7 orchards where families can pick apples in the Pittsburgh region

Apple-picking season is here and there are many reasons why we love it: Apples are portable and packable, they keep fresh longer than many fruits and they’re filled with nutritious benefits, including plenty of fiber, antioxidants and water to keep kids hydrated. And in the Pittsburgh region, you can spend a morning or afternoon picking apples with your kids. 

Fun fact: Pennsylvania ranks among the top 10 apple-producing states in the country, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, with more than 5,000 orchards harvesting about 240 million bushels of apples each year.

Some of those apple orchards are within easy reach of Pittsburgh families, who can fill baskets with apples they’ve picked themselves. This farm-to-table experience teaches kids where food comes from, and there’s a bonus: Many local farms entertain kids with special activities on-site.

If you’re new to apple picking, it’s easy. And this tip will help: Before you arrive, teach kids that the best way to pick an apple is to roll it upwards toward the branch and give it a little twist, so that it pops off easily. That works much better than trying to pull an apple straight down off the branch.

Also, if the apple doesn’t come off easily, that means it’s not ripe enough. Move onto another apple. Last suggestion: Place your picked apples gently in a basket or bag to prevent bruising. Then head home to enjoy the fruit of your labor!

Here are details on seven orchards where kids and grownups are welcome to pick apples in our area:

Norman’s Orchard, Frazer Township

Norman’s Orchard is welcoming families to pick apples beginning on Sept. 5 this year. You can pick Empire, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Gala and Jonamac apples, as well as Seckel, Bosc and Lincoln pears. Hours this apple season will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. (Norman’s is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and is cash-only.) 

As with so many local farms, there is history here: The Norman family started production at their farm in 1958. You won’t find the same sorts of kids’ entertainment at Norman’s that some orchards offer. But families head to this orchard for its unique specialty fruit and heirloom apples that can’t be found in stores.

Antique varieties include Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple, Esopus Spitzenburg, discovered in the early 1700s. The Roxbury Russet dates to 1635 and is the oldest apple native to North America. The Grimes Golden, parent to the Golden Delicious, was discovered in Virginia in 1804.

Call ahead at 724-224-9491 or check Norman’s Orchard’s Facebook page for dates and availability. 

Apple Castle, New Wilmington

The cheerfully named Apple Castle has been a part of the agricultural community in Western Pennsylvania for over 160 years. About 50 varieties of apples are grown there, along with peaches, nectarines, sweet corn, berries, asparagus and pumpkins. The farm’s pick-your-own-apple sessions are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 25 this year. Picking is also open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13 (Columbus Day).

Along with picking your own apples, visit the market bakery for the apple spice donuts, which have been popular for more than 30 years. This signature donut is made from Apple Castle cider and comes with all sorts of tasty toppings. Other specialty seasonal donuts are created every Friday and Saturday.

Follow Apple Castle’s Facebook page for updates on pick-your-own dates.

Half Crown Hill Orchard and Apiary, McDonald

Half Crown Hill is the type of orchard little kids love: The dwarf apple trees are low enough for them to reach the branches and pluck fruit easily. The farm grows 17 varieties on 1,300 trees within its four acres.

Buckeye Gold, Blondee, Gale Gala and Ginger Gold are the first apples ready to pick. Apple ripening continues into October with varieties like Hampshire Mac, Snapp Stayman and Smokehouse. Pick-your-own is offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. (Check their Facebook or Instagram pages or call 412-913-4981 for the most updated pick-your-own information.)

Kids can also take turns shooting the Apple Slingshot, blowing giant bubbles and meeting the Nigerian dwarf goats. The farm’s observational beehive will give a nature lesson in making honey. Be sure to stop in the market for fresh-pressed apple cider, apple butter and baked goods. Orchard Hill’s honey collection includes specialty items like hot honey, creamed honey, lemon-ginger creamed honey, chocolate creamed honey and raspberry-lemon creamed honey. These are great for adding to a buttered biscuit or as an ice cream topping.

Shenot Farm, Wexford

The Shenot family has been farming in Wexford for six generations, reaching back to 1854. Shenot Farm’s 15 acres of apple orchards grow 25 varieties of apples for eating and for cooking. You’ll find everything from old-school McIntosh and Red Delicious to exotically named Crimson Topaz and Nova Spy.

You can also visit the market for fresh-picked corn, award-winning apple cider and a variety of colorful vegetables. And don’t miss the Fudge Room. You might lose all sense of time deciding your favorite among the 50-plus flavors of small-batch fudge.

Join the email list and follow the farm’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates on pick-your-own dates and upcoming events.

Soergel Orchards, Wexford

Six generations of the Soergel family operate six regional farms. Soergel Orchards in Wexford is the original homestead and orchard where pick-your-own farm visits started about 30 years ago. Seasonal visits have become a tradition for many Pittsburgh families.

The Soergel family welcomes farm visitors to their Wexford orchard for apple picking beginning Sept. 13 this year, with the opening of its Fall Festival. The festival runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 26. Apple picking, pumpkin picking and kids’ activities are included in the fun.

Beyond the fields and orchard, kids can explore Tiny Town and the petting zoo. Soergel’s Scoops offers Perry’s Ice Cream in flavors like Super Hero and Graham Canyon. And Soergel’s is a shopper’s paradise with the farm market, gift barn, garden center and wine shop. Visit the farm’s Facebook page for schedule updates.

Triple B Farms, Monongahela

Apple-picking is now open at Triple B Farms every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Times depend on crop availability and weather, so check updates on Triple B’s Facebook page before going. Gala and Honeycrisp are being harvested now. A total of 15 varieties, from Ginger Gold and Sweet Zinger to Ludacrisp and Somerset make their way onto the crop calendar. Apple picking is set at a minimum of 1 bag (about 15-20 apples) per two adults priced at $20 per peck (about 12 pounds).

Pop’s Funyard is another reason to visit Triple B. The massive playground entertains kids on weekends through the fall. Giggle with the cackling Chicken Show, zoom around on a Scootin’ Scooter, bounce on the Jumping Pillows and zip down the Squirrel Hill and Liberty tunnel slides. Admission is $7.50 this year.

Pick-your-own extends to the flowerbeds, too, where you can snip a gorgeous bouquet of zinnias, cosmos, celosia, ageratum, rudbeckia and sunflowers — from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends. And you’ll find delicious produce, including sweet corn, in the market.

Simmons Farm, McMurray

Apple picking is underway at Simmons Farm (and pumpkin-picking begin Sept. 13 this year). They’ve also added fall candle-making workshops (details here). You’ll find a range of apples, including Gala, Ginger Gold, Jonagold and Granny Smith, throughout the orchard. Looking for a favorite? Call ahead (724-941-1490) or check the farm’s website or Facebook page to confirm what’s available on a given day. A minimum of ½ peck (about 6 pounds) is required for purchase for those over age 16. Hours vary and include some evening hours. Times are dependent on weather and apple availability, so call or keep an eye on social media for updates.

Also, don’t miss the flower fields for pick-your-own flowers.  For a flat rate, kids will get a bucket and scissors to fill with as many stems as they can fit. Tentative hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Kids will also get a kick out of the petting zoo where they can visit with goats, sheep, ducks and chickens. Make a day out of your visit and pack a lunch to enjoy at picnic tables or under the pavilion. And get details here on fall hayrides, beginning Sept. 13. 

Photo at top of this guide by Jen Theodore via Unsplash.