Apple Ridge Farms in Apple Hill: U-Pick Apples & Fall Fun
When it’s time for apple picking near Sacramento, my favorite farm is Apple Ridge Farms. This farm is in Apple Hill, a must-do fall tradition for Sacramento families. Apple Ridge Farms is one of the few farms in Apple Hill that has actual u-pick apples. Our family loves taking our kids apple picking here, and I’ll tell you the many reasons why below.
What Makes Apple Ridge Farms Special?
The number of farms in Apple Hill can be overwhelming! You should have a game plan when visiting, especially if you plan to do u-pick apple picking, as not all the farms have u-pick apples.
Apple Ridge Farms only recently opened their apple orchard to the public for u-pick for the first time, two years ago. We first visited the farm when they opened the orchard for u-pick, and we have now made it a yearly tradition.
In addition to apple picking, Apple Ridge Farms has other unique features that make it a worthy stop in Apple Hill.
When is Apple Picking?
While Apple Ridge Farms has u-pick apple picking, it doesn’t occur throughout the entire fall season. The best way to find out when apple picking at the farm takes place is to follow the Apple Ridge Farms Instagram channel.
Apple picking is typically only on weekends, and the opening date varies from season to season.
Another thing to note is that their apple orchard may close as early as September when the apples have been picked over. However, they usually reopen the orchard later in the season through October. In 2025, they are opening as early as Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Apple Orchard Details
The orchard at Apple Ridge Farms is scenic and spacious. There are tons of trees for families to pick apples from. The farm has designated areas for apple picking. Apple-picking poles and buckets are available.
We have taken a stroller into the orchard; however, we do have a stroller with sturdy wheels that can handle rougher terrain. The orchard is also hilly which can make it challenging to navigate with a stroller.
Past apple varieties have included Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji.
Apple Picking Prices
As of 2025, the entry fee for apple picking at Apple Ridge Farms is $10 per family. That $10 is then applied to the purchase of the apples picked. Apples are $3 per pound.
Family Activities at Apple Ridge Farms
The Flower Trail
Save time for the Flower Trail at Apple Ridge Farms! You can wander through a walking path of over 500,000 colorful zinnia flowers. It’s a family-friendly, easy short trail that little legs can handle. It’s also stroller-friendly. The Flower Trail is such a wonderful extra feature that adds to an already fun fall outing. The Flower Trail is free to access.
Gem Mining
Kids have the option to participate in gem mining at the farm for a fee. It’s always very popular with the kids there, and is another exciting addition to a day at the farm.
Kids Maze
There is a maze for kids if they are looking to run around some twisty turns. It’s a relatively small maze, so this is probably better for younger kids. It requires a fee to enter. Once you pay for the maze, kids can run through it as often as they like.
Pumpkin Patch
Apple Ridge Farms is my favorite spot for apple picking, and it’s also my favorite pumpkin patch in Apple Hill. It’s large enough with plenty of room to roam around the various pumpkin sizes.
I took a photo of my son in this pumpkin patch when he was two, and it’s one of my favorite photos of him. The pumpkin patch has a lovely, wooded backdrop and is near the kids’ maze, dining options, and gem mining.
The pumpkin patch at Apple Ridge Farms opens in October. So if you go apple picking in August or September, you’ll unfortunately miss out on the pumpkin patch.
Food Options at the Farm
Barbeque House
Let me tell you a little secret: The Barbeque House has high chairs. It can be challenging to find high chairs at farms, but this place has them. The tables get pretty full on the weekends, but if you hover and eat at an off-time, you can nab one.
This is a solid stop for food if you’re craving a substantial lunch with all the BBQ classics, like pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. Dining options for kids include grilled cheese and kid-sized hot dogs.
Bakery
If you prefer something sweet or want a dessert after a burger, the bakery has fresh-baked pastries of every kind of apple item you can think of. There are apple strudels, apple cider donuts, apple dumplings, and the list goes on.
Grandpa’s Cellar
Grandpa’s Cellar is an Apple Hill staple. They are known for their seasonal coffee flights. Grandpa’s Cellar happens to be next door to Apple Ridge Farms. I wouldn’t recommend walking, especially not with young kids, as you’d have to walk along the one main road, which can get busy. But it’s a one-minute drive.
When to Visit Apple Ridge Farms
If you want to ensure you get to do apple picking, it’s best to go in early September, before the apples are all picked.
October is another ideal time to visit the farm as the pumpkin patch will be open then. It’s also possible that the apple orchard may be back open in October, as well, since it usually closes for a few weeks before reopening again.
The downside of visiting in October is that this is when Apple Hill is busiest. So, prepare for crowds and traffic during October weekends. We have had no issues getting a parking space when the farm opens for the day on a Saturday in October. However, by the time we leave by midday, there are usually cars circling the parking lot, looking for spots.
Whenever you choose to go, I recommend arriving at the farm early in the day. The parking lot is large, but it fills up quickly as the day progresses.
Know Before You Go
- Wear closed-toe shoes for apple picking
- Bring sunscreen and hats, as it can still be warm weather during apple-picking months
- Portable toilets are on-site
- Vendors are frequently at the farm
- Open Monday – Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday & Sunday, 9am-6pm
- Call the farm or check their Instagram for the most up-to-date information about dates and hours for apple picking
Address: Apple Ridge Farms | 1800 Larsen Drive, Camino, CA
