As late August and September arrive, so do thoughts of apple picking near DC. This favorite fall tradition is a must for families, and it often goes far beyond plucking ripe apples from a tree. Many of these Virginia and Maryland apple orchards host fall activities of all kinds, like hayrides, petting zoos, and playgrounds.

All of the apple orchards and farms listed below are within easy driving distance of DC. A few of them even made our lists of the best pumpkin patches near DC and fun fall festivals near DC. Remember that farm conditions and produce availability change throughout the season, so call or check the farms' websites before you visit.

Read on for our list of 13 great places to go apple picking near DC. Then check out our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families for even more great autumn activities.

The best apple orchards within a two-hour drive of Chicago for your apple-picking pleasure, many with seasonal extras for kids.

Earn badges and have fun at Houston's museums, parks, and more. 

When searching for the best hotel in San Diego, your needs can vary widely. Maybe your family is visiting Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, Sesame Place, or SeaWorld. Perhaps you're exploring famous attractions like the Birch Aquarium or Balboa Park. You could bring your little baseball fans to catch the Padres at Petco Park or maybe soak up a little culture at the Old Globe Theatre.

Whatever the reason you're in San Diego with kids and in need of a hotel, we've got you covered. These are the best family-friendly hotels in San Diego for every family—including hotels near top attractions, hotels on the water, hotels that are pet-friendly, and hotels that are perfect for families on a budget.

Don't miss our reviews of the top attractions like Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and Sesame Place by local parents that include insider tips, secrets to getting great deals, best times to visit, and more. We've also rounded up a guide to the 60 Best Things To Do in San Diego with Kids!

As we anticipate fall's arrival, Philly families look forward to the changing colors of the leaves, harvest festivals, and apple-picking season. Pennsylvania is one of the country's top apple-producing states, and we are fortunate to have a number of orchards in the Philadelphia area where families can enjoy this tradition. Many orchards host activities to extend the fun beyond apple picking: everything from tractor rides and corn mazes to moon bounces and festivals.

The pick-your-own apple orchards and farms listed below are within an hour or so of Philadelphia. Because farm conditions and apple selections vary, it is recommended to call or check websites before visiting. For more ways to spend a fall day, follow our Fall Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids for the latest on where to hike, pick pumpkins, or enjoy corn mazes and hayrides.

If you're a family with two kids, you know the drill when it comes to standard hotel rooms: you either have the kids share a bed (and deal with the fighting that results), or each parent sleeps with one kid and gets woken up all night by a foot or elbow to the face. If you have more than two kids, you likely have to shell out more money for adjoining rooms.

Hotels with bunk beds solve that problem by giving everyone their own sleeping space. Not only that, bunk beds are just plain fun for kids to sleep in. "Are there bunk beds?" is the first question many kids ask when their parents book a hotel room.

Here are 25 of the best family hotels with bunk beds across the US, plus some in Canada and the Caribbean. These bunk bed hotel rooms for families are located in big cities, near theme parks, along beaches, in skiing towns, and more.

Our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels is full of more great places to stay with kids, including our list of the best family vacation hotel suites, cottages, and villas.

Find Fall activities and fun things to do down on the Cape!

Atlanta apple picking checks every box for an enjoyable fall outing—get close to Mother Nature, let children frolic in an apple farm, take home delicious apples, and enjoy autumn weather. Besides the actual apple picking, many Atlanta apple orchards and apple u-picks feature attractions for families.

Apple picking near Atlanta may include hay rides, petting zoos, and of course, filling one's face with as many apple-related baked goods as possible from the on-site bakery. There are no rotten apples in this bunch of wonderful Atlanta orchards!