13 Best Apple Picking Spots for Family Fun This Fall

Go to lockport Maple Meadows this weekend for a family-friendly apple-picking outing that blends fresh fruit with homemade pies and a friendly train ride for the kids.

Located on Highland Road just outside lockport, Maple Meadows spans 40 acres of orchards and meadows, with a market that stocks homemade pies, doughnuts, and jars of apple butter. A kid-friendly train tour runs on weekends, turning a simple pick into a full afternoon of joy.

Prices start at $2.50 per pound на weekends, with family bundles at $18 for an 8-pound box. Options include a half-bushel box or a full bushel, and all stations offer tips on selecting the best varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, and McIntosh.

Beloved by families across the region, other spots near dalla and highland offer special options such as hayrides, pumpkin patches, and a doughnut stand that serves warm treats right from the fryer. If you crave classic comfort, pick up butter и homemade apple butter at the on-site stalls.

For planning, map a simple loop: start at Maple Meadows, then stop by the town court to catch announcements for special deals and sample fresh doughnuts и pies before you head to the next pick.

These 13 spots offer options for every family, from educational mini-tours to casual weekends out, making the fall season beloved by kids and parents alike.

When to Visit: Apple-Picking Windows and Peak Weeks

Visit the first two full weeks of October for the best chance to pick jonagold and greig apples at peak ripeness, when the flesh stays crisp and large fruits fill your pail. Arrive early to pick easily and keep things easy as you move through rows using well-marked lanes.

Across counties, peak weeks run from late September through early October. For scenic drives, choose orchards along county roads shaded by pines and blessed with scenic views. At harbes locations, families can hop on a short train between blocks to stretch tired legs.

Orchards typically post daily counts, so plan around plenty of options as you walk; you will see much variety and apples with crisp flesh. Try jonagold for balanced sweetness and greig for a tangy bite, and map a quick route to compare flavors without rushing. These visits attract highly loyal visitors who return year after year.

Tips for the day: bring a sturdy pail, wear closed-toe shoes, and use a hook on your basket to keep fruit secure; most venues accept credit cards, while a few are cash-friendly. Be mindful of animals in the field, and keep a respectful distance from any bird whose beak pokes at dropped fruit.

Pair your harvest with pumpkins and a stop at the baking shed or roadside goods stall; many orchards offer baking goods and fresh treats that pair perfectly with apple picks. Some spots are much quieter on monday, so plan a calm visit away from weekend crowds when parking and lines are friendlier.

Family-Friendly Features: Kid-Activities, Play Areas, and On-Site Amenities

Starting at the store, grab a map and a craft kit, then plan your route to hit the highly engaging kid-friendly features first. Check hours on Saturdays, because the crowd grows and you’ll want to map out a very peaceful pace for little ones. Arriving early gives you a good chance to park near the main yard and start with the picking before foot traffic climbs across the orchard.

Kid-Activities

In the kid zone, a small ladder invites safe climbing for first-timers, while a tractor ride and a supervised craft table keep hands busy. Emily, a friendly team member, leads weekly craft sessions that end with a keepsake. As you roam, involve kids in a simple picking game that switches into a baked apple treat–tons of family smiles and a pride boost when they complete the task.

Play Areas and On-Site Amenities

The main play area is fenced for safety and uses soft ground, with shaded seating nearby so caregivers can relax during the visit. A small snapdragon garden near the entry adds color for photos. An on-site cafe and store stock fresh apples, including jonamac, plus baked goods, honey, and drinks. The store also provides hook bags for easy carrying and a simple frost-forecast display to help plan your day. Restrooms, water stations, and trash/recycling zones are clearly signed. Hours vary by season, so check the policy to see when kids must be accompanied and when seniors can join, while planning a visit on good weather days and on non-rainy weekends, especially on Saturdays across the county, including perkinsville and neighboring towns.

Pricing and Packages: U-Pick Rates, Group Discounts, and Inclusions

Start with the Family Harvest Pass to lock in savings for your entire group. It covers entry for your party, two u-pick containers, ladder rental, and a farm-stand credit, with access to rows of Burnstein, Jonamac, Shizuka, and other apple varieties. This option simplifies planning for everyone and puts harvest front and center for your holiday gathering.

Pricing Snapshot

U-Pick Rates: Adults 14 USD; children 5–11 9 USD; under 5 free. A standard 4-quart container costs 9 USD; a 7-quart container 15 USD. Harvest sessions run about 90 minutes, with an option to extend for another time slot at 6 USD. The Family Harvest Pass covers up to four guests for 68 USD, with 12 USD for each additional guest. These prices include access to designated rows and the ladder needed to reach taller limbs.

Inclusions, Discounts, and Activities

Group discounts: 12–24 participants receive 10% off; 25+ participants receive 15% off. On holiday weekends, a small surcharge applies to cover extra staffing. Address your group coordinator to pick a time window that fits your schedule. Our offering includes a kid-friendly area with a photo backdrop and safe activity stations, plus a honey tasting sample. Using your own containers is allowed, and containers used during harvest are sanitized; we provide a reusable tote on arrival. You head back with produce from rows of Burnstein, Jonamac, and Shizuka, and squash from the field. If you need certain accommodations, share your needs and we will tailor the plan to suit your background and comfort level, ensuring a better harvest and a sure, stress-free experience for everyone. If you want more information, we can help you address any concerns ahead of time, so you can plan with confidence.

Getting There and Parking: Access, Stroller-Friendly Paths, and Transit Tips

Park in the north lot at wickhamfarms and start your day by 8:30–9:00 am to secure easy access to u-pick rows. This approach sets the tone for an amazing family outing and keeps everyone moving smoothly.

From the north entrance, stroller-friendly paths wind to jonagold and plums in aquebogue blocks. A beak-shaped sculpture by the gate adds a touch of whimsy, and the original background of fields and trees gives the atmosphere a warm, welcoming feel here. Pink crates and signs mark fruit stands, where you can sample fruits before selecting pies for later.

Transit tips: check local bus routes that stop near woodside and paltz, or arrange a rideshare for about an hour from the city. If you drive, a couple of blocks walk from the north lot brings you to the u-pick fields.

To maximize time, arrive with a plan for what to pick: jonagold, pink apples, and plums at aquebogue plots, then head to boehm and wickhamfarms for a quick sample of pies and fresh food for the ones you pick. Here you’ll meet local growers owned by families, and the friendly atmosphere makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience again.

What to Bring and Safety Tips: Clothing, Gear, and Farm Rules

Dress in layers and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes; youll stay comfortable as you walk along rows of trees and across the site near the cidery. In addition, bring a light jacket for chilly mornings.

Clothing and Comfort

• Layered outfits: base layer, mid layer, and a weatherproof outer shell for quick adjustment to morning chill or afternoon sun.
• Weatherproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen; pack a light microfiber towel for damp mornings.
• Non-slip, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground and leaf litter; avoid sandals in rows after rain.
• Light gloves and insect repellent; breathable fabrics stay comfortable through long picks.
• Bring something to sit on during rests or shade breaks between rows.

Gear, Safety, and Farm Rules

• Reusable water bottle and a small bag or basket to collect picks; you may traverse across rows for the best fruit.
• Map or printed address of the site; know where the cidery, brewery, and tasting areas are located; check prices at the counter before you fill your bag.
• Small first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and wipes for sticky hands and to clean flesh before tasting.
• Phone charged for photos, map checks, and notes about favorite varieties like zestar and greening; you can try an experiment with a few varieties.
• Cash or card for on-site tastings and per-pound prices; the tasting court area lists current options and specials.
• Soft background music from the tasting area adds ambiance, but keep voices low so others can enjoy tastings.
• Follow the farm policy on pets; most sites restrict animals to protect crops and guests.
• Stay on marked paths and in designated rows; near the creek, walk carefully and supervise kids closely.
• Harvest only what you intend to take; respect signs naming varieties (including plums, named zestar, and greening) and skip blocked sections.
• When you finish, return any borrowed tools to staff and dispose of waste in proper bins; if something is taken or misplaced, ask staff for help or directions to the Fulford address sign.
• If you visit on thursday, plan extra time for tastings and parking, as he weekend crowds can shift the flow near the cidery.
• Note that some varieties have delicate flesh; handle fruit gently to avoid bruising during the pick.