Discovering seasonal family-friendly activities in the Albuquerque area just got even more exciting with a list of the best kid-friendly apple orchards. These orchards not only offer an opportunity to immerse children in the joy of apple picking but also provide engaging activities that make for an unforgettable experience, as well as an opportunity to have outdoor fun!
By engaging in apple-picking activities at a nearby apple farm or acquiring pre-picked apples, you are guaranteed to embark on a delightful journey of relishing fresh and delectable apples sourced from the finest apple orchards in New Mexico!
From exploring sprawling orchards to indulging in tasty apple treats, these top-rated apple orchards are sure to create cherished memories for the whole family.
Get ready to embark on a delightful adventure in the Albuquerque area as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best kid-friendly apple orchards.
For more than 45 years, Manzano Mountain Retreat has operated as a functional apple ranch, yielding over 4,000 bushels of apples and 3,000 gallons of incredibly delicious cider. Families must visit the orchard, explore the store, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking sight of the blossoming Manzano Orchards.
As one of the largest apple producers in New Mexico, Manzano Mountain Retreat boasts a collection of over 37 apple varieties, offering the most extensive selection of apples in the state.
The name “Manzano” was derived from the Spanish word for apple, as the Spaniards planted apple trees in a small community at the base of the mountains, which is now known as Manzanos. Both the community and the mountains were named after these trees. Some remnants of these original apple trees can still be found today, scattered among the houses in Manzano, possibly making them the first apple trees ever planted in America.
Location:
210A Los Pinetos, Torreon, NM 87061 |
Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Hours: The apples begin to ripen in August and continue to mature throughout the autumn season.
In addition to the delightful apple picking, Cadwallader Mountain Farms gives visitors the opportunity to partake in the harvest of cherries, peaches, and various other fruits when they are in season.
There’s a diverse range of apple varieties, including Gala, Cortland, Rome, Winesap, Golden Delicious, and many more!
With a legacy dating back to 1943, Cadwallader Mountain Farms has established itself as a trusted source of fresh produce. As a family-operated farm, it has gained recognition as one of the top apple orchards in New Mexico, offering an exceptional apple-picking experience.
Location:
13 Mountain Park Rd, New Mexico 88339 | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Located at an elevation of 6,800 feet, this orchard offers a refreshing mountain escape with breathtaking views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park.
Apple picking and picked-for-you options are both available at this lovely orchard, so the whole family can partake in the activity and take some tasty apples home!
Apple flavors include classics like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Honey Crisp, and if you want to explore different varieties, go for Ambrosia, Pacific Rose, Sugarbee, and Opal.
Location:
236 Cottonwood Canyon Road, La Luz, NM 88337 | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Hours: Fruit Season: June through October | Every day, 9 AM–5 PM
Costanza Apple Orchard grows more than 1000 apple trees, which produce 10 different kinds of apples, along with peaches and pears. You can pick your own or just purchase fruit!
Have a family-friendly day at one of the largest apple orchards in New Mexico.
Families with kids will have a blast exploring the orchard with a walking tour where you can taste-test your own apple right from the tree!
Location:
5 Padilla Rd, Belen, NM 87002 | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 35 minutes
Although there are no apple-picking opportunities at Alary Farms, families can still enjoy some delicious options that are already perfectly picked and selected from the tree.
Alary Farms is considered one of the best apple orchards in the state, so we think it’s still a must-visit if you want to enjoy fresh seasonal produce. Be sure to check out their website to see when different varieties of apples are available.
Kids can enjoy the nearby Wagner Corn Maze from late September to October as well!
Location:
6322 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM 87048 | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 30 minutes
Hays Honey & Apple Farm stands out as a premier apple orchard in New Mexico, renowned for its extensive selection of apple varieties.
Apple picking is not available at this farm, but a visit is worth it to purchase one of 13 varieties of apples: from beloved classics such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, and McIntosh to those lesser known like Ginger Gold, Arkansas Black, and Winesap, visiting the farm will evoke nostalgic childhood memories of enjoying apples.
Food enthusiasts and connoisseurs will particularly appreciate the opportunity to sample these unique varieties that are not commonly found on large-scale commercial apple farms. Hays Farm truly shines as a hidden treasure within the realm of New Mexico’s apple orchards.
Location:
400 Esperanza Dr, Bosque Farms, NM 87068 |Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 20 minutes
Kerby Orchard grows over 14 varieties of apples that you can then purchase at the local farmers’ market.
From classic Fuji to other apple varieties, along with fresh apple cider, this beautiful orchard is worth the drive!
You can also find nectarines, plums, peaches, prunes, pears, and more, depending on the season.
Location:
5471 Highway 64 Farmington, Nuevo México | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 3 hours
Potter’s Ranch beckons you to discover its enchanting grounds, where heirloom apple trees thrive and yield magnificent apples, perfect for savoring during the autumn season.
While specializing in apples, Potter’s Ranch also cultivates a diverse selection of seasonal fruits. Moreover, they are continuously expanding their offerings by incorporating additional fruits and fresh vegetables into their repertoire.
Nestled amidst the scenic Sacramento Mountains, Potter’s Ranch invites you to embark on an exploration of its idyllic surroundings. As one of the premier apple orchards in New Mexico, it promises an unforgettable experience.
Location:
Mayhill, New Mexico | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 4 hours
Las Palomas is a small, family-run business that focuses on local foods, sustainable agricultural methods, and healthy living.
Their produce is always GMO-free, they use organic methods, and their livestock is free-range.
When you choose to support Palomas Orchards, you can rest assured that you are investing in the healthiest, locally sourced food for your family.
Location:
King Canyon Rd, Williamsburg, NM 87942 | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 2 hours
Despite being a small-scale enterprise, Rancho Arco Iris is a formidable family-owned business that has thrived for over two decades.
Make sure to pay them a visit and experience one of the finest apple orchards that New Mexico has to offer.
With a commitment to organic practices, they proudly offer a selection of seasonal favorites, including Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonathan, and Old Fashioned Rome apples.
Moreover, Rancho Arco Iris goes beyond apples, providing a diverse assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, all prepared using organic methods. Their dedication to organic farming extends even to the selection of seeds they offer.
Location:
Dixon, New Mexico | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 2 hours
Situated in the northern region of New Mexico, you will discover the trio of Rancho de Santa Fe, The Fruit Basket, and Velarde Orchards.
The charming town of Velarde traces its origins back to 1598. Embracing the fertile valley, the Velarde family ventured into farming, recognizing its suitability for cultivating an array of crops such as chiles, peppers, spices, and a diverse assortment of fruits, including apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots, and beyond. The products offered by Rancho de Santa Fe, The Fruit Basket, and Velarde Orchards reflect the abundance and quality of this picturesque farming region.
Location:
Velarde, New Mexico | Driving Distance from Albuquerque: 1 hour, 45 minutes
