🥤 Cider Mills

290 of these farms are open today, October 2. Here are 48 of them, spread across states.

Most cider mills open around Sep 16 and close around Oct 31. 88% of the closing dates farms have posted are on or before November 1, so don't leave it too late. Farms in Illinois tend to open first (around Sep 11), and those in Texas last (around Sep 26). Hoping for a quieter weekday trip? Of the 418 farms that publish their fall hours, 81 (19%) are closed Monday through Thursday, so check the farm's hours before you go. These figures come from the 2026 dates 299 of the 534 farms have posted themselves, and update as more farms post theirs.

Is fresh cider safe for kids?

Most is, but it's worth checking. Some farms sell unpasteurized cider, which has to carry a warning label when it is sold in jugs or bottles. Health authorities advise that young children, pregnant women, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system drink only pasteurized or otherwise treated cider. If you are unsure, ask at the counter; many mills offer both.

What's the difference between cider and hard cider?

Sweet cider is the non-alcoholic fresh-pressed juice families come for. Hard cider is fermented and alcoholic, and some farms now have a cidery or taproom for adults alongside the family area. The cider mills in our directory are the sweet-cider kind; hard cider at a farm is for grown-ups with ID.

Can we watch the cider being made?

At some mills, yes. Pressing is often done on certain days or times, and a few offer tours or a viewing window. Check the farm's page for pressing days if your kids would like to see it.

What about the cider donuts?

Cider donuts are the fall treat most families come back for, and they are best warm, straight from the fryer. On busy weekends the donut line can be the longest one on the farm, so arriving early helps.

Is it good for toddlers and little kids?

Yes. A cider mill visit is short, sweet and easy, and most pair it with a pumpkin patch, apple picking or farm animals for kids to enjoy. Paths around the farm can be uneven, so a sturdy stroller or wagon helps.

How long does fresh cider keep?

Keep it refrigerated and drink it within about a week or two, because fresh cider slowly starts to ferment and turn fizzy. It also freezes well; pour a little out of the jug first so it has room to expand.

When is it least crowded?

Weekend mornings are usually calmer than afternoons, and October weekends are the busiest of the season. Weekday visits are quieter still, but some farms are closed early in the week, so check the hours on the farm's page first.

• Michigan145
• New York85
• Ohio80
• Pennsylvania56
• New Jersey47
• Indiana43
• Illinois40
• California30
• Texas8

Every season date on this page was read off the farm's own website, Facebook page or ticket store, then checked against this year's calendar. A page still advertising last fall's dates is rejected rather than republished. Farms with no date yet simply have not posted one; more do as the season nears. How we verify season dates →