But sometimes it’s good to have a break from city life and get out into the countryside with the family to enjoy the fresh country area, make some happy memories that the kids will treasure forever, and just have fun.
That’s why we put together this article, suggesting some great places to do exactly that, and all within easy driving distance of the city of Philadelphia.
But it’s not just country walks we’re going to tell you about – this article is going to suggest places where you can bring the family to pick your own apples.
And the fun doesn’t have to stop when you get back home, because you can use the apples for all kinds of different recipes.
Coming Up
In this article, we’ll be sharing with you our hand-picked shortlist of the best apple picking opportunities within easy driving distance of Philadelphia.
We’ll give you the links for each spot, so you can check them out online and get all the details you need, and of course we’ll provide the location details, so you know what to tell your GPS.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!
(The following apple picking spots aren’t listed in any particular order.)
Location: 1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester, PA 19380
Highland Orchards is a great place to take the family. The farm is 200 acres long, and there’s always something going on.
They have special events, food trucks, pick your own fruit and veg, a great farm stand, and a bakery where they make their famous apple cider donuts, and lots of other sweet treats besides.
Their fruit and veg picking offering includes rhubarb, strawberries, sweet cherries, sour cherries, black raspberries, red raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plums, sweet corn, blackberries, nectarines, pears, pumpkins, and of course, apples as well.
Their pick-your-own season starts as early as mid-May and runs through October. During u-pick season, they’re open every day except Monday, and there’s a shuttle bus offering service on Saturday and Sunday.
Located less than half an hour away from Philadelphia, Indian Orchards has been around for over a hundred years.
So it’s a perfect option if you only have a morning or afternoon to spare. This family run farm has been going since 1913.
Their u-pick season starts as early as June and runs through December.
Their u-pick offering includes not only apples but also blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, grapes, apricots, veggies, persimmons, and pumpkins.
You can also pick up the likes of jams, jellies, preserves, and freshly pressed apple cider from their farm stand, and cut your own Christmas tree in time for the Christmas holidays.
This 4th generation, family owned and operated orchard is a no frills type of place, which is perfect for couples who just want to pick some produce together and go home.
Their apples are really good, and it’s not just apple picking they have to offer. They also have a farm stand where you can purchase a range of different fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, syrups, and more.
Location: 1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Hill Creek Farms, complete with Mullica Hill’s Orchard and Farm Market, is situated in the picturesque South Harrison Township.
It stretches to 24 acres in total, and has 3 apple orchards with over 17,000 apple trees, as well as Asian pear trees and lots of u-pick veg too.
It’s a great agri-tourism spot because guests such as yourselves have the chance to experience a real working farm.
Every year, in early fall, they open their three apple orchards to the public for apple picking. The experience begins with a fun and educational film, teaching you the proper way to pick apples from the orchards, before picking apples to your heart’s content.
There are a wide variety of apples for you to choose from, including Jonagold, Fuji, and Cameo.
While there, you are welcome to enjoy nearby Auburn Road Winery, which makes apple wine that’s made from the orchard’s apples.
If you decide to book an Orchard pass, you can get a package that includes apple cider and apple cider donuts, courtesy of the farm’s on-site bakery.
Please refer to their website for apple picking seasons and pricing.
Linvilla Orchards is a super fun place with lots going on. It’s not just apple picking, they have fishing, indoor mini golf, classes, train rides, a pumpkin patch, barnyard animals, pony rides, and more.
Their u-pick offering covers 21 different fruits, vegetables, flowers and trees. With regard to the apples, their rows of apple trees make up 20 acres of the farm, and they have 25 different varieties of apples to choose from.
Please refer to their website for apple picking seasons and pricing.
Weaver’s Orchard is conveniently located 5 miles from the Morgantown interchange on the PA turnpike for easy access from Philadelphia.
It has a year-round farm market stocked with fresh and local produce, a café, deli, bakery and more. And they also host events throughout the year.
Their pick-your-own fruit season starts in June and runs through late October.
It includes red and black raspberries, sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, blackberries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, quince, pumpkins kiwi berries, sunflowers and more.
They also offer freshly pressed apple cider and apple cider donuts!
Solebury Orchards lies within easy reach of Philadelphia, in the heart of scenic Bucks County. They grow high quality apples, peaches, blueberries, and more.
And during summer and fall, visitors are more than welcome to bring the family to pick your own freshly grown produce.
Their u-pick offering includes apples, blueberries, flowers, and cherries. They have a staggering 28 different varieties of apples available for you to pick, and an additional few available to purchase at their farm stand.
Tabora is a true Bucks County delight. It has a country store, a bakery, a deli, u-pick opportunities and more.
Every summer at harvest, visitors are invited to come on over to pick their own blueberries, currants, gooseberries, peaches, plums, cherries, blackberries, and apples.
We can particularly recommend their farm store with their various gourmet delights, including chocolates, fair trade coffee beans, jams, and more.
Shady Brook Farm is a fabulous place for a great day out. It’s a 4th generation family owned and operated farm that can be found just 20 miles north of Philadelphia.
It’s become quite the hub spot for so many seasonal events throughout the year, and it’s a great place to enjoy a little agri-tourism. They offer u-pick opportunities for a variety of different seasonal fruits and veggies.
They have a pub called The Stone’s Throw, and a huge garden center for you to check out while you’re there, as well as a farm market with fresh produce, dairy and specialty foods, a café, and a bakery.
We recommend signing up for their newsletter to keep abreast of what’s going to be happening and when.
In Terhune’s 250 acres of land, you will find a farm store, vineyard and winery, and several farm animals. Not to mention apple picking, pumpkin picking, live music, wine tastings, educational programs and more.
Their u-pick season starts in June, with the likes of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, flowers, and cherries, while apples are available for picking from September through October.
At which point there will also be pumpkins there for the picking.
Visitors are advised to call ahead for picking availability, or alternatively sign up for their e-newsletter.
Their farm store offers fresh produce, flowers and plants, apple cider, baked goods, gift baskets and more. They also run farm festivals, summer camp and more.
And a trip to any of these great apple picking spots is certainly “low-hanging fruit” for an excuse for a lovely day out in the countryside with the family.
A perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can just relax and smell the roses together.
Hi, my name is Amelia Haslehurt and I am a food blogger. As you can guess, I am passionate about what I eat, but what is most important to me when reviewing is high quality, fresh, organic, delicious ingredients.
I wanted to create an online space where others could sample some of my favorite recipes, and share in my passion for home-grown produce.
Whether you are looking for vegan recipes, easy recipes, healthy recipes or your favorite yummy snacks to brighten your day, I can help you out here at LocallyGrownGardens.com
