Ask Sacramento families what their top fall traditions are, and without a doubt, you’ll receive Apple Hill as a top answer. At only a one-hour drive away, Apple Hill is one of the best fall activities in the Sacramento area for families.

With over 50 farms nestled between orchards and evergreen conifer trees in El Dorado County, Apple Hill is where you go to find fall. The farms span Camino, Placerville, and Pollock Pines, and each has a wide variety of activities, including plenty of fun things to do in Apple Hill with kids. Think train rides, pony rides, apple cider donuts, and coffee flights for parents.

One of the main reasons to visit Apple Hill is to go apple picking, and there’s even a farm that has u-pick chestnuts. Apple picking is earlier in the fall, usually in September. And after you’ve visited all the pumpkin patches in Sacramento, you can venture back to Apple Hill in October to check out the many farms that have pumpkin patches.

This article focuses on visiting Apple Hill during its peak fall season, but there are several Christmas tree farms in Apple Hill. The first time you visit Apple Hill can be overwhelming, not knowing what farms to visit or which are the best for kids. That’s why I’ve written this article—to help families navigate one of the busiest fall spots near Sacramento and provide you with the ultimate guide to Apple Hill with kids.

Quick Planning Guide

• 📍 1-hour drive to Apple Hill from Sacramento
• 🍎 Best months to visit: September & October for fall activities
• 🍏 Apple picking season: September
• 🎃 Pumpkin patch season: October
• 💵 Cost: Farms have free entry; Pay per activity
• 🅿️ Parking notes: Weekends in October are busy
• ⏰ Best time of day to avoid crowds: Mornings

Why Families Love Apple Hill

Often, fall in California doesn’t feel like fall. Thankfully, in Sacramento, we surprisingly get a nice showing of fall foliage, but not until November. In October, when you want to wear flannel and pick pumpkins, it can still be hot. Apple Hill is one of those magical places where the temperatures are cooler, and you can indulge in apple cider donuts while picking pumpkins and plucking apples from trees.

I’m originally an East Coaster, and there is no place better for fall than where I’m from in Upstate New York, where apple picking is a rite of passage each autumn. When our family moved to Sacramento and we learned that Apple Hill was where to go to try to replicate East Coast fall, I was elated.

Since that first visit to Apple Hill for our family, we’ve made it a yearly tradition. We have our favorite farms, but we add new ones into the mix each year. Our favorite tradition in Apple Hill is to go apple picking and get apple cider donuts. Plus, you only have to drive one more hour, and then you reach Lake Tahoe. Apples, pumpkins, and Lake Tahoe? What’s not to love about that trifecta?

We look forward to our fall Apple Hill visit each year (though sometimes we go multiple times). And like our family, it’s sure to become a yearly tradition that Sacramento-area families can’t wait for in the fall.

Best Apple Hill Farms for Families with Kids

1. Apple Ridge Farms

Open August 28 – November 29, 2026

If you only had time to visit one farm in Apple Hill, I’d tell you to go to Apple Ridge Farms. They really have it all, from apple picking in September to a pumpkin patch in October. There’s a kiddie maze, gem mining, apple cider donuts, and a BBQ House (with high chairs!). It’s a really nice farm that offers a lot for families, and it probably has one of the largest parking lots in Apple Hill.

One of my favorite things about Apple Ridge Farms is their unique Flower Walk and Nature Trail. This is a lovely nature path with over 500,000 colorful zinnias. In what can be a busy time in Apple Hill, you can relax and casually wander the trail. The trail is also kid-friendly and stroller-friendly. If you’re on a budget and just want to enjoy the crisp fall scenery, the Flower Walk and Nature Trail are free.

➡️ Check out my full guide to Apple Ridge Farms in Apple Hill.

Location: Apple Ridge Farms | 1800 Larsen Dr, Camino, CA 95709

2. El Dorado Orchards

Opens September 18, 2026

One of the best Apple Hill farms is El Dorado Orchards because it’s home to the only real train ride in Apple Hill for kids. While there is a barrel train at Boa Vista, the El Dorado Orchards train ride has real tracks and a conductor. The train goes around the perimeter of El Dorado Orchards and circles two ponds. If you have to wait for the train, there’s a small play area for kids in front of the train station.

The train ride only runs Friday to Sunday when the farm is open. Tickets are available on-site. Note that the train will not run in poor weather conditions. Check out a preview of the El Dorado Orchards train ride in my Instagram Reel!

Location: El Dorado Orchards | 2881 N Canyon Rd, Camino, CA 95709

3. High Hill Ranch

Open Now to December 24, 2026

Families flock to High Hill Ranch each fall due to its wide range of kid-friendly activities at this Apple Hill farm. This is one of the most popular farms in Apple Hill. It’s known for its fishing pond, which is stocked with Rainbow Trout. You can bring your own fishing gear or rent gear from High Hill Ranch. Just know this is not a catch-and-release fishing pond, so if you snag a fish, you’ll have to take it with you. The fishing pond is only open through mid-September.

In addition to the fishing pond, the farm also has hayrides, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch. The pony rides are for children ages 4 and up and are $12 per ride.

Location: High Hill Ranch | 901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

4. Rainbow Orchards

Opens September 4, 2026

While there are many places for fresh apple cider donuts in Apple Hill, Rainbow Orchards is the spot to go. We start all of our Apple Hill trips with a quick pit stop at Rainbow Orchards. The lines move quickly, and their apple cider donuts are delicious. You could also try their apple cider in both hot and cold forms.

They have a large outdoor seating area with picnic tables. There are even kid-sized picnic tables for little ones! The outdoor seating area is on a hill, so just be mindful of that if you have a stroller or kids who are runners.

Location: Rainbow Orchards | 2569 Larsen Dr, Camino, CA 95709

5. Pine-O-Mine Ranch

Opens August 28, 2026 for Apple Picking

So long as they continue it through the fall, the petting zoo at Pine-O-Mine Ranch is probably one of the best animal experiences in Apple Hill for kids. We checked it out in the summertime, and it was a big hit with our younger kids. They have Scottish Highland cows, pigs, a horse, and a donkey. Once you pay to enter the petting zoo, you can stay as little or as long as you like and there is free feed for the animals.

As of summer 2026, the petting zoo entrance fee was $5 per person, payable by cash or Venmo. The petting zoo is only at the farm on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). If you’re thinking about leaving the petting zoo, you can get a stamp to return later in the day. Pine-O-Mine Ranch has apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and tractor rides.

It looks like Pine-O-Mine Ranch may have taken inspiration from Grandpa’s Cellar, as they also tend to have a seasonal shake flight.

Location: Pine-O-Mine Ranch | 2620 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

6. Hidden Star Orchards

Open Now for 2026

You’ll find one of the only playgrounds at Apple Hill at Hidden Star Orchards. It’s popular among families due to its play area. That said, I want to be honest about this play area. While I have not personally visited it, I’ve heard many parents say it’s not in the best condition and is very run-down.

To use the play area, you do need to purchase something at Hidden Star Orchards. The rustic play area has real vehicles for kids to climb in and a pirate ship. It sounds fun, but be wary if going due to its reported, much-in-need-of-repair condition.

Location: Hidden Star Orchards | 2740 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709

7. O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch

Opens August 30, 2026

When you think of apples at Apple Hill, it’s hard not to think of O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch. That’s because its claim to fame is having an apple tree documented as a graft from one of Johnny Appleseed’s trees. So, it’s a given that they have apple picking on their farm. They also have pumpkins, winter squash, and Christmas trees.

Location: O’Hallorans Apple Trail Ranch | 2261 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709

8. Smokey Ridge Ranch

Apple picking begins August 2026

Smokey Ridge Ranch offers apple picking, but they’re also the only Apple Hill farm that has u-pick chestnuts. The chestnuts are usually available for picking in late September and October. While you’ll pick their 17 apple varieties straight from the trees, you’ll gather the chestnuts that have fallen to the ground from their 40-year-old trees. Smokey Ridge Ranch also has Babydoll sheep.

Location: Smokey Ridge Ranch | 2160 Carson Rd, Placerville CA 95667

9. Boa Vista Orchards

Open Year-Round

If there’s one thing that sets Boa Vista Orchards apart, it’s that it’s the only Apple Hill farm open year-round. They are known for their donuts and often have special seasonal donuts, like watermelon donuts in the summertime, as well as their ice cream sandwiches. It’s a big operation, and you’d likely stop by for food, whether it’s the bakery items or the BBQ. While there will be a wide range of apple cider donuts at various Apple Hill farms, Boa Vista Orchards will have the unique option of pumpkin donuts.

In the fall, Boa Vista Orchards has a free pumpkin patch. In 2026, they are opening it as early as Friday, September 11, 2026. Typically, they have other kid-friendly activities such as a barrel train and face painting. One thing to know is that their pumpkin patch is on the opposite side of the street from their bakery and market, across a busy and popular road. However, there is parking on both sides of the street.

Tip: Boa Vista Orchards has some of the nicest (real) restrooms in Apple Hill with changing tables!

Location: Boa Vista Orchards | 2952 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

10. Fudge Factory Farm ⁠⁠

Open September to mid-December

Besides fudge and other sweet confections, Fudge Factory Farm is known for alpacas. If kids like animals, they’ll enjoy seeing the alpacas, but they are on a special diet, so these are animals kids can see but can’t feed.

Location: Fudge Factory Farm | 2860 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

11. 24 Carrot Farm

Pumpkin patch opens October 2026

While there are several pumpkin patches in Apple Hill, 24 Carrot Farm stands out as it’s the only one that has u-pick pumpkins straight from the vine. They have several varieties, including Cinderella and Fairytale varieties. How adorable would it be for kids to pick a Cinderella pumpkin directly from the vine?

Location: 24 Carrot Farm | 2731 Jacquier Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

12. Grandpa’s Cellar

Opens August 29, 2026

Grandpa’s Cellar is one of the most popular spots in Apple Hill. But I’ll be honest: this spot is more for parents than kids. If you didn’t already know, Grandpa’s Cellar is known for its seasonal coffee flights. These are cold-brew mini coffees garnished with Instagram-worthy toppings. The flights change each year. They usually do specialty flights throughout the fall season, too, such as a Halloween coffee flight.

Given its popularity, lines can be long at Grandpa’s Cellar, but they move quickly. Also, you’ll see a parking lot in the front, and it’s guaranteed to be full. However, they have ample parking in the back. In addition to their famous coffee flights, they sell baked goods.

While parents enjoy their coffee flights (and wait until you have to carry one while holding a baby), kids can enjoy a play area with lawn games and kid-sized chairs.

Tip: Apple Ridge Farms is next to Grandpa’s Cellar. Given the proximity, I recommend going to Apple Ridge Farms first, then Grandpa’s Cellar. While the two are next to each other, you will still have to drive to each.

Location: Grandpa’s Cellar | 2360 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709

Best Apple Picking in Apple Hill

Apples tend to be ready for picking in Apple Hill as early as the end of August. By mid-September, several farms have already gone through their apple crop. The best time to go apple picking in Apple Hill is in early September. However, crop times will vary each year. Apple Hill farms that offer apple picking also have different varieties to pick.

Some apple-picking farms may be stroller-friendly, while some will not be. Baby carriers are probably the best bet for apple picking. Some farms have an admission fee for apple picking, which is then applied toward the total amount for the apples you’ll purchase.

These Apple Hill farms offer apple picking:

• Apple Ridge Farms
• Denver Dan’s
• Pine-O-Mine Ranch
• Harris Family Farm
• Smokey Ridge Ranch
• O’Halloran’s Apple Ranch

Pumpkin Patches in Apple Hill

Several Apple Hill farms have pumpkin patches if you visit in October. We really enjoy the pumpkin patch at Apple Ridge Farms. Boa Vista Orchards also has a nice pumpkin patch, but note that you’ll need to cross a main road to get to it. That said, there is a parking lot on the same side of the street as the pumpkin patch.

These Apple Hill farms have pumpkin patches:

• Apple Ridge Farms
• Boa Vista Orchards
• 24 Carrot Farm
• Pine-O-Mine Ranch
• O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch
• High Hill Ranch

Where to Get Apple Cider Donuts in Apple Hill

You’ll likely find apple cider donuts at most Apple Hill farms. However, these are three of my favorite spots:

• Rainbow Orchards
• Boa Vista Orchards
• Apple Ridge Farms

More Places to Eat Near Apple Hill with Kids

Delfino Farms

Delfino Farms has Joan’s Apple Bakery at its Apple Hill Farm. It’s home to Apple Hill’s famous “Walkin’ Pie”. I’ve had this pie before, and it’s huge! It could easily be split between family members. Delfino Farms can be challenging to navigate with a stroller. It’s typical to enjoy your walkin’ pie on the downward grassy slope at Delfino Farms, which isn’t ideal when you’ve got toddlers who want to jet down the hill.

Location: Joan’s Apple Bakery at Delfino Farms | 3205 N Canyon Rd Bldg 1, Camino, CA 95709

Moonraker Millhouse

Sometimes, eating at Apple Hill with young kids can be a whole ordeal. Many of the farms don’t have high chairs, and food options are usually BBQ. Apple Ridge Farms and Boa Vista Orchards are two Apple Hill Farms that do have high chairs. So, I’ll tell you our secret: To end a day at Apple Hill, we drive 20 minutes back toward Sacramento and instead grab food at Moonraker Millhouse in Cameron Park.

Moonraker Millhouse is one of the few family-friendly restaurants in Sacramento that has a playground! They’ve got a coffee shop with fantastic options, tons of space, high chairs, and a kids’ menu. You can’t miss getting their iconic Pickle Pie Pizza (I’ve had it, and it seems like they should consider having pork as an add-on option so it’s more like a Cuban-style sandwich version of pizza). This is a great spot to conclude your Apple Hill day trip. Plus, the kids can play on the playground while one parent orders and waits for the food to be ready. Note that Moonraker Millhouse can get very busy on the weekends.

Location: Moonraker Millhouse | 3501 Robin Ln, Cameron Park, CA 95682

More Fun Things to Do Near Apple Hill

Cedar Park Trail

One time when our family tried to visit Sly Park in the fall, we learned they close some of the roads quite early (before the snow comes). Closed roads meant much longer trails than anticipated with young kids. Instead, the Park Ranger suggested we should try the Cedar Park Trail, which was just a few miles up the road. Let me tell you that Cedar Park Trail might be one of the best-kept secrets near Apple Hill.

If you want to stretch your legs after eating all those apple cider donuts, the Cedar Park Trail in Pollock Pines is an easy, 1.1-mile trail that’s flat, paved, and stroller-friendly. It’s such a nice, relaxing trail through beautiful forest scenery that won’t take longer than an hour. The parking lot for the Cedar Park Trail is directly across from the fire station on Sly Park Rd.

Cedar Park Trailhead: 5568 Sly Park Rd, Pollock Pines, CA 95726

Fall in Lake Tahoe

There are many things to love about visiting Apple Hill, and one of those is that it’s the halfway point to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento. The Fall is my favorite time to visit Lake Tahoe—so much so that I’ve got a whole guide on the ultimate Fall Day Trip in Lake Tahoe for families. It’s easy to combine Apple Hill and Lake Tahoe in one trip. Apple Hill is only an hour’s drive to South Lake Tahoe.

More Reasons to Visit Apple Hill Beyond Fall

Christmas Tree Farms

Once the Fall season ends, another popular time to visit Apple Hill begins. Apple Hill is also known for cut-your-own Christmas Tree Farms. A popular one is Indian Rock Tree Farm, and it’s so popular that you’ll need reservations. Harris Family Farm is also known for hosting Santa. I have 9 Apple Hill farms to visit for Christmas trees in my Christmas Tree Farms article.

Lavender Season

After the holidays, most Apple Hill farms close for the year. That is, until June, when lavender season arrives. Several farms reopen for the annual Lavender Blue Festival in Apple Hill. Most notably, Bluestone Meadow is the epicenter of the Lavender Blue Festival. It can sometimes time well with u-pick blueberries at select farms in Apple Hill, as well.

Fall Apple Hill Itinerary for Families

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed with the many Apple Hill choices, follow this family-friendly itinerary to make the most of your visit!

Morning: Rainbow Orchards

Start your Apple Hill day with fresh apple cider donuts from Rainbow Orchards.

Next Stop: Apple Ridge Farms

Make Apple Ridge Farms your next stop while it’s still morning. If visiting in September, start with apple picking. Then wander the Flower Walk and Nature Trail to admire the zinnia blossoms. Take some photo ops at the various cardboard cutouts, then let the kids do some gem mining.

Early Lunch: Grandpa’s Cellar

Parents—take a caffeine reset with a seasonal coffee flight at Grandpa’s Cellar and grab a few bakery treats for the kids while there.

Next Stop: Pine-O-Mine Ranch

If you’re visiting on the weekend, head to Pine-O-Mine Ranch if your kids love animals, so they can interact with cows and horses at the petting zoo. (Check Pine-O-Mine’s website first to confirm they’ll have the petting zoo during your visit!)

Next Stop: Smokey Ridge Ranch

If you’re planning to go to Apple Hill in late September or October, make a pit stop at Smokey Ridge Ranch for the unique experience of collecting chestnuts.

Afternoon: El Dorado Orchards

Climb aboard the only real train ride in Apple Hill at El Dorado Orchards.

Afternoon: Boa Vista Orchards

Make Boa Vista Orchards your final Apple Hill stop of the day. Check out their pumpkin patch, let the kids ride the barrel train, and grab some pumpkin donuts and provisions to go.

Early Dinner: Moonraker Millhouse (Cameron Park)

As you head back to Sacramento, stop at Moonraker Millhouse in Cameron Park for an early dinner. It’s one of the few restaurants in the Sacramento area with a playground for kids.

Apple Hill Tips

🍎 Arrive early, especially on weekends in October

🍎 Visit in September instead of October

🍎 Visit on weekdays if you can

🍎 Dress in layers as temperatures can be cooler than Sacramento

🍎 Expect traffic in October

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Hill good for toddlers?

Yes! Apple Hill is perfect for families and kids of all ages, including toddlers.

How much does it cost to visit Apple Hill?

Visiting Apple Hill is completely free! You can go from farm to farm as you please, but activities on individual farms require fees and purchases.

What’s the best time of year to visit Apple Hill?

Fall is the most popular time to visit Apple Hill. Apple picking is in September, and pumpkin patches are in October.

Is Apple Hill open on weekdays?

Yes! And weekdays are a great time to go if you can, due to fewer crowds. However, some farm activities for kids might only be available on the weekends.

How far is Apple Hill from Sacramento?

Apple Hill is a one-hour drive from Sacramento. It’s also a one-hour drive to Lake Tahoe.

Which farms have train rides?

El Dorado Orchards has the best train ride in Apple Hill. It’s a real train ride along train tracks. Boa Vista Orchards has a barrel train.

Which farms have pumpkin patches?

Several Apple Hill farms have pumpkin patches, including Apple Ridge Farms, Boa Vista Orchards, 24 Carrot Farm, Pine-O-Mine Ranch, O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch, and High Hill Ranch.

Is Apple Hill worth visiting with kids?

Yes! Apple Hill makes such a fun fall outing for kids! From apple picking to apple cider donuts, train rides, petting zoos, and pony rides, this will become a fall tradition that kids look forward to each year.