Apple Picking in New York: Your Family Will Love These 11 Orchards

When September rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking in NY! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples! I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these farms where you can go apple picking near NYC, including apple orchards on Long Island; in Westchester, Rockland, and Orange counties; and in northern New Jersey. Your family will have a blast picking fresh apples and checking out the various activities offered at each place, including petting zoos, corn mazes, and sunflower mazes and flower picking.

A few things to keep in mind: Apple picking dates are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability and COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).

And before you head out, make sure to read these 10 tips for a successful apple picking outing with your kids!

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• Long Island
• Westchester
• Rockland
• Orange
• New Jersey

Apple Picking on Long Island

1. Hayden's Peach Orchard

561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River
631-929-1115
Facebook 
Hours: Monday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm. Apple picking season is slated to begin late August/early September, call before visiting to confirm.
Cost: $20 entrance fee covers 3 people and the first 10 lbs of apples; $2 per additional pound

At this orchard, you can pick your own nectarines through late September, peaches through the end of September, and apples through late October. The orchard also has plenty of pre-picked fruits available at the farm stand. Visit the website for timely orchard updates or call for fruit availability.

2. Lewin Farms

812 Sound Ave., Calverton
Apple Orchard: Fresh Pond Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of farm stand, follow signs
631-929-4327
Instagram
Hours: Farm stand: Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm; u-pick fields: daily, 9am-4:30pm; call each day for u-pick availability
Cost: Call for u-pick prices. Keep in mind: U-pick fields are cash only; there is an ATM located at the farm stand.

Apple picking is slated to begin in late August/early September and may not be available every day. Call daily for U-pick hours, which are weather permitting. The farm provides containers, but you are welcome to bring your own. There is a large variety of you-pick fruits and veggies, depending on the season, including berries, apples, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Find the u-pick schedule online. Plus, the whole family will enjoy exploring the corn maze! Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand, which sells fresh fruits and veggies, many of which are grown on the farm, and delicious ice cream with the farm’s own fruit inside!

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Milk Pail Fresh Market

Market: 1346 Montauk Highway, Watermill
U-Pick: 50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill
631-537-2565
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Hours: Market: year-round, Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm. U-pick: Labor Day weekend through October: Friday-Sunday, 10am- 5:30
Cost: $14-$51.45 depending on container size; a bag must be purchased to enter u-pick farm. Pumpkins, gourds, and squash are sold by the piece.

Apple and pumpkin picking are this farm’s specialty. The farm has more than 20 varieties of apples during picking season—all ideal for adding lots of flavors to your homemade pie! Plus, there are dwarf trees, which are the perfect height for younger kids to pick apples on their own. And when you’re finished picking, treat yourself to coffee, hot cider, and baked goods at the farm stand. 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Wickham’s Fruit Farms

28700 Main Road, Cutchogue
631-734-6441
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: PYO: Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm; Retail Farmstand: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
Cost: Call to confirm pricing

Picking fruit here is like making your mark on history: Wickham’s fruit is grown on some of the oldest continually cultivated land in the country! Much of the farm dates from 1661 and a large portion of it has been placed in Suffolk County’s Farmland Preservation programs. Apple picking is estimated to start in late September or early October, and the farm asks that you call ahead to confirm availability. Note: You can only use the containers the farm provides; personal bags, plastics, etc. are prohibited. Wagon rides are available on Saturdays during the apple-picking season; it’s a great way to get to the orchards but also to view the farm! When you’re done picking, try the delicious apple cider, which is pressed from the oldest cider press on Long Island (built in 1902!), and some homemade apple cider doughnuts.

 

 

 

 

 

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Apple Picking in Westchester County

1. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard

130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914-485-1210
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Pick-your-own apples available by reservation. Apple picking season begins in September, exact date and hours are TBD. Farm store: Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm (April-December)
Cost: $10 parking, $25 for a peck size bag. Reservations required online, and guests can start to sign up mid- to end of August.

Pick-your-own apples and pears are available in September and October. And that’s just the start of the fun at this farm and orchard! Check out the farm in summertime for blueberry and strawberry picking. You can also buy pasture-raised, hormone-free organic meats and local dairy at the farm store, as well as local maple syrup, seasonal flowers, and veggies. It hosts entertaining seasonal events as well, including a Fall Festival every weekend from Labor Day to Halloween and Hardscrabble Cider Live Music and Pizza nights.

 

 

 

 

 

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2. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights
914-245-5111
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Farm is open Wednesday-Monday starting late August through mid-December; pick-your-own is available daily, 10am- 4:30pm when fruit is in season. Apple picking is anticipated to start in early September; check website for updates.
Cost: Prices were not announced as of press time; check website for updates. Note: You will have to pay for a minimum quantity based on your party size to enter the orchard (the minimum is a 1-peck bag of apples for 2 adults, and a ½-bushel bag of apples for 3-4 adults.

Here you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own options, including apples in September and pumpkins in October. Just make sure to call before visiting to confirm the availability of fruit.  Picking poles are available to rent to help you reach for the higher apples (there is a rental fee). You can take a hay wagon to that week’s picking orchard, which your children will love! (Note that the wagon ride may not be available due to COVID-19.) Plus, the three (!) markets—the Farm Market, Country Market, and Bakery—are open daily, 10am-5pm. You can take home freshly baked pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and other treats. Adults will love visiting the winery and the tasting room, and your kids will have a blast in the corn maze, which is open all season. Note: Standard COVID-19 protocols are in place at this farm.

 

 

 

 

 

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