It’s finally here! Summer is coming to an end, and fall is in the air. If you’re a fall fanatic like me, then you’ve been counting down the days until you can enjoy all the great things autumn has to offer: cool weather, warm and savory food, pumpkin patches, hay rides, and of course… apple orchards.
Apple picking is such a fun activity for kids, and thankfully, there are tons of options for apple orchards in the South Central PA area to choose from. And it gives you tons of choices, too! Whether you want to just stop in to pick some fresh, locally grown apples, or if you want to make a whole-day experience with activities and other fall fun, there is bound to be something for you.
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READ: Guide to Local Parks and Playgrounds in South Central PA
Apple Orchards in Berks County
- Brecknock Orchard: Not only can you pick your own apples here, but they have tons of other seasonal fruits and vegetables to choose from as well… including pumpkins and sunflowers in the fall! You can also take a farm tour, complete with a wagon ride, and stop by their play area for kids! Make your visit extra sweet by making your own caramel apples, too.
- Weaver’s Orchard: Pick your own apples, as well as other seasonal fruits throughout the year. They also have Fall Family Fun Days in September and October, and Johnny Appleseed Day the first weekend after Labor Day!
- County Line Orchard: Stop by from September through November, with varieties including Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Fuji, Crimson Crisp, Melrose, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, Suncrisp, Rome, Keepsake, and Goldrush.
- Frecon Farms: If you’re looking for some weekend fun, go to Frecon Farms for apples, pears, and pumpkins in September and October. They also have orchard hayrides and live music on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.
- Rodale Institute: Pick your own organic apples, starting in September. Apple picking is available on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10:00 – 2:00.
Apple Orchards in Cumberland County
- Peters Orchards: Over 70 varieties of apples are grown here, most of which are available beginning in September.
Apple Orchards in Dauphin County
- Strites’ Orchard: A huge variety of fruits are grown at this orchard, with apples available starting in July, and ending in early November.
Apple Orchards in Lancaster County
- Masonic Village Farm Market: Pick-your-own apples are available beginning in August. You can also get a ton of other produce, including pumpkins, and pick up other goodies… like freshly-baked goodies, hand-dipped ice cream, fruit butter, and homemade apple cider.
- Cherry Hill Orchards and Farm Market: Apples are available for picking from August through October. You can also take hayrides to the pumpkin patch on Saturdays in October.
- Kauffman Orchards: Stop by on Saturdays to pick your own fruit, including several apple varieties. You can also feed the animals or explore their corn maze!
- Leid’s Orchard: While you can’t pick your own apples here, you can pick up over 20 varieties of apples to bring home and enjoy. While you’re there, stock up on fresh-baked goods, and homemade jams and preserves.
- Napierville Orchard: Locally owned and family run, stop by to get some homegrown apples, and a bouquet of gorgeous fresh flowers for your kitchen table, too!
- Edgewood Farms: Enjoy nearly 30 varieties of apples, as well as lots of other produce!
- Beiler’s Fruit Farm: There are over 2,000 fruit trees at this orchard — including apples, of course! — and you can also pick your own fresh flowers while you’re there. You can stock up on apple cider, raw honey, fresh jams and preserves, and more!
- Kissel Hill Fruit Farm: Get yourself some locally-grown apples and peaches, and on Saturdays, make sure to get a plate of their famous BBQ chicken with homemade root beer, too!
Apple Orchards in Lebanon County
- Gray’s Apple Ridge: Starting in September, you can pick your own apples through November, or for as long as they last! There is also apple cider, a pumpkin patch, and more.
- Honey Bear Orchards: This farm grows several varieties of apples you can pick yourself, as well as peaches and pears in late summer/early fall.
- Seyfert Orchards: In addition to apples, you can get farm-fresh plums, peaches, and pears. They also sell lots of yummy foods, like sauerkraut, chow-chow, salad dressings, jams, apple cider, dips, and more!
- Sycamore Spring Orchard: The apples here are ready for picking, starting in August through October. They also have a bakery, with lots of great goodies… especially their apple dumplings!
Apple Orchards in York County
- Flinchbaugh’s Orchard: Not only can you pick your own apples, you can also get sunflowers, pumpkins, and more. There are also plenty of activities, like a corn maze, wagon rides, and a jungle gym, making it a perfect outing with loads of family fun.
- Mt. Airy Orchards: Pick your own apples, and while you’re at it, get some blackberries and pumpkins, too. There’s also a corn maze and a play area for kids to enjoy as well!
- Maple Lawn Farms: Their signature crop is apples, though you can pick other fruits and veggies, too. They offer wagon rides, a corn maze, and a kid-friendly fun park with tons of activities and attractions.
- Orchard Valley Farm: Choose from over 20 varieties of apples, as well as peaches and pumpkins. There is a play area for kids, too, and flower fields for a fresh bouquet you can cut yourself also!
- Forge Hill Orchards: Beginning in August, there are over 20 varieties of apples you can pick and enjoy through October. They also have a store, with fruit butters, honey, candy, and other goods, and a gift shop as well.
- Brown’s Orchards and Farm Market: You can buy farm-fresh apples, and make sure to stop by the bakery. There are tons of treats you don’t want to miss, like Sugar Cakes, Whoopie Pies, Cherry Pudding, Apple Dumplings, Apple Cider Donuts, and so much more.
Did we miss your favorite apple orchards? Let us know in the comments!
