Seven orchards stand out in Kansas City as some of the best places to not only pick apples, but spend time with your family enjoying nature together. Every space has a little bit different flavor, but there’s sure to be one that sounds ideal for you and yours.
Cider Hill Family Orchard — Best Classic Apple-Picking Experience
One of my personal favorites, the Cider Hill Family Orchard is one of the best spots near Kansas City for a classic apple-picking day. Boasting lots of varieties, families can pick their own apples, ride the Apple Wagon out into the orchard, wander the pretty fall grounds, and add in seasonal pumpkins, picnic time, or even a little fishing. Leave room for the apple cider slushes, donuts, and kettle corn. The 2026 fall season runs September 2 through October 31, with apple availability depending on the crop.
Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard — Best for a Full Day of Fall Fun
Enjoying the rolling hills of Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard can easily fill a fall afternoon. This is one of the prettiest orchards I’ve visited. The many of varieties of apples lay in rows sweeping down from the top of the hill, with dazzling views. I mean a close-your-eyes-and-breathe-deeply-of-all-things-fall-and-nature hilltop. You’ll also love the hayrack rides, play areas, a two-acre corn maze, and other seasonal activities. Apples are picked and purchased separately by weight, and you’ll find different varieties ripening throughout the fall. They’re open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., making this an especially nice option when you can sneak away on a weekday and avoid the crowds.
Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard
Apple of My Eye Farm & Orchard — Best Value for Families
Apple of My Eye Farm & Orchard in Platte City is a great option for families who want apple picking without paying admission for every single person. Fall admission is $25 per carload for up to six people, and the farm offers U-pick apples and pumpkins, fresh donuts, a playground, animals, and optional rides and activities. Their 2026 fall season begins September 5 and runs through November 1, giving families plenty of time to fit in a fall farm day.
Apple of My Eye Farm & Orchard
Weston Red Barn Farm — Best for a Traditional Farm Feel
Weston Red Barn Farm is a lovely choice if you’re looking for a more traditional, relaxed fall farm experience. You’ll love the simple approach, without too many bells and whistles, for a true back-to-nature feel. Families can pick apples when varieties are available, purchase pre-picked fruit, visit the farm animals, and enjoy seasonal activities around the property. Their apple cider slushies are worth adding to the plan, too. Apple availability changes throughout the season, so be sure to check what’s ready before heading to Weston.
Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch — Best for an Apple Festival Experience
Fun Farm in Kearney gives apple picking a little more of a festival feel with its KC Apple CiderFest. Depending on the season, families can pick apples, sip cider and cider slushies, grab apple cider donuts, and enjoy plenty of activities around the farm. Even if you keep this spot earmarked for later, it’s a delightful family tradition. Later in fall, the property transitions into its larger pumpkin patch and fall festival, making this a fun choice if your crew likes a little entertainment mixed in with the orchard experience.
Johnson Farms — Best for Apples + Pumpkins + Lots of Fall Activities
Johnson Farms in Belton is a great choice if you want apple picking to be part of a bigger fall day. Think late September and you should be able to pick apples and buy your mums or pumpkin fall decor. Their 5,000-tree orchard offers U-pick apples from August through October, with varieties ripening at different points throughout the season. Once the farm opens for fall, families can also enjoy more than 30 attractions, including a corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillows, farm animals, play areas, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. This is a family tradition of ours, and one of our kids’ favorite fall places to enjoy a day. Apple availability depends on weather and what’s ripe, so it’s a good idea to check current updates before you go.
Gieringers Family Farm — Best for Multiple U-Pick Experiences
Gieringers Family Farm in Edgerton is a family-owned U-pick farm with different crops available throughout the growing season, including apples when they’re ready. Families can also visit the farm market, enjoy the play area, and come back later in the season for pumpkins and other fall activities. It’s a nice option if you love the simple experience of heading out to the farm, picking something fresh, and letting the kids enjoy a little time outside.
Enjoy picking apples this season with your family! Your family connections are important, which is why I bring you ideas for sweet family moments, like apple picking. I’m a family photographer in Kansas City, and when you’re ready to document your family season, I’d love to help you with that, too.
