Lakeland Orchard is the clear choice, with more than 30,000 trees and dozens of apple varieties, plus plenty of orchard activities and fall treats.
Looking for a smaller, budget-friendly outing?
Choose Ritter’s Cider Mill, where many activities are free, and families can enjoy hayrides, farm animals, a corn maze, and pony rides without committing to an all-day experience.
For a complete fall festival experience, spend a day at Roba Family Farms in North Abington Township. It’s known for its Pumpkin Harvest Festival, where you can pick your own pumpkins (and gourds) from an enormous pumpkin patch (or choose from a pre-picked assortment) and take advantage of dozens of creative photo ops. As the sun begins to set, snap even more pictures as you wander down their one-of-a-kind glowing pumpkin trail.
There’s also a mega corn maze to solve (plus a kid-sized mini maze), dozens of activities to enjoy (including slides, a ropes course, and apple cannons), farm animals to meet, and lots of delicious treats, many with a pumpkin twist. You can even reserve a private campfire to make special family memories!
Ritter’s Cider Mill for a Classic Fall Farm Stop
Ritter’s Cider Mill in Mount Cobb is a smaller, more traditional fall farm stop that’s great for younger kids or families on a budget. Many attractions are free, with hayrides and pony rides available for a small fee. Kids can explore the hay barn to find hidden passageways and then solve the corn maze.
Feed friendly farm animals like alpacas, chickens, cows, donkeys, and goats. If you’re looking for the perfect fall photo, check out the cutouts scattered around the farm and then pose in front of the beautiful harvest angel wing mural.
Watch a video about how apple cider is made, then buy some to take home. At their market, mix and match your favorite types of apples and purchase delicious homemade treats like warm apple cider or pumpkin donuts, fruit pies, pumpkin rolls, and candied apples. It’s an apple lover’s dream!
The Shoppes at Ritter’s Farm for Seasonal Shopping
After a visit to Ritter’s Cider Mill, stop at The Shoppes at Ritter’s Farm, a nearby farm market located in a cheery red barn that offers a wide selection of seasonal décor, local products, flowers, produce, wine, cheese, jams, jellies, and gifts.
Despite its name, these are two separate businesses located a few miles apart but still close enough to combine in a single outing. It’s a great place to buy decorations to bring a little fall magic home with you, or to hit up the bakery for donuts, turnovers, pies, and cookies. Don’t forget to grab an apple cider slushie.
If you’re in the mood for something a little harder, Ritter’s Winery & Cidery is located on the same property. Head upstairs for wine, hard cider, or Pennsylvania craft beer and enjoy it in their tasting room or on their scenic outdoor patio. A limited but delicious food menu is available. Visit on Saturday afternoons to listen to some live music. You can even play a round of mini golf! It’s a great place for adults to kick back and enjoy their own autumn celebration.
Lakeland Orchard for Apple Picking and Orchard Activities
For the best apple picking in Lackawanna County, head to Lakeland Orchard in Scott Township. With dozens of varieties of apples to choose from and more than 30,000 trees, it’s an apple lover’s paradise.
Popular characters like princesses and superheroes roam the orchard, doing shows and posing for photos. Ride the carousel, the scrambler, and the Lakeland Express train, then visit the mini-Highland Cows. Live music keeps the whole family entertained.
Of course, there are plenty of treats with a focus on apple-centric favorites like apple dumplings, apple cider donuts, and an apple cider bar. Guests over 21 can relax in the Cider Garden with a hard cider or a wine slushie. Be sure to stick around until dusk to take a spooky train ride through a family-friendly Halloween light display.
Miller’s Orchards for a Traditional Farm Market Visit
For a local farm-market experience, check out Miller’s Orchards Farm Market in Clarks Summit. They’ve got lots of fresh local produce, including apples and apple cider, as well as homemade pies and baked goods. But they also sell local dairy and pasture-fed eggs, chicken, pork, and beef. All meat from their butcher shop is of the highest quality and antibiotic-free.
You can also purchase homemade meals like pot pies, soups, and quiches. It’s a great place to buy everything you need for your next wholesome, farm-to-table fall meal while supporting a seventh-generation farm with a focus on soil improvement and sustainability.
What to Know Before You Go
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Some fall destinations, like Roba Family Farms and Lakeland Orchards, require tickets to enter. Discounts may be available if you purchase them online. Some attractions may even sell out during the busy fall season. Check farm websites for hours and availability before you go and consider buying your tickets in advance.
Plan Enough Time
If your destination requires an entry ticket, allow yourself several hours (at least) to get your money’s worth and take advantage of all activities. Some include light-up activities in the evening hours, so plan accordingly. Smaller farms like Ritter’s Cider Mill can be enjoyed in an hour or two. If you have less than an hour, consider shopping at the Shoppes at Ritter’s Farm or Miller’s Orchards and visiting the other farms when you have more time.
Check the Weather
Most farm activities (aside from farm markets) take place outside, and are most fun when it’s not raining. Some destinations may close during inclement weather. If the forecast looks iffy, check the farm’s website for their weather cancellation and refund policies.
Check U-Pick Availability
Availability of apples, pumpkins, and other fruit and vegetables at U-pick farms may vary throughout the season and be impacted by weather conditions. Most farms will list what is currently available on their website or social media channels. If U-pick pumpkins are no longer available, many farms will substitute pre-picked pumpkins so visitors don’t miss out.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities
Most fall farm experiences are family-friendly, with fun activities for a range of ages. Even adults enjoy snacks and petting zoos! Check individual listings for more information about activities for toddlers or other specific age groups, including pony rides.
Plan Your Farm Visit Today
Visiting pumpkin patches, picking apples, and attending fall festivals are some of our favorite things to do every fall. Pick a destination and plan your farm visit today. Then check out even more fall activities in Lackawanna County for fun ideas and exciting places to visit while you’re here, and make the most of the season.
