Apple Picking Tips

Mid-October is when the last of the apples typically reach their peak, including Red Delicious, Cortland, Fuji, and Golden Delicious – this is a great time to take your family apple picking if you haven’t yet this season. We are sharing some of our favorite locations to pick, as well as tips for making the day as smooth as possible.

Teach little ones.

Apple picking can be a fun experience that will leave your family with great photos and memories. However, it can also be an opportunity to teach children about respect for nature and where our food comes from. Caretakers can explain to children how fruit and vegetables grow, and where our food at the grocery store originates from. Depending on the orchard, you may be able to highlight how the components of a farm work together – from the various crops and animals to the workers that help keep it all running smoothly.

Come prepared.

To make the day as smooth as possible, be sure to dress children in layers to prepare for changes in weather and activity levels, and wear boots or sneakers. Most farms offer light snacks and refreshments but you might pack some on-the-go snacks for little ones and picky eaters. And don’t forget bug spray, SPF, and bottled water!

Watch children.

When visiting an apple orchard or working farm, it’s important to be respectful of the plants, animals, workers, and land. Show children how to pick an apple without yanking or shaking the tree – typically, we recommend cupping the apple gently in your hand, twisting, and pulling gently. If the apple doesn’t easily release, it likely isn’t ready to eat. Many orchards have petting zoos or other attractions for children to enjoy; click here for some tips on teaching your children how to interact with animals.

Don’t pick more than you need.

Like all foods, apples are a resource that shouldn’t be wasted. Pick only what you will realistically use in the coming weeks. Properly stored, apples can last 6-8 weeks so you will have plenty of time to try all your favorite recipes.

Take out what you took in.

Be very careful not to leave behind snack wrappers or water bottles in the orchard. Keep an eye on children to be sure they do the same.

Be considerate of others – and have fun!

Many orchards and farms are quite busy this time of year. Ask children to be mindful of others are they select their apples, pose for pictures, and move through the farm. At the same time, take the opportunity for children to enjoy themselves in nature. There may be places where it is appropriate for children to run, play, use outside voices, and enjoy the open space. In the apple orchards themselves, it’s best to ask children to be mindful of the others who are there to pick apple and spend time with their family.

Apple & Pumpkin Picking: Recommended Farms

Apple Ridge Orchards, New York
Pick your own apples and pumpkins at Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick, NY. There you’ll enjoy a fresh farm stand, a petting zoo, hayrides, spooky movie nights and even home-cooked BBQ on the weekends. Afterwards, we highly recommend stopping at Bellvale Creamery for a scoop of homemade ice cream or one of their delicious milkshakes. The old-fashioned ice cream parlor was voted second best in the country by Trip Advisor and we make a point of stopping whenever we are in the area.

Woodside Orchards, New York
For Long Islanders or those in the area, we love Woodside Orchards. Pick your own apples then head to their (dog-friendly!) tasting room with a variety of hard ciders made onsite. And don’t forget to try the apple cider donuts!

Angry Orchard, New York
For adults only, we recommend a visit to New York’s Angry Orchard Hard Cider facility; here you won’t pick applies but instead get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cider making process in a gorgeous setting. Touring the orchard and barrel room are reason enough to visit this 60-acre orchard but the incredible treehouse tasting room is one of our all-time favorite spots. Built by the Treehouse Masters Nelson Treehouse, this tasting room is nestled into a huge white pine tree and features an outdoor deck as well as indoor seating. Finish the day with a flight of cider and snacks.

Snow-Line Orchard, Oak Glen, California
For those in the Los Angeles area, we recommend Snow-Line Orchard. This West Coast orchard offers something for the whole family. Enjoy apple picking (and raspberry picking in the summer!), apple cider donuts, and an on-site winery and cidery (made with their own apples, of course) and tasting room. While they offer a great selection of wine and cider (as well as other homemade goodies, including jams and jellies!), this time of year we reach for a glass of their Black Bear Merlot, made with blackberries.

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