🍎 Apple Orchards

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

Most apple orchards open around Sep 12 and close around Nov 1. 86% 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 5), and those in Indiana and New Jersey last (around Sep 19). Hoping for a quieter weekday trip? Of the 375 farms that publish their fall hours, 50 (13%) are closed Monday through Thursday, so check the farm's hours before you go. These figures come from the 2026 dates 221 of the 557 farms have posted themselves, and update as more farms post theirs.

When is apple picking season?

Apples ripen in waves rather than all at once. Earlier varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp are usually ready in September, and later ones such as Fuji and Granny Smith run into October. Many orchards post which varieties are ready each week, so if your family has a favorite apple, check the farm's updates before you go.

How do we pick an apple the right way?

Cup the apple in your hand, lift it upward and give it a gentle twist. A ripe apple comes away easily. Pulling straight down or shaking the branch can tear off the buds that grow next year's fruit, which is why orchards ask visitors not to. Climbing trees and bringing ladders are almost always off limits, and most orchards grow short trees so kids can reach plenty of apples from the ground.

Is it good for toddlers and little kids?

Yes. Low branches put apples right at a small child's eye level, and picking their own is half the fun. Many orchards take you out to the trees on a wagon or hayride. The rows are grassy but bumpy, so a sturdy stroller or a wagon works better than a small one. Keep an eye out for bees and wasps around apples on the ground, which are common in the fall.

How does pricing work?

Most orchards sell bags or containers at the entrance and you pay for the size you fill, while others weigh what you pick and charge by the pound. Some also charge admission for other farm activities. Prices vary a lot, so check the orchard's own page, and bring some cash in case a smaller farm takes cash only.

Can the kids eat apples while we pick?

Rules vary from farm to farm, so ask at the entrance. Many orchards don't mind a taste, but apples straight from the tree haven't been washed, so it's worth bringing wipes or saving the eating for home.

What should we wear and bring?

Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and layers for a cool morning that turns warm. A sturdy bag or box for the car keeps apples from bruising on the ride home. Some orchards don't allow outside food or dogs, so check before you pack a picnic or bring the family pet.

When is it least crowded?

Weekend afternoons in late September and October are the busiest times, especially when a popular variety has just come ready. A weekend morning is usually calmer and a weekday calmer still. Many farms are closed early in the week, though, so check the hours on the farm's page first.

How do we keep our apples fresh?

Keep them cold. In the refrigerator, apples stay crisp for weeks, while on the counter they soften within days. Set bruised or damaged apples aside and use them first for sauce or baking, since a single damaged apple can make the ones around it spoil faster.

• New York118
• Michigan117
• Ohio63
• New Jersey62
• Indiana47
• Pennsylvania47
• Illinois45
• California43
• Texas15

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 →