Apple Picking near NYC with Kids: 19 Best Spots for Families

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Left Image: A young boy picks apples from an apple tree. Right Image: A young boy holds a large red apple. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

If you’re looking for a fun seasonal outdoor activity to enjoy with your family, exploring the apple orchards near NYC with kids is an absolute must! From New York and New Jersey to Connecticut, the tri-state area boasts some of the best apple orchards in the country, offering a delightful experience that combines nature, adventure, and delicious treats. These orchards are just a short drive away from the Big Apple, making them perfect weekend destinations for urban families seeking a breath of fresh air. But visiting an apple orchard near NYC offers more than just picking apples—many facilities provide engaging activities tailored specifically for kids. From tractor rides through expansive fields to petting zoos filled with adorable farm animals like goats and rabbits, there’s no shortage of entertainment options here. Keep reading to find out the best apple picking spots near NYC to visit with kids!

Best Apple Orchards in New York to Visit with Kids

If you’re looking for fall traditions, New York offers many scenic and family-friendly options that guarantee an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. A perfect escapade for families, these delightful orchards provide a unique opportunity to embrace nature’s bounty while creating lasting memories. Keep reading to find out more about apple picking spots near NYC with kids!

Click here to discover The Best Fall Foliage Tours by Train, Boat, or Car in the Northeast for Families!

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

48.8 miles from NYC

One of the orchard lanes at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm.

Photo Courtesy: Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is a hidden gem for families seeking an authentic apple picking experience near NYC! Located around an hour from Manhattan in Yorktown Heights, it boasts over 200 acres of lush orchards bursting with various apple trees to pick your own, including classics like Honeycrisp and McIntosh. Apple picking season starts around mid-to-late August and continues through October.

Plus, this family-friendly farm welcomes visitors of all ages to roam freely among the rows and indulge in nature’s sweet bounty. Kids will enjoy the farm’s idyllic setting and fun activities like the corn maze. The farm also offers pick-your-own-peaches and pumpkins, as well as a farm store with different homemade goodies. After you’re done picking, don’t forget to stop by the bakery for some delicious donuts!

Hurds Family Farm

80 miles from NYC

Gather the whole family for a day trip to Hudson Valley’s Hurds Family Farm! Located just an hour and a half from Manhattan, this picturesque orchard offers over 350 acres and a variety of apples for families to pick depending on the week you visit.

They sell apples by the bag, not the bushel like other places, so you can choose whether your family needs a small, medium, or large bag and mix and match your favorite apples. There are also fun activities for kids beyond apple picking, such as a bouncy pillow, an obstacle course, and a corn maze. Not to mention a cow train! Plus, there’s also a sandbox, various playhouses, and lots of structures for them to climb on. It’s undoubtedly one of the best apple orchards near NYC to visit with kids.

Looking for more fall adventures? Check out this list featuring 23 Captivating Autumn Destinations in New England for Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Adventures!

Pennings Orchard & Cidery

53 miles from NYC

Apple trees in an orchard at Pennings Orchard & Cidery.

Photo Courtesy: Pennings Orchard & Cidery

Searching for a fun and educational outdoor adventure near New York City for your kids? Look no further than Pennings Orchard & Cidery in Warwick, New York! Nestled amidst the charming Hudson Valley region around an hour and a half from NYC, this apple orchard is an ideal destination to introduce your little ones to the wonders of nature and enjoy some fruitful family time. Beginning in September with possible extensions into November, families can choose between 20 different kinds of apples.

In addition to apple picking, the farm also showcases an on-side cider mill where you can sample delicious hard cider made from their own apples. Parents can unwind while kids enjoy the outdoor playground, creating a relaxing and fun-filled day for the whole family!

Harvest Moon

56 miles from NYC

Harvest Moon Farm is a must-visit for New York families! Located in North Salem, an hour via car, it’s easily accessible via the Metro-North to Croton Falls. Harvest Moon is usually known for its weekend Fall Festival, featuring face painting, pony rides, and live music. This year, it’s also an excellent place for your family’s apple-picking adventure!

Each general admission ticket gives you access to the orchard (kids three and under can enter for free), but you’ll still have to buy an apple-picking bag. Still, a ticket includes access to the pumpkin patch, live music, a BBQ lunch, and more fun. Don’t forget to taste some famous cider donuts, hard cider for adults, or homemade ice cream! Afterward, visit the Farm Store to bring jams, syrups, and other baked goodies home.

Fishkill Farms

70 miles from NYC

An aerial view of a maze at Fishkill Farms, one of the best places to go apple picking near NYC with kids.

Photo Courtesy: Fishkill Farms, Fishkill Farms, Bridget Mary Corrigan McNamee

Fishkill Farms is a fantastic destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and apple-picking experiences within reach of the bustling city of New York. Around an hour and a half from the city, this Hopewell Junction destination boasts lovely surroundings and a variety of apples, pears, peaches, or blueberries to pick. Or, if you’re more of a veggies family, Fishkill Farms also grows organic herbs, eggplants, bell peppers, and even tomatoes!

Different packages include different options, though, so be sure to read closely when you’re making your reservation. Parents can also browse other products from the on-site market and store! In addition to a food truck, Fishkill Farms serves delicious kid-friendly cuisine like burgers and hot dogs. Sit on picnic benches enjoying your food while overlooking a valley filled with colorful fall foliage below. Save room for the famous cider donuts!

Queens County Farm

19.6 miles from NYC

An aerial view of a maze at Queens County Farm, one of the best places to go apple picking near NYC with kids.

Photo Courtesy: Queens County Farm

If you want to escape into nature without leaving NYC, check out Queens County Farm! This sprawling agricultural oasis spans over 47 acres, making it the largest remaining tract of farmland within city limits. Plus, it offers a unique combination of agriculture, education, and fun activities, making it one of the best apple orchards near NYC to visit with kids.

Among its many attractions is the variety of apples you can buy. Though this isn’t a typical “apple picking” experience, you can still browse the range of sellers bringing different apples to the farm. There’s also a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and other fall programming for families with kids of all ages. Plus, since this is a historic farm, you can step back in time and take a self-guided tour to learn more about its history, which dates back over three centuries.

Ochs Orchard

57 miles from NYC

An apple picking area at Ochs Orchard, one of the best places to go apple picking near NYC with kids.

Photo Courtesy: Ochs Orchard

Ochs Orchard stands as a hidden gem amongst the best apple orchards near NYC to visit with kids! Around an hour and a half from NYC via car, this scenic farm in Warwick overlooks a stunning view of the surrounding fall foliage. It also places special attention on its pick-your-own options, making it a particularly authentic apple-picking destination.

Family picnics are welcome here since there’s room to spread out, but remember to bring comfortable shoes for all the uphill walking! September and October usually flaunt abundant apples, raspberries, and various vegetables. (Be sure to call ahead before visiting.) While there is no entrance fee per se, the orchard does charge admission during apple picking in September and October. Families must purchase apple bags; either a 1/4 bushel per 3 people, or a half bushel per 5 people. Afterward, visit the on-site shop for more tasty treats or to order homemade ice cream. There’s also a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, peacocks, and other animals for kids to enjoy!

Masker Orchards

57 miles from NYC

Drive directly onto the apple fields at Masker Orchards! Located an hour and a half from NYC, this Warwick farm presents families with a unique pick-your-own experience with the option to avoid crowds. Overlook the sprawling Hudson Valley while driving by thousands of trees on the property, park, and then search for the best crops.

Prices often range by the pound, and you’ll be given a few bags to start with. You can also bring your own picnic or access the snack barn, which sells pizza, apple pie, and other goodies on the weekend. Masker Orchards usually plays live music for parents to enjoy, too, alongside a kid-friendly area with a haunted house, as well as pony and carriage rides. Afterward, remember to purchase some cider donuts for the road!

Apple Ridge Orchards

60 miles from NYC

An aerial view of the orchard at Apple Ridge Orchards, one of the best places to go apple picking near NYC with kids.

Photo Courtesy: Apple Ridge Orchards

If you’re looking for the best apple picking in New York, look no further than Apple Ridge Orchards! Less than two hours away via car, this quaint Warwick destination is ideal for avoiding lines and long wait times. Pick-your-own prices vary by pound based on whether you’re selecting pumpkins or apples, but you’ll find almost twenty different varieties of the latter!

Wander through the fields searching for the perfect crops before finding the Petting Zoo or taking a hayride. Or, to learn how honey is made, visit the Honey Bee Hive Observation area and watch busy bees work through the glass! Then, head to the Farm Stand to taste cider donuts, jams, jellies, and other products straight from the orchard. Finally, Apple Ridge also schedules movie nights and numerous other family-friendly events throughout the fall season. Hours range from Thursday through Sunday, so make your reservations in advance!

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Lawrence Farm Orchards

75 miles from NYC

Lawrence Farm Orchards is a delightful destination for families looking to experience the charm of apple orchards near NYC with kids! Around an hour and a half from the city, this Newburgh farm offers a convenient pick-your-own produce destination. September and October boast apples, plums, raspberries, sweet corn, and more!

Depending on when you visit, the farm may also provide pumpkin picking alongside a few scheduled activities like a hayride, a miniature village, etc. Lawrence Farms also offers kids a chance to explore the on-site petting zoo. Don’t forget to browse the on-site shop or concession stand. Adults can enjoy frozen cider or hard ice cream while kids munch on pizza, donuts, and pie! Admission is $7 per person Monday-Thursday, and $10 per person Friday-Sunday or any holiday. Children 2 years and under are free. Season passes are also available. When checking out, be sure to separate your items since each has a different price!

Barton Orchards

75 miles away from NYC

Photo Courtesy: Barton Orchards

Head to Barton Orchards for non-stop family fun! A two-hour drive from NYC, this 120-acre Poughquag farm showcases something special during every visit. Pick-your-own vegetables and fruit in the garden, choosing between apples, eggplant, zucchini, and more. Plus, certain festival weekends even boast a kid-friendly fun park (including corn mazes, hayrides, and face painting!).

Regular weekly programming also presents a petting zoo for kids to make friends with resident goats, alpacas, and sheep. Nearby, there’s a playground for little ones to burn energy, a Tap Room where parents can sample craft beer, and a Farm Store selling local delicacies! Browse the extended menu if you’re especially hungry. Barton Orchards also delivers a daily dose of adrenaline at Tree Top Adventures, an aerial park located directly on-site. Children of all skill levels can soar past gorgeous fall foliage with an amazing Hudson Valley panorama!

Harbes Family Farm

85 miles from NYC

On the left, a young child walks through Harbes Farm with his apple bag ready to pick the juicy fruit. On the right, a young boy wearing plaid bites into a red apple on a perfect fall day. — Photo Courtesy: Amanda Donnelly

For apple picking in Long Island with kids, Harbes Family Farm is a family favorite! Two hours from NYC, this expansive Mattituck destination packs a farm, vineyard, and kid-friendly barnyard all in one beautiful location. It also highlights twenty-seven types of apples, which you can pick while enjoying live music from the courtyard.

An admission pass (kids under two are free) includes a 3lb bushel bag and access to the Apple Express, the farm’s very own tractor-pulled wagon! Stroll an 8-acre pumpkin patch, take a musical hayride tour, or meander through a Wizard Of Oz-themed corn maze. An extra fee will also grant you entrance to the Harbes Family Barnyard. Little ones can pet farm animals, play foosball, or tackle an obstacle course. Finally, don’t forget the apple cider donuts or the farm’s famous super sweet corn!

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards

88.5 miles from NYC

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards is a scenic haven for both kids and adults seeking an adventure in apple picking! Located around an hour and a half from Manhattan near downtown New Paltz, this enchanting destination offers an unforgettable experience amidst sprawling acres of apple trees.

The farm’s U-Pick fields are open on Saturdays and Sundays during harvest season (usually starting early September), and there’s also a smaller farm stand open during the week. With a wide variety of apple types to choose from, including Granny Smiths, McIntosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, and more, children can unleash their inner fruit explorers as they wander through these sprawling orchards in search of the perfect apple to pluck. Plus, the farm is known for its homemade treats, including cider donuts and apple, raisin, and nut cake.

Best Apple Orchards in Connecticut to Visit with Kids

When it comes to finding the perfect apple orchard near NYC for kids, Connecticut offers many educational and fun-filled options. These charming apple orchards provide an opportunity for families to step away from bustling city life and offer a hands-on experience for children. Here are a few favorite options for apple picking near NYC with kids!

For more fall adventures, visit the Best Apple-Picking Spots For Families Near Washington DC!

Silverman’s Farm

65 miles from NYC

Silverman’s Farm, nestled in the picturesque countryside just over an hour and a half from New York City, is every family’s dream destination for apple-picking adventures! At this family-friendly farm in Easton, Connecticut, children can wander through rows of maintained apple trees with ripe fruit. Plus, you can pick your own directly from the tree and experience the joy of harvesting your own fruit!

Alongside apple picking, kids can also take tractor rides, feed and pet farm animals like llamas or alpacas, and burn some energy on the playground. Then, visit the cider mill and bakery for freshly baked pies, donuts, and more. Silverman’s Farm also extends the family fun into fall with its pumpkin patch and annual Fall Fest. No wonder it’s one of the best apple orchards near NYC to visit with kids!

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard

75 miles from NYC

Macintosh apple rows at Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard.

Photo Courtesy: Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard is a whimsical treasure nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Connecticut! Around an hour and 45 minutes from NYC, this kid-friendly farm beckons families with its rich history and a myriad of apple-related activities.

Pick-your-own options include a variety of apples, from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith. Not only is there something magical about plucking a ripe apple straight off its branch, but it also provides an invaluable opportunity for kids to learn about food cultivation and embrace nature firsthand. And, the sweet aroma of baked apple pies will entice you to visit the farm shop and bakery, where you can shop for treats to take home. Parents can also visit the Cider Mill to try some homemade hard cider.

Blue Jay Orchards

75 miles from NYC

The entrance and sign to Blue Jay Orchards.

Photo Courtesy: Blue Jay Orchards

Blue Jay Orchards is surely one of the best apple orchards near NYC to visit with kids! Located in Bethel, around an hour and a half from NYC, this part-farm, part-market showcases sprawling grassy hills and a peaceful ambiance. Pick-your-own also ranges from apples to pumpkins and whatever else they have in season, available for purchase by the bag before you head into the orchards.

For an extra fee, kids can even ride around the fields on a tractor! Blue Jay Orchards also has low-hanging apple trees, perfect for little ones who want to reach up and pick their own. Hayrides are available for an added fee too. After you’re done harvesting, head to the Farm Store to find some famous maple syrup candy. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery for apple cider donuts, pies, and more tasty pastries!

Best Apple Orchards in New Jersey to Visit with Kids

New Jersey is home to some of the best apple orchards that provide a delightful experience for both kids and adults. Whether you are looking to pick your own apples or indulge in homemade apple pies, these orchards offer a perfect blend of fun-filled activities and natural beauty. Stay tuned to learn more about apple picking near NYC with kids!

Keep the adventure going by planning a trip to one of the 13 Best Places To See Fall Foliage With Kids Within 3 Hrs Of NYC For Families!

Alstede Farms

50 miles from NYC

Alstede Farms provides a quick apple-picking getaway with kids from NYC! Located roughly an hour away via car, this New Jersey farm is a one-stop shop for all your family’s needs. Weekends here often showcase jam-packed activities for adults and children alike, too, whether it’s picking fresh apples, raspberries, peaches, or other yummy produce.

Then, photograph beautiful pumpkins beside towering sunflowers, while kids explore the giant corn maze and take tractor, pony, or even wagon-train rides! There’s also an opportunity to meet and feed farm animals such as goats, sheep, and other cuddly creatures, alongside a bouncy house. Don’t forget to sample the farm’s special homemade cider or creamy ice cream, crafted organically on-site! If you plan on visiting during the September and October high season, though, remember to purchase tickets on their website prior to your arrival.

Battleview Orchards

46 miles from NYC

Nestled within the scenic countryside of Freehold, New Jersey, lies Battleview Orchards – a delightful haven for apple enthusiasts. Just an hour’s drive from New York City, this charming destination offers a serene escape for kids yearning to explore bountiful orchards brimming with luscious apples.

Pick-your-own apple season starts in late August and features all different kinds of apples, including Honeycrisp, Cortland, and Macintosh. You can also pick your own pumpkins from mid-September through mid-October. Plus, if you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy fall family fun like hay There’snd farm animal interactions. There’s also a farm store offering freshly baked pies, donuts, cider, and other delectable treats crafted from local produce.

Terhune Orchards

57 miles from NYC

The entrance to the farm store at Terhune Orchards.

Photo Courtesy: Terhune Orchards

Terhune Orchards is another popular place to go apple picking with kids around NYC! Located near Princeton, around an hour and a half from the city, this part-farm, part-winery is the exciting escape your kids are searching for. Terhune Orchards boasts over 5 acres of farmlands filled with fresh fruits and veggies, like cherries, apples, and strawberries, among other “pick-your-own” opportunities. (They charge an entrance fee and then by the pound.)

Plus, when you get hungry, a tent sells BBQ comfort food! Kids will especially love the festival atmosphere here, including resident donkeys, pumpkin painting, hay bale mazes, and tractor rides. There are also designated areas where little ones can play and make friends. Adults can hit the wine-tasting room too, which is a major reason why families love visiting this place. Just remember, it becomes more crowded later in the afternoon!

Happy Apple Picking!

A young girl wearing a red dress smiles brightly as she reached into an apple tree to select the perfect apple to match her dress.

We hope you liked our list of the Best Apple Picking Spots near NYC with Kids! Whether you’re looking for traditional apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, or cider tasting, these orchards have something for everyone in your family. Happy apple picking at one of the many exciting orchards near NYC with your kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.