Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Pick from a number of apple varieties at Hudson Valley orchards. Photo by Leslie Seaton via Flickr
Pick from a number of apple varieties at Hudson Valley orchards. Photo by Leslie Seaton via Flickr
8/27/23 - By Sonia Gonzalez

Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides. 

I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.

For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.

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Note that many of these spots are family-owned and operated, and hours may change with little or no notice. It's worth checking websites, Facebook pages, or trying to call up the farms before you head out. 

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Where To Go Apple Picking in Westchester County

1. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem

This family-run farm traditionally allows visitors to pick apples daily beginning in September, though official dates for 2023 haven't been announced as of mid-August. The farm also offers homemade doughnuts, cider, produce, and fresh eggs, as well as lunch and live music. Note: Dogs are no longer allowed on the premises.

2. Stuart's Fruit Farm – Granite Springs

With close to 20 different varieties of apples plus pumpkin patches, this family-run farm has lots of fall fun to offer. Apple picking starts in early September and hayrides are available on weekends. The original barn now serves as a fruit and produce stand. You can also enjoy fresh pies, doughnuts, and more, all made on the farm. Note: The farm only accepts cash or checks.

3. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights

Head to the farm to get your bags and rentable picking poles starting around September 2, 2023. (Check the calendar for the official start date!) The farm offers more than a dozen varieties of apples available at different times, as well as other fun weekend activities, like a corn maze. Later in the season, you'll also find pumpkin picking, and the farm offers cut-your-own Christmas trees starting in late November. Its bake shop and markets offer freshly made pies, cookies, apple cider doughnuts, strudel sticks, and more, as well as snacks, and seasonal crafts and gifts. If you're planning a mid-week visit, note that the farm is closed on Tuesdays. 

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Apple picking and more fall fun await at Dr. Davies Farm. Photo by Matt Nighswander

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4. Dr. Davies Farm – Congers

Dr. Davies offers 5,000 trees spread over 65 acres, weekend hayrides drawn by tractor-trailers, and homemade doughnuts, pies, and more. Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. Be sure to go to the farm's website to make a reservation before you head out. 

5. The Orchards of Concklin — Pomona

This farm—open just on weekends—offers a variety of apples throughout the season, with picking starting on September 9, 2023. Don’t forget to visit the farm store and bakery, which offer tons of goodies to choose from.

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6. Apple Dave's Orchards – Warwick

Formerly Applewood Orchards, Apple Dave's was renamed for its founder, David Hull, in 2015. In addition to delicious apples and pumpkins, there is live music, chickens strutting about, and fresh apple cider donuts. Activities are free, and you only pay for what you pick, with apple picking starting September 2, 2023. 

7. Lawrence Farm Orchards – Newburgh

Apple picking starts in mid-late August at this Newburgh farm, which offers more than 15 varieties of the fruit. Along with the picking, kids can have fun in the playhouses that make up the “Little Village.” You’ll also find apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, and lots of other tasty treats.

8. Masker Fruit Farm – Warwick

Instead of taking a wagon ride out to the orchards, drive your car up to the tree of your choice once picking begins in early September. On weekends, check out the apple maze, pony rides, a family-friendly haunted house, pumpkin patch, and more. The farm offers 14 different types of apples, so be sure to check the ripening schedule to find out when your favorites will be ready. Also fun: The farm's radio station—FM 87.9—offers up-to-date news on picking. 

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Indulge in homemade apple cider doughnuts at Ochs Orchard. 

9. Ochs Orchard – Warwick

There are lots of different varieties of apples grown at this farm, from Gala in early September to Golden Delicious at the beginning of October. Along with a market, there’s a petting zoo and cider made on the premises. Apple season runs from the end of August to October, but call first or check the farm's Facebook page for regular orchard updates. 

10. Pennings Orchard – Warwick

Pennings Orchard offers more than a dozen varieties of apples, as well as a pumpkin patch. Opening day for apple picking is Sunday, August 20, 2023. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a play area, a kiddie maze, and visiting with animals, like cows and more. 

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11. Barton Orchards – Poughquag

This 122-acre farm offers extensive pick-your-own options, including apples, pumpkins, squash, and more. Barton, where picking starts on August 12, also boasts additional activities, including a petting zoo and playground. 

RELATED: Petting Zoos and Farms for Family Fun with Westchester Kids


Fishkill Farms offers a huge variety of apples and plenty of other treats. Photo by Diana Natal for the farm

12. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction

There are lots of different types of apples at this 270-acre Hopewell Junction farm, all of which are either organic or eco-certified. You’ll also find doughnuts, a farm store, and more. Reservations must be made in advance and can be done on the farm's website. 

13. Greig Farm – Red Hook

Apple picking at Greig Farm kicks off at the end of August with pumpkins available later in September. On the farm, there are opportunities to feed goats and koi fish, various trails for a post-picking walk—and, you can even make a weekend out of it, with an overnight trip. Also check out its Hudson Valley Farmers Market, where you can get lunch before (or after) your visit.

14. Rose Hill Farm – Red Hook

There are several different varieties of apples ready to be picked at this 100-plus-acre farm. Events and pop-ups are held throughout the year, so keep an eye on the farm's website or Facebook page. The season will run from around August 26, 2023, through mid-November; here's a full rundown of the farm's 2023 guide for pick-your-own. 

This post was originally published in September 2013 and is updated every year. 

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