Apple picking is the perfect kid-friendly activity to kick off thefall 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 continuesthrough October. Check eachfarm’s website for hours andbounty 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.
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Be advised: Most orchards have rules forbehavior. Trees are not to be shaken, for example. Picking is at your own risk, and pets are not permitted at most orchards. Be sure to click through to each website for all the rules.
Apple Picking Orchards for Family Funon Long Island
1. Hank's PumpkinTown — Water Mill
Don’t let the name fool you: there are plenty of apples waiting to be picked at this farm. Varieties include Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and more. Other family activities in the fall include a maze park, playground,tractor-train rides, face painting, and more. Gem mining lets kids prospect for treasures, fossils, arrowheads, and shells. Hanks PumpkinTown opens Saturday, September 7, 2024.
2. Harbes Orchard — Riverhead
Part of Harbes Farms on the East End, this 70-acre orchard produces 27 varieties of apples (as well as peaches and nectarines, in season). Its dwarf trees are perfect for little ones eager to pick their own apples. Enjoy plenty of kid-friendly–oradult-only!–fall activities, including pumpkin picking, hayrides, concessions, live music, wine tasting, and a Robin Hood-themed corn maze. The corn maze turns into a family-friendly Spooky Corn Maze on October weekend evenings. As of late August, HarbesOrchard had yet to announce the opening data for its fall season.
3. Lewin Farms — Calverton
This orchard offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, including berries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and, of course, apples. Each year,Lewin designs and creates a corn maze for added family fun. Roasted corn is for sale at the farm stand. Apple picking is set to start in late August. Call before heading out to confirm what is available for u-pick that day.
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The dwarf apple trees at Seven Ponds Orchard are ideal for little ones.
4. Seven Ponds Orchard — Water Mill
Grab a red wagon and head off to this orchard, where the trees are described as “super dwarf” and are super-reachable for kids. There are plenty of seasonal activities, including a picnic area, corn maze, toy land, hayrides, and a market that keeps the whole family entertained. Apple picking is expected to beginin early September.
5. The Milk Pail Farm Stand — Water Mill
The Halsey family started farming on Long Island in the 1640s, and this farm is still going strong. More than 20 apple varieties are grown on dwarf trees, and they are ready for picking beginning Saturday, August 31, 2024. Pumpkin, squash, and gourds are also available for fall picking. More farm-grown bounty, including flowers, are available at the Milk Pail Fresh Market.
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Kids can hop on an old-school wagon to go apple picking at Wickham’s.
6. Wickham’s Fruit Farm — Cutchogue
This 300-acre farm dates to 1661. It is one of the largest on the North Fork and is situated near Peconic Bay. Enjoy a wagon ride out to the apple-picking orchards. A retail shop sells pies, doughnuts, and apple cider. Be sure to check out its historic cider press. Wickham's is closed on Sundays.
7. Windy Acres Farms — Calverton
There's plenty to pick at this farm, including fruits, berries, and vegetables; apple picking is expected to continue through November. The owner is a fourth-generation farmer. There is a playground and picnic area, and once fall is in full swing, there is a corn maze and horse-drawn hayrides. Apple varieties include McIntosh, Golden Delicious,Mutsu, and Granny Smith. Summer apples are ready for picking as of mid-August.
8. Woodside Orchards —Aquebogue, Jamesport
This family-owned orchard has been around since 1982 and offers nearly 30 varieties of apples for picking. In addition to pies and fresh cider, the orchard’s apples also produce hard cider and apple wine (for adults only, of course). It also produces its own honey, and there’s a gift shop on site. Apple picking re-opens in September.
A version of this article was originally published in 2012. It is updated every year.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the farms
