One of the most iconic autumn activities in New England is apple picking, and luckily, there are plenty of places to go in Massachusetts to do it.
From apple cider donuts to hayrides, these local farms have everything you need for a perfect fall day.
Brookfield Orchards – North Brookfield
Brookfield Orchards offers apple picking in autumn, or you can pick up fruit and baked goods in the farm store. Their snack shack is also open seasonally and serves hot dogs, hamburgers and other treats.
In the store, you can try homemade fudge with monthly special flavors or the farm’s famous apple dumplings, with or without ice cream.
Apple picking is $15 for a peck or $30 for a half bushel.
The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 12 Lincoln Road in North Brookfield.
Tougas Family Farm – Northborough
This farm in Northborough doesn’t just have over thirty varieties of apples. In the fall, they also offer pumpkin picking, and there are plenty of other berries and fruits available throughout the year.
Once you’ve picked your apples, you can enjoy fresh baked goods, including cider donuts, and ice cream at the Tougas Farm Kitchen, then head over to visit the barnyard animals or check out the playground.
Apple picking is $34 for a peck, which admits up to three people to the orchard, or $47 for a half bushel, which allows up to five people. Admission also includes access to the barnyard animals, playground, picnic area and wagon rides.
Apple picking is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tougas Family Farm is located at 234 Ball St. in Northborough.
Honey Pot Hill Orchard – Stow
Honey Pot Hill is a 70-acre, family-owned farm in Stow. The farm offers pick-your-own apples as well as hayrides and three different hedge mazes, so there’s something for everyone.
The farm also has a variety of animals, including goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens and mini ponies. Bakery items and produce are available in the farm store.
Apple picking is $22 for a peck, which allows three people into the orchard, or $33 for a half bushel which allows five. Prices for hayrides and mazes vary.
The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 18 Boon Road in Stow.
Bartlett’s Orchard – Richmond
For an option in Western Massachusetts, Bartlett’s Orchard is a great place for fall activities.
Apple picking at Bartlett’s runs from Labor Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, and the mountain views are the perfect place to do some leaf peeping while you’re there. The farm also allows dogs, as long as they’re on a leash.
Don’t forget to visit the farm store for delicious cider, cider donuts and other baked goods.
Pick your own is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Apples are $10 for a half peck, $15 for a peck and $23 for a half bushel. The farm is located at 575 Swamp Road in Richmond.
Carlson Orchards – Harvard
This farm may be known for their hard ciders, but they also offer over 20 varieties of apples for picking in the fall at their 50-acre farm.
After working up an appetite picking, head to the Cider Barn, where adults can try the hard ciders and cider cocktails, and visitors of all ages can enjoy sweet cider and homemade pizza as well as food trucks.
Apple picking is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Carlson Orchards is located at 115 Oak Hill Road in Harvard.
Lookout Farm – Natick
This popular farm in Natick is one of the oldest in the country, and they offer pick-your-own apples and other fruit.
At The Lookout Taproom, you can also enjoy outdoor farm dining, including a BBQ pit, beer garden and weekend brunch. They also offer their own hard cider, and there is frequently live music to enjoy.
Apple picking is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $20 during the week and $24 on weekends. Weekend pre-purchase is available online and costs just $20.
Lookout Farm is located at 89 Pleasant St. in Natick.
Parlee Farms – Tyngsborough
Parlee Farms is another spot that offers more than just apple picking. The farm also has flowers and pumpkins that visitors can pick and bring home.
You can also hand-feed the goats and sheep or say hello to the chickens and rabbits. Their bakery and country kitchen offer pastries and ice cream, and according to the farm’s website, a new lunch spot is coming this autumn.
Pick your own hours vary daily based on crop conditions and weather. Parlee Farms is located at 95 Farwell Road in Tyngsborough.
Nashoba Valley Winery – Bolton
This winery in Bolton also has a picturesque orchard where you can pick your own fruit. While you’re there, try a wine tasting or winery tour and sit down for a casual outdoor lunch at the Vintner’s Knoll or a more upscale meal at J’s Restaurant.
Orchard hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A peck of apples is $20 and allows three people into the orchard, while a half-bushel is $30 and allows five people.
Nashoba Valley Winery is located at 100 Wattaquadock Hill Road in Bolton.
Smolak Farms – North Andover
In the multiple orchards at Smolak Farms, visitors can find unique varieties of apples which are no longer grown for commercial harvest, like “Chenango Strawberry,” “Winter Banana” and “Pink Pearl.”
The farm also has hayrides, a playground, farm animals, an ice cream stand and farm stand. Visitors can also pick their own pumpkins.
Pick your own apples are $30 for a peck or $45 for a half bushel and two people are allowed per bag. The orchards are open daily.
Smolak Farms is located at 315 South Bradford Street in North Andover.
Outlook Farm – Westhampton
No, it’s not the same as Lookout Farm! This spot in Western Massachusetts is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022.
In addition to apple picking, Outlook Farm has a barn which includes a farm market, cider mill, butcher shop and artisan’s loft where visitors can browse work by local crafters. They also have an eatery, brewery and winery, and often host pig roasts and BBQs.
Outlook Farm offers pick-your-own apples daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apple picking costs $30 for a half bushel, which allows a maximum of five people into the orchard.
Outlook Farm is located at 136 Main Road in Westhampton.
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