Best Apple Orchards Near Boston for Fall 2025 | Team Picks

New Englanders take apple picking seriously. Many families have a go-to farm they return to every year, while others mix it up depending on the drive, the crowds, or whether there’s a hayride involved. Some insist on organic apples, others are really just there for the cider donuts.

The truth is, you can’t go too wrong—every orchard offers rows of apple trees for picking (and Instagramming), a cup of hot cider, and usually some extras for kids like a playground or petting zoo. But our team does have favorites, and for different reasons.

We haven’t been to every orchard in Massachusetts, but these spots are the ones that make our New England hearts (and stomachs) happiest. If your favorite didn’t make the list…don’t come for us!

Closest to Boston

Lookout Farm in Natick
Just 30 minutes from the city, Lookout is the easy choice if you don’t want to spend the whole day in the car. Besides rows of apples, there’s a play area, corn maze, and a taproom for the grown-ups. A Carlos favorite.

Best for Families

Smolak Farms in North Andover
Katrina’s pick. Smolak has hayrides, animals, antique apple varieties, and even weddings on site. Parents love that it’s spacious enough to not feel crushed on busy weekends.

Best Orchard for Cider Donuts

Russell Orchards in Ipswich
The donuts here are borderline famous. Expect a line, but the payoff is worth it. There’s also a winery if you want something stronger than cider.

Most Scenic for Fall Photos

Tougas Family Farm in Northborough
Morgan’s pick. Tougas is sprawling, with over 30 apple varieties and those postcard orchard views. There’s a playground and goats to keep kids entertained between photo ops.

Best Laid-Back Local Feel

Carlson Orchards in Harvard
Another Morgan pick. A little quieter than the big-name orchards, with a cider barn and a relaxed vibe. Great if you want apples without amusement-park crowds.

Best for a Full Day Out

Connors Farm in Danvers
Carlos’s other pick. Beyond apples, Connors has a corn maze, petting zoo, and plenty of classic fall activities. It’s the kind of place where you can pick and still fill the rest of your Saturday.

Best Organic Option

Shelburne Farm in Stow
If organic or low-spray is on your list, Shelburne is a great choice closer to Boston. It’s smaller and less commercial than some of the bigger farms, and while not every acre is fully certified organic, they’re known for a lighter approach to sprays.

Final Thoughts

No matter which orchard you choose, apple picking near Boston is one of the best ways to celebrate fall. Whether you’re in it for the apples, the hayrides, the pumpkin patches, or just the donuts, these farms have you covered.

After your apple-picking day, explore homes for sale nearby:

Somerville homes for sale | Cambridge homes for sale | Arlington homes for sale | Medford homes for sale

Want to talk fall favorites (or real estate)? Connect with Katrina or Connect with Carlos today.

Note: Orchard hours, ticketing, and apple varieties change by week. Always check each farm’s website before you go.

FAQ: Apple Picking Near Boston

• When does apple picking start near Boston? Most orchards open late August and run through October, depending on the weather and crop.
• Which orchards have the best cider donuts? Russell Orchards in Ipswich and Smolak Farms in North Andover are top contenders.
• Are there organic apple orchards in Massachusetts? Shelburne Farm in Stow offers low-spray options, and Red Apple Farm in Phillipston is fully certified organic.
• What else can you do besides apple picking? Many farms also have pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.