Where to Go Apple Picking on Long Island, New York
Long Island has beautiful farms where you can do some fun apple picking! This blog shows you the best orchards for apple picking on Long Island, New York and which ones are the best for families with kids.
Ah! It’s that time of the year again! As Labor Day comes around the corner it officially marks the beginning of fall in New York. I mean what’s there not to love about fall? With its cooler weather you can dress up in cute fall outfits while sipping on your pumpkin spice latte and prepare decorations for Halloween
One of New Yorkers’ favorite fall activities is to go apple picking, I mean it is a very New England thing to do after all! For me, after I moved to New York, I really felt like I was experiencing fall for the first time when I went apple picking with some locals.
Apple Picking is such a family friendly activity but you can certainly enjoy it without kids. Some orchards are more kids friendly whereas others definitely cater to adults.
Whether you live on Long Island or in Queens, you sure will find some fun orchards for Apple Picking this fall season. If you live in Manhattan, you can still venture out to the orchards in the Hudson Valley for some family fun.
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What’s the Best Time For Apple Picking on Long Island, New York
In general apple picking on Long Island starts on or after Labor Day Weekend and goes to early November. So most of the farms are in full swing with apple picking and other fall festivities in September and October.
Depending on the orchard and the types of apple they have, you may still be able to do some apple picking in November, but you won’t find as many varieties of apple.
Since most farms on the Long Island are only open for apple picking on the weekends and weather can be unpredictable, you should always call the orchards or check their websites/ Facebook page ahead of time (like early in the morning) before you visit.
Most orchards are open between 10am to 4pm. You should definitely go a bit earlier and not have to rush before the orchards close.
Read Next: Best Sunflower Fields near New York City.
What Types of Apples Are Available For Picking?
I am no apple experts so I only know a few varieties of apple. But in case you are really curious on the type of apples available for picking, here is a list of apples and the best time to pick them:
| Time Period | Types of Apple |
| Early September | Ultima Gala, Zestar, Sansa, Blondee, Gale Gala, Rubymac, McIntosh, Jonamac, Tsugaru |
| Mid September | Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Crimson Crisp, Cortland, Macoun, Rhode Island Greening |
| Late September | Golden Delicious, Crown Empire, Snapdragon, Macoun, Pixie Crunch |
| Early October | Jonagold, Shizuka, Autumn Gala, Cameo, Keepsake, Red Jonaprince, Crimson Topaz, Red Delicious |
| Mid October | Suncrisp, Albemarle Pippin, Red Cameo, Ruby Frost, Spigold, Mutsu/ Crispin, Stayman/ Winesap |
| Late October | Enterprise, Gold Rush, Aztec Rose Fuji, Maslin Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Evercrisp |
So depending on what type of apples you like (I love golden delicious), you can decide when is the best time to go apple picking! Most orchards’ websites also tell you what type of apples are good to pick in a particular week.
Tips For Apple Picking Near New York City
- Call the orchards before you go: Sometimes the orchards have unexpected closure due to whatever reason, so always check before you go to avoid disappointment. Most orchards update information on their Facebook page
- Bring cash: Most orchards on Long Island are cash only. The ones that accept credit cards tend to charge a service charge.
- Don’t bring your own bag: Almost all the orchards require you to purchase a bag when you enter and they do not allow you to bring your own bag in case you sneak in an apple or 2…..or 10!
- What to wear: put on those cute fall outfits but also bring some sunscreen. Most orchards are closed when it rains so you bet you will be picking apples when it’s sunny. Also wear comfortable and closed toe shoes since the ground is uneven
- Pets: Some orchards allow dogs on leash whereas others don’t. Check my list of apple picking spots on Long Island below to see which ones allow pets
- Playgrounds: Not all apple picking orchards have a playground for kids. Some are more catered to adults with wine tasting whereas others are more family friendly. Check the list of orchards below to see which ones are best for kids.
- Be Courteous: It costs the farms a lot to maintain and organize these apple picking events. Be a kind person and don’t do anything you are not allowed to do (like don’t picnic if the orchards don’t allow it)
Without further ado, here is the list of fun apple picking orchards in Long Island New York.
Best Apple Picking Spots On Long Island, New York
If you live in Queens or in Long Island, you would be delighted to know that there are plenty of amazing orchards and farms on Long Island for all types of pickers.
1) Lewin Farms
Address: 201-709 Fresh Pond Ave, Calverton, NY 11933
Website: http://www.lewinfarm.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 70 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Reservation: Not required but call before hand to see if apple picking is available that day
Pets: Not allowed
If you are looking for a simple apple-picking adventure in Long Island, then Lewin Farms is what you need. Lewin Farms is the first you-pick-your-own farm on Long Island.
There are no admission fees, and you only pay for what you pick.
On the weekends there is a corn maze. During the winter time Lewin Farms has pick your own Christmas tree. During other seasons of the year the farm also has other fruits you can pick. We went there to do strawberry picking and were quite happy with what we got.
The farm is cash only and there is no playground.
2) Harbes Orchards
Address: 5698 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Website: https://harbesfamilyfarm.com/harbes-orchard/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 80 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Reservation: Apple picking tickets here
Pets: Not allowed
Harbes Orchards is a fantastic apple-picking spot near Mattituck in Long Island. Harbes actually has a separate Orchard for apple picking 2 miles from its family farm, which is a large family-friendly farm with fun activities for children.
You can visit the Orchards first as parking gets filled up fast on the weekend before visiting the family farm.
There are over 27 different apple varieties throughout the harvest season. The farm’s website lists all the prices for apple picking and farm activities.
The family farm (separate from the orchard) has an admission fee but it includes numerous activities, such as bouncy pads, pig race, duck race, playgrounds, petting zoos and farm animals, maze, etc. It is the ultimate fun spot for kids in Long Island and we loved it a lot.
Read Next: Best Sunflower Fields near New York City.
3) Windy Acre Farm
Address: 3810 Middle Country Rd, Calverton, NY 11933
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057161333097
Distance midtown Manhattan: 70 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 45 min
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Allowed when leashed
Located near Splish Splash Water Park in Long Island, Windy Acre Farm is a beautiful but under the radar farm for apple picking, peach picking and fun activities for children.
You can ride on the tractor to the orchard and there is a big playground with many slides, jungle gym, pirate ships and wooden trains. The farm is stroller friendly and also has many animals, such as horses, peacocks and goats.
During September and October you can come to Windy Acre Farms for apple picking but during other months there is also peach, strawberry and vegetable picking. It costs $45 for a large crate so you can fill the crate and for berries the bowls are $5-$10.
Food at the farm is delicious, including Apple cider donuts, roasted corn, soft serve ice cream, baked goods, pretzels, hot dogs, slushy drinks, etc.
4) Hank’s Pumpkintown
Address: 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
Website: http://www.hankspumpkintown.com/maze-park.html
Distance midtown Manhattan: 90 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Not allowed
Hank’s Pumpkintown is a premier pick your own farm located in Long Island NY. It is a large family run farm with over 30 acres of attractions and activities.
From narrated wagon rides to the pumpkin patches to giant jumping pads you can spend the whole day at Hank’s with the entire family.
During the fall, Hank’s Pumpkintown is open on Saturdays and Sundays for apple picking and open everyday for pumpkin picking, market and maze park.
The farm has 14 varieties of apples for picking, and it costs $30 to pick 1 peg bag (10 lbs) for 4 people. There is also admission to enter the farm, but you have access to the giant corn maze, hayrides, tractor and family corn trains, duck races, combine slide, pedal cart race track, 50′ tube slide, calf milking, pig races, etc. Some of the activities are only available on the weekend.
5) Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve
Address: 31215 County Road – Route 48, Peconic, NY 11958
Website: https://www.breezehillfarmpreserve.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 90 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Not allowed
With over 72 acres of apple orchards, Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve is a great spot for apple picking in New York.
What sets Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve apart is that it’s not just a farm, but also a private hunting preserve, with private beach and also a wedding venue. The farm is also not as crowded as other ones in Long Island, so if you are looking for a quieter experience then this is the place for you.
There is no playground at Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve.
6) Milk Pail U-Pick Farm
Address: 50 Horsemill Ln, Water Mill, NY 11976
Website: https://milk-pail.com/u-pick-farm.php
Distance midtown Manhattan: 100 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Not allowed
Milk Pail Farm is a farm located in Water Mill, near East Hampton and not too far from Montauk.
This farm offers over 20 apple varieties throughout September and October and their dwarf apple trees are perfect for even little kids to pick.
The farm is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays starting Labor Day weekend and they have both apple picking and a pumpkin patch.
Admission is not needed but you need to purchase a large bag (half bushel bag that holds 20 pounds) for $52 (cash price; it’s $54.60 with credit card) for up to 6 people. Therefore it is best to visit this orchard if you have a large group of people.
There is no playground here but there is a small corn maze.
7) Woodside Orchards
Address: 116 Manor Ln, Riverhead, NY 11901 or 729 Route 25 (main Road), Aquebogue, NY 11931
Website: https://woodsideorchards.com/u-pick
Distance midtown Manhattan: 80 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Allowed when leashed or well behaved
Woodside Orchards has 2 locations, one in Jamesport and another in Aquebogue.
This orchard is popular among locals as they offer cheap prices and are known for their friendliness.
At Woodside Orchards you can find Honey Crisp, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Rome, and many more varieties on semi dwarf trees so it’s great for the entire family to pick.
For 2023, the Jamesport location apple picking starts on September 16th and the Aquebogue location opens on September 18th. They are open for U-Pick only on Saturdays and Sundays.
You don’t need to pay for admission but you need to purchase a peck (1/4 bushel) sized bag that holds 10-12 pounds of apples for $20.
If you go to the Aquebogue location there is a tasting room and you can taste all 6 flavors of the hard cider.
Apple picking and cider donuts are cash only. You can use a credit card at the bar for cider. People also love their baked goods and chocolate chip cookies.
8) Seven Ponds Orchard
Address: 65 7 Ponds Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976
Website: https://www.facebook.com/sevenpondsorchard/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 90 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 45 minutes
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Allowed when leashed or well behaved
Seven Ponds Orchard is a fantastic family friendly orchard and farm in Long Island. They are open everyday for picking, including apples, sunflowers, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and other fruits.
Unlike most other orchards on Long Island that are only open on the weekends, Seven Ponds Orchard is open everyday of the week.
If you have little kids then you would also like Seven Ponds Orchard. They have tractor rides, hayrides, corn maze, a play area for kids (for a fee) and rock mining activity.
You have to purchase a bag in order to pick apples like most places.
Read Next -> Best Strawberry Picking near New York City
Other Things You Can Do on Long Island, New York
We spend a lot of time on Long Island and have discovered quite a number of great things to do there. If you are looking for something fun to do on Long Island besides apple picking, consider some of the cool things to do below (some are season dependent).
- Want to feel like royalty and dine in a Castle? You can feel like the king (or queen) that you are at Oheka Castle, a magnificent Golden Coast Castle. While you are there, be sure to book a mansion tour and see the grounds of the castle.
- Get lost in a beautiful sunflower maze in August and September (you can pick some to take home for a fee as well).
- Enjoy a beach day at the various beaches on Long Island. Try to get there early before parking lots get full.
- Get spooked at the Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze fall event at the Old Bethpage Village during the evening in October
- Visit a pumpkin patch on Long Island and enjoy the cider donuts, hayrides and corn mazes.
- Explore the Sands Point Reserve to hike a dino trail, explore the mansion, or dip your toe into the water
- Dine at a hidden gem restaurant on the shore of Peconic River in a refurbished farmhouse.
- Go strawberry picking in June at Lewin Farm and shop the fresh farm products.
- Explore the beautiful grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and transport yourself back to the Great Gatsby era.
Additional New York City Travel Guides
If you want to find out the best way to do all these unique things in New York City, be sure to check out my other New York City travel guides below.
New York City Seasonal and Family Friendly Articles
- Why You should visit NYC in the fall
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- Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley in New York
- Where to Pick Strawberries near NYC
- A Complete Guide to Diggerland: a Construction Themed Amusement Park in NJ
- Best Sunflower Fields in NYC
- NYC Winter Survival Guide
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Other New York City Guides
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