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Where To Go Peach Picking near NYC with Kids

Get your hands on some juicy stone fruits at these family-friendly farms for peach picking near NYC. Photo by Mommy Poppins

7/14/23 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

The season for peach picking near NYC is upon us, and nabbing these sweet stone fruits is the perfect excuse for local families to plan a summertime day trip. Starting in July or early to mid-August—depending on the farm and the weather—the peaches begin to ripen, and the peach picking season typically runs into September. Peach picking near NYC follows berry picking season and is often a less commercial and more straightforward outing than some of the more popular fruit seasons like apple picking, meaning you're not going to run into as many hayrides, face painters, or crowds, but you will get a more authentic farm experience.

We've rounded up 12 orchards offering peach picking near NYC, all less than two hours by car from Midtown Manhattan. Several are even accessible by mass transit. You can find more farm fun in our Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Fun for Families.

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Be sure to click through to each farm's website or call before heading out for the most up-to-date information. Weather and crop conditions can affect picking hours.

Where to Go Peach Picking near NYC in the Hudson Valley

1. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan; also accessible via the Metro-North
This Westchester County farm is a quick day trip from NYC, making it a favorite place to go peach picking near NYC. Other popular harvest seasons include apple picking in the fall and cut your own Christmas trees during the winter. This summer, peach picking opens at the end of August. There are not many bells and whistles here, but visitors find homemade baked goods, hot dogs for a quick lunch, and other snacks and candy. You can bring your own bag or box to collect your harvest or borrow one of its baskets. No car? Take the Metro-North to the Croton-Harmon Station or the Peekskill Station, then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the farm.

Peach picking near NYC DuBois Farms
Pick delicious ripe peaches at DuBois Farms.

2. DuBois Farms – Highland

Just under 2 hours by car from Midtown Manhattan
Though this family-run fruit farm is a popular apple picking destination, there's no need to wait until fall to visit. DuBois' pick-your-own season kicks off with strawberries in late May and June, then moves on to peach picking, plus nectarines, and plums in early July through late September. Hit the cafe for lunch and special treats like snow cones and cotton candy, or visit the farm animals. Later in the season, enjoy a pony ride, play in its "tiny town," or take a wagon ride.

3. Lawrence Farms Orchards – Newburgh

Approximately 80 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
This pick-your-own delight, thanks to the sheer variety of produce, offers everything from strawberries in June to apples and pumpkins in the fall. The months in between offer greens, peas, peppers, corn, and tomatoes along with a variety of berries, sour cherries, and plums for your enjoyment. Peach picking is expected in mid to late July, but weather can change picking schedules and availability. The farm charges an admission fee to enter its fields for all visitors over age 2; $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Included in the price is a sweet little play village and access to visit the goats, chickens, and other animals.

Peach picking near NYC Fishkill Farms
Follow the signs to find the freshest, most ripe peaches at Fishkill Farms.

4. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Another no-frills farm experience, this low-spray, organic-certified, environmentally friendly farm (complete with free-range rabbits and chickens) provides a peaceful environment for peach picking near NYC. Mid-July and August mark the harvest of juicy, tree-ripened peaches. Reservations are required and usually posted 2-3 days in advance on its website.

5. Ochs Orchard – Warwick

Approximately 80 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
If you're looking for a true country experience for peach picking near NYC, Ochs Orchard is the place to go. It's perched atop a hill along a dirt road in Warwick, just over the state line from New Jersey. While there's no cafe or food service at this fourth-generation family farm, it does allow picnicking, and the orchard has gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley. Admission is $5 per person over the age of 4. All produce is charged by the pound. There's also a small petting zoo with ducks, goats, and other barnyard animals for the kids. Some peaches are already ripe for picking, but be sure to check its Facebook page before heading out.

Peach picking near NYC Lewin Farms
These gorgeous peaches are just waiting to be picked at Lewin Farms.

Peach Picking Farms on Long Island

6. Lewin Farms – Calverton

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Lewin Farms is my family's go-to spot for peach picking on Long Island, and it is notable as the first farm on Long Island's North Fork to allow picking in its orchards. Each year, families flock here to pluck berries, vegetables, peaches, and other local specialties. Peaches are ready now, and peach picking lasts through mid-September. While you're there, stop at the indoor farm stand and sample the delicious, home-grown, roasted corn on the cob. The farm is cash-only, and there's an ATM in the farm stand should you need it.

7. Wickham's Fruit Farm – Cutchogue

Approximately 105 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
A bona fide Long Island institution, Wickham's is the largest and oldest farm on the North Shore. In August, you can harvest a few varieties of peaches and, if you time it right, maybe even do some blueberry picking. Pickers pay upfront rather than by the pound, and you must use the containers the farm provides. It's worth noting that strollers are not allowed in the fields, so be prepared to carry infants and tots. The farm is closed Sundays.

Peach picking near NYC Alstede Farms
Peach picking with kids at Alstede Farms is a great summer outing. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Peach Picking in New Jersey for Families

8. Alstede Farms – Chester

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan; also accessible via New Jersey Transit
Alstede is the most commercial farm of the lot, with a slew of entertainment extras like pony rides and bounce houses to enhance your visit. This farm for peach picking near NYC charges daily admission fees, and most of the activities require tickets or a wristband. You must book your timed-entry reservations in advance via Alstede's website. Its peaches are already up for grabs and are usually available through mid-September. After picking apples and pumpkins here, I can attest to how much fun this farm is for kids (even if your wallet screams for mercy!). The admission price includes the short hayride to the orchard, access to the 4-acre sunflower maze, and a chance for some face time with the barnyard animals. For a more relaxed experience, arrive between 9am and 11am Monday through Thursday. You'll also find seasonal fruit like melons and berries for picking this time of year. Alstede generally celebrates the peach harvest with festivals and other special events in August, so check its calendar for the latest events. Best of all, you don't need a car to get here: Take New Jersey Transit to the Gladstone Station and arrange for the FREE shuttle to take you to the farm.

9. Demarest Farms – Hillsdale

Approximately 35 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Demarest is the closest farm for peach picking near NYC. Just across the Hudson River, this popular farm offers 12 varieties of peaches, many of which are available now, and is open to the public on weekends. Admission is $5 per person. Timed-entry reservations are required and must be booked online. There is also a $15 flat fee for the bag to hold the peaches you pick.

Peach picking near NYC Eastmont Orchards
Eastmont Orchards offers 15 varieties of peaches.

10. Eastmont Orchards – Colts Neck

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
The first trees on this farm, formerly known as Delicious Orchards, were planted in 1911, and it has been family-owned since 1923. Eastmont Orchards offers 15 different varieties of peaches, which are available now through September. There is no admission fee on weekdays, though if you don't bring your own empty bag you can purchase a reusable tote bag for $2. Produce prices are by the pound and can fluctuate. The message on its voicemail is updated daily with picking conditions and pricing.

Peach Picking near NYC: Plump peaches
Plump peaches are ripe for picking at many farms starting in mid-July.

More Orchards for Peach Picking near NYC

11. Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery – Guilford, Connecticut

Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Peaches are anticipated to be available from mid-August to mid-September, but check out the farm's Facebook page or call the farm's hotline for timing updates. A bonus: Bishop's is also a winery, so be sure to check out its fruit wines or add a winery tour to your afternoon. It often hosts a sunflower maze in mid-summer, which is always a big hit with the kids.

12. Shady Brook Farm – Waverly, Pennsylvania

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
This historic working farm and garden center in bucolic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has summer peaches and berries ripe for the picking. Ride a wagon straight to the picking field. Food options include Uncle Dave's homemade ice cream, a full-service deli, and hot items. Admission at the gate is $7 per person ages 2+, and you pay by the pound for what you pick. Advance tickets are sold online and are cheaper than at the gate. As with most spots for peach picking near NYC, call ahead to ensure the fruit is ready!

A version of this article was first published in 2015; it is updated yearly.

Photos courtesy of the farm