The calendar has officially turned to October, the leaves are starting to do that thing they do, and the temperatures are crisp and cool. As beautiful as this time of year is it won’t last forever. The time to get out and enjoy one of our region’s most beautiful seasons is now. And when it comes to fall merriment, no one does it better than than New England, an area teeming with fall fun for kids and adults alike.
Apples and cider donuts are a sure thing at these farms. You can also count on leaving with a car full of pumpkins. Bringing the kids? Many of the below options have petting zoo type set-ups where children can feed the animals. Like eating apple pie a whole lot more than you like making it? The farm stores and markets at these locations are not to be missed.
MASSACHUSETTS
Russell Orchards, Ipswich
Whether you’re in it for the farm animals or the cider donuts (or something else) you’re in luck. Especially if you came for the donuts, which are made daily from scratch with cider that’s pressed on site in their cider mill with apples from their orchard. russellorchards.com
Marini Farm, Ipswich
The corn maze is not to be missed. Kids love it – and many an adult has been known to enjoy it too. You might want to mark your calendar for their Trick-or-Treat Hayrides (taking place this year on October 20th & 21st). Purchase tickets in advance here. marinifarm.com
Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
You had your kids at “chicken barn, trike yard and donuts.” Cider Hill is a family favorite for their laid-back atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Make sure you head inside the farm store for some of the best baked goods and homewares around. ciderhill.com
Brooksby Farm, Peabody
This classic red barn has it all, including hot apple cider that will have you feeling all the fall feels. They also have family events throughout the fall, including a HAYmazing play yard and a corn maze. brooksbyfarm.org
Smolak Farms, North Andover
All farms are beautiful, but there is something special about Smolak Farms, where their Fall Festival season is currently in full swing. From Hop-on Hayrides to apple and pumpkin picking to a wide range of food options, there’s something for everybody (and we say that because everybody loves homemade apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, right?!) smolakfarms.com
Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury
Want that farm feeling but don’t feel the need to go apple picking? You might want to plan a visit to Spencer-Peirce-Little farm, a National Historic Landmark that sits on over 200 acres. The property features a manor house from 1690 and some of the most majestic scenery on the North Shore. historicnewengland.org/property/spencer-peirce-little-farm/
Tendercrop Farm, Newbury
The Farm Store at Tendercrop is the stuff of legends, where the donuts, baked goods, fresh produce and meats all do their part to ensure you won’t be walking out even close to empty handed (be sure to check out their prepared foods, including comforting soups that make for quick and easy fall meals, too!) Their “farm friends” petting zoo is a fan favorite among animal lovers as well. tendercropfarm.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls
Located just across the Massachusetts border is Hampton Falls, home of Applecrest Farm, and there’s a reason so many schools choose this location for fall apple picking field trips. It’s beautiful and they’re great with kids and adults alike. From 40 varieties of apples to cider and donuts and more, there’s something to check every box at Applecrest. applecrest.com
Mack’s Apples, Londonderry
Mack’s Apples is an impressive operation – it’s an eighth-generation family farm that sits on about 400 acres of land. The Mack family has farmed the land since 1732, which makes Moose Hill Orchards and Mack’s Apples the oldest single family run farm in New Hampshire. From apples to pumpkins, squash, maple syrup and more, there’s nothing you won’t love about this special place in the granite state. macksapples.com
Carter Hill Orchard, Concord
Located in Concord, Carter Hill Orchard is perhaps one of the most unique farms on our list. You’ll find traditional fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking as well as hiking and bird watching. In fact, the farm’s hiking paths are a local favorite and the bird watching is worth a go even if you’re not interested in birds – the farm views alone are worth it. Don’t forget to stop by their farmers market and take home a pie (or two). facebook.com/carterhillorchard
MAINE
McDougal Orchards, Springvale
In southern Maine you’ll find McDougal Orchards, a seventh-generation family farm. A favorite among families, at McDougal Orchards you’ll find a historic farmhouse, a barn salesroom, picnic areas, a corn maze, wagon rides and even a fairy village! There are also trails befitting both hikers and casual walkers wanting to enjoy the fresh fall air. mcdougalorchards.com
Maine-ly Apples, Dixmont
At Maine-ly Apples in Dixmont you’ll find apples, pumpkins, gourds and corn galore. This is also a great place to help round out your fall décor with corn stalks or some of their decorative corn. Their farm store sells everything from ice cream to jams, produce and delicious whoopie pies. mainelyapples.com
VERMONT
Green Mountain Orchards, Putney
Four generations of the Darrow family have taken care of the hills that comprise Green Mountain Orchards. Not only do they grow apples (125 acres of them!) blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums and pumpkins – they also grow Christmas trees, making this orchard a year-round destination. mainelyapples.com
Scott Farm, Dummerston
The Scott Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been in active use since 1791! Since 1995 the farm has been owned by The Landmark Trust USA, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve important but neglected historic properties and help give them new life. The farm features more than 100 ecologically grown types of apples, which you can find in their farmers market alongside signature Scott Farm products and a host of other products proudly made in Vermont, including cheeses, syrups, and more. scottfarmvermont.com