When summer in the Ocean State bids us farewell, fall 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 nearby apple orchards in Rhode Island and allow your senses to be immersed.
If the sights and sounds aren’t reason enough to head to your local orchard, just think about all the apple goodness you can make after! There are so many places to pick your apples in RI. Below is just a sampling of some of my local favorites for apple picking near Providence RI.
While you are out and about, try our suggestions for great hikes in Rhode Island or take one of these scenic drives. Also check out our favorite pumpkin patches and corn mazes this fall.
Apple Picking RI: The Best Apple Orchards in Rhode Island
56 Elmdale Road North Scituate, RI 02857 (401) 934-1413
What started with a few apple trees in 1931, has now developed into a plentiful fruit and vegetable farm. They have eight varieties of apples to choose from. You pre-purchase a bag (1 peck or ½ bushel) in their farm market where you can also purchase pre-made baked goods, cider and more treats. On Sundays they offer free tractor rides through the orchard. They are open weekdays 9am-6pm and weekends from 9am-5pm. Plenty of free parking available. Price varies upon type of apple you choose.
91B Brown Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 (401) 949-3657
Nine varieties of apples are scattered throughout seven acres at Dame Farm. Be sure to get your walking shoes ready! Each tree is accurately marked so you can ensure you are picking your favorite apple. You must visit the farm stand first to grab a picking bag and pay after you are done. Apples are $1.75 per pound with a $10 minimum. Make a day at the farm and visit their corn maze or take a ride on their hayride through the orchard, both $6 each. Open daily from 9:30-5pm. There is plenty of free parking available.
50 Swan Road Smithfield, RI 02917 (401) 231-9043
Located in the heart of “apple valley,” Jaswell’s Farm offers a variety of pick your own fruits and vegetables. Their picturesque orchard is worth a visit regardless of your desire to pick your own apples. Hayrides are available on Sundays from 1-4pm. They ask you bring a nonperishable item that will be delivered to the RI Food Bank as payment for the hayride. Picking is $2.00 per pound and is offered daily from 10am-4:30pm. They provide a bag or basket for picking and you pay when finished. Don’t forget to try their famous hot apple crisp, apple donuts and apple cider from the farm stand! Plenty of free parking is available.
1 Snake Hill Road North Scituate, RI (401)349-4408
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 prior to picking. A peck is $22 and a bushel is $32. There is a $2 cash discount for each bag purchase and all pick-your-own apples include a free hayride for a family of four during weekend hayride hours. Plenty of free parking available. Hours of PYO are daily during season 9am-5pm and restaurant is Wed-Sun 7am-1:30pm (year-round).
2920 Diamond Hill Road Cumberland, RI 02864 (401) 333-2240
This farm might lack acreage, but it boasts a farmers market full of country spirit. Hayrides are offered on the weekends and cost $1 per person. They also have a burlap maze free of charge for the kids to enjoy while you indulge in some of their baked goods or apple cider. Apple picking is offered 10am-4pm on weekdays and 7am-6pm on the weekends. Pre purchase bags outside the store prior to picking. Prices are 1 peck/$25 up to 4 people and 1 bushel/$35 up to 6 people. There is plenty of parking available in their lot and street parking is not recommended.
751 Pippin Orchard Road Cranston, RI 02921 (401) 943-7096
From their baked goods, honey, farm fresh eggs, jams, apples and more, Pippin Orchard has fall food (and fun) covered. What is unique about this orchard is that they actually 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 2nd option. Be prepared to walk as this is a popular spot for families in the fall. Open daily from 10am-4pm. Enter through the farm store and purchase a bag (holds about 12 lbs) for $24 and head to the orchard to start picking.
65 Milk Street, Blackstone, MA 01504
And as a bonus, just across the border in Massachusetts, Wojkik’s Farm offers apple picking, a corn maze, and tractor rides to the pumpkin patch. They supply bags, which cost $14 for a small and $22 for a large (which fits approximately 50 apples.) There is also a snack bar and country store with treats such as hot chocolate, apple cider, and apple cider donuts.
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. For now, choose the orchard that speaks to you and get picking!
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If you are looking for more ideas on how to spend your fall weekends in New England, how about trying one of these:
Fall weekend getaways in New England
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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.
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This post is written by Joy Adamonis. Joy is a full-time wife and mother to a twice-exceptional child. She advocates for better education, food allergy awareness, positive self-esteem and ending the mental health stigma.To fill her little piece of spare time, she is a blogger, freelance writer and runs a successful yoga & art therapy business. She encourages those around her to write and tell their stories, even if they think no one is listening. Keep the art of storytelling alive. You can read more about her at Joyfulnoise.blog
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 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.
