. For adults, they have an herb and rose garden along with a Distillery and Winery where you can sample new creations. Daily 9 am to 5 pm. 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY, 845-986-1684, applewoodsorchards.com
Hurds Family Farm: Hurds family farm is devoted to growing the best apples, pumpkins and vegetables for you to pick yourself, but also places a large emphasis on family fun activities. A $10 admission ticket allows kids to enjoy activities that will have them talking about their adventure long after the visit is over. There is a Big Apple Bounce, which functions like a trampoline, a Cow train ride, which is like a hay ride, and a playground area all designed to help kids make the most out of their adventure. The farm also has a café with unique foods to refuel at the end of the day. Daily 9 am to 5 pm. 2187 NY-32, Modena, NY, 845-883-7825, hurdsfamilyfarm.com
Masker Orchards: For the past 100 years, Masker Orchards has been helping New York families escape the hustle and bustle of the city each fall for apple picking. Masker Orchards is also one of the few u-pick orchards that allows families to drive right up to the tree they think is best for picking. There are 14 varieties of apples available, and, to get into the Halloween spirit, families can explore the orchard’s haunted house. In addition to the weekday activities, families can participate in trivia games to win prizes on the weekends as well as go on pony rides and enjoy live music. 9am to 5pm. 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY, 845-986-1058, maskers.com
Sun High Orchards: Sun High Orchards lets you and your family pick your own apples and pumpkins. They offer a variety of pumpkins, including the “cheese pumpkin,” that can make your pumpkin pie irresistible this year. They also offer hay rides, pony rides and pony petting and grooming. You can enjoy their homemade ice cream, pies and cookies. Their alpaca “Jersey Gold” and donkey “Jessica” are waiting to befriend your little ones. Open Sunday-Monday 9am-6:30pm, 19 Candfield Avenue, Randolph, NJ, 973-584-4734, sunhigh.com
