Sometimes, and especially if you’re not used to Phoenix weather yet, it’s hard to imagine going Apple picking in Phoenix, AZ. Just when the air seems to go slightly cooler for fake-fall, the temps spike back up on us to remind us that it is indeed still summer. I have good news, my friend! If you’re breathing in our fake-autumn air and pining for your sweaters, booties, and sweats with a warm cuppa, then it’s the perfect time to plan for apple picking with your family and these are the best places to visit.

Best Tips to Plan Apple Picking in Phoenix, AZ

Family fun days are always a worthwhile, but they also take a lot of coordination and planning to get everyone ready, including yourself. Heading out to an orchard like this is a great way to introduce anyone to some of the important and very real aspects of farming, food growing and maybe even a little hard work. Here are a few things to keep on your radar when planning to take your family apple picking.

When to Pick Apples in Phoenix

While U-Pick and other localized markets can have apples available either year-round and particularly in summer (May – June), the apple orchards in Phoenix are typically ready sometime between August and October. You can check for the apple varieties on the orchard websites, in case you’re hoping for a specific type because some you’ll want to plan for as early as May for picking in June and July. The main orchard experiences are typically ready sometime around mid-September. You’ll want to follow continuously check for updates via websites and social media (Facebook seems to be the best out of most) to see when picking season officially opens, but your best bet for planning is to start keeping track in August. They will not open the season before the apples are ready, so don’t worry about being a pro and knowing when to harvest.

What to Wear While Apple Picking in Arizona

It’s important to remember that your picking experience is in an orchard that’s not a perfectly-manufactured space, so it’s best to prepare for a day in the outdoors. Bugs, weather, and muck! The local orchards below pride themselves on using organic practices wherever they can, some only use them, but they are not certified organic. You can still expect bugs, so if you’ve got an aversion, pack your deterrents! Bug spray, cover-shirts, hand-held fans and sunscreen.

The temperatures in the orchards average 90 degree highs and 60 degree lows in August and September with chances of late-monsoons, so bringing light layers if you decided take do your apple picking in Phoenix, AZ at this time. If the apples make it to October, the temperatures at both ends drop by about 10 degrees compared to the beginning of the season, so you may get away with pants and long sleeves along with light sweaters and vests. If you’ve got good walking shoes, hiking shoes or boots good for protection from elements, you’ll probably want to wear those, especially if there is still a chance of monsoons. The orchards may remain open despite windy or rainy conditions, so if you are team rain-or-shine your apple picking may still go on!

Food + Drinks

Some orchards have farm shops and restaurants on-site where you may be able to purchase meals and drinks while you visit. Each is listed below with those details. In the event you visit outside of business hours for those, it’s always a great idea to pack extra water, snacks and maybe even a picnic meal to enjoy. Don’t forget the ice packs to keep everything fresh!

Bringing Pets

According to orchard FAQs pets are not allowed in the orchards while you are picking apples in Phoenix, AZ by federal law (Food Safety Law). Be prepared to leave your furry friends at home or in the care of someone you trust while you visit the orchards.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Phoenix, AZ

You’ve got the weather, the dates, the snacks and your pet’s taken care of while you’re away, now where do you go apple picking?! Here are a few orchards you will find the full picking experience in Arizona. Before making the trip, please be sure to triple check weather forecasts, driving conditions and orchard hours and availability. Mother Nature may have a mind of its own each year and sometimes that means no apples!

Apple Annie’s Orchard

One of the most popular places for apple picking in Phoenix, AZ, Apple Annie’s Orchard is well-known. You may have visited them for their pumpkin patch, but just before the pumpkins are ready, it’s apple season! On arrival, you’ll want to tell the attendants you’re visiting for picking so they can give you directions, maps and all the details for finding rows of apples. Apple Annie’s accepts cash and card for your purchases; while there is no parking or admission fee, you pay for what you pick, purchase or order. The orchards are open daily, year-round but July and August hours (8am – 5pm) differ from September and October (9pm to 5pm) so be sure to check the Apple Annie’s website fully for rules, notices and all details.

Apple Annie’s Orchard can be found at 2081 W Hardy Rd Willcox, AZ 85643

Slide Rock State Park Apple Orchard

Another popular spot, Slide Rock State Park is a stunning orchard that opens up annually for apple picking. The orchard has been around since 1912 (since Arizona’s “birthday” woohoo!) and the trees are watered from the year-round crisp, cool water of Oak Creek. Once apple season begins, the park opens at 8:00am and entry is first come, first served. You’ll want to have a day of activity planned in the event the park is full as they do not allow lines to form down the road for safety reasons. Flooding is something you’ll want to stay extra prepared for at this orchard. You have the option of purchasing pre-picked apples for a slightly higher cost, if you decide against picking them yourself. At the time of writing this, the prices are as follows and are cash payment only.

Fenway Park Orchard

Just outside of Phoenix, AZ is apple picking at Fenway Park Orchard, about 23 miles northwest of Surprise and 9 miles east of Wickenburg.  This is an early-year orchard meaning it’s open possibly as early as mid-May and you will want to be checking for updates on their website or calling for more information. Fenway Park Orchard has over 1,000 fruit trees and although not certified, they are proud to be 100% organic. The orchard opens Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am and closes at 4:00pm or when sold out. You’ll want to be sure to check their website for specific directions, and as a frequent passer-by, I can attest to the popularity and easy-to-see signs on the drive up! You’ll know the signs, though you may need to make a U-Turn if you miss it, 42610 Highway 60-89 Morristown, AZ 85342. Apple varieties available are Anna and Golden Dorset; cash and Zelle are the only accepted payments.

Enjoy Apple Picking in Phoenix, AZ

With the “-ber” months upon us, there is nothing like getting into a fall with all the warm spices, soups and apple picking. As an Arizona family photographer, our local orchards would make great holiday cards this season! Get in touch to plan your session today! In case you’re looking for even more local fall fun and festivals. I’ve got a few more lists you can check out below:

• 5 West Valley Phoenix Pumpkin Patches
• Phoenix Pumpkin Patches – East and West Valley
• Some local pumpkin patches just-outside of phoenix