Is there a nicer way to spend a fall weekend with kids than visiting an apple orchard? Think pick-your-own, wagon rides, petting zoos and playgrounds, with a backdrop of beautiful fall foliage and crisp, autumn air. And don’t forget the apple treats! In no particular order, check out our fave apple-picking spots across the GTA.
Brooks Farms
In addition to being able to pick your own apples, Brooks Farms has a bakery and cafe on-site, as well as over 10 acres dedicated to their Barnyard Playland. Children of all ages can enjoy train rides, a splash pad for those warm September days, slides and a corn maze.
122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, L0G 1M0; (905) 473-3246, brooksfarm.com
Applewood Farm & Winery
This family-run farm has been in operation for almost two decades. Visitors who wish to pick apples are provided with a large bag and are charged a fee per bag, rather than being charged by the kilo. Applewood also has a corn maze, a playground, a petting zoo and wagon rides to keep your entire crew entertained.
12416 McCowan Rd, Stouffville, L4A 7X5; (905) 640-5357, applewoodfarmwinery.com
Chudleigh's Farm
Chudleigh’s Farm has been the place for apple-picking since 1967. Chudleigh’s offers many different types of apples to choose from, and also has a play area that includes farm animals, pony and tractor rides and a nature trail. Looking for a venue for your kiddo’s birthday party or for a corporate event? Chudleigh’s might just be the ticket!
9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills, L9T 2X7; (905) 878-2725, chudleighs.com
Organics Farm
Also a family-run operation, this quaint farm offers a wide variety of apples and is focused on organic farming (they recommend calling ahead to check crop availability and apple varieties). They also offer baked goods and organic produce on-site.
7550 19TH Ave, Markham, L6B 1A8; (905) 640-5206, organicsfarm.ca
Pine Farm Orchard
Pine Farm Orchard prides itself on offering 21 varieties of apples ripe for the picking (the apples are even picked from smaller “kid-sized trees” so everyone in the family can take part). They also offer a bakeshop and cafe when visitors need a rest (or have asked 47 times for a snack).
2700 16TH Side Roade, King, L7B 1A3; (905) 833-5459, pinefarmorchard.com
Pingle's Farm Market
Pingle’s Farm apple-picking opens in mid-September, but they also have a pick-your-own pumpkin patch in October. Pingle’s offers wagon rides, mini-golf, visits with farm animals and a large corn maze as a part of their activities for children, and they also have a Haunted Maze and Spooky Orchard Trail in the lead-up to Halloween.
1805 Taunton Road East, Hampton, L0B 1J0; (905) 725-6089, pinglesfarmmarket.com
Originally published in the Fall 2018 issue.
