As the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to change, people start enjoying different activities. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, apple picking is the most popular fall activity. 

There are many things that people like about picking apples. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the fall weather as well as spend time with family. Some orchards offer hay rides or petting zoos for children. Other orchards offer wine and cheese tastings for people over 21.

Harvest Time in Twin Lakes, Wis., has some unique attractions. Every year, they create the Mammoth cheese wheel, weighing in at 1,500 pounds.  The wheel of cheese lasts all year and free samples are available at the Country Smoke House on the orchard’s property.

Like donuts? Shakes? Apple cider? Honey?  Harvest Time has homemade cake donuts with eight different toppings. All of the donuts are nut free and are available for pre-order. In addition to homemade donuts, freshly made apple cider and apple cider shakes are made on property in the Cider Barn. They also sell freshly made honey from their own bee hives.

Most apple orchards have the standard apple varieties: McIntosh, Gala, Golden Delicious and occasionally some others, like Granny Smith. Brightonwoods Orchard in Burlington, Wis. has many more varieties than the normal orchard. Over 200 kinds of apples can be found on their property.

Also found at Brightonwoods Orchard is a two-story tree house that kids can play in. For the more adventurous apple pickers, there is a half mile trail around the property. The orchard is also located next to Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Apple season is coming to a close around Halloween. But most orchards stay open for another fall favorite: pumpkin picking. Most families carve pumpkins to celebrate Halloween and lots of kids love to pick their own pumpkin. Going to an apple orchard is a great place to get fresh pumpkins for decent prices.

All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock, Ill. has something unique for people who don’t like to pick apples but still like to enjoy the fall weather. They have a ten acre corn maze with a custom design and over three miles of trails. This year the maze features Scooby-Doo. There are two different paths to follow; a shorter, easier path for younger maze enthusiasts and a longer, more challenging path for the experienced maze navigators.

Each apple orchard has unique features for people of all ages. Based on families interests, it is simple to find an orchard that has the activities that suits their individual needs and allows them to have a fun day in the fall weather.