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I can recall no greater childhood joy than apple picking. What beats gathering fruit straight from the tree and then indulging in baked apples for weeks?
Add to that corn mazes, pumpkin patches — and get ready to re-create the magic for a new generation.
Kelder’s Farm | 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY
About two hours from NYC is this darling family farm that dates back to 1779 and is one of the best you-pick apple orchards, with Cortland, Golden Delicious, Empire and Crispin fruits.
Running through Nov. 1, your $20 ticket (free for kids under 2 and adults over 80) also gives you access to hayrides, a pumpkin patch and a petting zoo. Keep your eyes peeled for apples soaring out of apple cannons.
Dykeman Farm | 31 Dykeman Lane, Pawling, NY
This Hudson Valley hub has free parking and admission with hayrides and pumpkin picking on weekends (Sept. 26 through Oct. 31). The fourth-generation, family-owned farm has 70-plus pumpkin varieties, as well as stands and fall decorations for shutterbugs.
Ellms Family Farm | 468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY
Venture about three hours from Manhattan and be rewarded with Ellms’ pastoral splendors — namely, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, the “MooMooChooChoo” cow-printed kids’ train, a pumpkin-shaped jumping pad and a new apple-shaped jumping pillow, scenic trolley rides and a corn maze. Wash it all down with apple cider and apple cider doughnuts at the market. From $20 per person, through Nov. 1.
This Westchester County fête runs weekends now through Nov. 1 with tickets from $20 per person. Wander the hillside apple orchard and pick fresh fruit, scope out the pumpkin patch, hop on a hayride and listen to live music chased with seasonal bites and sips (parents can happily swill the farm’s hard cider, too).
Or, try the evening Mystic Moon experience on select evenings (from $29 per person at the gate; save $10 by purchasing online). These events feature a Halloween trail under the gaze of illuminated 80-year-old oak trees and fanciful scenery.
This year’s new additions include the pirate-themed Kraken’s Cove area and earlier Twilight Hour sessions for toddlers.
Ages 3 and up are welcome on this adventure that takes guests to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction on weekends Sept. 26 through Oct. 25 (from $23; $17 for kids). With departures at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m, you’ll board a vintage diesel-electric train to the farm for an hour of exploration.
Along with the 6-acre pumpkin patch, other attractions include a corn maze, golden sunflower field, wagon ride, petting zoo and DJ. Treat everyone to a cider and farm stand snack before hopping back onto the train for another picturesque ride gazing at fall foliage.
Riamede Farm | 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ
We love this pick-your-own apple orchard that has trees dating back to the 1930s. An EcoCertified farm, little hands can claw for some of the 57-ish varieties of apples grown here, walk the Corn Trail, visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy goat cuddles and pony rides.
Rounding out the mix is a farm store, live music and concessions, as well as a flower farm with stems that can be cut for $20 a bunch. Tickets start at $16, which include free parking and a wagon ride.
Need to convince your teen to, you know, hang out? Make an overnight getaway some 90 miles from NYC to the Mayflower Inn (from $1,700/night) for an “eBike Adventure” outing.
For $125 per e-bike, your crew can savor the kaleidoscopic colors of fall on a pre-loaded GPS route to Averill Farm, a family-run operation since 1746.
A half-peck apple-picking bag per guest is included, so go to town selecting from 20-something varieties of the crunchy delight. Nosh on fresh pears and cider doughnuts, too. Runs now through Oct. 31.
Autumn Glow Festival | Glen Island Park, Weyman Ave., New Rochelle, NY
Over in Westchester is this unique attraction, Friday through Sunday evenings through Nov. 1.
Expect a waterfront oasis aglow with 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns with LED lights, food trucks and performances by Jumpin’ Jamie, a “kindie rock” performer.
Admission starts at $16, and runs rain or shine in a handicap-accessible setting.
