🧺 U-Pick Farms

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

Most u-pick farms open around Sep 19 and close around Oct 31. 85% of the closing dates farms have posted are on or before November 1, so don't leave it too late. Farms in Illinois, Michigan and New York tend to open first (around Sep 12), and those in California last (around Sep 26). Hoping for a quieter weekday trip? Of the 585 farms that publish their fall hours, 131 (22%) are closed Monday through Thursday, so check the farm's hours before you go. These figures come from the 2026 dates 426 of the 915 farms have posted themselves, and update as more farms post theirs.

What can we pick in the fall?

Apples and pumpkins are the big two, and many farms also offer sunflowers and cut flowers, fall raspberries, pears or grapes, depending on the region. What's ready changes week to week, so check the farm's page or social media before you set out with a particular crop in mind.

How does pricing work?

Farms usually charge by the container, by the pound, or per item for pumpkins and flowers, and some add admission if there are other activities. You normally buy or borrow containers at the entrance and pay for what you fill. Prices vary a lot, so check the farm's own page, and bring some cash in case a smaller farm takes cash only.

Do we need to bring anything?

Most farms provide containers, though some welcome your own. The farm's page will say which. For sunflowers or pumpkins still on the vine, ask whether to bring clippers or whether the farm lends them. A wagon, a box for the car and some wipes for sticky hands all help.

Is it okay for toddlers and little kids?

Yes. Picking is one of the best farm activities for small children, because they can do it themselves. Low apple trees, pumpkin fields and berry rows all put the fun at kid height. Fields are uneven and can be muddy, so a sturdy wagon or a carrier works better than a stroller.

Are there any rules we should know?

Farms usually open certain rows or sections each day and ask you to pick only there, so the rest can ripen. Pick gently rather than pulling or shaking plants, keep kids from climbing trees, and ask before anyone snacks in the field, since rules on tasting vary from farm to farm.

What if it rains?

Fields get muddy fast, and some farms close picking after heavy rain to protect the plants and the paths. If the weather has been wet, check the farm's page or give them a call before you drive out. Closed-toe shoes that can get dirty are a good idea either way.

When is it least crowded?

Weekend afternoons in late September and October are the busiest, especially right after a popular crop comes ready. A weekend morning is usually calmer and a weekday quieter still. Many farms are closed early in the week, though, so check the hours on the farm's page first.

How do we keep what we picked fresh?

Berries are the most delicate: refrigerate them unwashed and eat them within a few days. Apples and pears keep for weeks in the refrigerator, and an uncarved pumpkin kept cool and dry can last for weeks too. Cut flowers do best trimmed and put straight into water when you get home.

• Michigan162
• New York153
• Indiana120
• Pennsylvania94
• New Jersey83
• Illinois81
• California80
• Ohio80
• Texas62

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 →