Apple picking season is here! Several Northeast Ohio farms prepare for visitors in September.
From north to south, I recommend checking out our local apple orchards for a day trip with your children, friends and family. 
Bauman Orchards in Rittman offers U-Pick apples, where you fill up bags or your own basket with apples that you select right off their apple trees.
Bauman Orchards grows several varieties. Cortlan, Gala, Honeycrisp, Johnathan, McIntosh and Yellow Delicious are among the varieties that are ready for picking starting in September.
The orchard’s ripening calendar shows apples will be prime for picking starting the first three weeks of September and lasting into October.
My sister, young daughter and I loved exploring the rows of apple trees at the orchard.
My daughter was only 2 at the time and she loved pulling the apples off the trees. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, making memories and maybe eventually an apple crisp or apple pie.
We made an apple crisp that was delicious. There’s nothing better than fresh apples from Ohio’s backyard. I also cut up apples in small sticks to make apple fries for my daughter at lunch time. Just add some peanut butter for dipping and you have a healthy snack!
This was one of my favorite experiences with my little one. It’s great for kids of all ages and they offer a fun swingset on the property for playtime or a mini picnic. We talked about all the fun treats we could bake with the apples and yes, I let her eat an apple she picked right off the tree.
Bauman Orchards’ 2022 Fall Festivals are scheduled for September 17, 24 and October 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These events feature additional activities including homemade cider donuts, apple cider, a food truck, live music, visiting with animals and pony rides. You can find more details here.
We also stopped by Patterson Fruit Farm last year for apple picking and fall fun. They have an expansive playground featuring toy tractors, slides and jumping in corn!
We had a fun playdate on the farm where the little ones picked apples and played on the farm’s playground. You immediately feel like you’re living down on the farm when you hop onto their wagon, which carries guests from the parking lot to the apple picking and play area.
Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland, Ohio, is kicking off its Family Fun Fest on September 17. The events run through October 30.
So make your plans now before the weeks fly by!
In addition to finding an apple or fall themed outfit for some cute pictures of your child, I also suggest packing some kid friendly snacks, sandwiches and drinks to take with you on your road trips to compliment the delicious apples that Ohio is known for. Don’t forget comfortable shoes and wet wipes!
You’ll find plenty of sweet treats along your way!
If you have other orchards that you recommend in the area, please comment below!