Fall is here, and with it comes all the cherished New England traditions we love!
The most quintessential of these is apple picking. When you're in the mood to hit the orchard and hop on a hayride, here are our picks (pun intended) for the best spots to grab fresh apples with the family.
Natick, MA
Photo credit: Lookout Farm
This Natick institution has way more than just apples. You can navigate your way through a corn maze or enjoy homemade hard ciders, too! Kids will have fun playing in the picnic area or hopping on a train ride.
Topsfield, MA
Photo credit: Connors Farm
Over ten varieties of apples await you and your family at this Topsfield
farm! Enjoy your bounty and some fresh-pressed cider by the pond after
you pick.
Danvers, MA
Photo Credit: Connors Farm
Your admission ticket to Connors is all-inclusive, meaning you'll enjoy a full day of activities like corn mazes, hay rides, and jumping pillows for less than $20. Stop by the farm stand for some freshly squeezed cider, too!
Sherborn, MA
Photo credit: Honey Pot Hill
This Metrowest staple has been around for 200 years! Be part of Dowse's
history by selecting from 20 types of apples to pick in the orchard.
From McIntosh to Macoun, they have it all. To celebrate your hard work,
end the day with cider from a family press that's been active since
1947.
Stow, MA
Photo Credit: Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill has McIntosh, Gala, Red Gravenstein, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, Ginger Gold, and Sansa varieties available in their farm store. Of course, you can also pick them yourself from the orchard. You might even see their mascot, a happy little bear, walking around!
Peabody, MA
Photo credit: Brooksby Farm
Keep the apple picking "Short and Sweet" at this 270-acre farm just 20
miles north of Boston. Run by the city of Peabody, Brooksby boasts the
area's best apple cider donuts.
Phillipston, MA
Photo Credit: Red Apple Farm
Red Apple Farm is a fourth-generation family farm located in Phillipston. They grow over 50 varieties of apples in addition to pumpkins, gourds, squash, and more fall favorites.
Boston Hill FarmNorth Andover, MA
Photo credit: Boston Hill Farm
This twelve-generation farm north of Boston has everything you could
want in an apple orchard. There are adorable farm animals like sheep and
goats ready to meet you. They offer rain-or-shine apple and pumpkin
picking in the fall, and an extensive collection of baked goods and
fresh sandwiches in the farm store. Best of all, they're open daily from
9-6 PM, so you can even grab some cider donuts after work.
Stow, MA
Photo Credit: Shelburne Farm
Head out west! 20 miles across the state from Boston is Shelburne Farm in Stow. They're open every day, so you have seven chances a week to get warm apple cider donuts.
Westward Orchards Harvard, MA
Photo Credit: Westward Orchards
Pick some apples and pumpkins at this Harvard spot. Before you leave, stop by the cafe for some classic New England treats!
East Bridgewater, MA
Photo Credit: C.N. Smith Farm
C.N. Smith Farm offers way more than just basic apple picking. Their donut barn doles out fresh cider donuts, candy, caramel apples, and hot chocolate. There's also homemade hard cider and a grill serving up sandwiches and snacks to fuel your trip to the orchard.
Got a hot (apple cider) tip? Let us know! [email protected]
Want to see your business featured? Hit us up: [email protected]
Updated august 2026
