WAYLAND, MA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at apple orchards near Wayland.
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 and family-friendly fall attractions around Wayland. 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.
310 Sawyer Hill Rd., Berlin, MASeason dates: Through the end of OctoberHours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. dailyCost: 1/2 bushel for $40, $1 peck for $30 Phone: (978) 838-2400
Details: At Berlin Orchards, you can take a hay wagon ride out to the orchard. It also has a farm store with cider donuts, pumpkins, squash, local honey and cider.
159 Main St., Bolton, MASeason dates: Through the end of OctoberHours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and SundayPhone: (978) 779-2898
Details: Bolton Spring Farm is one of the oldest orchards in the area. It offers wagon rides out to pick your apples and pumpkins. It also offers a country store with hot apple dumplings, cider-spiced donuts and cinnamon bread.
1791 Southbridge Rd., Warren, MASeason dates: Through Columbus DayHours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (413) 436-7122
Details: At Breezelands Orchards, you can take a tractor ride out to the orchard. It offers a farm stand and picnic area. The orchard’s cider donuts were named the top recommended cider donuts in Central Massachusetts, according to its website.
12 Lincoln Rd., North Brookfield, MAHours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: 1/2 bushel bag $35, 1/4 bushel bag $18Phone: (508) 867-6858
Details: At Brookfield Orchards, you can find a country store, pumpkin patch, wagon rides and a playground. It features a Fall music lineup in September and October, as well as a local authors' fair on September 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
115 Oak Hill Rd, Harvard, MAHours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. dailyPhone: (800) 286-3916
Details: Carlson Orchards offers hard ciders and different apple varieties. It also has a taproom and retail store.
Davis Farmland145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MASeason dates: Sept. 13 to last cropHours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Cost: 1/2 peck $20, Full peck is $26Phone: (978) 422-6666
Details: At Davis Farmland, there is a mega maze, pumpkin picking, baby animals and play zones for children.
327 Ayer Rd., Harvard, MAHours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through SundayPhone: (978) 772-4139
Details: Doe Orchards offers peaches, sunflowers, in addition to apples.
Douglas Orchard and Farm 36 Locust St., Douglas, MA Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through SundayCost: 1/2 peck is $15Phone: (508) 476-2198
Details: At Douglas Orchard and Farm, you can find farm animals and a country store. It will also host a Halloween festival on Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
582 George Hill Rd., Lancaster, MASeason dates: Through the end of OctoberHours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and SundayCost: 1 bushel $50-60, 1/2 bushel $35-$39Phone: (978) 365-4331
Details: George Hill Orchards is closed on Saturdays and Mondays. It offers pumpkins and a country store with cider donuts. You can take a wagon rides to the orchard and see farm animals. Pumpkin picking starts on Sept. 21.
340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg, MASeason dates: Late OctoberPhone: (978) 696-3130
Details: At Hollis Hills Farm, there is a bar and restaurant, as well as a tree farm, pumpkins, farm animals, a country store and live music events.
199 Arnold Rd. Fiskdale, MASeason dates: Through Oct. 26Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (774) 200-1909
Details: At Hyland Orchards, you can take a wagon ride with an apple bag purchase. The Pavilion Bar offers craft brews, hard cider, and wine. It also features farm animals and weekend festivals with live music.
294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg, MAHours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SundayPhone: (978) 582-6246
Details: At Lanni Orchards, you can find pumpkins, a country store and an annual maze. It also has a Community Supported Agriculture, or a farm share, that you can sign up for.
209 Chace Hill Rd., Sterling, MASeason dates: Through OctoberHours a.m. to 3:30 a.m. daily, except during bad weatherCost: $28 peck, $48 1/2 bushelPhone: (978) 365-7617
Details: There are 100 acres of farmland at Meadowbrook Orchards. You can also find a store bakery, breakfast offerings and homemade jam.
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost: Peck $18, 1/2 bushel $28Phone: (978) 779-5521
Details: The Nashoba Valley Winery offers wine tastings and a restaurant, along with a maze and picnic area.
116 Sawyer Rd., Bolton, MASeason dates: Through OctoberHours: Farmstand open noon to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and SundayPhone: 978-779-6423
Details: At Nicwicz Farm, you can also pick pears, peaches and pumpkins, in addition to apples. It also sells flowers and assorted vegetables.
455 Highland Ave., Phillipston, MA Phone: (617) 530-0755
Details: At Red Apple Farm, you can pick apples, take a hayride and see farm animals. There is also a cider room, ice cream window, taproom and restaurant.
279 W Berlin Rd., Bolton, MASeason dates: Weekends through Oct. 27Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (978) 779-0212
Details: There are hayrides and a corn made at Schartner Farm. There will also be a music fest on Sept. 13 and Taste of the Maze on Sept. 27.
1125 Pleasant St., Leominster, MAHours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a weekPhone: (978) 840-3276
Details: At Sholan Farms, there is a country store and a picnic area. They also sell their own apple wood.
15 Stowe Rd. Millbury, MASeason dates: Through Nov. 2Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus DayCost: 1 peck $30, 1/2 bushel $45Phone: 508-865-9860
Details: At Stowe Farm, there are pumpkins, a petting zoo, trail rides and a rock climing wall. There are also festivals there each weekend beginning Sept. 6
234 Ball Street, Northborough, MASeason dates: Through early NovemberHours: Mon closed, Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday til 5 p.m Phone: (508) 393-6406
Details: At Tougas Family Farm, there are pumpkins, wagon rides, farm animals, and a play area.
178 Mass Ave., Harvard, MASeason dates: Through Oct. 19Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. dailyCost: 1 peck $30, 1/2 bushel $45Phone: (978) 456-8363
Details: At Westward Orchards, you can find pumpkins, wagon rides, and a farm store with cider donuts, soups, local pasture-raised meats, eggs, cheeses and other provisions. There is also live music on Sunday afternoons.
65 Milk St., Blackstone, MAHours to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekendsCost: Peck bag $25, Half-bushel $40Phone: (508) 883-9220
Details: Wojcik Farm has a corn maze, wagon rides and ice cream.
Corn mazes and pumpkin patches are also open or will open soon.
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said.