Where can we go apple picking in Chester County?

Highland Orchards in West Chester and Linvilla Orchards (just over the county line in Media) both have pick-your-own apples starting in September. Highland tends to be less crowded than Linvilla, though Linvilla still gets busy in October.

What's the best pumpkin patch near West Chester?

Highland Orchards has a farm market and pumpkin picking close to West Chester. Linvilla Orchards also does pumpkins in October and adds hayrides and a petting zoo, but expect real crowds on fall weekends — a weekday visit in late September is the move if you want to avoid the chaos.

Are there hayrides for kids in the fall?

Linvilla Orchards offers hayrides as part of its fall lineup. Check their calendar before you go, since seasonal activities like this can shift week to week.

What about fall festivals, corn mazes, or Halloween events?

Fall festival, corn maze, and Halloween schedules change every year, so we don't list them here — our events page is refreshed weekly and is the best place to see what's actually happening this fall.

Is there a free fall activity for kids in Chester County?

Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore is a free county-run farm with cows, goats, chickens, and a petting area, open through the fall. It gets busy on weekend mornings, so an early or weekday visit is easier with little kids.

Fall · Chester County

Fall Activities with Kids in Chester County, PA

Fall is peak season for Chester County's farms, and the good news is you've got real options at different price points and crowd levels. Apples ripen in September, pumpkins take over in October, and a couple of these spots don't cost a thing. Here's how to pick the right one for your day instead of just defaulting to the busiest one.

Updated 2026-09-01 · Kid Friendly Chesco editors

The list

01Highland Orchards

West Chester·outdoor

Highland Orchards

$$$$

Linvilla's slightly quieter neighbor. Same great pick-your-own concept — strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins — with a bit less of the crowd. The farm market is excellent. If Linvilla feels overwhelming on a fall Saturday, try here first.

Parking: Free lot on site.
Crowds: Noticeably less crowded than Linvilla on peak weekends. Still busy in October, but not chaotic.
Hours: Daily 9a–6p (seasonal, call ahead)
Good for: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Kids, Tweens

02Linvilla Orchards

West Chester·outdoor

Linvilla Orchards

$$$$

The gold standard for Chester County seasonal farm visits. Pick-your-own strawberries in June, peaches in August, apples in September, pumpkins in October. The farm market is worth a stop even off-season. Gets extremely busy on fall weekends — this is not a secret.

Parking: Large lot on site. On peak fall weekends, expect a walk from the far end.
Crowds: Apple and pumpkin season on weekends is genuinely packed. Go on a Tuesday in late September and it's a totally different experience. Worth it either way — just calibrate your expectations.
Hours: Daily 9a–6p (seasonal hours vary)
Good for: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Kids, Tweens, Teens

03Milky Way Farm

Chester County·outdoor

Milky Way Farm

$$$$

A small, personal farm experience — more intimate than the big-name orchards, and better for very young kids because of it. The animals are the draw. Toddlers absolutely lose their minds over the goats and rabbits. Worth calling ahead to confirm hours and what's open.

Parking: On-site lot. Easy.
Crowds: Small operation, which keeps crowds manageable. Weekends in spring are the sweet spot.
Hours: Check website for seasonal hours
Good for: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Kids

Chester County·outdoor

Springton Manor Farm

A Chester County gem that most people outside the county don't know exists. Free, with actual farm animals (cows, goats, chickens), wide open fields, and a nice walking loop. Toddlers are completely in their element here. The petting area near the barn is the star of the show.

Parking: Free lot on site. Easy.
Crowds: Busy on nice weekend mornings in spring and fall. Weekday mornings are nearly empty and the animals are more active.
Hours: Daily 8a–dusk
Good for: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Kids, Tweens

Every Friday · Free

Every Friday we send a short note on what's actually worth doing in Chester County that weekend — events, seasonal picks, and what to skip. Free.

Questions

Things parents ask

Where can we go apple picking in Chester County?: Highland Orchards in West Chester and Linvilla Orchards (just over the county line in Media) both have pick-your-own apples starting in September. Highland tends to be less crowded than Linvilla, though Linvilla still gets busy in October.
What's the best pumpkin patch near West Chester?: Highland Orchards has a farm market and pumpkin picking close to West Chester. Linvilla Orchards also does pumpkins in October and adds hayrides and a petting zoo, but expect real crowds on fall weekends — a weekday visit in late September is the move if you want to avoid the chaos.
Are there hayrides for kids in the fall?: Linvilla Orchards offers hayrides as part of its fall lineup. Check their calendar before you go, since seasonal activities like this can shift week to week.
What about fall festivals, corn mazes, or Halloween events?: Fall festival, corn maze, and Halloween schedules change every year, so we don't list them here — our events page is refreshed weekly and is the best place to see what's actually happening this fall.
Is there a free fall activity for kids in Chester County?: Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore is a free county-run farm with cows, goats, chickens, and a petting area, open through the fall. It gets busy on weekend mornings, so an early or weekday visit is easier with little kids.

Highland Orchards

Linvilla Orchards

Milky Way Farm

Springton Manor Farm

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Things parents ask