Bring home a sweet taste of summer from these farms open for peach picking near NYC
PYO season is here, one of the most cherished summer traditions. Like blueberries, strawberries and cherries, peaches are a summer delight that tastes even better fresh from the farm. Peach picking in NYC is a fun family outing that’s twice as nice: Have fun roaming the orchards and picking fresh fruit, then you’ll go home with your spoils to enjoy a sweet taste of summer all over again.
These peach picking spots are all within a two-hour drive from NYC, so it’s easy to make a day of it. Many of these farms offer additional fun-filled activities—think hayrides, petting zoos and fresh-baked treats at the farm cafe. Load up on sweet, juicy peaches and you’ve got yourself a memorable summer activity for kids. Peach season in New York and New Jersey kicks off in late July and extends into August and even September, but always be sure to check each farm to see what’s ready for picking.
Travel time: 1 hour 10 min by car from NYC.
Prepare for a peachy family day trip! Eastmont Orchards offers about 16 varieties of peach per season, including Glengold, Sentry, Cresthaven, Fantasia and other mouthwatering varieties. Bring your own bag to take home your haul.
Travel time: 1 hour 50 min by car from NYC.
Pick-your-own peaches, plums and nectarines, as well as blackberries and raspberries, are in season in late July/early August at Fishkill Farms. Visit in September and October for PYO pumpkins and fall Harvest Festival Weekends that feature hayrides, donuts and cider! Reservations required.
Travel time: 1.5 hours by car from NYC.
Peaches ahoy! Wilkins Fruit & Fir Farm has plenty to offer families during the summer months, including PYO peaches! The peach season starts in late August. The farm also has some fun family activities on offer in the fall and winter months, including pumpkin picking, a corn maze and cut-your-own trees around Christmas.
Travel time: 2 hours 15 min by car from NYC.
Mid July and August are joyous times to visit Prospect Hill Orchards. PYO Donut peaches, yellow and white peaches, and nectarines are generally available at this time, and since the orchard has almost ten acres of peaches, everyone's sure to get some!
Travel time: 1.5 hours by car from NYC.
Want peaches? You got 'em. Alstede has tons of pick-your-own veggies and fruits on offer, including the best-smelling one of all: peaches! There's also a farm store that has homemade baked goods, dairy, honey, pickled vegetables and other tasty stuff.
Travel time: 1 hour 10 min by car from NYC.
Day-trip to this scenic family owned and operated farm that offers strawberry, sour cherry, nectarine, apple and pumpkin picking (depending on the season)—as well as NJ peaches! Visit from roughly July–Sept to get your hands on a basket or two for that perfect pie.
Travel time: 2 hours by car from NYC.
Go on a peach-picking jurney in Ochs Orchard's beautiful orchards (raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are also on offer in August). When you're through, stop by the petting zoo to meet animals (including a mini donkey!) up close and grab a scoop of homemade ice cream. Don't forget to scope out the Farm Market, which has delicious preserves.
Travel time: 2 hours 40 min by car from NYC.
Gear up for an action-packed adventure. Peaches are coming to Samascott in August and while it's a bit of a hike compared to the other farms on our list, there's a lot to do once you get here! Rent a surrey bike (four-person pedal bike) with apple crates on the back for storing your fruity findings.
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