Tips for Apple Picking with Kids

Before you head to the orchard for an afternoon of picking apples, read these tips to ensure your whole family has a great outing!

By Anja Webb

What better way to have a fun fall day than by going apple picking with your family? This quintessential activity is perfect for kids of all ages, whether you’re trying to get your moody teen to spend some time with the family, or you’re looking to take your little ones to a place where they can use their “outside voices.” Though picking apples may seem straightforward, kids can find a way to make anything difficult. Here are local farmers’ best tips for planning your family trip to the farm.

Check what varieties are available.

Especially if you’re picky about your apples, you’ll want to check the farm’s schedule before you head over. Some varieties ripen at different times, while others are only available for a limited time. “The apples you would pick in late August are very different from the apples you’d pick in late October,” says Sarah Potenza, farm manager of Hurds Family Farm. More popular types of apples can run out quickly as well. Most farms have websites, emails, or a telephone number that you can call to find out what’s available.

Call to confirm current conditions and safety policies.

There’s nothing more inconvenient than driving all the way out of town only to show up to a closed farm, or one that’s all out of apples. Call to check availability, confirm hours, and make sure they don’t anticipate closing for any severe weather. If you see there might be some storms later in the day, check out the farm’s weather policy. Be sure to also check the farm’s COVID safety policies—they likely have timed-entry tickets and other requirements.

Go early to avoid crowds.

Peak times at the farm are usually 12-4pm. If you want to avoid lines, crowds, or dealing with others, try visiting in the morning or on a weekday. Kurt Alstede, a farmer at Alstede Farms, recommends taking a day off during the week or coming on a school holiday.

Be prepared to carry or cart around little ones.

A day at the farm typically involves being on your feet. Children may tire easy or have limited mobility, so Potenza suggests taking along a wagon or stroller to cart them through the lanes. Alstede recommends a stroller with bigger wheels, as small foldable strollers don’t do well on unpaved terrain. For infants, he suggests parents bring a baby carrier to carry their child more easily.

Plan to spend a whole day on the farm.

Though many apple-picking destinations are a quick drive away, heading to the farm is still a day trip. Bring extra diapers, snacks, sunscreen, and any other supplies you may need to help you make it through a day outside. You might want to wear hats or sunglasses as well. See what other attractions there are in the neighborhood, be it cute villages and homey diners or breathtaking landscapes and natural beauties.

Wear layers.

“We always recommend layers and sturdy footwear,” advises Katie Ross, marketing and communications manager at Fishkill Farms. The weather can change in a heartbeat. Prepare for all sorts of weather and always keep a jacket handy.

Be mindful of bees and yellow jackets.

These critters love apples, but don’t worry, you’ll be fine so long as you’re prepared. If you do see a bee, keep your cool. It’s important to remember the bees are here for the apples, not the people. If you leave them alone, they’ll likely return the favor.

Only pick what’s ripe.

“Apples don’t ripen off the tree, like peaches and nectarines will,” Ross says. What you pick is what you get, in terms of ripeness. For this reason, you’ll want to pay attention to signage on the farm. If an area isn’t open for picking, it’s because the farmers have deemed the fruit unready for consumption. Additionally, don’t pick anything that you have to fight the tree to get. An apple should come off easily, without yanking or force.

Check out other activities on the farm.

Many farms offer special activities, from petting zoos and bouncy houses to corn mazes and live music. Additionally, there are often harvest festivals with entertainment and homemade foods, so you might want to plan your visit around one of the special events. Just be sure to respect the farms’ capacity and distancing rules on these activities.

Stay hydrated!

“The most common thing that’s overlooked is the importance of properly hydrating when you’re going to go out and spend a couple hours on the farm,” Alstede says. Even though the weather is cooling down, be prepared to sweat while outside. Bring a big bottle of water and enough liquids for your family. Though most farms have beverages for sale, it’s best to keep some water on you just in case. If you’re out in the fields when thirst strikes, you’ll want to be able to quench it then and there, without having to head to the store. Nobody wants to deal with dehydration while spending a day with the family.