Expert Tip # 1 for Apple Picking in New England--With or Without Kids

Expert Tips for Apple Picking--With or Without Kids

Absolutely nothing outranks apple picking as the quintessential fall tradition in New England. New Englanders have strong opinions about our favorite orchard and why it’s the one we go to every year. Thankfully, there is no shortage of scenic, charming, and downright special orchards to choose from—truly something for every kind of apple lover. We’re not here to tell you where to go, but these surefire tips will help you savor the experience—with, or without kids in tow.

Expert Tip # 1: 

Find Your Motivation

Whether your plan is to stock up on ripe local fruit for baking pies or simply to have an outdoorsy family outing, if you know what you're looking to get out of the experience you won’t feel overwhelmed by the multitude of fabulous New England orchards and their abundance of offerings and activities. 

Apple picking is fun at every age!

Larger orchards have picnic tables, kitchens, farm stands, ice cream, petting zoos, playgrounds, pumpkin patches, and more. In turn, the larger orchards also tend to be abuzz on the weekends with kids, families, strollers, general noise, lines, and yep, traffic. Still, you can certainly have a blast at this special kind of all-day adventure but be prepared for added stimulation.

If you are seeking to make a full day out of your trip to the orchard, find a farm that has more than one activity to enjoy.

Remember, smaller or moderate-sized farms, particularly those just outside of “apple country” can also provide you with very sweet experience, even without the “extras.” Look for a farm that features apples....and pretty much just apples...and you will be treated to a distraction-free visit to pick a peck of juicy, crunchy apples. It's a different kind of experience and you will need to be willing to forgo the hayrides and the maybe even the cider donuts.

Tips for Avoiding the Apple Picking Crowds – If you can, go on a weekday afternoon after the school field trips and buses have departed.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they close to allow more time for fruit to ripen.

Looking for a guide to help you plan your apple picking this fall?

New England Fall Events has done all the research for and compiled guide, features, maps, and contact info for your local or vacation-area New England PYO apple orchards. 

Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

New England Fall Events allows you to scroll and spot farm locations on the interactive state maps to help you plot out and plan your trip! 

Find orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

We've got you covered with Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Food Festivals, and Fall Events guides for every New England State! Visit New England Fall Events for a complete list of great fall events and family activities.