Local Apple Picking Farms for Families

Goodbye summer, hello fall.  Fall to me means apple picking, warm cider doughnuts and then an afternoon making pie.  We often make a visit to the local u-pick farms to get our apples.  They are so good straight off the vine.  This year, due to the crazy warm weather in the winter, apples arrived early.  Now is the time to get picking before they are gone.  Here's my recap of local apple picking farms closest to Needham.

Belkin Lookout Farm
-Located in South Natick, this is the shortest drive to an apple picking farm.  We get the season pass which covers the entrance fee for a family of four.  If you go on weekends, the pass pays for itself quickly.  All fruit is $2.50/pound no matter what you pick.  This is great for when you want to pick both pears and apples.  There is an entrance fee, which is discounted on weekdays. Don't miss the fun play area for kids, pony rides, farm animals, caterpillar kid's train and more.   They have a special deal this weekend to get a season's pass at 50% off, $49 only! 

Dowse Orchards
-This is another local orchard in Sherborn.  It is smaller, but also offers u-pick on small trees.  Call ahead as their apple crop is a little light this season.

Honeypot Orchard
-A bit of a drive but a great spot for apple picking.  Located in Stow, it takes about 35 minutes from Needham to get there. This year they have a new hedge maze to visit, plus the farm animals. A few of the trees here are taller so if you want to go climbing, this is the place. They offer hayrides during the week and weekends. A 20 lb bag is $24 (covers 5 people), a 10 lb bag is $16 (covers 3 people). Note, there are additional fees for entrance to the mazes and hayrides.

Fairmont Fruit Farm
-Another smaller farm option in Franklin near the Medway line. They also have farm animals to visit and sell free range eggs at their farm stand. Plus they offer hayrides! Call ahead to confirm availability.

Which is your favorite apple picking farm?

About the Author
Emily lives in Needham with her husband Jim and two children.  After working in retail for 10 years, she decided to stay home with the kids and bake.  Emily writes the blog Random Recycling, co-manages the Parent Talk Blog and does social media consulting for small businesses (and friends.)