I’ve spent my entire life in Los Angeles and I think it’s safe to say that apple picking isn’t a common fall activity for most families. After all, the best spot to do so around here is in Oak Glen – roughly a two-hour drive away.
That said, we’ve been twice since having kids. The first time was two years ago when we ventured to Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen. Then last week we checked apple picking off our fall fun list with a visit to Riley’s Farm (different orchard, same town).
Now that we’re relative apple picking experts – at least by L.A. standards – I thought I’d share a few things that have helped make our adventures a success.
1. Do your homework.
Crops vary from one season to the next – even from one farm to the next – so always call ahead to find out what’s available for picking on the day you plan to visit. (You can find a list of pick-your-own farms here.) Even then, be prepared for last-minute changes.
2. Avoid crowds if you can.
Is there an optimal time or day to visit? Our first apple picking experience was on a weekend at the height of the season. The ambiance was lovely, but the crowds not so much. The lines for weekend-only activities like hay rides and cider pressing weren’t worth the wait, especially with a toddler en tow. Even the orchards were swarming with pickers.
3. Know the terrain.
The bumpy orchard grounds are not stroller friendly, so plan on a baby carrier, sling or backpack for smaller kids.
4. Discuss the picking rules before you start.
You pick, you buy, so make sure your kids know how to tell the good apples from the bad. Remember: Avoid apples with wormholes!
5. Give little kids a boost.
Two years ago The Little Explorer could only pick from dad’s arms. This year he could reach many of the apples on the lower branches, but still needed some help for those higher up. And both kids needed a boost to get in the trees, too.
6. Go early and bring a picnic lunch.
I can almost guarantee that the kids will want to taste the fruit the moment it’s picked. We enjoyed spending a little time picking, then having a picnic lunch as a reward for the effort (complete with fresh apples!).
7. Do some exploring while you’re there.
No matter when you visit, most apple orchards also provide activities in addition to picking. Combine your visit with a hike, a hayride, cider pressing, a living history demonstration or the like.
8. Indulge in some fresh apple-y goodness.
Apple picking is our time to celebrate apples. We never leave the orchard without a small “treat.” This year, it was fresh apple cider for all.
9. Continue the apple fun back home.
Last year we baked an apple pie with our bounty; this year we had fun polishing our apples and then sharing them with friends.
Your turn! What’s your advice for apple picking with kids?
Thank you so much, Kate! Love your post BTW! 🙂
Debi, I gave you a little shout out on my blog post for today. I did kind of a spoof on apple picking, but referred people to your site for REAL advice.
Hi Tina! I'm so glad you stopped by! 🙂 We had an amazing road trip this summer in Northern California & I am now officially quite jealous of all the amazing nature waiting to be explored up there! Kudos to you for wanting to become more outdoorsy. Go easy & remember it takes time to make any lifestyle change. Oh yeah – have fun! 🙂
I just found your blog, and I'm so inspired by all of your adventures! I spent my whole life in LA and just moved up to Marin County this year, in part for all the available nature, but am finding myself not getting out with my toddler as much as I thought I'd be (slowly attempting to become an outdoors person after a lifetime as an indoors one, but it's tough!!). Anyway I really
We were glad for the lack of crowds on this visit as it made getting into the trees a little easier (less stares & glares).
What?!? A fruit phobia? Oh no! My 4 yo would eat nothing but fruit if given a choice. Man, kids are so funny. Hope you guys have fun apple picking – can't wait to hear how it goes! 🙂
Looking forward to taking the kids apple-picking this year! I'm hoping it'll help with my 4-y-o's phobia of fruit!
A great activity to do with kids and they get to have a little climb in the trees.
Oh no fun, Kate! Glad to hear your last two experiences have been mosquito-free.
And depending on where you live, don't forget the bug spray. A few years ago we spent a miserable 10 minutes in the orchard being eaten alive by Mosquitos. The last two time have been bug-free though.
We went last Monday (9/17) as we happened to have the day off from school (a rarity!). <br /><br />Fantastic advice! We usually only pick a bag of apples which I can manage on my own, but you'd definitely want to have a plan if you took home more. 🙂 And yes, Oak Glen is at elevation, so dressing in layers is definitely in order.
We LOVE apple picking! We have gone every year for the past 4 years. It is a great adventure with reward at the end, delicious apples.<br />I am curious when you went? I wanted to go this weekend (it is the most convenient for us with school taking up our mornings now).<br /><br />I think my advice would be remember, apples are heavy. The further away the orchard is from your car the heavier they