You may still be in denial, but summer is nearly over and it's time to get something sweet on our minds (other than pumpkin spice lattes). That's right, families with kids of all ages are getting ready to pack up the crew and head out for an apple-solutely fun family day. Apple picking season is upon us, and it's the ideal fall activity to enjoy the crisp air and even more crisp fruit. These super juicy PYO apple spots in and around Bergen County should be at the top of your fall activity list – they’re awesome to the core.
In Bergen County:
Demarest Farms (244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, 201-666-0472)
Home to a huge variety of apples, including Gala, PinkLady, DeRosa Golden Delicious, and so many more, this 139-year-old farm provides a beautiful setting for spending the day picking and shopping for other farm-fresh goodies including their homemade donuts and soups. Plan your trip through October 13 to enjoy picking, or check out their drive-through Halloween Light Show, which opens Saturday September 27. (Opens August 30 to October 13).
In Rockland County:
Dr. Davies Farm (306 Route 304, Congers, NY, 845-268-7020)
Wander through their 55-acre farm filled with 4,000-plus trees where apples with 27 varieties abound and gorgeous vistas are at every turn. Visit their roadside farm stand for fresh fruits and vegetables, including their own sweet corn, sweet tomatoes, and fresh-pressed cider. Apple bags are required for purchase. (Opens August 30 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. No reservations required).
The Orchards of Concklin (2 South Mountain Rd, Pomona, NY, 845-354-0369)
This place has been a staple in Rockland County for 10 generations, and the owners take special care of their orchards, encouraging visitors to be kind to the trees when picking, and to only touch what you plan to buy. While you’re there, be sure to stop in their retail store for fresh produce and baked goods including pies, cookies, pastries and quiche. (Apple picking open September 6 through October 26, Saturdays and Sundays 11 am to 4 pm).
Day-Trip Worthy:
Wightman Farms (1111 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown, 973-425-9819)
This large family farm offers dozens of apples plus a number of fun activities on the weekends during its Autumn Harvest Festival. You can enjoy the farm's fall fest, which includes a hayride, corn maze entry, pick your own entrance, and even more fun. Or, stop in and grab yourself some goodies from the bake shop, plus salads, sandwiches, fresh ice cream, cider, and more gourmet foods for a perfect picnic on the farm. (Apple picking open now Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 4:30 pm).
Pennings Orchard (169 State Route 94 S, Warwick, 845-986-7080)
Just a short drive north, get a true taste of apple picking season at Pennings, which offers varieties including Ginger Gold Apples, Honey Crisps, McIntosh, and Gala Apples, plus a beer garden and cidery, farm market with fresh-baked goods, kiddie maze, pumpkin field in late September, and visits with the animals (including new mini cows in the dairy barn!) (Opens August 30, 9 am to 5 pm).
Alstede Farms (1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, 908-258-6245)
From Gala and Ginger Gold to Honey Crisp and Cortland, new varieties are popping up every week at Alstede (check their website for the growing schedule and picking conditions). Plus, enjoy their other fall farm activities like a petting zoo, hayrides, corn pit, and cut-your-own sunflowers. (Apple picking open now through November 14, 9 am to 6 pm).
Stony Hill Farms (8 East Mill Road, Chester, 908-879-2696)
The picking for little ones is easier with Stony Hill’s dwarf apple trees that have up to 20 different varieties of apples to choose from. While you're there, check out their fall fun that include a Maze Fun Park, hayrides, huge board games, and more, and spend time in the farm market for Jersey-fresh produce. (Open early September through mid-October, 10 am to 5 pm).
Hurds Family Farm (2187 State Route 32, Modena, NY, 845-883-7825)
Every weekend brings family activities to the farm, including a two-acre maze, hayrides, games, obstale courses, pony rides and more, all available to include with your PYO ticket. Right now, apple varieties include Paula red, ginger gold, McIntosh, and gala, with new options introduced throughout the season. Visit their Barn Café and Market Cart for fresh, delicious meals, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies. (Open August 29; pumpkin picking opens late September. Open Fridays-Mondays, 9 am-5 pm).
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery (114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY, 845-258-4858)
Take a break after picking on the weekends and enjoy a glass of wine or hard cider while listening to live music on the patio at this picturesque orchard, which features more than 50 different apple varieties. Purchase a ½ bushel bag for $40 and receive a complementary tractor ride on the weekends. (Open now through November 16, 11 am to 5 pm).
Johnson’s Corner Farm (133 Church Rd, Medford, 609-654-8643)
Apple picking hayrides begin September 7 at one of the largest pick your own farms in southern Jersey. Visit the animal farm and discovery center to see the baby goats, enjoy fall festival weekends with live music, a corn maze and gem mining; or stop in the bakery and ice cream shop for delicious treats. (Opens September 7 through October 13, 10 am-5 pm).
Riamede Farm (122 Oakdale Road, Chester, 908-879-7762)
The OG of the Jersey PYO scene, this old school farm spans 68 acres of vintage apple trees. The orchard offers 40 varieties of apples from Galas to Greenings, each one ripening at various times throughout the season so be sure to check their farm map page before you go. Admission gets you entry to pick your own fields, an apple picking bag, and unlimited wagon rides. Plus, come on Apple Days, including September 6-7 and September 13-14 for fresh apples, slushies, and wagon rides (Open now).
Silverman’s Farm (451 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT, 203-261-3306)
Dozens of varieties of apples are ripe for the picking at Silverman’s, a trek from Bergen to Connecticut, but worth taking the day and making the trip. With a farmer’s market and a pumpkin patch as well as an animal farm, everyone will be kept busy. And be sure to snap some Insta-worthy pics in front of their fall foliage displays. (Open daily 9 am to 4 pm, through early November. See website for further details).
Ochs Orchard (4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, 845-986-1591)
Now through early November, Ochs is blooming with dozens of apple varieties (44, to be exact), ranging from sweet to tart — and everything in between. While you're there, you can visit the free petting zoo, which has goats, donkeys, and peacocks, along with the fresh farm market where you'll want to be sure to grab some of the farm's 24 flavors of homemade ice cream. (Open daily).
Weed Orchards (43 Mount Zion Road, Marlboro, NY)
When you have an orchard and a winery in one, everybody wins. Head to this popular picking spot on weekends starting August 30 and 31 through September 14 for the Honeycrisp Fest, where you'll find PYO activities, hayrides, live music, face painting, and more, plus the open Weed Town playground. Varieties of apples are added throughout the season, so be sure to check back for the most up-to-date information. (Opens August 30, 10 am-5 pm)
Masker Orchards (45 Ball Road, Warwick, 845-986-1058)
The littles (and you) will love Maskers, since there's no long walks required to make it to the picking area — you can drive right up to the trees and get started ASAP. Different parking areas will lead you to the varieties of apples, including McIntosh, Red Delicious, Cortlands, and so many more. With 200 acres of space plus a gorgeous view of the Hudson Valley, it's no wonder this hidden gem is a popular spot for families of all ages. (Opens Saturday, August 30 through early November).
