READING, MA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 23, but the season is already underway at Wakefield's apple orchards.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards in the Reading area and family friendly fall attractions. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Drew FarmAddress: 31 Tadmuck Road, Westford, MA
Season dates: Sept. 9 to Oct. 31
Details: McIntosh apples, Cortland apples, Macoun apples, and more are on the harvest schedule, which also includes fall favorites like apple cider doughnuts and pumpkins. For more information, go to the Drew Farm website.
Phone: 978-807-0719
Boston Hill Farm
Address: 1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA
Season dates: Boston Hill Farm is open all year.
Details: Apple picking has begun at Boston Hill Farm. Pumpkin picking will begin in the middle of September. For more information, check out their website.
Phone: 978-681-8556
Shelburne Farm
Address: 106 W. Acton Road, Stow, MA
Season dates: Apple season has begun and ends Oct. 28.
Details: Shelburne Farm offers a wide range of apples from McIntosh and Cortland to autumn crisp and SnowSweet. The farm is open every day for pick your own and also has hay rides, warm cider doughnuts, and more. Go to Shelburne Farm's website to learn more.
Phone: 978-897-9287
Carver Hill Orchard
Address: 101 Brookside Ave., Stow, MA
Season dates: Apples are available through October.
Details: A variety of apples like Macoun, honey crisp, Baldwin, and more are now available. The family-owned orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to Carver Hill Farm's website.
Phone: 978-897-6117
Parlee Farms
Address: 95 Farwell Road, Tyngsboro, MA
Season dates: Apples will be in season until late October.
Details: Conditions for pick-your-own apples were "excellent" for Tuesday, Sept. 12. The farm is reporting a full apple crop this season with varieties like honey crisp, ginger gold, gala, and Jonamac available. For more information, go to the Parlee Farms website.
Phone: 978-649-3854
Doe Orchards
Address: 327 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA
Season dates: Apples will be in season until mid-October.
Details: Right now varieties like ruby macs, McIntosh, honey crisp, and galas are ripe. Doe Orchards is a family farm started two generations ago. Pumpkins, gourds, and cider are available now as well. For more information, go to Doe Orchards' website.
Phone: 978-772-4139
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Address: 18 Boon Road, Stow, MA
Details: Honey Pot Hill features 186 acres for apple picking. Several varieties are ripe for picking as of mid-September, including honey crisp, gala, and McIntosh. The farm also makes fresh doughnuts every day. Honey Pot Hill is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to their website for more information.
Phone: 978-562-5666