apple picking field trips

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School Field Trips

All Seasons Orchard offers a fun and educational apple orchard field trip and pumpkin farm field trip in the months of September and October. Each field trip will provide your students with hands-on learning opportunities as they explore our apple orchard and pumpkin farm. After the tour, the education and fun continues as students play in our Barnyard Activity area. Field trips require advance booking and are by reservation only. Our apple orchard and pumpkin farm are located in Woodstock, IL.

• Our apple orchard field trip takes students by wagon ride into the orchard for a tour. Students will be able to pick 4 apples out of a bin in the orchard or teachers can opt for 4 already bagged apples per student.
• A guide will give an educational talk about the apple orchard including nutrition, growth cycle, harvesting, photosynthesis, bees and pollination.
• The guide will accompany your classroom onto the wagon ride to the apple orchard.
• After the tour, students can continue learning and playing in our barnyard which includes over 30 activities including the petting zoo, jumping pillow and observation bee hive.
• Each student will receive petting zoo feed, a cider donut and 4 apples.
• One teacher is free per 15 students (school ID required). Parents and siblings pay school field trip price.
• Min 15 students required.

Field Trips At The

Apple Orchard

• This school field trip is a combination corn maze and pre-picked pumpkin farm field trip.
• A guide will give an educational talk about how corn and pumpkins are grown on our farm. Topics will include growth cycle, photosynthesis, harvesting, bees and pollination.
• Your class will then navigate through the corn maze using one of our educational navigation passports. This portion of the tour will be unguided.
• Participants will be given admission to our barnyard which includes over 30 activities including the petting zoo, observation bee hive and jumping pillow.
• Each student in the trip will receive petting zoo feed, a cider donut and a pre-picked pumpkin.
• One teacher is free per 15 students (school ID required). Parents and siblings pay corn maze and pumpkin farm field trip price.

Field Trip At The

Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm

Amy K. | Little Hands Home Daycare & Preschool

Every year our preschool program looks forward to the educational fun we enjoy at All Seasons Orchard. In addition, our tour coordinators have been wonderful!

Kelly W. | Alexander Leigh Center for Autism

One of the goals at Alexander Leigh Center for Autism is to create experiences for our students that allow them to enter into the community to practice their skills and have some good old kid fun. The staff at All Seasons Orchard were accepting of the special needs of our students and made sure that they felt welcomed. The kids had a blast! We are grateful for the partnership we have built with All Seasons and we look forward to this season.

Jess N. | Senior Citizen Center

Took a senior group to this wonderful location and it was such a great experience. The All Seasons Orchard staff was so accommodating, friendly, and really went the extra mile for us! Cost package was great but not nearly as great as the memories made with the residents! Parking was easy and bus transfer was quick and close to the entrance. We will visit again with a larger group!

Need field trip help?

We are here to help! Please visit our FAQ page or contact us directly.

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Rhythms of Play

Art, Crafts, DIY; Raising Creative Outdoor Kids

Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas: Apple Activities and Crafts for Kids

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read our Policies for more information. Updated: August 15, 2022 Published: August 24, 2018 2 Comments

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Going to an orchard to pick apples is a fun fall activity for kids and families. 

Here’s an apple orchard field trip guide for kids that contains everything you need to know about harvesting apples with your classroom or family this autumn. Scroll down to learn more. Our apple harvesting guide includes information on how to find apple orchards and “pick your own” farms in your area, several apple crafts and activities, apple book recommendations, and several fantastic apple recipes that make it FUN to enjoy the fruits of your labors! You might also enjoy our Fall Bucket List with even more autumn activities for kids.

Go on a field trip to an apple orchard this autumn for a class field trip or a fun homeschool family adventure! Going to an orchard to pick apples is a fun fall activity for kids, families, and classrooms. Even though we have a few apple trees on our property, our family likes to visit an apple orchard each fall as a part of our daughter’s homeschool education. For more fall field trip ideas, check out Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Ideas and Corn Maze Field Trip Ideas !

The Best Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas for Kids and Families

Visit a pick-your-own apple orchard this fall! Use these handy tips and plan to take your entire family or classroom apple picking this harvest. Apples are typically ripe for picking from Mid-June to Mid-November, depending on the variety of apples. The most common types are just beginning to ripen at this time of year.

The post is a part of the Get Outside and Connect Series . Click on the link to learn more about it.

How to Find an Apple Orchard Near You

Organic apple orchards are recommended but harder to find. Check your local newspaper or a family resource guide, or do a Google search for a “Pick Your Own” apple farm near you!

Call the apple orchard Before your visit to ask Questions:

• When are the best times to visit with the smallest crowds?
• Ask if the branches are low enough for small children to pick. Odds are you won’t want to be holding your child up all day or hauling a ladder around with you.
• Do they have wagons available, or if they allow you to bring your own?
• Is there food available for purchase, or do they have a place to sit and eat if you bring a picnic?

Related: Signs of Autumn Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas: Bring Your Own Apple Picking Basket

The apple orchard will likely have bags for picking, but we recommend bringing baskets or reusable bags. My favorite free trade baskets for farmers’ markets and pick-your-own farms are at the Amazon affiliate link below.

• Free Trade Bolga Baskets

Apple Activities for kids

Before and after you go to the apple orchard, you can extend children learning at home or in the classroom by trying some fun autumn apple activities for kids!

• Teach your children about the parts of an apple; core, seeds, flesh, skin, stem, and leaf.
• Lay an apple on its side and cut it into thin sections. Show children from toddlers to teens the star in the center of the apple around the core, and watch their eyes light up with surprise and wonder.

• Print out this Apple Life Cycle Printable by The Stay at Home Educator .
• Learn how an apple grows with this preschool apple science activity from Little Bins for Little Hands .
• Or, try this easy apple science experiment by Pre-K Pages .

Apple Crafts for Kids

Try your hand at a few apple crafts at home or in the classroom this fall. Look through the list of apple craft ideas below.

• Make an  Apple Hedgehog using a real apple.  Using toothpicks to make a hedgehog is an easy fine motor apple activity for kids.
• Craft a clove apple pomander with the step-by-step instructions on Crafting a Green World .
• Make an Oak Apple Nature Craft .
• Try your hand at a few fun apple crafts for kids. Craft an apple button tree  (with glue) or sew an apple button tree . Click on the links to learn more!
• Weave an apple onto a paper plate using this fun apple craft idea from Easy Crafts for Kids .
• Try apple stamping art. Cut apples in half and dip them in tempura paint to make apple prints! Have a look at THIS printmaking project for tips!
• You can find a few more fall apple crafts  HERE .

Awesome Apple Recipes

• Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe | Rhythms of Play
• The Magic of Caramel Apples | Sally’s Baking Addition
• Apple Crisp (Substitute sliced apples, with 1/3 cup of orange juice poured over them, and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to our gluten-free fruit crisp recipe.)
• Easy Recipe for Applesauce |  Teaching 2 and 3-Year-Olds
• Cinnamon Apple Zucchini Muffins |  Arts and Crackers
• Apple Squash Bread |  Sunny Day Family
• Baked Apples with Walnuts |  Totally the Bomb
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No sugar added!) | Bakerita
• Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips | Sally’s Baking Addiction
• Apple Fritter Monkey Bread |  Bren Did

Related: Low Fat Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Related: Human Sundial Shadow Science Experiment

Apple Book Recommendations

To extend children’s learning even further, you can read some beautiful books about apples with your children before and after you go to the apple orchard. For more of our fall favorites, check out Autumn Stories Children LOVE!

Best Books About Apples for Kids

Related: Books That Teach Children Important Life Lessons

The Best Apple Learning Toys and Games for Children

Try some of these apple toys and games for kids for even more fun!

Related: The Best Toys for Open-Ended Play

Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas for Kids

An outing to an apple orchard can begin a wonderful autumn harvest celebration for both schools and families. Visiting an apple farm is a fun activity for a class field trip or a family adventure, whether you homeschool or not. You may also like our Fall Bucket List with several more fun autumn activities for kids.

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE !

For more field trip ideas, check out the following articles:

• Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Ideas
• Corn Maze Field Trip Ideas
• Berry Picking Field Trip Ideas

If You Liked These Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas, You might also like:

• How to Raise a Helper
• 15 Reasons to Climb a Tree and Other Risky Play Benefits
• How to Plan Your Daily Rhythm or Routine
• 20 Rainy Day Outdoor Play Ideas
• How to Paint Rocks

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20 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in the U.S.

Visit these beautiful orchards across the U.S. to enjoy apple picking this fall.

Nikada / Getty Images

The season of turning leaves and sweater weather is upon us. For many, apple picking is a fun, wholesome activity that more or less marks the season. All over the country, farms supplement apple picking with seasonal entertainment and activities like live music, family-friendly festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and cider sipping. Many places also have on-site pumpkin patches and shops selling jams, candies, cider doughnuts, freshly picked vegetables, and all kinds of signature fall treats.

Fortunately, not all the best apple picking is limited to the East Coast. While there are plenty of great farms in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York state, autumn lovers can also find scores of beautiful spots to visit across the Midwest, the South, and the West Coast. States such as Minnesota, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, and California offer great farming destinations in rural areas, so you can easily pick a bushel at an orchard near you.

Just remember: That cool, crisp air isn't going to stick around forever. Most farms only offer apple picking until the first frost, so you'll have until about mid-November before peak season is officially over. This fall, take your pick of Paula Reds, Honeycrisps, and rare heirloom varietals at one of these 20 picturesque orchards across the United States.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, Massachusetts

Boston Globe / Getty Images

This gorgeous farm boasts 186 acres of apple varieties, including Sansa, Ginger Gold, Akane, and Red Gravenstein. Be sure to go on a hayride, check out the hedge mazes, visit the farm animals, and enjoy some hot cider and caramel apples while you're there.

Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire

Courtesy of Applecrest Farm Orchards

Head to Applecrest in September and you'll find more than just apples ready to be picked. You can also gather pumpkins, peaches, and fall raspberries through late September. Shop for local produce and plants at the Farm Market, then tuck into delicious homemade ice cream at The Creamery.

Poverty Lane Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire

Visiting Poverty Lane Orchards is like taking a trip back in time — the farm still operates much like it did in the 1950s. While the main focus here is its Farnum Hill Ciders, during the fall months, you can come pick your own apples and raspberries and enjoy free tastes of anything else the farm grows. Apple picking enthusiasts can even find lesser known, specialty heirloom varieties growing here.

Shelburne Orchards in Shelburne, Vermont

McIntosh and Gala apples are ready for the picking at this lovely 60-acre Vermont farm . As a fall treat, the farm store offers cider doughnuts to complete your perfect picking day. You'll also find seasonal live music, hayrides, and a tasting room where homemade apple brandy is served.

Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, New York

Many people swear Fishkill Farms has the best cider doughnuts in New York, if not the whole country. Every weekend from mid-September through mid-October, the farm hosts live entertainment as well as pick-your-own apples (plus pears and blackberries), hayrides, and a specialty cider bar for the over-21 crowd. Stop by the farm store for seasonal jams, fresh pies, and other baked goods.

Apple Dave's Orchards & Distillery in Warwick, New York

Courtesy of Apple Dave's

Formerly known as Applewood, Apple Dave's Orchards and Distillery is one of the most popular apple picking destinations in the United States. The farm offers 12 different varieties of apples to choose from and has an adjacent distillery for all your hard cider and cocktail needs. Enjoy live music on weekends, go on wagon rides, eat your fill of cider doughnuts, and pay for however many apples you pick.

Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, New Jersey

About an hour's drive from New York City, this easy-to-access farm offers the chance to pick your own apples, peaches, and pumpkins. On certain nights in October, the site also hosts a popular Halloween light show . And of course, there are plenty of cider doughnuts to go around at the farm shop.

Terhune Orchards in Princeton, New Jersey

Courtesy of Terhune Orchards

This beautiful orchard offers a variety of apples to pick (Honeycrisps, Early Fuji, Gala, Jonathan, Empire, Crimson Crisp, and Golden and Red Delicious), as well as pumpkins and fresh flowers to transform your home for the autumn equinox. Visitors can spend time with the farm's animals (a favorite activity among children) and attend Fall Family Fun Weekends through September, featuring hayrides, corn mazes, live music, and, of course, cider doughnuts.

Solebury Orchards in New Hope, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Solebury Orchards

Rain or shine, Solebury Orchards is open for apple and flower picking in the fall. Visit on the weekend to try a few of the farm's 32 varieties — check the website to see which are ready when, as it really depends on how far along you are in the season. Pixie Crunch and Jonathan apples are popular picks in mid to late September, for instance, while Granny Smith and Fuji are top choices from late October to early November.

Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, North Carolina

Not only does this orchard have scenic views and ponds full of ducks and geese, it also boasts a bamboo forest. Apple picking, hayrides, and plenty of cider doughnuts are all part of this perfect family-friendly destination.

Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia

North Georgia's magnificent countryside offers ample Blue Ridge views and excellent apple picking opportunities. Mercier Orchards , about a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, was one of the first farms in the state to grow, press, ferment, and bottle its own hard cider and wine. Don't forget to purchase a fried apple pie during your visit.

Stribling Orchard in Markham, Virginia

This well-loved orchard has been in operation for more than 200 years, and it's the perfect place for fruit picking, picnicking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge Mountains . Families can also stop by the farm to visit the animals, and, in September, enjoy fresh cider and pumpkin picking.

Weston's Antique Apples in New Berlin, Wisconsin

Open most fall weekends until early November, this 16-acre orchard has more than 700 trees with 30 varieties of apples to choose from in September and more than 60 in October. Call ahead for details of the volunteer picking days — after picking a bushel for the orchard, you'll get to keep two pounds of apples as a thank-you. Want to learn more about the grove's oldest trees? The orchard offers a self-guided history tour. It also hosts a special Historic Day weekend in September and its annual Applefest in October, both featuring themed activities and seasonal products.

Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, Minnesota

Apple Jack Orchards is home to an impressive selection of apples, including unusual varieties like SweeTango and KinderKrisp. The farm also has fall raspberries available for picking until the first frost. Once you've filled your basket, visit the goats, then check out the jumping pillows, corn maze, ropes course, and apple cannons.

Aamodt's Apple Farm in Stillwater, Minnesota

This family-owned farm is the best place to sample its housemade brand, Thor's Hard Cider, named for the farm's founder. Along with apple picking and a slew of family-friendly fall activities, you can also tour the winery and enjoy tastings at the adjacent Saint Croix Vineyards.

Mt View Orchards in Mount Hood, Oregon

Would you believe you can also find excellent apple picking in the Pacific Northwest? At Mt View Orchards , you can pick your own apples (they've got a whopping 125 varieties), peaches, sweet corn, carrots, beets, blueberries, pumpkins, squash, plums, and pears, all while enjoying impressive views of Mount Hood. Once you've had your fill of picking, take a tractor ride around the property, sip wine at the Grateful Vineyard Tasting Room, and grab some cider and doughnuts to take home.

Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish, Washington

Courtesy of Swans Trail Farms

Swans Trail Farms , roughly 40 minutes from Seattle, has more than 4,000 apple trees, comprising four varieties spread out over five acres. Apple picking begins in mid-September, with two Apple Festival weekends leading up to the Fall Festival, which takes place from late September through October. Families can enjoy corn mazes, pick-your-own pumpkin patches, apple cider doughnuts, a petting zoo, and hayrides. The orchard also plants shorter trees so children of all ages can reach the apples, too.

Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen, California

While most people associate apples with cooler weather, rest assured that there are plenty of prime picking opportunities to be had in Southern California, too. Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen has Gala and Mutsu apples on rotation, and is a great place for nature walks.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna, Nebraska

Courtesy of Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard

About a 25-minute drive from Omaha, Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard honors the season with its annual Cider and Sunflower Festival, held most weekend evenings in September. Expect live musical entertainment, guided tours of the orchard, sunflower picking and photo opportunities, and a celebration of all things apple cider. Take a tractor ride out to the fields, then pick as many Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pixie Crunch apples as you can. Adults can also enjoy a tasting at the on-site cider mill.

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign, Illinois

Courtesy of Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch

Located about two hours south of Chicago, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch makes a great day trip, with plenty of sweet Gala and Jonathan apples to be picked. Kid-friendly activities include a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a goat petting zoo, a mini golf course, a giant slide, a corn maze, and a ropes course. Stop by the Country Store, Bakery, or Flying Monkey Cafe for homemade treats once you've worked up an appetite.

Related Articles

• Events Calendar
• Farmer’s Porch Kitchen
• Blossom Festival
• Daytime Campfire Sites
• Pick Your Own Crop Calendar
• Growing Practices
• Birthdays and Parties

Summer & Fall Field Trips

• Evening, Private Bonfire Sites and Hayrides
• Daytime Campfire Sites at the Pumpkin Festival
• Private Special Events
• Farm Market
• Wreath Department
• About Butler’s Orchard
• Hours and Location
• Photography on the Farm

Bring your group for a Field Trip at the Farm! Try picking your own seasonal crop, enjoy a visit to the pumpkin patch, or visit our neighbors at Doc Waters Cidery for an apple picking experience!

Field trips are fantastic not just for school groups, but also summer camps, daycare groups, birthday parties, assisted care facilities, and so much more! If you have a group of 20 or more, this is for you!

Summer Pick Your Own Field Trips (June 4th-August 23)

Fall pumpkin patch field trips (september 25-november 8), fall apple picking field trips @ doc waters cidery, summer pick your own field trips, $10 per person.

Our Summer Pick Your Own Field Trips are perfect for groups wanting to get a taste of the Farm- literally! Summer Field Trips are focused on picking our seasonal crops and enjoying the Farm Park, and are great for groups of all ages & skill levels.

2024 Dates and Times

• June 4 through August 23 • Tuesday through Friday • Time slots are every half hour from 9:30am to 3:30pm (please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation time to ensure a smooth check-in!)

What’s Included?

• Pick the crop of the season

◦ June: Strawberries or Blueberries ◦ July: Blueberries, Blackberries, Flowers or Potatoes ◦ August: Blackberries, Flowers, Raspberries, Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes or Sweet Peppers

• Learn about our Farm and crops from a Butler’s employee while on a private, tractor-driven trolley ride • Enjoy full access to our 5 acre Farm Park, including the giant slides, wooden playground area, and farm animals (pigs, donkeys, sheep, goats & chickens) • Use our tables in the Farm Park for a picnic with your group!

Important Info

Summer Field Trips are for groups of at least 20 people, including all teachers & chaperones. Our picking fields are also open to the public, and you do not have to be part of a large group to pick at Butler’s Orchard. Individuals & smaller groups are welcome to come anytime during our seasonal picking hours. Please visit the Pick Your Own page for more information.

Online reservations can be made using the button below. Select “Pick Your Own Group Outings” on the Reservations calendar. No payment is necessary to make your reservation , though it will ask for a billing address in case we need to mail an invoice or refund check.

You will pay on the day of your event for the final number of people in the group. The minimum due is $200 (20 people @ $10 each). You may use cash, school check or credit card. We do not accept purchase orders as payment. If possible, please collect all money in advance and make one payment for your group.

If your group requires an invoice prior to your visit, please contact our office as soon as you make your reservation. Any refunds (i.e. overpayment using school check) are processed through our office only, and will be sent to the issuing institution at the address on the original check.

Arrival Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: Groups arriving via bus should approach Butler’s Orchard via Route 27 (Ridge Road) directly to Davis Mill Road. Avoid Bring Road and Wildcat Road if possible due to dangerous curves. Please take a look at our   Map and Directions . PLEASE share this information with your bus drivers.

Groups should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to their reservation time. Upon arrival, groups should follow signs to the FARM PARK. There is no need to stop at the Farm Market.

Chaperones not riding on your bus should plan to arrive on the Farm at the same time as the main group so your group can begin together. If they are late, they may not be able to participate in the picking activity with the main group! They will be able to join their group once they return to the Farm Park.

All vehicles will park in our general parking lot at the Farm Park. There is no parking fee. Once parked, your group will board a trolley for your tour and ride to the fields where you will have the picking portion of your visit. Once the group has finished picking, you will return to the Farm Park. If your group arrives more than 15 minutes after your scheduled reservation time, your access to the Farm Park may be delayed while we accommodate other groups.

Please check the weather ahead of time and dress appropriately for the weather & a day on the Farm! Remember water & sunscreen, and a jacket if temperatures are looking cooler!

Fall Pumpkin Patch Field Trips

$8 per person.

Our Fall Pumpkin Patch Field Trips are made for groups ready to see growing in action! Fall Field Trips are focused on the life cycle of a pumpkin, picking your own pumpkin, and visiting our Farm Park. They are great for groups of all ages, but especially for elementary or early middle school aged children.

• September 25-November 8, excluding Friday, October 18th • Wednesday through Friday (The Farm is closed on Mondays, and Field Trips are not available on Tuesdays or Friday, October 18th) • Reservation times are the start of an arrival window:

◦ 9am (arrive anytime between 9-10am) ◦ 10am (arrive anytime between 10-11am) ◦ 11am (arrive anytime between 11am-12pm)

Note: At 1:00pm September 25 – November 1, our weekday Pumpkin Festival begins and the Farm is open to the General Public until 6:00pm. You are welcome to overlap your Field Trip during this time but please be aware that the Hayride will no longer stop at the Pumpkin Patch after 1:00pm. Friday, October 18th will be a full weekday Festival and Field Trips will not be available.

Field Trips are self-guided, and all activities run continuously.  You may do any activity in any order, but we do encourage you to take the hayride to the pumpkin patch when you first arrive. Please allow at least 2 1/2 hours to enjoy all the activities!

• Take a hayride down the trail to our Pumpkin Patch • Pick your own small pumpkin from the patch to take home! • Receive a copy of the Pumpkin Post, an educational coloring & activity page about the life cycle of a pumpkin • Enjoy full access to our 5 acre Farm Park, including the giant slides, wooden playground area, mazes, hayloft, farm animals (pigs, donkeys, sheep, goats & chickens), and more! • Use our tables in the Farm Park for a picnic with your group! You may bring lunches, or our Farmer’s Porch Kitchen will be open for purchasing food (If you schedule your trip November 6, 7 or 8, please note that the Farmer’s Porch will not be open for food service on these days. Feel free to bring a picnic!)

Note: Our hayride to the pumpkin patch is not wheelchair accessible. We want to make sure that every visitor receives their pumpkin so please inform our staff if you need additional pumpkins!

Fall Field Trips are for groups of at least 20 people, including all teachers & chaperones.   If your group number is below 20, you will be charged for a minimum of 20 people . Children under 12 months old are free unless they want to choose a pumpkin and are not included in your group count.

Online reservations can be made using the button below. No payment is necessary to make your reservation , though it will ask for a billing address in case we need to mail an invoice or refund check.

You will pay on the day of your event for the final number of people in the group. The minimum due is $160 (20 people @ $8 each). You may use cash, school check or credit card. We do not accept purchase orders as payment. If possible, please collect all money in advance and make one payment for your group. Teachers, chaperones or additional guests (i.e. siblings) are also welcome to pay the $8 fee individually, but please make sure the majority of your group is paid for in one payment.

At 1pm, our weekday Pumpkin Festival begins and the Farm opens to the General Public. The hayride will no longer stop at the Pumpkin Patch.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Groups arriving via bus should approach Butler’s Orchard via Route 27 (Ridge Road) directly to Davis Mill Road. Avoid Bring Road and Wildcat Road if possible due to dangerous curves. Please take a look at our Map and Directions . PLEASE share this information with your bus drivers.

Chaperones not riding on your bus should plan to arrive on the Farm at the same time as the main group so your group can begin together. If they are late, they may not be able to participate in the hayride to the pumpkin patch!

All vehicles will park in our general parking lot at the Farm Park. There is no parking fee.

Doc Waters Apple Picking Field Trips

The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery is home to over 30 different varieties of apples, and is the perfect spot for your Apple Picking Field Trips!

2023 Dates and Times

• September 25-November 8 (2024 Info coming soon!) • Wednesday through Friday • Arrival time slots: 10am, 11am or 12pm

• 1/4 peck bag for each participant to fill with fresh picked apples from our orchard • Learning about our Orchard and the growing process from an Orchard employee • You are welcome to stay and picnic, we have lots of picnic tables! • If you reserve a trip September 6-15, you are welcome to travel to Butler’s Orchard’s Farm Park after your time at Doc Waters to enjoy their Farm Park (playground equipment, farm animals, etc.). Butler’s Orchard is approximately 2 miles away from Doc Waters. Trips scheduled on these dates ONLY are able to visit the Butler’s Orchard Farm Park. There is no play area at Doc Waters.

Field Trips are for groups of at least 20 people, including all teachers & chaperones.   If your group number is below 20, you will be charged for a minimum of 20 people . Children under 24 months old are free and are not included in your group count, unless they want to pick apples.

Reservations can be made by paying for your group in full via credit card. Any adjustments to your numbers on the day of will either be charged or refunded (unless you go below the 20 person minimum, in which case you will be charged for 20 people).  If you cannot pay with a credit card and will instead need an invoice or to pay by check, please email us at [email protected] for accommodations

All vehicles will park in our general parking lot. There is no parking fee.

Adventures with Twins, Cystic Fibrosis + a Food Allergy

Apple Farm Field Trip and Learning Activities for Elementary Schoolers

Apple picking season is upon us! We headed to nearby Vulcan Apple Farm in Julian CA early in the morning for some homeschool U-Pick awesomeness, Covid style.

Apple picking is a yearly expedition for us. We’ve gone every year with our twins since they were old enough to strap into a Baby Bjorn. Over the years we’ve learned some tips – these are the best ones: Apple Farm Field Trip Tips .

This year I was a little nervous though. With my Cystic Fibrosis we have been very isolated at home and hesitant to go most places. I know everyone feels different about this, but personally with inconsistent mask wearing in San Diego I don’t feel comfortable venturing out a lot. Apple picking seemed like a naturally distant activity though so I decided to give it a try.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable venturing to your area farm or you don’t have one close enough, this Apple Orchard post from The Educator’s Spin On It has a great collection of virtual field trip experiences related to Apple Farms.

affiliate links may be included below.

Field Trip Prep

The night before I prepped for our Apple Farm field trip. I packed and prepped:

• Snacks for the car and for a small picnic.
• Cash (needed to purchase some things at the farm)
• Loaded a new audiobook for the kids to listen to on the ride (we listened to The One and Only Ivan )
• Made sure we had face masks for each of us (required by the farm!)
• Sunscreen ( this has been my favorite for a while now!)
• Made sure the car had gas

Apple Picking Vulcan Apple Farm in Julian CA

Vulcan Apple farm is located in Julian CA about an hour from San Diego. There are quite a few farms in Julian, but Vulcan is one of the biggest and had taken precautions for Covid19 this year.

We visited Vulcan Apple farm last year as well and it was largely the same experience. The main difference is that face masks are required for visiting to pick apples right now. I hope they are good about enforcing this so people like me can continue to feel comfortable enjoying apple season.

When we visited it was early in the morning on a Friday. There were definitely people there but nothing like we’ve seen on the weekends in previous years. If you’re worried about social distancing then I highly recommend a weekday morning. Heading into the farm, the line was spaced out, everyone was wearing a mask, and the attendants taking money avoiding any contact.

Vulcan Apple Farm has plenty of apples in several different varieties. We had zero problems filling our apple bags.

After we were done picking apples, we bought apple cider from their stand (cash only!) which was cold and delicious. We drank it and ate a snack at one of the picnic tables. Because there were so few people this again was easy to do while maintaining plenty of distance. If it were busier we would have brought the cider back to the car.

Then we headed home, via Julian Pie Co , with all of our apples.

Quick Farm Facts: Vulcan Apple Farm Julian, CA Facebook Page $12/bag (Cash or Credit) $1 if you want to enter but not pick. Military Discount Available

Other Farm Recommendations:

• Afton Apple Farm in Minnesota
• Alstede Farm in New Jersey
• 31 Apple Farms in NJ PA DE MD from One Day in Our Shoes

Apple Activities to do at Home

Back at home, there are so many apple themed ways to delve into whatever your learning goals are right now. Below are some of our favorites for ages 5 through 10 or Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cooking with Apples (and Kids!)

• Apple Oat Cookies from Goodie Goodie Lunchbox
• Apple Pancakes from Healthy Little Foodie
• Apple Pancakes from Crafty Mom Share
• Apple Pie Bliss Bits from Goodie Goodie Lunchbox
• Caramel Apple Nachos from Taste Galaxy
• Cinnamon Apple Peels from Mama Smiles
• Easy Instant Pot Apple Caramel Cheesecake from Taste Galaxy
• Mini Apple Pies Recipe from The Educator’s Spin On It
• Nut Free Apple and Sunflower Seed Muesli Bars from Goodie Goodie Lunchbox
• Orange Flavored Applesauce from Mama Smiles

Arts and Crafts

• Apple Picking Read and Create from My Storytime Corner
• Apple Stamping Pumpkins Craft from The Crazy Outdoor Mama
• Pop Art Apple Coloring printable from Art with Jenny K
• Printable Letter A Crafts from Fun With Mama

Reading and Writing

• 6 Free and Fun Apple Themed Printables from Homebound but Hopeful
• Apple Farm Storytime with Apple Song Printable from My Storytime Corner
• Antonym Apples printable game from The Speech Bubble
• Apple Adjectives activity
• Free Printable Apple Worksheets from The Keeper of Memories
• Great Apple Themed Picture Book Recommendations and other fun apple themed activities on Crafty Mom Share
• Parts of an Apple Read and Color Printable Book from JDaniel4’s Mom

• Apples vs. Ball Stem Experiment
• Apple Taste Test with Editable Printables and Place Cards from JDaniel4’s Mom
• Apple Tasting Fun with Printable from Hopebound but Hopeful
• Types of Apples printable pack from Mrs. Hansen’s Helpfuls I put this under Science, but this is an awesome large pack that covers a lot of curriculum areas.

Also Read: Fall Unit for K and First Grade

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Doc Waters Cidery

From Our Trees to Your Glass

Apple Picking Field Trips

The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery is home to over 30 different varieties of apples, and is the perfect spot for your Fall Field Trips!

Dates and Times

Available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the month of September , these field trips are made for groups of at least 20 participants , and are a fantastic choice for schools, daycares, corporate outings, and more!

There are 3 arrival time slots to choose from: 10am, 11am, or 12pm , and you are welcome to stay at the Orchard for as long as your group would like.

Field Trips at Doc Waters are $10 per participant. All guests, including parents, chaperones, volunteers, etc. should be counted. Children under 2 years old do not need to be included UNLESS they will be picking apples.

Reservations can be made by paying for your group in full via credit card. Any adjustments to your numbers on the day of will either be charged or refunded (unless you go below the 20 person minimum, in which case you will be charged for 20 people). If you cannot pay with a credit card and will instead need an invoice or to pay by check, please email us at [email protected] for accommodations

Field Trips Include…

• 1/4 peck bag for each participant to fill with fresh picked apples from our orchard
• Learning about our Orchard and the growing process from an Orchard employee
• You are welcome to stay and picnic, we have lots of picnic tables!
• If you reserve a trip September 6-15, you are welcome to travel to Butler’s Orchard’s Farm Park after your time at Doc Waters to enjoy their Farm Park (playground equipment, farm animals, etc.). Butler’s Orchard is approximately 2 miles away from Doc Waters. Trips scheduled on these dates ONLY are able to visit the Butler’s Orchard Farm Park. There is no play area at Doc Waters.

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Apple Orchard School Field Trip

There are hundreds of apple orchards across the country that offer school field trip programs in the fall. Each farm is unique in the activities they offer. Visiting the farm’s website or facebook page is the best way to get a complete description of the available programs. Here is a list of some activities you may find at your local apple orchard.

• Guided tour of orchard with education discussion about apples
• Hayride through the orchard and around the farm
• Chance to sample different apple varieties
• Up close look at cider press in action
• Cup of apple cider and fresh doughnuts
• Time to meet and pet farm animals
• Lesson on honey bees
• Picnic area for a gathering place
• Pumpkin Patch for additional learning experience

A few items to consider when planning an apple orchard school field trip. There will be a group fee or a per person charge and reservations will be required. Most farms open in September and continue through October. Some farms will have a minimum attendee requirement. Plan to spend several hours during your visit and dress the kids for outdoor fun.

If you live in a state with apple growers you are likely to find a local orchard that offers school field trips. Listed below are just 10 farms that we found just to get you started. To find an apple orchard near you go to the upickfarmlocator.com home page and enter apples and your state. Once you find the apple orchards in your state you can narrow the list down and contact the farms closest to you for more information about kid’s events.

10 Apple Orchard School Field Trips

Treworgy Family Orchards, Levant, ME All Season’s Orchard, Woodstock, IL Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, Hendersonville, NC Parlee Farms, Tyngsboro, MA Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Stillwater, MN Apple Holler, Sturtevant, WI Wickham Farms, Penfield, NY Great Country Farm, Bluemont, VA Wiard’s Orchard, Ypsilanti, MI Grim’s Orchards & Family Farms, Breiningsville, PA

Picking Packages for 2023

Apple picking is closed for the 2023 season. thank you for joining us, everyone entering the orchard must pay for a picking bag. 2023 pricing:.

*Activities Pricing subject to change at any time

Have a group of 20 or more people? 

Save time and call 262-884-7100 for group hayride, campfire & picking packages., download our orchard map, download our farm park map, your picking package includes:.

• Your own Picking Bag  (Every individual entering the orchard must purchase an Apple Picking Bag.)
• Stroll through the picturesque rolling hills of our orchards and hardwood forest.
• FREE Tractor-Drawn train tour of our orchard, family farm, and the Enchanted Forest to witness the magic of growing.
• FREE  Map of the vast orchard detailing the best areas to pick your favorite varieties of apples.
• All Day Access to the Kids Korral Play Area including; All-New Spider Web, Corn Palace Corn Box, Little Red Strawbarn,  Amish Built Train, Rainbow Play Structure, Straw Mountain 
• Cool Cow Maze, Corn Maze, and Fun House Maze
• Golden Goat Bridge & Farm Animals to Visit
• Jack and the Bean Stalk Story Trail & Giant Slide
• Bees and Trees Learning Center Including Observation Bee Hive, Tree Life Exhibit, and Pollination Exhibit 
• Many Photo Opportunities including our new Giant Butterfly Wings &  Memories to last a lifetime!

*Please Note that picking conditions can change day by day, and even hour to hour, depending upon Mother Nature and customer traffic. C all 262-884-7100 for current picking information.

Everyone entering the orchard must pay for a picking bag. Minimum charge: $22 per person

As much as we love all animals, we  do not allow any pets on our property. this includes, but is not limited to, emotional support animals. dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ada. thank you for your cooperation., escape to the great outdoors at apple holler, get up close and personal with nature as you explore the rolling hills and gentle slopes of the apple holler orchards and majestic hardwoods..

Get a breath of fresh, country air while reconnecting with family and friends in the wide-open spaces at Apple Holler. On our 78-acre family farm, it is easy to safely social distance while having bushels of fun. Besides picking peaches, pears, and apples, guests can also stroll the picturesque rolling hills of our orchards and explore a breathtaking forest of 150-year-old oak trees, which is home to wildlife like deer, birds, and much more!

Haven’t joined our Email List? Here’s what you missed on this week’s email!

Get notified of upcoming events and promotions:, join the apple holler e-mail list, apple holler is a working farm.

 A person who observes or participates in an agricultural tourism activity on this property assumes the risks inherent in agricultural tourism activity. Risks inherent in the agricultural tourism activity may include conditions on the land, the unpredictable behavior of farm animals, the ordinary dangers associated with equipment used in farming operations, and the potential that a participant in the agricultural tourism activity may act in a negligent way that may contribute to injury or death. The agricultural tourism provider is not liable for the injury or death of a person involved in an agricultural tourism activity resulting from those inherent risks.  Wisconsin State Statute 895.524

Farm Store, Bakery & Gift Shop Hours:

Mon-Thurs 9:00AM-3:00PM

Fri-Sun 8:30AM-4:00PM

Red Barn Restaurant Hours:

Mon-Thurs 9:00AM-2:30PM

Fri-Sun 8:30AM-3:00PM

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©2024 Apple Holler. All Rights Reserved.

• U-Pick Apples
• Picking Dates
• Pumpkin Patch
• U-Pick Parking
• Farm Tours, Field Trips
• Products & Prices
• Family Fun Barn
• Apple Tasting Chart
• Event Venue
• Things To Do In Ellijay
• Agritourism Conference Links

Weekday School Field Trips & Group Farm Tours

See and learn about what we grow ..

• Weekday Group Tour Admission fee is $7.50 per person with a group size minimum of 15 people ($112.50) plus taxes.
• Please call ahead to scheulde 706-635-5898. A deposit may be required.
• For School Field Trips —educational sheets for school requirements (provided by Georgia Grown) if needed are available.

The Group Farm Tour will take you on a tractor ride by the Hayfield, to the mountainous Orchard. Pick your own apples and enjoy a beautiful natural mountain setting on the tour.

You'll visit the Pumpkin Patch (the Pumpkin Patch is open beginning in late Sept. or early Oct.) and Flower Garden, then go back to The Red Apple Barn to enjoy an apple, a cup of cold cider, and an apple cider doughnut! You can also enjoy a picnic on the creek, walk across the covered bridge, and enjoy the playground areas.

We have folks from all ages visit our orchards. Babies pick their first apples and patients from assisted living centers come using their walkers. Other groups bring picnic lunches and have class reunions here. The girl scouts took a tractor ride, picked apples and had a picnic on the creek. Many of the groups come and just sit in the orchard for hours enjoying the peace and quiet and God’s beautiful scenery.

Tour Buses Welcome

Tour buses are welcome anytime at the Red Apple Barn. We welcome you to come by enjoy your trip seeing all the apple products, jams, jellies, ciders, our very own cookbook, caramel & candied apples and baked goods.

If you are looking for somewhere close by to eat, there are plenty of eating options within 5 minutes.

Come Visit Us On Our Family’s Working Farm!

At the Red Apple Barn, we offer a fun time for your group on our family’s working farm.

We look forward to seeing you!

Enjoy Apple Picking in Ellijay, Georgia

Copyright � 2024, Thierbach Orchards & Berry Farm. All rights reserved.

The Educators' Spin On It

Learning Games and Activities

Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Change is in the air, can you feel it? Get ready to explore these Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids! Explore pumpkin patches, fall leaves, apple orchards and more with these kid friendly fall virtual tours.

These fall virtual tours will bring to all over the earth to explore all the special opportunities this season shares with us.

Fall is such a fun time of year for raising kids! Many of us are located in places in the country where certain fruits and vegetables just don’t grow locally. One way to experience it is through a virtual field trip this fall! I wanted to put together this list of virtual family fall trips to add to your fall bucket list. Because sometimes, you just might live in a place where it’s possible to visit these amazing fall experiences. Plus you can use them as you explore our 100+ Fall Activities for Kids !

Apple Picking Virtual Field Trip

Pumpkin patch virtual field trip, corn maze virtual field trip, turkey farm virtual field trip, hay ride virtual field trip, virtual tours of fall leaves for kids, fall virtual tours of national parks.

AVAILABLE NOW Winter Virtual Field Trips for Kids

• Apple Harvest
• Tour an Apple Packing Facility
• Cider Making in New England
• Let’s Go To An Apple Orchard
• Life Cycle of an Apple
• How to Grow an Apple Tree from Seed to Tree
• How Does an Apple Grow?

Extend the fall fun at home with these apple activities !

• Growing a Pumpkin Patch
• Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
• Pumpkins: How Does It Grow
• Pumpkin Varieties and When to Harvest
• Pumpkin Growth Time Lapse
• Pumpkin Farm Harvest
• Learning Edible Pumpkins
• Meet a Pumpkin Farmer
• Giant Pumpkin Time Lapse
• Growing Giant Pumpkins
• Virtual Field Trip Pumpkin Patch
• A Visit to a Pumpkin Farm
• How Pumpkin Seeds are Harvested

Want more Pumpkin Patch Virtual Tours? Visit our Virtual Pumpkin Patch Field Trip for Kids , packed full of fun ideas for the kids to explore as they learn about pumpkin patches this fall.

• How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
• How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
• Modern Agriculture Machines Pumpkin Harvesters
• Asian Pumpkin Farming and Harvesting
• 300 Different Varieties Of Squash From All Around The World
• Virtual Field trip to Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard
• Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm
• How to Grow a Pumpkin
• How Pumpkins are Harvested on Family Farm
• Picking Pumpkins, The Pumpkin Harvest Process
• Top 10 Pumpkin Patches in U.S.
• Grow Big Pumpkins – Vine Burying, Pollination, Vine Training

Pumpkin, pumpkin Pumpkins! Get hands-on with these pumpkin activities !

• How to Make a Corn Maze
• Farmers turn to professionals to cut corn maze
• From mind to maze: The making of a corn maze
• How Corn is Picked
• Time Lapse of Corn Growing
• Sweet Corn Harvesting in Minnesota
• Watch the Corn Grow: Time Lapse

Autumn is a season of change! Explores these adorable acorn activities !

• Visiting a Turkey Farm
• Applegate: Family Turkey Farmers
• Organic Bronze Turkeys
• Gobbling Demonstrations

• Rose’s Berry Farm – Fall Hayride
• Going for a Hay Ride: Square Baling
• Growing Hay for the Cattle
• Making Hay in South Dakota
• Making Horse Hay in Small Square Bales
• Hay and Grain Harvest in Canada
• Harvesting Straw Bales New Holland
• Farmer Planting Hay

Learn about life from long about with through living history activities .

• Fall Foliage Prediction Map
• Why do Leaves Change Colors
• The Science of Fall for Kids
• Exquisite Places Around The World To See Brilliant Fall Colors 
• Top 70 Beautiful Autumn Waterfall in the World
•   The Beauty Of Autumn Roads
• Peak Fall Foliage in New England

Explore red, yellow, orange, and brown with these fall leaf activities .

• Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Bear Lake Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Aspen Trees in Colorado in Fall
• Aspen Trees by Drown in Colorado
• Breathtaking 4k drone footage of three Utah Canyons

Grab this printable Virtual Field Trip Log to track your fall adventures!

You may also enjoy these fall activities for kids

Fall Virtual Tours for Kids

No matter what part of the country or world you live in, take a moment with your child this fall to explore virtually what fall looks like through leaves, apples, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and MORE!

Where is your favorite spot during the fall?

Looking for more educational virtual tours for kids?

For more Virtual Field Trips for Kids Ideas

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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About Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing developmentally appropriate activities.

October 1, 2020 at 10:05 am

Amazing information.Thanks a lot!!!

October 7, 2020 at 5:55 pm

I appreciate the resources as we navigate the new virtual world for my life skills SPED students! this is very amazing!!

October 10, 2020 at 2:05 am

Thank you so much for these ideas. These are great alternatives, even as for an activity as a family and to for the parent that is at home with the kids. Thank you so much.

November 7, 2020 at 12:00 pm

THANK YOU very much! We are blessed to have wonderful people who love to share great information!

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Let’s connect.

• Spring Activities
• Easter Egg hunt Hayride
• Summer Activities
• Summer Camp
• Family Activities
• Discovery Barnyard
• Fall Activities
• Apple Picking
• Pumpkin Picking
• Sunflower Celebration
• Holiday Activities
• Gift Certificates
• Discovery Barnyard Season Pass
• Field Trips
• Spring Trips
• Summer Trips
• Holiday Trips
• Group Leader Info
• Reservations
• Birthday Parties
• Birthday Party Deposit
• Private Events

Fall Field Trips Schedule

Apple Picking Hayride (4 apples per person)

Sept. 12 – Oct. 6

Pumpkin Picking Hayride (1 small pumpkin per person)

May 23 – June 8

Deluxe Apple/Pumpkin Picking Hayride (4 apples per person & 1 small pumpkin per person

Sept. 12 – Oct. 5

Deluxe Popcorn Picking & Sweet Potato Digging Hayrides (4 ears of popcorn & 2 sweet potatoes per person )

Nov. 1 – Nov. 16

• $12.00 per person for the regular tour
• $14.00 per person for the Deluxe Tours
• $3.00 per person Discovery Barnyard upgrade
• There is a minimum of 15 people to make a reservation
• One free person per 15 paid

All tours include use of our picnic area, animal feeding and play time in the Animal Farm, coloring sheets and teacher information. There is also a brand new restroom facility for group use. The Discovery Barnyard  is not  included in regular or deluxe tours. It can be added to these tours for an upgrade charge of $3.00 per person.

Click here for Reservation Request Form

Be sure to eat at our acclaimed farmhouse bakery and cafe, apple picking hayrides.

April 18 – May 18

Fall arrives a little early here with apple picking beginning at the end of August. This is a great way to usher in a new season while still enjoying the outdoors. This tour includes a hayride to the apple orchard where a variety of apples await you. Each person will get to pick 4 apples to take home.

Pumpkin Picking Hayrides

May  23 – June 8

Our fields burst with pumpkins beginning the middle of September until October 31st. This is our longest running and most popular tour. We provide a hayride to our pumpkin patch but before you arrive there is “low key” corn maze to maneuver through. You enter into a bountiful beauty of color as you select just the right pumpkin. Everyone leaves the field with a pumpkin.

Deluxe Popcorn & Sweet Potatoes

Immediately following our pumpkin season we begin to harvest popcorn and dig for sweet potatoes. This tour begins November 1st and concludes right before Thanksgiving. This is a fabulous, educational tour. It begins with a hayride to the popcorn field. Children learn how popcorn grows and pick 4 ears to take home. Then they take a short walk to dig for sweet potatoes. How awesome for children to see firsthand where their food comes from!

Join Our Mailing List to Get Weekly Updates

We highly recommend that you  join our email list  to get seasonal updates and find out what is going on at the farm. Picking dates can change by as much as a week or 10 days from year to year. Our Farm News Emails allow us to keep our customers informed and up to date on the picking season.

New to the Farm?

• We are a Family owned and operated farm in Medford, New Jersey!
• Strawberry picking has begun!  Click Here for info
• 2024 Season Pass available now!  Click Here to purchase.
• Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for up to the minute information.
• Sign up for weekly email HERE.

5 Tips For Apple Picking in Oak Glen California

Oak Glen’s Apple Picking Season officially kicks off over Labor Day weekend and runs now through Thanksgiving weekend.   The apple crop is good this year and the majority of farms officially start welcoming visitors in September.

The History of Oak Glen

Oak Glen’s apple orchards produce a variety of apple selections including the Vasquez and King David varieties, which are grown only in Oak Glen, as well as antique varieties no longer commercially available such as Ben Davis, Gravenstein and Pink Pearl.  Before 1940, Oak Glen mainly grew apples for export purposes.  Then several farmers got together and began to sell apples, apple pies, apple cider and apple butter at roadside stands to locals passing by.  Today growers earn the majority of their profit from visitors who pick apples directly off their trees in the orchards.

Apple Farms in Oak Glen

Riley’s farm.

My family and I have visited Oak Glen on more than one occasion.  One of our favorite spots in town is  Riley’s Farm .  Nestled in the apple growing foothills of historic Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm featuring pick-your-own fruit, living history education, dinner theater, group banquet facilities and extended and historically-themed overnight stays.

They also offer year round educational field trips for schools and homeschool groups.

• Revolutionary War Adventure
• The Civil War Adventure
• Gold Rush Adventure
• Old Joe Homestead Tour
• Colonial Farm Life Adventure
• Overnight Revolutionary War Adventure

Did you know that there are three additional apple farms in Oak Glen that are owned and operated by different members of the Riley family?

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho   features apple-wood smoked BBQ dishes and a bakery with homemade pies, hand-held pies, turnovers and cookies.  Picnic grounds, a petting zoo, nature trails are also on the property.  During apple season, they are open 7 days/week from 9 am – 5 pm.

Riley’s Apple Farm

Riley’s Apple Farm  is currently celebrating 35 years of apple growing where families are entertained with old fashioned harvest fun!  Their apple picking season runs Labor Day thru Thanksgiving Weekend.  On the weekends they are open 10 am – 4 pm and weekdays by reservations only.

Riley’s Apple Farm offers Home School Days in the fall.  During a tour, students will enjoy a hands-on living history tour of the farm from 10 am – 2 pm.  Advance reservations are required.  Check in time is 9:00 am.  Lunch packages are available as well for a small cost.

Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard

Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard  is a century old, family owned and operated vintage apple orchard.  Every year they enjoy the return of visitors to their working farm on a country outing, looking for u-pick fruit and many fun family activities.  They engage in preserving a heritage community through heirloom growing, educational programs and artisan culture.  Operating hours on weekends are from 10 am – 4 pm and during the week by reservation only.

Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard hosts a  Homeschool Day in the fall where visitors discover   what life was really like by working and living on a late 19th century farm.  Enjoy the daily adventures of a homesteading family, learning from their skills and crafts in this interactive tour.

The Homeschool Program includes pioneer cooking, apple tasting, candle dipping, wool carding & farm chores, cider pressing, historical toy making & games and a visit to the corn & pumpkin patch.  Advance reservations are accepted online.

More Apple Farms in Oak Glen

In addition to the Riley family chain of farms, there are several other smaller farms in Oak Glen that are open for apple picking including:

Willowbrook Apple Farm

The Swanson family invites you to visit Willowbrook Apple Farm and enjoy a day apple picking in the country at their small family farm.   A mere hour’s drive from Los Angeles and Orange County transports you to babbling brooks, fresh air and a 100 year old apple orchard.

Law’s Apple Shed & Cider Mill

Law’s Apple Shed & Cider Mill has over 35 varieties of local home-grown apples and cider.  The mill is home to Oak Glen’s smallest stand and finest quality apples.

Wood Acres is Oak Glen’s best-kept secret.  The farm is a quiet retreat tucked in a verdant canyon below the main drag and home to 28 varieties of apples.

Snow-Line Orchard

Snow-Line Orchard has an original packing shed, historic cider mill, ancient chestnut tree and beautiful picnic grounds.  They carry a broad selection of products including fresh apples and cider, u-pick raspberries, cider mini donuts, artisan balsamics and oils, local honey, unique gifts, and farm made wine and hard cider.   Snow Line Apple Orchard is also home to the oldest Chestnut tree west of the Mississippi.

Parrish Pioneer Ranch

In 1866, Enoch Kidder Parrish arrived in Oak Glen and traded four mules and a wagon for 160 acres of land.  By 1867 he had planted the first full-scale orchard in Oak Glen, just over an acre of mainly Rome Beauty trees.  Apples from this historic orchard are on sale in the main barn each fall along with cider, apple butter, jams, jellies and syrups.

Parrish Ranch is also home to a variety of wildlife and local farm animals.  They have pygmy goats, alpacas, a miniature donkey named Miss Covergirl and her best friend, Cinderella the miniature horse.  In addition to the livestock there are emu, a variety of chickens, turkeys, and peafowl.

Top 5 Tips For Apple Picking in Oak Glen

• The best time to go apple picking is during the week when the farms are not as crowded.
• The weather up on the mountain is unpredictable at times.  I recommend that you bring a hat, sunscreen and a jacket for all scenarios.
• Bring your own reusable bags for apple picking.
• There are a few public parks in the area where you can have a picnic.
• Purchase a few homemade apple pies to take home with you for Thanksgiving.  They freeze well!

Happy Apple Picking!

More Things To Do With Kids in the Inland Empire:

Logan’s Candies Candy Cane Making Demonstration

Insider Tips For Visiting Cabazon Dinosaurs

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center

Best Homeschool Field Trips in San Bernardino County

Best Places To See Wildflowers in the Inland Empire

Saturday 11th of September 2021

Which farms can I buy Jonah old from?

Thursday 16th of September 2021

You would need to call each farm and ask what crops they carry thing year.

Best Tips For Julian Apple Picking - SoCal Field Trips

Friday 11th of September 2020

[…] the fall, many Southern Californians head out of the the city to the cooler climates of Oak Glen, Antelope Valley or Julian for a day of apple picking, cider pressing, and yes, pie eating. […]

Irvine Park Railroad’s Annual Pumpkin Patch - SoCal Field Trips

Friday 20th of September 2019

[…] 5 Tips for Apple Picking in Oak Glen […]

Carrie Kleckner

Thursday 25th of July 2019

I’ve been to all of the farms since I live near there & I know I haven’t experience everything there is in Oak Glen yet! It is a beautiful place to explore for sure! One piece of advice I have is that some farms only have pippin apples to pick & those apples are only good for baking. My experience at Los Rio Rancho was only Pippins available to pick. Make sure you ask what apples you are picking & see if that fits your need.

Friday 26th of July 2019

Thanks for the tips!

Friday 10th of May 2019

Is there a reservation to call to come in any days and weekend ? Is there entrance fee ? How much do they charge per lb ? Thanks

Sunday 19th of May 2019

You need to check each individual farm's website for dates and times. Thank you!

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Special Events , Season Passes , Field Trips

Field Trips

Book a field trip at blackberry farm.

Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. Our educational experiences complement classroom curriculum for grades Pre-K and up. Topics and hands-on activities align with Illinois State Standards. Below are the different field trips to review when deciding which field trip would best for your group.

• Self-Guided Field Trips (May - Sept.)
• Guided Field Trips (Sept. - Oct.)
• How to Book Your Field Trip

Self-Guided Field Trips (May – September)

Self-Guided field trips are offered May-September. Self Guided field trips allow students to explore educational exhibits and demonstrations in addition to all of Blackberry Farm’s rides and activities. For more information about Blackberry Farm’s historical sites and attractions please visit our Plan Your Visit page.

May : Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm June-August : Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm September : Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm

Illinois State Standard: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.B.1a, 16.A.1c, 16.A.1b, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.E.2a

Field Trip reservations cannot be scheduled on Free Museum Days (2024 Dates: June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31, August 14)

Guided Field Trips (September & October)

Guided field trips are offered September & October. Field trips are 2 hours in length and have a minimum of 25 students and a maximum of 100 students. Please Note: Blackberry Farm is closed to the public during guided field trips. Only the sites involved with the field trip will be open during the visit.

September : Monday – Thursday, 9:30 or 10 a.m. October : Monday-Friday, 9:30 or 10 a.m.

Apple Hayride (Pre-K to Grade 2):

Take a tractor-driven hayride to the farm’s own apple orchard, learn about the legend of Johnny Appleseed, see and use an antique apple press and sample some tasty apple treats.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 16.A.1A, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.1

Pioneer Exploration (Grades 1 to 2):

Step into the life of a child from the 1800s. Students will receive a lesson in our One-room Schoolhouse, try their hand at daily chores at the Pioneer Cabin, visit with the weaver for a hands-on experience working with wool and learn about animals at the Discovery Barn.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 18.B.1a,18.C.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.D.2b, 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2B, 16.E.2a

Destination 1800s (Grades 3 to 5):

Through hands-on and interactive activities, students will step back in time to learn why pioneers chose to move to Illinois and how they survived. Explore the Pioneer Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Print Shop and Weaver’s Cabin.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.2, 18.B.1a, 18.C.1, 18.C.2, 15.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.C.2c, 17.D.2b, 16.A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2b, 16.E.2a

One-Room Schoolhouse (Grades 2 to 5):

The One-room Schoolhouse program offers an immersive experience in the life of children of the 1800s. Activities will be led in the most authentic way possible and simulate actual lessons and activities form the days of the One-room Schoolhouse. Maximum number: 30 Students.

Illinois State Standards: 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d

Please follow the link below for the required request form you will need to fill out in order to book your field trip.

Self-Guided Field Trip Form

Guided Field Trip Form

• Download the appropriate form for your field trip type, fill out all fields, and email it to [email protected] .
• A Blackberry Farm staff member will respond to your request within 48 hours. Blackberry Farm takes all inquiries on a first-come, first-served basis, and your submission will be responded to in the order in which it was received.
• Once your field trip has been officially booked a confirmation email will be sent including all of your field trip details.

Still unsure which field trip would best fit your group needs? Have additional questions for our staff? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

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12 Amazing Field Trips Every Idahoan Took As A Kid (And Should Retake Now)

Super-rad musician, scholar, photographer, and traveler. The Mountain West and larger PNW = home, but can be found wherever there's adventure.

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As just about any kid will tell you, the best days of the schoolyear are field trip days – a distant second would be the occasional movie day (even those monotone documentaries were better than endless worksheets!) Whether to the zoo, the local museum, or to somewhere a little more exotic, getting out and learning a few new tidbits while seeing old sights is always worth it! But, I’ll let you in on a little secret… you don’t have to be eight years old to take a field trip or enjoy your state from a new perspective. In fact, if you cast your adult-hat aside and step back into childhood for a day, you might just find yourself caught up in awe of our historic and diverse state. Take the time to explore all those places you explored as a child, and you might just be surprised at how little (or much) things have changed. For a day of fun reliving your childhood rediscovering the joy of discovery, here are 12 places you’ve probably already visited, but should definitely take a second look at:

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Ah, nostalgia! Where was your favorite field trip as a child? Let us know!

What other epic things are there to do in Idaho during the summer?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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2024 Field Trips at IBG

Offered April - May and October

Last approx. 90 minutes

*Facilitated Field Trips are fully booked, but there are still openings for the Self-Guided Experience!

Self-Guided Experience

New this year, if your group has 25 students or less, please reserve a Self-Guided Experience where an IBG Education Team Member will greet your group and then you explore the Garden on your own. 

Here are some ideas for your Self-Guided visit:

Experience a story in motion as your group moves through and reads pages (geared towards young learners)

Visit our Koi Pond

Use our monthly What’s Blooming as a group scavenger hunt

Fairy House Exhibit – May

Scarecrows – October

Explore our 12 curated Garden spaces

Ready, Set, Grow 

Grade 1 (full).

Students will learn about different plant characteristics, the function of plant parts, and apply their knowledge by labeling parts of plants in our Vegetable Garden.

Idaho Content Standard: 1-LS-1.1

Habitat Investigations 

Grade 2 (full).

Students will learn how to use a tool and apply their observation skills to identify different plants and animals in the Garden based on their similarities and differences.

Idaho Content Standard: 2-LS-2.1

Flower Power

Grade 3 (full).

Students will learn about the parts of a flower involved in reproduction, utilize a microscope, learn about pollinator preferences, and grow the Garden’s collection by planting a flower.

Idaho Content Standard: 3-LS-2.1

Experiential learning outdoors!  

The Idaho Botanical Garden is a nonprofit living museum dedicated to furthering science education and environmental stewardship in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Our goal is to nurture a fascination with the natural world through a variety of hands-on outdoor programs including on-site field trips that meet Idaho Content Standards for K-3rd grade learners.

We are currently offering Facilitated Field Trips for K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade learners. * NOTE: Facilitated Field Trips are fully booked, but there are still openings for the Self-Guided Experience!

We can accommodate up to 60 learners per time.

Our 90-minute outdoor programs include three hands-on learning stations, revamped grade-specific STEAM curriculum, and experiential learning in a living museum lead by an IBG facilitator.

New this year, if your group has 25 students or less, please reserve a Self-Guided Experience where an IBG Education Team Member will greet your group and then you explore the Garden on your own. To reserve, view the information below.

Learn more about each option below. 

Getting Here

Bike walk, skate, or carpool. We love our planet and we love it when our guests use alternative forms of transportation. But if driving is a must, here are some directions! 

2355 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, Idaho 83712

Plan your Visit 

To schedule a visit:

View updates to the programming options above.

Complete the online booking form for the option that is best for your group (i.e. Self-Guided or Facilitated Field Trip) to reserve a time for your learners.

Scholarship Opportunities & Funding Assistance

Limited scholarships (including busing reimbursement funds) are available for groups needing financial assistance. Please complete the scholarship form if you or your learners need financial assistance. We will reach out to you with more information. Funding requests will be awarded by the Idaho Botanical Garden based on our commitment to prioritizing providing opportunities to under-served populations and learners.

The Idaho EcosySTEM also has funding options to assist with transportation costs; please see here for information.

Please email [email protected]

Sprouts: All About

Growing - grade k (full).

Students will learn about what plants need to live and grow, investigate compost to see that it is alive, and visit a unique part of the Garden.

Idaho Content Standards: K-LS-1.1 and K-ESS-2.1

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Deepfake of U.S. Official Appears After Shift on Ukraine Attacks in Russia

A manufactured video fabricated comments by the State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller.

• Share full article

By Michael Crowley ,  Valerie Hopkins and Edward Wong

Michael Crowley reported from Washington; Valerie Hopkins from Berlin and Belgorod; and Edward Wong from Prague, while traveling with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

A day after U.S. officials said Ukraine could use American weapons in limited strikes inside Russia, a deepfake video of a U.S. spokesman discussing the policy appeared online. The fabricated video, which is drawn from actual footage, shows the State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, seeming to suggest that the Russian city of Belgorod, just 25 miles north of Ukraine’s border with Russia, was a legitimate target for such strikes.

The 49-second video clip, which has an authentic feel despite telltale clues of manipulation, illustrates the growing threat of disinformation and especially so-called deepfake videos powered by artificial intelligence.

U.S. officials said they had no information about the origins of the video. But they are particularly concerned about how Russia might employ such techniques to manipulate opinion around the war in Ukraine or even American political discourse.

Belgorod “has essentially no civilians remaining,” the video purports to show Mr. Miller saying at the State Department in response to a reporter’s question, which was also manufactured. “It’s practically full of military targets at this point, and we are seeing the same thing starting in the regions around there.”

“Russia needs to get the message that this is unacceptable,” Mr. Miller adds in the video, which has been circulating on Telegram channels followed by residents of Belgorod widely enough to draw responses from Russian government officials.

The claim in the video about Belgorod is completely false. While it has been the target of some Ukrainian attacks, and its schools operate online, its 340,000 residents have not been evacuated.

The false assertions that civilians have fled and that the city is mainly a military zone might imply a Western willingness to support indiscriminate strikes there, which is not the case.

President Biden has given Ukraine what officials call limited permission to use American weapons for self-defensive strikes inside Russia. The shift in policy came in response to Russia’s positioning just inside its border of missiles, glide bombs and artillery shells that it is using to attack the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and its surrounding areas.

The video also shows Mr. Miller seeming to respond to a reporter’s contention — also manipulated — that other countries are “allowing their weapons to strike deep within Russian territory,” which is not accurate, although some Western leaders have said their weapons can be used to hit border targets in Russia that are threatening Ukraine.

“So we’re going to back our allies in whatever they decide to do, and maybe help some of the folks who are on the fence about this make the right choice,” Mr. Miller is made to say.

Mr. Miller, who was traveling with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken this week in Moldova and the Czech Republic, denounced the video in a statement.

“The Kremlin has made spreading disinformation a core strategy for misleading people both inside Russia and beyond its borders,” he said. “It’s hard to think of a more convincing sign your decisions aren’t working out than having to resort to outright fakes to defend them to your own people, not to mention the rest of the world.”

Several Russian media outlets and websites referred to or disseminated the video, with no mention that the lip sync was off — or that Mr. Miller’s shirt and tie changed color midway.

As it happens, combating Russian disinformation was a central theme of Mr. Blinken’s latest trip. In both Moldova and the Czech Republic, he spoke publicly of such assaults in European nations engineered by pro-Russia propagandists. In many cases, the actors spread lies using networks on social media platforms, including through fake accounts.

At a meeting on Friday in Prague, Mr. Blinken and his counterparts from other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization discussed how to blunt Russian disinformation and other types of “hybrid attacks” aimed at eroding governance and democratic systems in the United States and European allied nations.

“I can tell you that in the meeting today, virtually every ally was seized with this intensification of Russia’s hybrid attacks,” Mr. Blinken said at a news conference on Friday afternoon. “We know what they’re up to, and we’ll respond both individually and collectively as necessary.”

At the first stop on the trip , in Chisinau, Moldova, U.S. officials and their counterparts discussed the online propaganda aimed at undermining the president, Maia Sandu, who has been pushing for Moldova to enter the European Union and is up for re-election in October.

On Thursday, Mr. Blinken and Jan Lipavsky, the foreign minister of the Czech Republic, signed a memorandum of understanding in Prague to counter “foreign state information manipulation,” the State Department said.

Joining the trip was James P. Rubin , who had Mr. Miller’s job in the Clinton administration and is now a special envoy dealing with disinformation and coordinator for the State Department’s Global Engagement Center.

Mr. Miller’s phony remarks were repeated verbatim on the Telegram channel of Russia’s Human Rights Council, a state body that nominally advises President Vladimir V. Putin. The council’s account then shared the angry response of its chairman, Valery Fadeyev.

“Washington deliberately does not want to notice Kyiv’s obvious crimes against humanity,” Mr. Fadeyev wrote. “I don’t particularly expect that this information will be conveyed to the cynic from the State Department, but the truth is ours in any case.”

Mr. Fadeyev, in his post condemning Mr. Miller’s “lies,” suggested that the United States did not understand that civilians were at risk in Belgorod. He said that at least 175 civilians had been killed in the Belgorod region and another 800 injured since February 2022.

Russia’s state news agency TASS ran an article on Thursday based on Mr. Fadeyev’s comments. As of Friday night, the Human Rights Council had not issued a statement on its Telegram channel acknowledging that the video was fake.

The Insider, an independent Russian outlet with a section dedicated to rooting out fake news, noted that the video was also available on the Russian social network VK, which is now controlled by businessmen close to Mr. Putin, and other websites run by pro-war propagandist Aleksandr Kots.

Life in Belgorod is far from normal: Schools operate online only, and air raid sirens wail regularly. Explosions are regularly heard, with buildings damaged and civilians killed. A spate of explosions on Dec. 30, 2023, that Moscow blamed on Ukraine killed 25 people and injured at least 100. The explosions came one day after Russian airstrikes in cities across Ukraine killed 57 and wounded 160.

Some regions near the border have been evacuated, and many smaller towns and villages within range of the border are regularly subject to drone and artillery attacks from Ukraine. In late April, Belgorod’s regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that at least 120 civilians, including 11 children, had died as a result of Ukrainian strikes. He said that another 651 people had been injured since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Julian E. Barnes contributed reporting from Washington.

Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries and often travels with the secretary of state. More about Michael Crowley

Valerie Hopkins covers the war in Ukraine and how the conflict is changing Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the United States. She is based in Moscow. More about Valerie Hopkins

Edward Wong is a diplomatic correspondent who has reported for The Times for more than 24 years from New York, Baghdad, Beijing and Washington. He was on a team of Pulitzer Prize finalists for Iraq War coverage. More about Edward Wong

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

The decision by the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia  with American-made weapons fulfills a long-held wish by officials in Kyiv  that they claimed was essential to level the playing field.

In recent days, Ukraine has conducted a series of drone attacks inside Russia  that target radar stations used as early nuclear warning systems by Moscow.

Top Ukrainian military officials have warned that Russia is building up troops near northeastern Ukraine , raising fears that a new offensive push could be imminent.

Zelensky Interview: In an interview with the New York Times, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine challenged the West  over its reluctance to take bolder action.

Russia’s RT Network : RT, which the U.S. State Department describes as a key player in the Kremlin’s propaganda apparatus, has been blocked in Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine. Its content is still spreading .

Striking a Chord: A play based on a classic 19th-century novel, “The Witch of Konotop,” is a smash hit among Ukrainians who see cultural and historical echoes  in the story of what they face after two years of war.

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .