Even though the swimming pools are closed for the season, there’s still plenty of fun to be had outdoors. Enjoy the early fall weather and take the family out for some apple or pumpkin picking at nearby orchards. We’ve “picked” four favorites that are guaranteed to evoke smiles from every member of the family.
After perusing 40 acres of pumpkins, your little harvesters can let their hair down with several types of fall fun. Heaven Hill Farms’ Halloween Spooktacular incorporates the Haunted Manor and Haunted Hayride, a late-night combo adventure that runs through October. Be sure to stop by the farmers market on the way out.
Heaven Hill Farms – 449 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Hours: Mondays through Sundays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
For the greatest deal in apple picking, head over to Warwick, New York, for the free parking, free baskets and free eat-what-you-pick apples at Maskers Orchards. With 15 types of apples, pumpkins and a fall calendar full of family events, Maskers is the apple-picking destination for crews with young children. Stop by any weekend in fall for horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides and more.
Maskers Orchards – 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990
Hours: Mondays through Sundays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
A truly unique experience, a visit to the Queens Farm Museum includes a maize maze, pumpkin picking and apple harvests, all in the middle of New York City. Animal petting sessions, Halloween treats and fresh-pressed cider are also on hand for family members of all ages at this historic museum set on the city’s last untouched acres of farm land.
Queens County Farm Museum – 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004
Hours: Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturdays through Sundays from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Grab a sack at the door of this popular Hudson Valley farm and start picking. Besides Macintosh, Red, Golden Delicious and Empire apples, Wright’s also has a full farm of pumpkins, squash, peaches and more yummy produce. In fact, the locals have been coming back for more than 30 years due to Wright’s outstanding apple sauces, jams and jellies.
Wright's Apple Farm – 699 Route 208, Gardiner, NY 12525
Hours: Mondays through Sundays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
| Caramel Apples | Cinnamon Applesauce |
Fried Apple Pies |
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Direction on how to make caramel apples with kids |
Direction on how to make applesauce at home |
Paula Deen's direction on how to make a fried apple pie |
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