Going to an apple orchard in the fall is a rite of passage for many families. It is something that has been passed down through generations with grandparents telling stories of apple picking to their grandchildren. Unless you live in an area where apples cannot or are not grown, it is a fun activity for families to do on a fall weekend.
In order to have a successful visit to the orchard, it is best to prepare before you leave home. Make sure everyone has comfortable shoes that are appropriate for walking on uneven ground which may have some rotten apples which have fallen off the tree on it. Take weather conditions into account and bring along a sweater or sweatshirt since fall weather can turn chilly.
If your family includes small children, consider bringing a wagon, this will be good for pulling a child and also for holding your bags of picked apples. If not, then some way to carry the small children is advisable.
You may also need to bring your own bags or baskets to carry the apples in. Check with the orchard ahead of time if this is your first visit. Everyone will need to have their own bag.
Once you arrive at the orchard find out where the kinds of apples you want to pick are located and make sure everyone in the family knows that you are picking specific kinds of apples. Which kinds of apples you want to pick depends on what you plan to do with them. Some apples are better for cooking and others are referred to as eating apples.
Discuss choosing apples that are undamaged. Children have a tendency to grab apples off the ground especially when they get tired or bored and putting them in their bag. Encourage picking the apples off the tree. Before you bring your apples up to pay for them, give the apples a good look over for worms, bruises and broken skin. Also talk about which children if any are allowed to wander off on their own or if you will all work one tree at a time.
Pumpkins may also be for sale at the orchard. Offering children a reward for a job well done such as picking a pumpkin may be a good option. You are visiting the apple orchard as a family not only to get fresh crisp apples to make some wonderful desserts but to make memories that your children will fondly recall when they have their own children.
Some orchards offer additional entertainment in the fall in the form of live music, a corn maze, petting zoos or food trucks offering cider donuts or apple fritters. It is a great seasonal opportunity for a day out at a very affordable price.
You don't need to pick your own apples at the apple orchard. Most orchards offer apples that have already been picked. However, when it comes to making memories, picking your own offers more photo ops.
Apple picking is a family activity. The smells of fall are in the air and glasses of apple cider beckon. Don’t forget to bring along your camera or smartphone. You will want to be uploading those great family photos to make all your friends envious. When you are planning a fall visit to an apple orchard you are becoming part of a years old tradition.
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