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 14 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.

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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.

Apple picking is the perfect kid-friendly activity to kick off the fall season on Long Island. From small farm stands to orchards with dwarf trees sized just right for little hands, we've rounded up the best places on LI to pick apples.

Apple picking season begins as early as the end of August at some farms and continues through October. Check each farm’s website for hours and bounty updates.

Find more pick-your-own fun in our Long Island Farm Guide. And be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island Kids for more seasonal activities. 

Fall is on the horizon, and in New Jersey, that means it's time to go apple-picking. No matter where you live in the Garden State, there's bound to be a pick-your-own farm nearby. In addition to apple picking, many NJ farms also offer awesome seasonal activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos.

So, grab a few baskets and head out to one of these great New Jersey apple orchards and farms.

For more great things to do in autumn, check out our story on NJ's best fall day trips and much more in our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids. 

Apple picking near NYC starts just before Labor Day weekend and continues throughout the fall, with apple orchards in the tri-state area offering families a chance to pluck a perfect fruit right from the tree. Many of these apple orchards near NYC also host fun apple festivals and cool kids' attractions, including hayrides, petting zoos with barnyard animals, bouncy houses, and corn mazes. Some even sell home-baked treats like apple cider doughnuts.

While there was a time when apple trees thrived in NYC—ever wonder how Orchard Street got its name?—city families today need to head out of town to pick their own fruit. There are plenty of wonderful apple orchards for apple picking near NYC. Whether you want to go apple picking in the Hudson Valley or apple picking in New Jersey, we've rounded up 13 apple orchards for apple picking near NYC. All are an hour and a half or less from Midtown Manhattan by car, and a few are even accessible by train.

For other fun farm outings, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide for NYC Families.

Apple picking near Los Angeles? Your Northwest/Midwest/East Coast friends might scoff, but absolutely! While it may not feel like fall in Los Angeles, where autumn temps can still tip into triple digits—there is a fabulous apple-picking day trip from Los Angeles.

Oak Glen is a little mile-high town that is spitting distance from the pools in Palm Springs, but where the mountains get snow in the winter and the crisp air produces incredible apples. It’s perfect for a Los Angeles apple-picking adventure. And when your bag runneth over, check out these tempting apple recipes! 

For more fall festivities, see where to find fall foliage near Los Angeles, get gourds at the best pumpkin patches near LA, and discover more seasonal adventures in our Fall Fun Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids. 

Central Florida's warm climate allows for the use of outdoor parks, including skate parks, all year long! Orlando skate parks obviously welcome skateboarders, but many also allow BMX bikes, kick scooters, and inline skates. Added bonus? Most of these skate parks are free. Channel your inner daredevil and check out these cool skate parks in Orlando!