Apple Hill in Placerville, California is a beloved fall tradition for many families in Northern California. The area is home to over 50 apple orchards, farms, and ranches that welcome visitors to pick their own apples, go on hayrides, and enjoy delicious baked goods and cider. It’s the perfect place for a day trip with kids any weekend throughout October.
Top Stops in Apple Hill
First stop is High Hill Ranch for apple picking. They have a great kids area with small trees perfect for little hands to pick apples. Have a blast filling up bags with Gravenstein, Fuji, and Gala apples. The orchard has wagons to rent if your kids get tired of walking.
An absolute must stop at Rainbow Orchards. The apple cider donuts here are incredible, and grab a gallon of cider for home. Picnic under the trees and enjoy any activities they might have.
Then head to Apple Ridge Farms has tons of kiddo activities, including a maze, panning for gems, and a beautiful flower garden by the orchard.
After apple picking head over to Larsen Apple Barn for incredible apple pies, turnovers, cookies and other treats to bring home.
Last stop if you’re not apple-d out, is Delfino Farms for their amazing walking pie and beautiful scenery.
Day trip vs weekend getaway
While this can all be done in a day, we have also loved making a weekend of it with kids or without. It helps cut down on the traffic and really enjoy a serene fall weekend. Check out these cute VRBOs here!
I mention the traffic because it can be gnarly on a beautiful October Saturday- go early or late (though most things close at 5pm) or not on a weekend. I took the kids after an early release day and it was wonderfully quiet. I also did an August data weekend which was also dreamy, filled with wineries and beautiful serenity.
The Perfect Fall Family Adventure
Apple Hill truly is the perfect fall adventure with kids of all ages. Between the farms, animals, pumpkin patches, and apple treats, your kids will be completely worn out by the end of the day. The Apple Hill Growers Association website has an excellent map of farms and activities to help you plan your visit. We highly recommend carving out a day or weekend this October to make memories with your little ones. Just driving around the rolling hills lined with beautiful autumn leaves was a treat in itself.
