🍏 The Ultimate Family Guide to Apple Orchards Near the DMV

busyboymomchronicl
Oct 1
2 min read

Yes, we know it's Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival season, but nothing says fall like a family trip to the apple orchard! Whether you want a quick drive from the city or a full-day adventure, the DMV is packed with orchards where kids can run, parents can relax, and everyone leaves with a basket of crisp apples (plus cider donuts, of course).

Here’s our family-tested, kid-approved guide:

🌳 Close to DC (under 1 hour)

Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD)

A classic! Wagon rides, pumpkin patch, and a giant farm market make this a go-to for families.

Parent Tip: Grab their apple cider donuts for the ride home.

Homestead Farm (Poolesville, MD)

Laid-back and dog-friendly. Kids love the farm animals and honey sticks from the market.

Bonus: ages 1 and under Free admission

Larriland Farm (Woodbine, MD)

So much more than apples—hayrides, straw maze, and food trucks.

🎃Parent Tip: Check out their “Boo Barn” in October for a kid-friendly spooky experience.

Gaver Farm (Mount Airy, MD)

Perfect for little kids with shorter apple trees and a huge Fall Fun Fest play area.

Highlight: Giant slides and jumping pillows keep kids busy for hours.

🍎 A Little Further (1–2 hours)

Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA)

A full-day adventure! Apples, pig races, jumping pillows, and mountain views.

Pro Hack: They usually have a yearly Dinofest too.

Baugher’s Orchards & Farm Market (Westminster, MD)

Classic wagon rides, a petting zoo, and playgrounds make this a big win for kids.

🐐Bonus: Their petting zoo is always a hit with toddlers.

Hollin Farms (Delaplane, VA)

Apples plus seasonal veggies = double the fun. Stunning mountain backdrop.

🥕Idea: Let the kids pick apples and dig for potatoes or pumpkins.

Milburn Orchards (Elkton, MD)

Lots of apple varieties plus their “BIG Backyard” festival full of kids’ activities.

🎡Highlight: Free wagon rides out to the orchards.

🍂 Day-Trip Adventures (2+ hours)

Marker-Miller Orchards (Winchester, VA)

Big orchard with donuts, pies, and a playground for the kids. A true all-day outing.

🍩Family Favorite: Their cider donuts are worth the drive.

Carter Mountain Orchard (Charlottesville, VA)

Famous for its breathtaking views and warm cider donuts. Best for families who want a full fall road trip.

📸Photo Tip: Go at sunset for the dreamiest family pictures.

Vessey Orchards (Eastern Shore, MD)

A scenic orchard with fun fall events like “Cider Days.”

🌊Bonus: Make it a beach + orchard combo day trip if you’re up for an adventure.

💡 Why Families Love Apple Picking

Kids get fresh air & room to explore 🌳
Parents get baskets of apples + seasonal treats 🥧
Affordable family fun (usually just pay for what you pick) 💵
A fall memory you’ll repeat year after year 🍁

✨ Ready to go? Pack snacks, wear boots (it gets muddy!), and bring extra bags—you’ll be surprised how quickly your apples add up.

🍎 Which orchard will your family try first this fall?