When summer in the Ocean State bids us farewell, autumn welcomes us with an abundance of timeless family traditions. Apple picking in Rhode Island is one of those cherished fall activities. Gather the family on a crisp autumn day and head to one of the nearby apple orchards in Rhode Island and allow your senses to be immersed.
If family fun in the crisp fall air isn’t reason enough to head to your local orchard, just think about all the apple goodness you can make afterward! I’m already dreaming of apple pie, apple cobbler, apple sauce, and, of course, apple cider donuts!
While you are out and about, try our suggestions for great walking trails in Rhode Island, or take one of these scenic drives. Also, check out our favorite pumpkin patches and corn mazes this fall.
Best Apple Orchards in Rhode Island
There are so many places to pick apples in RI. Below is just a sampling of some of my local favorites for apple picking near Providence RI.
Barden Family Orchard, North Scituate
What started with a few apple trees in 1931, has now developed into a plentiful fruit and vegetable farm and has even been featured on PBS! In addition to apples, Barden Family Orchard also grows peaches, blueberries, raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, and more.
Barden offers “pick-your-own” generally from the beginning of September to early November or the first hard freeze. There are a wide variety of apple varietals available to pick. When you visit, you must pre-purchase a bag of various sizes in the farm market. In harvest season, visitors NOT picking apples need to pay an entrance fee of $15 for each adult and $10 for each child seven and over.
The farm stand is open daily from August 1st through Halloween and offers fresh fruit, corn, apple cider made on-premises, apple cider donuts, jams, honey, syrup, and other local specialties.
Barden Family Orchard is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Barden Family Orchard is located at 56 Elmdale Road North Scituate, RI 02857
Dame Farm, Johnston
Dame Farm offers flower picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall. This family farm has been around for seven generations and has evolved from dairy farming to apple orchards and now gorgeous flower fields. The farm is still family-run and four generations can be found on the farm today.
When apple picking at Dame Farm, customers need to pre-purchase a picking bag and there is a minimum purchase required based on the size of your group for everyone 10 and older.
In addition to apple picking, the farm stand offers fresh produce, autumn decorations, flowers, and freshly-picked fruit. There are many photo opportunities spread throughout the farm to capture family memories.
Dame Farm is located at 91B Brown Avenue Johnston, RI 02919
Jaswell’s Farm, Smithfield
Located in the heart of “Apple Valley,” Jaswell’s Farm has been in operation since 1899. Still family-run, now in its fourth generation, Jaswell’s Farm has even been named the 7th best pick-your-own apple orchard in the United States to visit by USA today.
In addition to apple picking, Jaswell’s operates an impressive farm stand and market that reopens in late July. They make some of my favorite apple cider donuts in the state…especially when you can get them when they are hot! You will also find apple pie, apple turnovers, and other delicious baked goods.
Jaswell’s Farm has 14 varieties of apples to choose from. Apple picking is by the pound and they provide a bag or basket for picking and you pay when finished.
Jaswell’s Farm is located at 50 Swan Road Smithfield, RI 02917
Knight Farm, North Scituate
Knight Farm is a pick-your-own orchard that also boasts a breakfast/lunch restaurant, ice cream shop, and cider donut bakery. Built in 1800, Knight Farm has been in operation for over 200 years. This farm even houses a historical cemetery.
Visit the bakery to purchase your bag before picking. The orchard is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week during the season. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. year-round, excluding Christmas.
Knight Farm is located at 1 Snake Hill Road North Scituate, RI
Phantom Farms, Cumberland
This farm might lack acreage, but it boasts a farmers’ market full of country spirit. Over the years, the market has expanded to become a local favorite for coffee, pastry, and specialty goods including pies.
Phantom Farms is still expanding, but while those trees are growing, public picking is limited so be sure to go early in the season and keep an eye out for many special fall events. You can also pick up some beautiful fall decor while you are there.
Phantom Farms is located at 2920 Diamond Hill Road Cumberland, RI 02864
Pippin Orchard, Cranston
From their baked goods like apple cider donuts, honey, farm fresh eggs, jams, apples, and more, Pippin Orchard has fall food (and fun) covered. Pippin grows eight varieties of apples: Macintosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, and Red Delicious. What is unique about this orchard is that they encourage you to try the apples before picking as the trees are not marked. They provide little baskets throughout the orchard to dispose of your eaten cores!
Plus, this orchard is perfect for little ones as it is fenced in and the trees are on a hill so you can see below the tree line almost the entire way! Parking is limited and street parking is the second option. Be prepared to walk as this is a popular spot for families in the fall.
Apples are charged per bag, not per pound, so visit the farm stand to purchase a bag before you begin.
Pippin Orchard is located at 751 Pippin Orchard Road Cranston, RI 02921
Apple picking is just one of the timeless traditions families partake in during the fall months. If you are looking for more ways to get outdoors during the season, be sure to read about the other ways families can enjoy fall in Rhode Island.
Note: Please check with the orchard directly for current pricing, hours, and apple availability. Remember that some apple orchards get picked out quickly for public apple picking. If you are going apple picking, be sure to check out these apple picking tips.
You may also be interested in…
- 110 Things to do in Rhode Island
- Best pumpkin patches in Rhode Island
- Best corn mazes in Rhode Island
- Things to do in Rhode Island in the winter
- Things to do in Rhode Island in the spring
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
