Best Time to Visit Apple Orchards: A Seasonal Guide

Last fall, I learned the hard way that timing is everything when it comes to apple picking with toddlers. My wife was traveling for work, so I planned a special daddy-daughter adventure to a local orchard with our 2 and 4-year-old. We showed up in late October only to find mostly bare trees and very disappointed little ones. That's when I realized I needed to create this guide - not just for myself, but for other parents planning the perfect apple picking experience with young kids.

When to Go Apple Picking: Regional Timing Guide for Families

After visiting dozens of apple orchards across the country and talking to countless farm owners, here's what I've learned about the best apple picking times by region:

Northeast Apple Picking Season (New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)

Best Time for Families: Mid-September to early October
The Northeast has some of the most beautiful apple orchards I've ever visited with my daughters. The combination of crisp fall air, stunning foliage, and perfectly ripe apples makes this region magical for family apple picking. We've had our best experiences in late September when the trees are still full but the crowds haven't hit peak yet.

Pro tip from a dad: If you're visiting with toddlers like mine, aim for the third week of September. The weather is still comfortable for little ones, and you'll avoid the October rush when every family in the tri-state area descends on the orchards.

Midwest Apple Orchards (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio)

Best Time for Families: Early September to late September
Michigan apple orchards are incredible - we've made it an annual tradition to visit at least two different ones each season. The picking season starts earlier here, which is actually perfect for families with young children. Early September weather is ideal - not too hot, not too cold, and the bugs are starting to die down.

My daughters' favorite Michigan orchard visit was in early September when we could pick Honeycrisp apples (their absolute favorite) and the farm still had their corn maze open. The combination made for a perfect family day out.

Pacific Northwest Apple Picking (Washington, Oregon)

Best Time for Families: Late August to mid-September
Washington state apple orchards offer the longest picking season, which is great for busy families trying to coordinate schedules. When my wife was on a three-week business trip last year, this extended season saved us - we were able to find the perfect weekend in early September for our apple picking adventure.

Best Apple Varieties for Kids (And When to Pick Them)

After three years of apple picking with toddlers, I've learned which varieties work best for little hands and taste buds. Here's my family-tested guide to apple varieties and their peak picking times:

Apple Picking Tips from a Dad of Two Toddlers

Planning apple picking trips while my wife travels for work has taught me some hard-earned lessons. Here are my top tips for successful apple orchard visits with young kids:

• Always call the orchard first: I learned this the hard way when we drove 45 minutes to a closed orchard. Now I always confirm hours, available varieties, and weather conditions before loading up the car with two toddlers.
• Start early (but not too early): 9:30 AM is the sweet spot with my girls. Early enough for good selection and cooler temps, but late enough that they're fully awake and fed.
• Weekday visits are golden: When possible, I take the girls on weekdays. Fewer crowds mean more space for them to run around and better photo opportunities without strangers in the background.
• Bring your own wagon: Game changer for families with multiple young kids. I can pull both girls when they get tired, plus carry all our apple haul.
• Pack like you're going camping: Snacks, water, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, extra clothes, and a first aid kit. Apple orchards are basically outdoor adventures with toddlers.

Best Apple Orchards for Families with Young Children

Not all apple orchards are created equal when you're dealing with a 2 and 4-year-old. Here's what I look for:

• Dwarf apple trees: Low branches that kids can actually reach
• Wagon or tractor rides: Saves little legs and adds to the fun
• Clean restrooms: Non-negotiable with potty-training toddlers
• Farm animals: My girls love the goats and chickens as much as the apples
• Fresh cider donuts: The perfect bribe for good behavior during picking
• Corn mazes (age-appropriate): Look for "mini mazes" designed for young kids