Apple Picking And Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Apple and pumpkin picking U-Pick farms and local orchards are among Fall’s best family getaways. Go for a day or stay a weekend. Whether you’re hungry or just looking for a cheap staycation, communing with our food supply is a fun vacation.

What’s New at Apple and Pumpkin U-Pick Farms?

It’s not like your dad’s apple and pumpkin picking days — the U-Pick industry is changing. At the long-popular farms, family activities, outdoor fun and children’s play areas are just as important as fruit picking oportunities. If your family is looking for an autumn festival or harvest-themed amusement area, you won’t be disappointed.

Expect crowds, especially on holiday weekends such as Labor Day, Columbus Day, pre-Halloween weekends and Veterans Day. Some U-Pick farms require entry fees and advance timed reservations to limit crowds.

Last but not least important, local laws may have forced farms to ban pets from their orchard, produce markets and dining areas. Of course, service dogs are still welcome but if your pooch was counting on a PYO adventure this year, please call ahead to check the pet policy.

Read along as the apple-a-day FTF staff divulges the best places across America to pick your own fruit.

Why Go Apple and Pumpkin Picking? It’s Fun and Nutritious!

Fall means the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to change. That’s when apple picking and pumpkin picking move into full swing across America. In late August, September and early October, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy the apple orchard or fields of a little farm, away from the hustle and bustle of the produce aisle in the supermarket.

Many orchards also have a farmer’s market on site. Shop for homemade apple cider, pies and cinnamon donuts. Select a gourd from the pick your own pumpkin patches so it’s fully ripe and ready for Halloween.

Others offer hayrides, live music, petting farms, and special weekend activities — often requiring a fee — geared toward families.

Figure out What’s Cookin before U Pick Apples

Before you head out, consider what you’ll do with the apples or pumpkins that you pick. Different apple varieties are better suited for different purposes. Apples certainly make for great healthy snacks all by themselves. The most popular varieties for eating include Macintosh, Empire, Fuji, Idared, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, and the Jonathon.

But if sauces or pies are in the plan, try the Cortland, the Golden Delicious, the Russet, and the Mutsu.

Some apple orchards are part of larger u-pick fruit farms. Dive into the Farmville life with late Spring berry picking and fruit picking. Apple hold-outs note: each variety ripens at a different time of the harvest season. Between late August and mid-November, call ahead to be sure your destination hasn’t been picked clean of your favorite apples.

As for pumpkins, if carving is in order, wait. Buy a pumpkin one to two weeks prior to Halloween so that the flesh does not begin to rot. And beware, if you store your pumpkins outside, critters may get to them first.

Major U.S. Apple and Pumpkin Picking Regions & Where U Pick ‘Em

Enjoy each feature story about the following apple and pumpkin-picking regions. We provide links to local farms so you can find out what’s ripe. Call ahead to check what’s happening for kids of all ages.

California Apple Farms –

Learn all about the great apple picking farms within driving distance of San Francisco.

Illinois Apple Farms –

Great apple and pumpkin picking farms exist throughout Illinois; these are some favorites for Chicago area families.

Massachusetts Apple Farms –

New England is known for its excellent apple crops. Head to the Boston area which has many u-pick fruit farms to choose from.

New York Metro Apple Farms –

There’s a huge customer base for fresh fruit in the tri-state metropolitan region. That’s why upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut offer a large variety of apple and pumpkin picking farms. Expect plenty of weekend entertainment served with fresh-off-the-tree fruit.

Oregon Apple Farms –

The Pacific Northwest is a favorite apple growing region. Families in and around Portland have many farms in the “Fruit Loop” that can be visited all year.

Pennsylvania Apple Farms –

In this bountiful agricultural region, families find many u-pick apple farms. Like the pumpkin patches, they’re easily accessible to Philadelphia, Wilmington and New Jersey families.

Washington Apple Farms –

Washington is one of the country’s largest producers of fresh apples, with a long growing season. Families in and around Seattle take advantage of the many area orchards and autumn scenery for a day away.

Tips for Successful Apple and Pumpkin Picking

Make it a fun adventure with these apple picking tips from the pro’s.

1. Be sure everyone in the family has proper, closed-toe shoes as orchards can get muddy.
2. Expect a few insects, maybe some poison ivy or scratches — you are out in nature.
3. If you’re planning to bring your pet, call ahead to make sure the orchard or farm accepts them.
4. Here’s the correct U-Pick apple technique from friendly Averill Farm in Connecticut: “Tip the apple up and slightly twist — it comes off easier than pulling it down.
5. Lastly, Averill’s farmers advise: Place each apple in your bag as if it is an egg.