Where to go apple picking near NYC

Apple picking at Harvest Moon in North Salem, NY, feels like peak fall. During their Fall Festival in September and October, you can stroll the rolling hills under crisp blue skies to pick your fill of apples. The Festival also features hayrides, harvest train rides, a petting zoo, live music, hot apple cider, barbecue and lots more fun.

Price: $15 admission + $15 ¼ peck bag, $25 peck bag, $40 half bushel

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the apple cider doughnuts, a seasonal favorite from the farm store.

Location: Warwick, New York

Come September, this bucolic orchard turns into a celebration of all things autumn. Visitors can enjoy PYO apples, animal meet and greets, a hayride, cider donuts and more farm-fresh treats made with the orchard's own apples. Pick up some honey from the orchard's hard-working honey bees after you watch them do their thing in the Observation Hive. Enjoy delicious BBQ on the property every weekend in September and October, and don't miss movie night in October when kids can catch a screening of "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" under the stars.

Price: $3 per person + $39 per half bushel of apples

Time Out tip: Admission and PYO are cash only; the Farm Market accepts cards.

Location: Warwick, New York

Once Labor Day Weekend rolls around, this Hudson Valley hotspot amps its apple activities into high gear. Take a stroll through Apple Dave’s Walking Trail for a selection of Cortland, Rome Beauty, and Jonamac apples, among eleven total varieties that vary by month. Enjoy cider donuts, and farm-fresh goodies plus live music on the weekends.

Price: $5 per person on weekends, free on non-holiday weekdays + $45 per half bushel, $30 per peck

Time Out tip: For the 21+ crowd, the orchard's Farm Distillery offers up a handful of New York beers alongside their own signature hard cider.

Location: Red Hook, New York

You’ll find eleven varieties of apples at this Hudson Valley farm, where super-seasonal picks include Ginger Gold, Jonagold, Staymen-Winesap, Blondee, and more. The 300-acre farm, which boasts picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains, is more than a PYO destination: an indoor market boasts local goods from the Hudson Valley (plus sugary apple cider donuts, of course) while you’ll also find a craft market and a koi pond.

Price: Free admission, pay by the pound

Time Out tip: Want to stick around for a while? A converted schoolhouse can be booked for overnight stays.

Location: Congers, New York 

The Davies Farmhouse was built in 1836 and the rest is history. This New York attraction has long been a popular PYO destination with over 4,000 apple trees and 20 different varieties like Winesap, Golden Delicious, Crispin, and more. 

Price: $17 per person including a half peck bag

Time Out tip: Don't miss seasonal activities like the corn maze and scenic hayrides to the pumpkin patch.

Location: Modena, New York

Hurds Family Farm leads the pack with one of the earliest starts for apple picking (their PYO season usually kicks off in late August). Families can mosey their way through the grounds in search of Macoun, SnapDragon, Ginger Gold, and Granny Smith plus other delectable picks. While there, you’d be remiss not to indulge the farm’s playful side with hayrides, a corn maze, a giant slide and pony rides.

Price: Free admission + a picking bag, $15-$55 depending on size

Time Out tip: Throw in a challenge with the farm's obstacle course.

Location: Kerhonkson, New York

Families looking for pick-your-own apples will ample fruit and so much more at Kelder’s Farm. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, hayrides, a corn maze and even a giant jumping pillow to burn off extra energy. Everyone can practice their swing at a mini-golf course when they’re done selecting fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers.

Price: Admission $22.95 (Mon&Thu), $29.95 (Fri-Sun) includes a half peck bag

Time Out tip: Say hi to the world’s largest garden gnome while you're there.

Location: Hopewell JCT, New York 

The apples are sweet, but the sweeping landscape is even sweeter at this Hudson Valley farm. Spread across 270 acres, pickers can enjoy a wide selection of eco-friendly apples (about half the farm's apple trees are organic) like Pixie Crunch, Sweet Sixteen, Shizuka and Suncrisp. Traveling sans kids? Stop by the farm's Cider Bar and sample the farm's estate-made Treasury Cider while soaking in crisp views of the Catskill Mountains.

Price: $38 per group of 1-5 people, includes 1 medium bag (approx. 11lbs); additional bags $25

Time Out tip: Reservations are required—spots open about two months before the season.

Location: Warwick, New York

Head to this 200-acre orchard for a truly epic autumnal experience—the farm boasts over 10,000 fruit trees and 14 varieties of apples. As a drive-through orchard, visitors pull right up to any lot of trees they want (so long as the spot isn't already taken), which makes for a rather private PYO experience.

Price: Admission is free with a minimum purchase of 1 half bushel picking bag per car for $39.95

Time Out tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy alongside your chosen lot.

Location: Stone Ridge, New York

There have been fruit-bearing trees at this orchard for more than 200 years, but this farm's approach to sustainability is very 21st century. More than a dozen varieties of classic organic apples are ripe for the picking. There's also a farm stand, tasting room and a wood fired pizza stand.

Price: By the pound

Time Out tip: Stay the night on the orchard in a glamping tent.

Location: Clintondale, New York 

Your crew will run wild at Minard’s Family Farm, considering the venue comes equipped with a 3-acre corn maze, giant bounce pillow, pumpkin bowling, apple checkers, a tractor climb, a petting zoo and other fun fall activities to make it a full day trip. As for the apple picking? You’ll be treated to more than 100 acres of apple trees. Be sure to swing by the farm stand for freshly baked goods, homemade jams and quick snacks like hot dogs and fries.

Price: Admission is $17; $28 for access to newer attractions

Time Out tip: Adults can enjoy beer, wine and hard cider in Mac’s Tavern.

Location: Warwick, New York

Create some unforgettable family memories at Pennings Orchard, located on over 50 acres of beautiful farmland. The venue offers over 20 varieties of apples like Ginger Golds, Braeburns, Mutsu, Empire, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and more. Families can also visit the Pennings Farm Market and pick up all kinds of homegrown produce as well as fresh goods from neighboring farms. 

Price: $40 per half bushel, cash only

Time Out tip: On select Saturdays, you can go apple picking at night.

Location: Croton Falls, New York 

Don't let the name discourage you from experiencing this beautiful escape in North Salem. No matter what type of apple you're craving—Jonamac, McIntosh or Cortland—Outhouse has you covered while pears and peaches are up for grabs too. Stock up on other produce at the farm stand.

Price: $30 for a small bag, $45 for a large bag

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the Fall Festival featuring hayrides, a corn maze and more.