Food Guides

The ultimate Massachusetts apple picking guide for fall 2025

Looking for the best apple picking near you? Explore Massachusetts orchards, seasonal activities, and tips for planning your visit.

Honeycrisp apples, the top seller at Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, inside the farm store.

Looking for the best apple picking in Massachusetts? Our updated 2025 guide features more than 30 orchards across the state, with details on prices, food, entertainment, and reader favorites. From pick-your-own apples to fresh cider doughnuts, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect fall day.

🍎 Find an apple orchard near you — view the map.

Apex Orchards in Shelburne.
Apex Orchards in Shelburne. – Bill Regan

Apex Orchards in Shelburne

225 Peckville Rd., Shelburne

Since 1828, Apex Orchards, which has been owned and operated by the same family for seven generations, has offered an array of farm fresh produce in a western Massachusetts location that offers spectacular views of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Its name was even inspired due to the orchard’s spot atop the apex of a hill. 

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Cost: $24 for a peck; $39 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment: 

  • Tractor-drawn trailer ride
  • Pumpkins for sale

Food: 

  • Farm store with local maple syrup, honey, sweet cider, yogurt, and ice cream

Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton

Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton.

495 Chicopee Row, Groton

Autumn Hills Orchard, located in the historic town of Groton, grows 40 varieties of apples, along with raspberries, pears, and grapes. The apple trees are semi-dwarf trees — which makes for easy picking — and some are 40 years old.

Cost: $2.50 for a pound; $3.50 for a pound of honeycrisps

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Walking trails with mountain views
  • Picnic tables

Food:

  • Retail store selling peaches, plums, apricots, apple cider, and cider doughnuts, as well as pumpkins and gourds

Barker’s Farm in North Andover

Apples at Barker’s Farm in North Andover.

1267 Osgood St., North Andover

Barker’s Farm was established in 1642 and has laid claim as the oldest continually operated family farm in Massachusetts — and among the oldest in the country. In addition to its mature orchards, the beloved farm is known for its fresh vegetables, particularly its sweet corn. 

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Cost: $45 for a half bushel; $30 for a peck

U-pick? Yes

Food:

  • Farm stand offering produce, jams, pickles, fresh pies, and more

Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond

Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond. – Ben Garver/The Berkshire Eagle via AP

Bartlett’s Orchard has been growing apples for generations amid beautiful scenery on Lenox Mountain in the Berkshires. Each year, the farm’s 24 acres of growing land produce an average of 11,000 bushels of apples.

Cost: $10 for a half peck; $15 for a peck; $23 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Food:

  • Farm stand and baked goods
  • Cider doughnuts

Belkin Family Lookout Farm in Natick

Belkin Family Lookout Farm in Natick.

89 Pleasant St., South Natick

Belkin Family Lookout Farm, established in 1651, is one of the oldest continuously working farms in the U.S. It offers you-pick apples, as well as peaches, pears, and pumpkins when in season. Boston.com readers also ranked the 180-acre farm among its favorites to find the best cider doughnuts in the state in 2019.

🍏 Readers Say: “The best part about Lookout Farm isn’t the quality or selection of apples, though they do have great apples; it’s the beer and donuts. They have a very cool setup that you can observe behind a big glass window that shows the entire process of how they make their cider donuts. … On busy fall weekends, it feels like you’re almost at some kind of party or festival, more than just an orchard.” — Chris, Needham

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Cost: $37 on weekdays, $37 online and $39 in person (includes entry to the orchard and a half-peck bag)

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Corn maze
  • Barnyard Play Area

Food:

  • Sit-down dining with BBQ and freshly brewed beer and cider
  • To-go dining in play area with sandwiches, pretzels, ice cream, and cold beverages
  • Other pick-your-own options including peaches, pears, and pumpkins (when in season)

Berlin Orchards in Berlin

Berlin Orchards in Berlin.
Berlin Orchards in Berlin.

310 Sawyer Hill Rd., Berlin

Berlin Orchards has a passion for apples, offering Paula Reds, Ginger Golds, Macs, Cortlands, Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Golden Supreme, Macoun, and Mutsu varieties through November. The orchard also offers pick-your-own pumpkins and gourds, as well as locally grown mums. 

Cost: $30 for a peck or $40 for a half bushel; purchase of a bag includes a hay wagon ride.

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hay wagon ride in and out of the orchard

Food:

  • Hot apple crisps and cider donuts and slushies

Big Apple Farm in Wrentham

An apple-picking haul in 2021.

207 Arnold St., Wrentham

Big Apple Farm is a sprawling family-owned farm with 100 acres currently in use. Boston.com readers also ranked this farm among its favorites to find the best cider doughnuts in the state in 2020.

🍏 Readers Say: “The donuts are simply killer. I love taking a ride up to the apple picking hill and getting to see all the other crops in bloom too. The Morse family (owners) are the nicest people and work the land every day-it’s a fall tradition for my family.” — Donna, Mendon

Cost: $30 for a peck; $40 for a half bushel.

U-Pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment: 

  • Visitors have the option of driving or taking a tractor-drawn ride up to the orchard

Food:

  • Farm stand with produce
  • Bakery featuring pies, doughnuts, cookies, and more.

Bolton Spring Farm in Bolton

Cider doughnuts at Bolton Spring Farm.

159 Main St., Bolton

Bolton Spring Farm began as a dairy farm back in the early 1800s before its rolling hills were transformed into an orchard in 1938. Pick-your-own apples start Labor Day Weekend, and availability shifts through October as varieties ripen. The 150-acre farm boasts scenic views of Bolton and surrounding towns.

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🍏 Readers Say: “I love that after you’re done picking the plentiful apples, you can go across the street to the stand and get apple dumplings, apple crisp, apple cider, and apple cider donuts a la mode.” — Abner B., Roslindale

Cost: $25 for a peck (3 people); $38 for a half bushel (5 people). Cash only. An ATM is located on site.

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Pick-your-own pumpkins

Food:

  • Farmstand with produce and bakery with hot apple dumplings, apple crisp, old fashioned cider-spiced doughnuts, pies, and more.

Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield

Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield. – Brookfield Orchards

12 Lincoln Rd., North Brookfield

This orchard has been family-owned and operated since 1918, and its country store is open year-round. During harvest season, the orchard’s snack bar serves hot apple dumplings with ice cream.

Cost: $18 quarter bushel bag; $35 half bushel bag

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Pumpkin patch
  • Live music on weekends

Food:

  • Country store and bakery with preserves, hot sauces, baked goods, and candy
  • Fudge counter

Brooksby Farm in Peabody

Brooksby Farm in Peabody.

54 Felton St., Peabody

The 275-acre Peabody farm opened its orchards for pick-your-own Jersey Macs and Granny Smiths in August. Fresh cider doughnuts are just one of the delicious treats you’ll find at Brooksby’s on-site bakery, along with cakes, whoopie pies, and monkey bread.

Cost: $14 for a half-peck bag (up to two people); $25 for a one-peck bag (up to four people); $40 for a half-bushel bag (up to six people); children 1 and under free.

U-pick? Yes

Entertainment:

  • Hayrides
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Barnyard animals
  • Pick-your-own flowers and other fruits and vegetables (when in season)

Food:

  • Farm store with fruits and vegetables, pies, jams, jellies, sauces, spices, popcorn, and dairy.
  • On-site bakery selling farm-made cider doughnuts, apple cider, cider doughnuts, and honey, as well as locally made muffins, monkey bread, loaf cakes, and whoopie pies.

Carlson Orchards in Harvard

Carlson Orchards in Harvard.

115 Oak Hill Rd., Harvard

Carlson Orchards offers a helpful guide to all 16 of its apple varieties and their various uses, as well as a growing schedule for its apples and other fruits. Be sure to visit the orchard taproom, where you can sip more than a dozen varieties of hard cider and snack on apple salsa and Big Apple Pizza made with spreadable brie and apple slices.

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🍏 Readers Say: “Great variety of apples to pick. Delicious pizza and cider flights. Family-friendly. Great place to enjoy an afternoon away from the bustling city.” — Marcio D., Roslindale

Cost: $30 for a one-peck bag; $40 for a half-bushel bag

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Pick your own blueberries, peaches, raspberries, and nectarines (when in season)

Food:

  • On-site tap room with full range of hard ciders, non-alcoholic ciders, and other beverages
  • Food trucks
  • On-site restaurant with menu offerings including flatbread pizzas

Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury

Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury.

45 Fern Ave, Amesbury

Named a top place to go apple-picking in America by Yelp, Cider Hill Farm is one of the best things to do when visiting the small city of Amesbury. With more than 60 varieties of apples spread across its 145 acres over the course of the growing season, Cider Hill has something for all tastes. 

Cost: $15 for half-a-peck (up to two people); $28 for one peck (up to four people); $45 for half-a-bushel (up to six people); Free for children 3 and under.

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Seasonal festivals
  • Educational programs
  • Kid-friendly giant sandbox, tricycle yard, and horse swings
  • Live music
  • Barnyard animals
  • Pick your own blueberries, peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and cut-your-own flowers (when in season)

Food:

  • Bakery with homemade granola, cider doughnuts, whoopie pies, sticky buns, and more
  • On-site restaurant, The Pitchfork, with made-to-order meals
  • Farm store with locally produced cider, snacks, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and more

C.N. Smith Farm in East Bridgewater

Danny Ramos picks apples at C.N. Smith Farm in East Bridgewater.

325 South St., East Bridgewater

Originally started as a potato farm close to 100 years ago, the Smith family has expanded its footprint and its variety of crops, selling everything from apples to asparagus. For a sweet treat once your bag is laden with apples, check out the Donut Barn for some hot cider doughnuts or a cool ice cream float.

Cost: $18 for a half-peck bag (2 people); $34 for a one-peck bag (up to three people); $50 for a half-bushel bag (up to 5 people); $8 per extra person; free for children 3 and under.

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hayrides
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Barnyard animals
  • Pick your own peaches, pumpkins, blueberries, and strawberries (when in season)

Food:

  • Donut Barn serving fresh-made apple cider doughnuts, cider slush, cold brew coffee, ice cream sundaes, and more
  • Farm Grill serving ballpark fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, soda
  • Five varieties of hard cider for sale

Cook’s Orchard in Brimfield

The bake shop at Cook’s Orchard in Brimfield.

106 Haynes Hill Rd., Brimfield

Catch a wagon ride and visit the bake shop while you’re at the rustic Cook’s Orchard, in between picking apples fresh from the trees. Apple Fest takes place annually in September, featuring live music, games, and delicious food.

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Cost: $30 for half a bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Wagon rides on the weekends
  • Live music on some weekends
  • Barnyard animals

Food:

  • A bake shop with apple pies and dumplings, freshly pressed apple cider, and various baked goods

Doe Orchards in Harvard

Doe Orchards in Harvard.

327 Ayer Rd., Harvard

Another orchard in the farm-rich town of Harvard, Doe Orchards has offered pick-your-own apples since the 1960s. More recently, the Doe family has added more crops to its land, offering peaches, blueberries, raspberries, and Christmas trees (seasonally).

🍏 Readers Say: “Beautifully tended fruit trees with delicious varieties either PYO or bought by the bag! Also a beautiful orchard in a lovely town.” — Paul W., Wendell Depot

Cost: $20 for a 10 lb. bag; $32 for a 20 lb. bag

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Farm stand peaches (when in season)
  • Cut your own Christmas tree (when in season)

Dowse Orchards in Sherborn

Dowse Orchards in Sherborn.

98 North Main St., Sherborn

With a history that dates back to 1778, Dowse Orchards has been growing fresh produce since Revolutionary War times. The farm stand has seasonal produce, as well as fresh-pressed cider from the orchard’s cider mill, which has been in operation since 1853.

🍏 Readers Say: “It’s a wonderful, no-frills place to meet up with family and friends for our annual apple-picking event. It’s an old picturesque orchard with a good variety of apples. There are no mazes, doughnuts, or baby goats — just apples and pumpkins. While it can get busy, it is never crowded, and there is no admission fee. Afterward, we often head over to C&L Frosty or Sunshine Dairy for ice cream. It’s perfect.” — Diane, Natick

Cost: $22 for a half-peck bag (up to 2 people); $38 for a one peck bag (up to 4 people); $49 for a half-bushel bag (up to 6 people); $9 per person for parties of six or more.

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U-pick? Yes (weekends only)

Activities/entertainment:

  • Clover Road Brewery on weekends
  • Cut your own Christmas tree (when in season)

Food:

  • Farm stand with fresh fruits and vegetables, cider, pumpkins, flowers, preserves, and gift baskets

Drew Farm in Westford

Drew Farm in Westford.

31 Tadmuck Rd., Westford

A family-owned business, Drew Farm strives to provide a fun atmosphere where you can enjoy apple picking with kids and loved ones. The pumpkin patch is a great spot to take family photos, and fresh pressed cider and old-fashioned root beer are available, too.

Cost: $15 for a half peck; $25 per peck; $40 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Pumpkin patch
  • Picnic area

Food:

  • Root beer
  • Cider
  • Cider doughnuts on weekends

Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin

Fairmont Fruit Farm in Franklin.

887 Lincoln St., Franklin

The family-run farm since 1920 offers more than fruit: Fairmount also abounds with produce, meat, and dairy throughout the year. The farm hosts events, such as goat yoga and a Farmers in Training program for kids.

🍏 Readers Say: “There’s so many rows of apples to walk thru and at least 10 different varieties. There are also animals on the farm including goats, bunnies, chickens, lambs. Great family run business who take care of this place with a passion.” — Erica H., Norwood

Cost: $12 per one-fourth peck bag; $32 per peck (2 adults, 2 children); $5 per person per hay ride.

U-pick: Yes  

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hay rides
  • Goats available for feeding
  • Playgrounds/games
  • Live music on weekends
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Mining sluice

Food:

  • Farm store with produce, cheese, baked goods
  • Food truck with apple cider doughnuts and lunch items. There’s a winter farmer’s market, too.

Farmer Dave’s in Dracut

Boston Weather
Farmer Dave’s farm in Dracut. – David L Ryan/Globe Staff

437 Parker Rd., Dracut

Visitors can pick apples and also dig their own carrots and potatoes at Farmer Dave’s. The farm also offer experiences that include wagon rides, a corn maze, playground, and pick-you-own pumpkin patch.

Cost: $13 for a half peck (one person); $24 for a peck (two people); $44 half bushel bushel (four people); otherwise, there’s a $10 non-picking fee per person; Ages 2 and under free

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hay rides
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Playgrounds/games
  • Pick your own flowers (when in season and also dig your own carrots and potatoes (in September and October) 

Food:

  • Farm store with produce, cheese, and baked goods

Fern Valley Farms in Wilbraham

Fern Valley Farms in Wilbraham.

758 Main St, Wilbraham

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Overlooking the Pioneer Valley, Fern Valley Farms is family-owned and was established in 1894. Since 2017. The farm hosts numerous entertainment options, including annual events and a summer concert series with local musicians. Live music during the fall. 

Cost: $16 per half peck; $22 per peck; $32 per half bushel

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Live music on weekends

Food:

  • Farm store with produce, cheese, and baked goods
  • Food from local vendors
  • Wine, beer, and cider, including craft beer from Field Crest Brewing Company
  • Ice cream shop

Hilltop Orchards in Richmond

Hilltop Orchards in Richmond.

Hilltop Orchards grows 27 varieties of apples and offers delicious tastings at its winery, Furnace Brook Winery, and cidery: JMASH Cidery, which is one of the oldest continually operating cideries in New England.

Cost: $12 for a half peck; $20 for a peck; $34 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hiking trails
  • Wine and cider tasting
  • Full moon guided hike

Food:

  • Farm store features a range of produce and products
  • Bakery with apple cider doughnuts, pies, and more
  • To-go beers, wines, and ciders

Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow

18 Boon Rd., Stow

Consistently ranked among the top orchards in New England (including No. 1 by Boston.com readers in 2021), visitors can traipse through 186 acres of orchards in Stow. The farm animals, hayrides, mazes, and freshly made cider doughnuts are a nice bonus, too.

🍏 Readers Say: “The best cider donuts! The best apples! A giant box maze for children! A Halloween themed maze for older children! Amazing apple pies! Cannot say enough great things about this place. … This was the reason we eventually moved out to Stow. I raised my children here and cannot say enough about this wonderful community.” — Laura F., Stow

Cost: $25 for a medium bag (three people); $38 for a large bag (five people)

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hayrides
  • Hedge mazes
  • Barnyard animals
  • Pick your own blueberries (when in season)

Food:

  • Farm store with fresh fruits and vegetables, cider, jellies, preserves, and honey
  • Bakery selling apple cider doughnuts, pies, and caramel apples

Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg

Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg.

340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg

Hollis Hills Farm offers a variety of pick-your-own fruit during the spring and summer months. It also has a Sugar House, and it’s the largest maple producer in eastern Massachusetts.

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Cost: $22 per peck; $38 per half bushel

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Petting zoo
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Playgrounds/games
  • Live music
  • Festivals throughout the fall

Food:

  • Farm store with produce, doughnuts, baked goods, and wine, beer, and cider
  • Ice cream parlor
  • A farm-to-table restaurant on site

Mann Orchards in Methuen

Macoun apples at Mann Orchards in Methuen.

27 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen

This family-owned orchard is filled with the warm, comforting aroma of homemade baked goods. In addition to nearly 15 varieties of apples available, visitors can purchase fruits and vegetables grown in their field as well as enjoy a farm-to-table meal.

Cost: $28 for a peck; $40 for a half-bushel; admission into the orchard also includes access to a wagon ride, mini corn maze, and picnic area

U-pick: Yes

Food:

  • Farmstand with seasonal vegetables and country lunches
  • Homemade pies, quiches, and other baked goods

Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton

A family enjoys a picnic under an old apple tree at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton.

100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton

If it’s a unique apple-picking experience you’re after, Nashoba Valley Winery may be it. The hilltop orchard abounds with McIntosh, Cortland, Liberty, and Macoun apples. The property is primarily a winery, brewery, and distillery, but no alcohol is permitted in the orchard. 

🍏 Readers Say: “Great place to pick apples, and once you’ve finished, you can go up to the main building and grab some lunch with friends or do a wine tasting! We go every year.” — Kate, Beverly

Cost: $18 per peck; $28 per half bushel

U-Pick: Yes

Food:

  • The Knoll (outdoor dining grounds for lunch) and J’s Restaurant (dinner service Wednesdays through Sundays)

Outlook Farm in Westhampton

Apples on the branch in 2021.

136 Main Rd. (Rt 66), Westhampton

This 100-year-old farm bustles with activity in the late summer and fall, which brings apple picking and numerous live events, including music, festivals, and pig roasts. The crown jewel of the sprawling space is its winery, brewery, and cider house, where the farm’s fruits are turned into the crisp sips.

Cost: $25 per peck; $40 per half bushel

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Special events include live music, barbecues, and festivals

Food:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, sweet apple cider, and homemade baked goods are available for purchase at the Outlook Farm Store.

Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro

Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro.

95 Farwell Rd., Tyngsboro

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Parlee Farms has been serving the Tyngsborough community for three decades, and come autumn, crowds flock from near and far to pluck juicy apples from the orchard’s branches. The farm isn’t lacking in accolades, either: Yankee magazine listed it among the best PYO fruit farms in Massachusetts in 2021 and 2022.

🍏 Readers Say: “They are a great time for our family, very organized, clean, and reasonable prices. They offer great fresh apple picking, a farm stand, petting zoo, and food truck. … The fresh made apple donuts are amazing!” — Alex, Lexington

Cost: $41 for a half bushel (six people); $30 for one peck (four people); $15 for a half peck (two people). Available on Tuesdays through Sundays.

U-pick: Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Farm animals can be fed and pet 

Food:

  • Treats related to the picking season are available from Mary’s Home-Cooked Kitchen
  • Scratch-made bakery items featuring seasonal fruits
  • Homemade apple cider doughnuts
  • Grill items at The Lunch Box

Quonquont Farm in Whately

Apple picking back in 2020.

9 North St., Whately

Structures on the Quonquont Farm property date back to the 1700s, and a walk around its grounds leaves one equal parts inspired — and hungry. This diversified farm abounds with a range of seasonal produce, and in the fall, many sweet and tart apples are available for picking. Notably, the farm also has a flock of orchard-raised hens who lay eggs for purchase at the farm store and via subscription.

Sold by weight: Pick-your own is $2.50 per pound, and picked apples at the farmstand are $2.75 per pound

U-pick: Yes

Food:

  • Farm store selling produce, eggs, locally made products, and more

Red Apple Farm in Phillipston

Apple cider doughnuts from the Red Apple Farm stand at the Boston Public Market.

455 Highland Ave, Phillipston

With its recognizable logo, Red Apple Farm, a fourth-generation family business, has a pick-your-own orchard in Phillipston and a buzzing outpost at The Boston Public Market. Pick up plump apples for eating or cooking, as well as a batch of the award-winning cider doughnuts.

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🍏 Readers Say: “This farm has … a very beautiful setting in North Central Massachusetts and many varieties of apples (also pears, peaches, black raspberries, and blueberries). Great baked goods, ice cream, and mini petting animals for the children, and beautiful sunflower gardens for picking.” — Ottavio and Lily C., Gardner

Cost: $28 per peck; $46 per half bushel

U-pick: Yes

Entertainment/activities:

  • Live music

Food:

  • Brew Barn and Timberfire Pizza
  • Cidery and taproom
  • Country store with produce, cider doughnuts, baked goods, fudge, and ice cream

Russell Orchards in Ipswich 

Russell Orchards in Ipswich.

143 Argilla Rd., Ipswich

This Essex County destination is a beloved family farm where you can pick Cortlands and Galas, while visiting animals on site. The full scratch bakery and winery are housed in an 1800s barn.

🍏 Readers Say: “The farm stand is beautiful. The whole place is a throwback to 100 years ago. Beautiful property. … Park in the shade under a tree in the dirt parking lot. Everything in the store is organic and made by small producers. I go every week!” — Andree R., Ipswich

Cost: Weekdays: $2.95 per pound ($5 entry fee credited with PYO apple purchase); Weekends: $28 per peck (up to 5 people); Hayrides $2 per child, $3 per adult. No entry fee.

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment: 

  • Farm animals
  • Hay rides

Food:

  • Bakery with cider doughnuts, apple pie, biscotti, fruit tarts, and more
  • Store with cider, ice cream, produce, books, and more
  • Winery and wine tastings

Shelburne Farm in Stow

Shelburne Farm in Stow.

106 West Acton Rd., Stow

A perfect place to bring the family, Shelburne is an orchard on a hill where you can pick apples, pumpkins, peaches, and Asian pears. The John Deere combine climber and orchard story walk make for great entertainment for the kiddos.

🍏 Readers Say: “The apples are great but lots to do besides just apples. Hayrides, farm themed playscapes for kids, food trucks and the best cider donuts you will ever eat.” — Dan C., Stow

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Cost: $29 for 10 pounds; $42 for 20 pounds

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Farm animals
  • Hay rides
  • Playgrounds
  • John Deere combine climber
  • Pumpkin patch

Food:

  • Food trucks
  • Bakery with cider doughnuts, caramel apples, apple crisp, and hot dogs
  • Beverages, such as hot mulled cider, coffee, pink peach lemonade, hot chocolate, and fresh brewed iced tea

Sholan Farms in Leominster

Apples from Sholan Farms in Leominster.

1125 Pleasant St, Leominster

Owned by the city of Leominster and operated by the Friends of Sholan Farms, the orchard is community-supported. There are beautiful hiking trails, too.

🍏 Readers Say: “Many different varieties available for you-pick or purchase from the farm stand. … Great views on a quiet location.” — Steve S., Leominster

Cost: $9.75 for a half peck; $19 for a peck: $36 for half a bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hiking trails
  • Wagon rides
  • Festivals

Food:

  • Farm stand with apple crisp, honey, caramel apples, and cider doughnuts

Smolak Farms in North Andover

Smolak Farms in North Andover.

315 South Bradford St, North Andover

This farm has an Antique Apple Orchard that includes over 20 varieties of apples, and it was originally planted to preserve apples that are no longer grown for commercial harvest. There are also multiple other orchards, such as the New Section Orchard, which has common varieties and some antique varieties. Steeped in history and beauty, Smolak is a popular venue for weddings.

🍏 Readers Say: “Apple, peach, and pumpkin picking, pies, fresh local honey, and incredible apple cider donuts have been a staple in my family for years! Haunted hayrides and animal feedings were hours of entertainment for me as a kid.” — Stacy S., Reading

Cost: $30 per peck; $45 for a half bushel; $50 for a half-bushel basket in any other orchard

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Fruit picking tours
  • Educational farm tours
  • Hay rides on weekends
  • Festivals on weekends
  • Barnyard animals

Food:

  • Farm stand selling sandwiches, ice cream, bakery with doughnuts, tea breads, and more

Stowe Farm in Millbury

Stowe Farm in Millbury. – Photo courtesy of Stowe Farm – Photo courtesy of Stowe Farm

A complimentary wagon ride is provided to get to the orchard, which is the home of juicy Fujis and Honeycrisps. Stowe Farm also offers horse rides and runs camps for kids over the summer.

Cost: $30 for 10 pounds; $45 for 25 pounds (parties of six or more must purchase more than one bag)

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U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Horse riding
  • Pet boarding and dog training
  • Summer camp
  • The Kids’ Corral farm and playground
  • Petting zoo
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Music

Food:

  • Buck’n Barbecue, know for its sandwiches, like the pulled pork
  • Bad Apple Saloon, an adult zone with a bar, beer, and hard cider
  • Country store selling jams, pies, fudge, and doughnuts
  • Hot dog stand

Tangerini’s Farm in Millis

Tangerini’s Farm in Millis.

139 Spring St., Millis

The picturesque farm offers apple-picking in a charming setting, while also serving as the home for a restaurant, “The Farmer’s Porch” (enjoy avocado toast, cheese flatbreads, and more) and an ice cream shop. At the farm stand, find Tangerini’s own produce, as well as local products.

Cost: $17 per half peck (one person); $32 per peck (three people); $45 per half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Hay rides
  • Visit farm animals
  • Pumpkin patch

Food:

  • The Farmer’s Porch Restaurant serving breakfast and lunch featuring apple pancakes, wraps, and sandwiches. Reservations are recommended.
  • Farm stand
  • Ice cream shop

Tougas Family Farm in Northborough

Tougas Family Farm in Northborough.

234 Ball St., Northborough

This farm grows over 30 varieties of apples, many of which can’t be found at the supermarket. At the farm kitchen, you can pick up an ice cream sundae, a slushie, or a sandwich for lunch.

🍏 Readers Say: “It has everything and is well-run.” — Karen, Dedham

Cost: $17.50 per half peck, $30.50 per peck, $40.50 per half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Wagon ride
  • Barnyard animals
  • Playground
  • Pumpkin patch

Food:

  • Grill Shack (selling burgers, hot dogs, and chili) & Donut Hut
  • Farm kitchen with ice cream and lunch items
  • Farm store
  • Apple tent
  • East Coast Kettle Corn on weekends

UMass Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown

391 Sabin St., Belchertown

A research facility of University of Massachusetts Amherst, the UMass Cold Spring Orchard offers dozens of apple varieties. There is also a farm store on site.

Cost: $20 for a peck, $38 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Food:

  • Retail store with fresh pears, grapes, and apples, as well as honey, apple cider, and orchard-made jams and jellies

Westward Orchards in Harvard

Westward Orchards in Harvard.

178 Massachusetts Ave, Harvard

Westward Orchards, located in the hills of Nashoba Valley, also has a farm store that sells cheeses, eggs, and pasture-raised meats.

Cost: $30 for a peck; $45 for a half bushel

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Wagon ride
  • Pumpkin patch

Food:

  • Farm store with prepared foods, produce, jams, and gifts. They carry items from producers like Crescent Ridge, Slow Rise Breads, and Stonewall Kitchen.

Windy Hill Farm in Great Barrington

Windy Hill Farm in Great Barrington. – Photo courtesy of Windy Hill Farm

Located in the Berkshires, Windy Hill Farm has a diverse range of apples that can be picked at their orchard, from Ambrosia to Zestar. You can also find a garden center, holiday shop, and a full service landscape department.

Advertisement:

Cost: $7 for a half peck; $12 per peck

U-pick? Yes

Activities/entertainment:

  • Garden center and shop
  • Nursery stock
  • Landscaping
  • Christmas trees and holiday shop

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