The air is turning crisp, the days are getting shorter, and pumpkin spice lattes are filling our mugs. With the change of the season and the cozier weather comes a favorite fall New England activity — apple picking! Get your fill of crunchy apples, warm cider doughnuts, and laugh-inducing hay rides at these family-friendly orchards in the Boston metro area.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
89 Pleasant Street, South Natick
One of the oldest working farms in the country, Belkin Family Lookout Farm offers a variety of delicious apples to pick. They also have a children’s play area, hayrides, and a train that takes you through the farm. To check the picking schedule, call 508-653-0653.
Boston Hill Farm
1370 Turnpike Street, North Andover
In addition to apple picking, Boston Hill Farm has apple festivals on the weekends of September 17 through October 31. Call 978-681-8556 to see when they are open.
Connor’s Farm
30 Valley Road, Danvers
With family-friendly activities like a seven-acre corn maze, games, and cow milking, you’ll find plenty to do after your family is done picking apples. Call 978-777-1245 for picking conditions.
Drew Farm
31 Tadmuck Road, Westford
Enjoy a picnic lunch — with your own freshly picked apples, of course! Free tractor rides bring you in and out of the orchard. Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates.
Highland Farm
635 Highland Street, Holliston
This pesticide-free orchard offers over 10 varieties of apples and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the season.
Hill Orchard
4 Hunt Road, Westford
Pick your own apples and then hop on for a hayride! Call 978-392-4600 for picking conditions.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
138 Sudbury Road, Stowe
Apple picking is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Honey Pot also has pears for picking starting in early September. Please note that u-pick is cash or check only. In addition to fruit picking, look forward to farm animals, hedge mazes, and hay rides.
Long Hill Orchard & Farm
520 Main Street, West Newbury
Check out the farm animals after you’ve had your fill of apples. Call 978-363-2170 for picking conditions.
Parlee Farms
95 Farwell Road, Tyngsboro
With over 20 varieties of apples to choose from, you will find one to fit everyone’s tastes. During the weekends and holidays, a hayride is included with your purchase of a bag of apples. Pick-your-own hours vary by day, so be sure to check their website before you head out.
Shelbourne Farms
106 West Acton Road, Stow
With daily and special weekend activities, there is a lot to do for a memorable day. Check their home page or call 978-897-9287 for availability.
Russell Orchards
143 Argilla Road, Ipswich
In addition to picking apples, parents can enjoy sampling the orchard’s award-winning wines and hard ciders. Check their website or call 978-356-5366 for picking conditions.
Tougas Family Farm
234 Ball Street, Northborough
Stop by the farm to visit the barnyard, climb on the playground, and pick some apples! Call 508-393-6406 or check out their Facebook page to see when they are open for picking.
