Why Apple Picking Is the Best Fall Tradition

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start crunching underfoot, I know it’s time for one of my favorite fall traditions—apple picking! There’s just something magical about walking through an orchard, bag in hand, and eating an apple fresh off the tree. For me, that first juicy bite says, yep, fall is officially here.

Over the years, apple picking has become more than just a way to stock up on fruit—it’s turned into a memory-making tradition that we look forward to every single year.

Here are my three favorite things to do in the orchard (plus a few bonus tips and ideas for what to do with all those apples once you get them home).

1. Snap All the Fall Photos

Some of my favorite fall pictures come straight from the orchard. We’ve got plenty of the kids proudly holding up their bags of apples, but the best ones are always the action shots—kids reaching high into the trees while perched on dad or grandpa’s shoulders, stretching for the perfect apple. Those are the photos that melt my heart every year.

And yes, we’ve even got a few of the dogs sneaking a taste, which makes the day extra fun.

Mom tip: Don’t stress about perfect “posed” photos. The real magic is in those candid moments—the sticky smiles, the silly apple bites, and the wobbly balance on someone’s shoulders. Those are the memories you’ll treasure most.

2. Host a Family Apple Taste Test

One of our traditions is picking up one of each variety the orchard offers and turning it into a family taste test. It’s so fun to compare flavors—some are tart, some super sweet, and some just perfect for baking.

The funny thing? Our favorites change year to year! Some seasons we love Honeycrisp, the next it’s Jonagold or Fuji. The kids love ranking their top three and making their case for which apple really deserves the crown.

Taste test tip: Slice them all up, number the plates, and vote secretly—then reveal the winner. It’s simple, but it always turns into lots of laughs (and plenty of apple slices).

3. Bring the Harvest Home for Baking

Loading up the car with bags of apples is the best part because it means baking season is officially on! We always keep family favorites in rotation but also try a new apple recipe every year.

Some of our go-to treats include:

• Apple pie

• Apple crisp and cobbler

• Apple dumplings (I love making a big batch and freezing them to enjoy all winter!)

• Homemade applesauce

• Caramel apples

And while everyone talks about cider donuts, my personal favorite orchard treat is the apple fritters—crispy, warm, and covered in glaze. Total fall heaven!

Mom hack: Freeze your apple creations. A pan of dumplings or crisp wrapped well in the freezer makes the best surprise dessert for a cold night later in the season.

Bonus: Tips for the Perfect Orchard Day

Want to make your apple-picking adventure extra fun (and stress-free)? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Give each kid their own bag. It avoids fights and lets them proudly show off their “haul.”

• Wear comfy shoes. Some orchards mean lots of walking (and the occasional muddy patch).

• Bring wipes or a towel. Sticky apple hands are part of the fun—but you’ll be glad you packed something to clean up.

• Go early in the season. The best apples (and best trees for photos) get picked quickly.

Bonus: What to Do With Extra Apples

If your kitchen is suddenly overflowing with apples (been there!), here are some other tasty ways to use them up besides pies and crisps:

• Serve with pork tenderloin – apples + pork = classic fall comfort food.

• Apple pancakes or waffles – stir chopped apples and cinnamon into your breakfast batter.

• Apple muffins – perfect for school lunches or snacks.

• Apple salad – toss apple slices with walnuts, cranberries, and spinach for a fresh side dish.

• Apple turkey sandwiches – layer thin slices on your turkey sandwiches for an extra crunch.

Pick your favorites, freeze what you can, and enjoy apples well past the orchard season.

Why Moms Should Make Time for Apple Picking

Apple picking isn’t just about filling bags with fruit—it’s about slowing down and making memories. It’s about kids stretching for apples from dad’s shoulders, sticky fingers sneaking bites in the orchard, and the cozy smell of baking once you’re home.

Life gets busy, but these simple traditions are the ones that stick. They’re the memories our kids will carry with them, long after the apples are gone.

So this fall, grab your family, head to the orchard, and make a day of it. Take the photos, taste test the apples, bake all the things—and don’t forget the apple fritters.