Attractions

Honeygold Apple with October Snow on Branch

Despite the snow here in Minnesota, the calendar says it’s fall, the time of year that says “orchard” to many people.  With the expansion of “agritainment” venues, a visit to the orchard is now about much more than just apples.  These are some favorite fall orchard activities.

1. Pick-your-own Apples.  If you don’t have your own apple trees, going to an orchard to pick your own juicy snack is a great family activity.
   

   Apple Trees at an Orchard

2. Pumpkin Patch.  Many orchards have pumpkin patches where you either can pick your own pumpkin out of a field or choose from a variety of pre-picked pumpkins so you can have that perfect jack-o-lantern for Halloween.
   

   Apple Orchard Pumpkin Patch

3. Hayride.  Sitting on a bale-filled hayrack pulled by an antique tractor through an orchard is a beautiful way to enjoy the day and take a look at just how many apple trees are in an orchard.
   

   Hayride at Minnetonka Orchards, Minnetrista, MN

4. Corn Maze.  While corn mazes are the main attraction for some agritainment venues, many orchards have corn mazes of their own to help complete the orchard-farm experience.
   

   Corn Maze at an Apple Orchard

5. Straw Pile.  Unless your kids have a barn full of straw, jumping on a pile of hay is a novelty.
   

   Straw Pile at Minnesota's Carlson Orchards

6. Corn Pit.  Playing in a pit of corn can be fun for both kids and adults.
   

   Corn Pit at Sever's Corn Maze

7. Apple Cider and Apple Pie and Apple Doughnuts and Apple Jelly.  The variety of products available at an orchard store will tempt many a tastebud.
   

   Orchard Store

8. Petting Zoos and Pony Rides.  Many orchards have animals available to complete the farm experience.
   

   Orchard Animals

9. Music and Special Events.  Whether it’s a polka band playing, clowns doing face-painting, or pie-making demonstrations, special events add some extra fun to a day at the orchard.
   

   Pie-making Demonstration

10. The Apples! Whether picking your own or buying pre-picked, a day at the orchard isn’t complete with bringing some apples home.  My favorites are Zestar and Honeycrisp.  What are yours?
    

    Haralson Apples Grown in North Dakota

Photo credits: minnemom on flickr

Linda (minnemom) visits one or two Minnesota orchards with her kids each fall. 
She writes about their trips at Travels with Children.

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