Apple Picking in Greater Boston

Nothing says fall in New England like a family excursion to the apple orchards. And come September, families can head a short distance from Boston for their choice of places to pick their own apples. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorites, but with over 50 farms in the area offering apple picking, there are many more to choose from. In addition to apple picking, many of the orchards offer petting farms, country stores, hay rides and other kid-friendly activities, so leave plenty of time to take advantage of all these farms have to offer.

North Shore

Barker's Farmstand
1267 Osgood Street (Rt. 125)
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone: (978) 683-0785

Established in 1642, Barker’s Farmstand is the oldest continuing farm in operation in Massachusetts. It offers PYO apples, and a farm stand with fruit pies, fresh bread, local honey, and other farm-fresh goods.

Boston Hill Farm
Route 114
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 681-8556
http://www.bostonhillfarm.com

Boston Hill Farm offers pick-your-own apples in September and October - call for specific picking dates and times. Hayrides begin at 11am - hop on and take a ride to the orchards. The farm also features a great bakery, ice cream, and a petting farm, complete with chickens, geese, bunnies, goats, sheep and calves.

Brooksby Farm
38 Felton St.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978)531-7456
http://www.brooksbyfarm.org

Pick-your-own apples, plus a bakery that offers cider donuts, hot mulled cider, cold cider, and coffee. Barnyard animals, too.

Connors Farm
30 Valley Road (Rt. 35)
Danvers, MA 01923
(978)777-1245
http://www.connorsfarm.com

Not only apples, but a corn maze, too! Maze opens on September 10, through October 31. http://www.connorsfarm.com/maze.htm

Long Hill Orchard and Farm
520 Main St, Route 113,
West Newbury, MA
(978)363-2170
http://www.longhillorchard.com

Call ahead for the latest on what’s available for picking. Kids can also enjoy visiting the barnyard of friendly animals.

Russell Orchards
143 Argilla Rd
Ipswich, MA 01938
(978)356-5366
http://www.russellorchards.com

PYO apples are available daily. Weekend hayrides and cider pressing on Saturdays.

Smolak Farm
315 South Bradford St
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 682-6332
http://www.smolakfarms.com

Smolak Farm offers plenty of varieties of apples for picking, as well as hay wagon rides, a playground, and a petting farm. And small children will love a ride on a kid-size Wee Wagon.

Metro West

Belkin Lookout Farm
89 Pleasant St South
South Natick, MA 01760
(508)653-0653
http://www.lookoutfarm.com

Belkin Family Lookout Farm is one of the oldest continuously working farms in the U.S. Pick your own peaches, apples and pumpkins in the fall. Families also enjoy train rides, children’s play area, picnic tables, hay pyramid, burlap maze and Busy Bee Learning Center.

Carlson Orchards
115 Oak Hill Road
Harvard, MA 01451
(800)286-3916 http://www.carlsonorchards.com/

Carlson Orchards has over 14 varieties of apples, from McIntosh and Cortland to Braeburn, Fuji and Granny Smith. Consult the growing season calendar to see when your favorites are expected to be ripe.

Carver Hill Orchard
Brookside Ave
Stow, MA 01775
(978)897-6117 http://www.carverhill.com/

Great pick-your-own apples, plus a farm store that is stocked with crafts, decorations, fresh cider, chicken pies,, fudge, peanut brittle, and cookies. Enjoy!

Doe Orchards
327 Ayer Rd, Rt 110/111
Harvard, MA 01451
(978)772-4139 http://www.doeorchards.com/

25 acres of a wide variety of apples. Picking begins Labor Day weekend and runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily through late October.

Honeypot Hill Orchard
144 Sudbury Rd
Stow, MA 01775
(978)562-5666 http://www.honeypothill.com

12 varieties of apples are available for picked as they ripen throughout the season. Check the website for the most current crop. The orchard offers other activities like hayrides, barnyard animals, and a hedge maze that’s great for kids ages four through 11.

Nashoba Valley Winery
100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd
Bolton MA 01740
(978)779-5521 http://www.nashobawinery.com

Not just for wine tasting, Nashoba Valley Winery has nearly 5,000 apple trees ripe for the picking. Consult the website for the most accurate conditions.

Phil’s Apples
24 Prospect Hill Rd
Harvard, MA
(978)456-3361
http://www.philsapples.com

Phil’s Apples is open daily for apple picking during the season. And on Saturdays and Sundays, kids can help make apple cider.

Westward Orchards
Rt 111
Harvard, MA
(978)456-8363
http://www.westwardorchards.com

Apples are available for picking around Labor Day through mid-October. Check the website for the current crop.

Looking for more pick-your-own farms? The Mass Department of Agricultural Resources has an interactive map where you can select your location and generate a list of locations. Give it a try and let us know if you discover a great spot!

NOTE: Please contact orchards before heading out to confirm hours and amenities–many orchards are small, family-run establishments. Also, please leave animals at home or you may be asked to leave apple-free.