Our Favorite Apple Picking Near New York City

New York State has some of the most beautiful apple orchards in dare I say it, the world! Our state is known for the best fall apple picking. Our family looks forward to this pastime every year. We’ve been to lots of fun and beautiful apple orchards, but our go-to orchard—where we return annually—is Masker Orchard in Warwick, NY.

Kids running through the orchard — Masker Orchard’s rolling hills are the perfect fall playground.

Family picking apples — Buckets fill fast when everyone is on apple duty.

Masker Orchard has free admission, free parking, and all-you-can-eat apples while you’re on the farm. Part of the fun is driving up to the top of the hill in search of the sweetest fruit. The bumps on the rocky roads make for silly fun—and a tiny taste of off-roading—for the kids.

Once we park, we scout for the perfect picnic spot, spread out a blanket, and enjoy apples right off the tree. We spend the day soaking in the beauty of Warwick Valley, then head down the hill for the petting zoo, pony rides, country store, pumpkin patch, and games.

Kids posing with apple baskets — Apple hauling + sibling grins = instant photo op.

Parents sorting apples — Parents approve every apple before it makes the tote.

This year we let the kids run wild and lead the adults on our apple hunt. They guided us to the most interesting trees and became head taste-testers, reporting back on sweetness versus tartness. They even improvised an apple slingshot and an x-ray worm finder.

Child tasting an apple — Official sweetness tester hard at work.

Kids carrying apple bags — Heavy bags, happy hearts.

Our annual trip to Masker’s is the way our family welcomes fall!

Family selfie in the orchard — One last orchard selfie before heading home.

Apple harvest spread — The haul—ready for pies, crisps, and lunchbox treats.