Nothing says fall in New England like a family outing to pick ripe, juicy apples at a nearby orchard. With many orchards to choose from in the greater Boston area and across Massachusetts, families won't have to travel far to find a place to pick their own apples, starting in late August through mid-October. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite apple picking spots, some of which also have other kid-friendly activities that help make a day trip well worth it. 

After bringing home a bushel, consider making some of these delicious apple recipes with kids. Craving more (safe, outdoorsy) seasonal activities? Check out our Boston Fall Fun Guide.

Boston boasts some of the best museums, zoos, and theme parks in America, but those cool experiences can come at a steep cost. But here's a secret: Many museums and attractions in Massachusetts are free for little kids, and in some cases, all kids. Mommy Poppins has set out to uncover these freebies—54 of them, in fact!

If you're working your way through our Boston Kids' 100 Things to Do bucket list, you may want to coordinate with the cut-off ages below; some of the museums you can catch on their free admission days, but several other attractions really drive home the bittersweet point that you're only young once. Don't miss our Boston Free Fun Guide for even more ideas for creating special experiences for kids without breaking the bank.

Strawberries? Raspberries? Blueberries? Our family debate over which is the best berry may never be resolved, but this time of year, the blueberry is everyone's favorite pick. This tart little superfood just may be the easiest fruit to pick, prepare, and serve: There's no peeling, pitting, coring, or cutting. Plus, they attract fewer natural pests other than birds, so much of the fruit is grown pesticide-free. 

The pick-your-own blueberry season begins in July and continues through late August or early September. From simple you-pick blueberries to full-service farms with play areas and petting zoos, we’ve rounded up some of the best farms in the Boston area to visit. Read on to the end of the post to find a recipe for our favorite blueberry treat: the classic blueberry buckle. 

If you've had your fill of berries or missed the growing season, check out these u-pick peach, plum, cherry, and corn farms or these gorgeous pick-your-own flower farms. Check out all of our guides for seasonal u-pick farms in the area!