Family-Friendly Wineries and Cider Mills for a Fun Getaway Near NYC

Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.
Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.
9/13/21 - By Vanessa Leigh

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

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Eataly NYC Flatiron & Downtown – Flatiron and Lower Manhattan

Let’s start close to home with two kid-friendly locations that bring a taste of Italy right to our doorstep...Eataly! OK, so Eataly is not technically a winery or vineyard, but if you’re not able to plan a weekend or spur-of-the-moment family getaway, both locations have tons to offer in the way of family fun and food. At the Flatiron location, you can enjoy browsing all of the delights on the ground floor, including the gelato of course. Take the elevator (stroller-friendly!) up to the rooftop restaurant, SERRA, for a stunning atmosphere and meal. Eataly Downtown's restaurant La Pizza & La Pasta a Colori offers a vibrant backdrop thanks to a collaboration with Color Factory. Its dishes are equally colorful and delightfully kid-friendly, and a DIY dessert menu should buy you some time to sip away.

Applewood Winery – Warwick

1 hour, 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This winery has many options for tasting and eating. While its Pavilion Bar and indoor areas are for ages 21+, its cafe is popular with families. Enjoy a romp on the grounds or go apple picking before settling in for a casual cafe meal with kid-friendly favorites like hot dogs, apple cider doughnuts, and chocolate chip cookies. Parents can tuck into a flight of wines or hard cider. Though the winery is open daily through October, the cafe is open only Wednesdays through Sundays and walk-up guests are welcome.

RELATED: 20+ Fall Weekend Family Getaways Near NYC

A rainbow rises over the scenic Warwick Valley Winery
The scenic Warwick Valley Winery is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Catskill Mountains.

Warwick Valley Winery – Warwick

1 hour, 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This kid-friendly vineyard in Warwick, New York, is home to New York’s original cider, Doc’s Cider. The grounds are expansive with lots of opportunities for adventure and activities for families. Stop by the cafe for brick-oven pizza and local produce. Apple picking is a big hit, and the Warwick Valley Winery orchards are open seven days a week. Plan to catch some live music by bookmarking its calendar. Please note that pets are strictly prohibited at this winery.

Orchard Hill Cider Mill & Soons Orchards – New Hampton

1 hour, 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This unique cider mill has a ton of great flavors and experiences to offer. The cider mill is open Thursday through Monday. Reservations are not required but are recommended, especially on weekends. For family-friendly fun, the Soons Orchards Farm Market is located next door. This fresh market is open daily and a must-visit location for picking up picnic goodies for the whole family. Here you can enjoy classic (read: kid-friendly!) apple cider, homemade fudge, fresh fruits and veggies, and more. Apple and pumpkin picking are available just around the corner from the farmstand, too. Masks are required for unvaccinated individuals in the farm store.

Benmarl Winery – Marlboro

1 hour, 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This family- and dog-friendly winery is a perfect place to make memories with your whole family. This picturesque vineyard offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley—perfect for family photos and all-around enjoyment. The Benmarl Winery is both a modern gem and a significant historic landmark. It is the oldest vineyard in America! One more bonus: It's well-known for its wood-fired pizza. Book your required reservation online and head out to this piece of history with the whole family. Pack a sweater and check the weather, as reservations are currently outdoors-only to adhere to health and safety protocols.

RELATED: 30 Fall Activities We Can't Wait To Do in NYC

There's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the vibe at Robibero Family Vineyards
There's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the vibe at Robibero Family Vineyards in New Paltz.

Robibero Family Vineyards – New Paltz

1 hour, 35 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This family- and dog-friendly vineyard is open daily and hosts live music on weekend afternoons for an extra special treat. No reservations are taken; it's first come, first serve. Pack your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or, if you visit on the weekends, sample its wood-fired pizza.

Millbrook Vineyards – Millbrook

1 hour, 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
Visitors to the Millbrook Winery, which is open daily, can pack a picnic to spread out on the grounds, or enjoy fare from the food trucks that visit on weekends. Bookmark the mouth-watering schedule for planning purposes. Please note that face coverings are currently required at the winery.

Harbes Family Farm – Mattituck

1 hour, 50 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This family-owned farm truly offers something for everyone and is very kid-centered. With a few locations on Long Island, including the vineyard, it is definitely worth the trip from NYC. With family-friendly activities ranging from apple and pumpkin picking to fall hayrides, pig races, and corn mazes, each family member is sure to find a favorite activity. Introduce your children to barnyard animals and local musicians at Harbes Barnyard Adventures. The farm is open daily. Please note that all guests are required to wear a face covering.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in New Jersey

Child runs through rows of grapes at Pindar Vineyards
Pindar Vineyards offers seasonal tours of its grounds.

Pindar Vineyards – Peconic

2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Another kid-friendly winery on Long Island, Pindar Vineyards is a beautiful location for a family outing. Pack a picnic and enjoy the area with the whole family. Live music on the weekends is an added perk. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

Photos courtesy of the vineyards, farms, and wineries

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