Macintosh? Cortland? Gala? Ginger Gold? September is the start of apple picking season, and Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen has the top 5 family-friendly orchards within about an hour's drive from Bergen County where you can pick your own. Be sure to contact the farm directly for current picking conditions to avoid disappointment.
Northern New Jersey:
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale. This local favorite is the perfect farm for younger children, but has very limited parking especially on the weekends. This year, there is no tractor-pulled hayride to the orchards so remember to wear comfortable shoes. No strollers, backpacks or pocketbooks, and outside food are allowed in the orchard area. The farmstand offers apple cider donuts, and fresh-pressed apple cider, and there is a cute outdoor play area for fall-themed photos. Apple picking is Thursdays through Sundays from 8AM to 5PM. You must make an online reservation to pick apples. Each reservation is for an hour and a half time slot to pick apples. To make reservations, click HERE. $7 per person for ages 2 and up for admission to the orchards and parking, and $12 for a bag to hold apples you pick (approximately 10 pounds).
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Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester. About an hour away from Bergen County, Alstede Farms is a beautiful, sprawling farm complete with kids' activities like pony rides, wagon train rides, corn, evergreen, and sunflower mazes, and a concessions stand and wine-tasting. Pick Your Own admission price ($7 on non-holiday weekdays and $11 on weekends and holidays) includes unlimited hayrides to the orchards and fields - in addition to apples, you can pick raspberries, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and blackberries. Guests pay additional for what they pick on the farm; apples are $2.29 per pound. The farm is open daily, and pick your own hours are from 9AM - 5PM. You must purchase PYO tickets in advance HERE, which includes admission to the mazes. Purchase tickets to pony rides or wagon train rides HERE.
In New York:
Masker Orchards, 45 Ball Road, Warwick. Open daily from 9AM-5PM. One of our favorites because you can drive up to where you want to pick your apples. Admission is free, parking is free. You get a bag to fill apples and pay only $31.95 per bag when you exit. Enjoy a picnic, take in the beautiful views, and eat all the apples you wish while at the orchard. There are also a Family Fun area with a playground, live entertainment and petting zoo.
Pennings Orchard, 169 State Route 94S, Warwick. You can't go wrong with 20 varieties of apples on 100 acres of farmland. Open daily from 9AM-5PM, with no reservations required. Half bushel (22 pound) bag is $30. Cash only (there is an ATM on-site). Pennings Farm Market down the street has a farm-to-table style cafe, outdoor beer garden, ice cream stand and garden center. The beer garden has a good menu for kids. All guests must wear masks unless seated at their table.
Weed Orchards and Winery, 43 Mt Zion Rd, Marlboro. Fruit picking all week from 10AM to 5PM, on weekends 9AM to 5PM. Besides apple picking, you can also pick grapes, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and peppers. There is also a cafe and bakery, and weekend events. Winery, featuring craft beers, wine, sangria and wine slushies, is open on weekends only. No reservations required. Hayrides, playground, and corn maze are closed.
If you check out any of these places, tag us on social media and let us know which apple variety is your favorite!
Love an apple picking farm that's not on this list? Email angelines@macaronikid.com and share your experience.
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