Best Farms and Orchards to Visit in the Fall Around NYC
Looking for fall fun? Discover the best farms and orchards near NYC for apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more family-friendly fall activities
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's no better way to embrace the season than by visiting a local farm or orchard. Whether you're looking for the perfect pumpkin, delicious apples, or just a fun fall day trip from New York City, these family-friendly spots will create lasting memories for you and your kids.
1. Harbes Family Farm – Mattituck, NY
Located on Long Island, Harbes Family Farm offers a wide range of fall activities. From their famous apple-picking orchards to pumpkin patches and corn mazes and the family friendly wine barn, there's definitely something for everyone. Be sure to try their fresh apple cider donuts! Their Fall Festival weekends offer extra fun with live music, pig races, hayrides, and more.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 - 2 hours
Highlights: Apple picking, corn maze, hayrides, vineyard, live music
Pro Tip: Buy tickets in advance, as weekends can get busy.
2. Outhouse Orchards – North Salem, NY
Nestled in the scenic hills of Westchester County, Outhouse Orchards is a family-run farm offering classic fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and hayrides. But that’s just the beginning! During the fall season, the farm boasts 15 family-friendly attractions, including unique activities like steer roping, rubber duckie races, a bubble house, and a tractor tire playground—perfect for keeping your little ones entertained. With expansive views and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a favorite fall destination for families. Don’t forget to stop by their on-site bakery for fresh pies and cider donuts.
Distance from NYC: 1 hour
Highlights: Corn maze, hayrides, kid-friendly attractions
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the larger weekend crowds.
3. Terhune Orchards – Princeton, NJ
Located just outside NYC in Princeton, Terhune Orchards is a family-owned farm that’s perfect for a fall day trip. Known for its wide variety of apples, Terhune also offers pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and farm animals. Their weekend Fall Festivals feature live music, pony rides, and delicious homemade treats like apple cider and donuts. It’s a fantastic spot for families with younger kids, offering both a fun and educational experience.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Apple and pumpkin picking, farm animals, farm trail
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their famous apple cider donuts – a seasonal favorite!
4. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction, NY
A sustainable farm in the Hudson Valley, Fishkill Farms is known for its organic apples, farm-fresh produce, and environmentally conscious farming practices. Besides picking apples and pumpkins, you can enjoy cider tastings from their on-site cidery and seasonal treats from their café. The breathtaking scenery makes it a perfect day trip for city dwellers. If you're kid-free for the day, don’t miss their yoga class, led by RedTail Power Yoga, which offers an invigorating self-care session with views of the fields, orchards, and surrounding mountains.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Organic apples, pumpkin patch, farm store, cider tastings
Pro Tip: U-pick is by online reservation only and available every day of the week except Mondays. Check their website for special events like apple cider-making demonstrations and fall harvest festivals.
5. Waterdrinker Family Farm – Manorville, NY
Waterdrinker Family Farm on Long Island is a perfect fall destination for families looking for pumpkin picking and much more. Beyond the pumpkins, the farm features a giant corn maze, sunflower fields, hayrides, and even a farm animal petting zoo. Their Fall Festival weekends are packed with additional activities like mini golf, bounce houses, and live entertainment. It’s a one-stop spot for a full day of family fun in the fall.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Pumpkin picking, corn maze, sunflower fields, bounce houses
Pro Tip: Check out their website for special event weekends, including food trucks and live music!
6. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights, NY
A staple in Westchester County, Wilkens offers an authentic fall experience with its pick-your-own apple orchard and pumpkin patch. The farm store is stocked with fresh pies, homemade jams, and other local goodies, perfect for taking a taste of autumn home with you. This is the season to stop by and check out White Hill Vineyard as well, a cozy winery open on the weekends at Wilkens Farm. Come back in December to pick your own Christmas tree!
Distance from NYC: 1 hour
Highlights: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh pies, winery
Pro Tip: Their bakery is famous for its apple cider donuts – get there early before they sell out. Note, they're open every day from 10am except Tuesdays!
7. Lewin Farms – Calverton, NY
Lewin Farms is the first pick-your-own farm on Long Island, offering a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. In the fall, visitors can pick apples, pumpkins, and even dig for their own potatoes! There’s also a corn maze that’s a hit with families. After a day of picking, stop by their farm stand for fresh produce and seasonal treats.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 - 2 hours
Highlights: Apple and pumpkin picking, potato digging, corn maze
Pro Tip: Call ahead for daily picking conditions to make sure the crop you want is available, they're open every day but Tuesday!
8. Masker Orchards – Warwick, NY
Maybe you want to get back to basics and want to stick to just picking fresh produce. One of the most well-known apple orchards in the area, Masker Orchards offers a classic apple-picking experience. You can drive your car right into the orchard, making it easy to load up on your apple haul. With 14 different apple varieties to choose from, you're sure to find your family’s favorite.
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Drive-through orchard, apple picking, free parking
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic views while you snack on fresh-picked apples.
9. Seven Ponds Orchard – Water Mill, NY
Another Long Island gem, Seven Ponds Orchard is known for its kid-friendly apple picking experience. With low-hanging branches, it’s perfect for families with younger children. In addition to apples, the farm also offers a corn maze, hayrides, and a farm stand filled with fresh pies and other local goodies.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
Highlights: Kid-friendly apple picking, corn maze, hayrides
Pro Tip: Visit during the week for a quieter, less crowded experience.
Map of Farms Around NYC
Tips for Visiting Fall Farms and Orchards Near NYC:
- Plan Ahead: Many farms and orchards now require advanced reservations, especially on weekends, luckily for several of these you can book your tickets online!
- Arrive Early: The best apple varieties and pumpkins go fast! Most of these farms open to the public around 9am on the weekends and 10am on weekdays.
- Dress Appropriately: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking through orchards and fields.
- Bring Cash: Some farms may not accept credit cards, and it’s always helpful to have cash for small purchases like cider donuts or hayrides.
Exploring these farms and orchards is a great way to get out of the city and enjoy the beauty of fall with your family. So pack up the car, grab some baskets, and make a day of it!
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