It’s Apple Picking Season! Juicy Field Trips for Homeschool Families
September has arrived, and with it comes one of the sweetest fall traditions—apple picking! It’s the perfect way to enjoy cooler weather, connect with friends, and turn a day outdoors into a hands-on learning adventure. Whether you’re looking for a quick outing close to Charlotte or you’re up for a scenic drive into the mountains, there are wonderful orchards to explore.
Here’s your homeschooler’s guide to the best apple-picking spots near Charlotte, plus a few learning tips to make the day both educational and fun!
Convenient Apple Orchards Near Charlotte
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery (York, SC)
About 45 minutes from Charlotte, Windy Hill offers a family-friendly experience with apple picking and a Farm Stand featuring pies, cider donuts, and more! Kids will love exploring the orchard, while parents might enjoy sampling the hard cider. It’s a great choice for a shorter day trip.
U-Pick is only offered via online reservations.
Carrigan Farms (Mooresville, NC)
50 minutes north of Charlotte, Carrigan Farms combines pick-your-own apples with true farm-to-table fun. Families can enjoy fresh produce, hayrides, and a peek at the petting zoo. The orchard atmosphere makes it easy to blend play with a bit of science and agriculture learning.
Apple picking at Carrigan Farms requires advance reservations. Currently, all slots are booked through the end of September. Occasionally, new slots open in October, but availability is limited. If Carrigan Farms is on your wishlist, remember to keep an eye on their website for updates.
Apple Hill Orchard (Morganton, NC)
Approximately one hour away, Apple Hill offers U-pick apples, fresh-pressed cider, and a Farm Market filled with homemade baked goods, jams, and other delicious treats.
Walk-up passes are not available on most days. Purchase an Orchard Access Pass in advance to guarantee your spot for apple picking.
Worth-the-Drive Apple Orchards
Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock, NC)
Located about 2 hours from Charlotte, Sky Top is one of the Carolinas’ most beloved orchards. Families can wander rows of apple trees, explore a bamboo forest, feed barnyard animals, enjoy hayrides, and visit the playground. The attractions and Farm Market are definitely worth the trip!
U-Pick fruit is available while supplies last.
Justus Orchard (Hendersonville, NC)
Also about 2 hours from Charlotte, Justus Orchard is a family-run farm offering U-pick and pre-picked apples, irresistible treats, and even apple cannons! Kids will love the playground, jumping pillow, and farm animals, while parents can enjoy the taproom and market. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Remember, weather can impact ripening times, and fruit is available while supplies last. Visit the Apple Ripening Schedule to see what’s ready for U-Pick!
Learning Opportunities
As homeschool families, we always like to include a learning opportunities in our adventures when we can. Apple picking is the perfect chance to combine fun with hands-on education. To make your orchard visit a meaningful homeschool day, consider adding these activities to your day or as a follow up lesson:
Apple Science: Count seeds in different apple varieties. Do all apples have the same number? Make a hypothesis and test it out.
Math in the Orchard: Weigh your apples, calculate cost per pound, or estimate how many fit in a basket.
Creative Writing: Have kids write a short story about “The Day the Orchard Came Alive.”
Taste Test Challenge: Sample different apple varieties and record flavor, texture, and sweetness. As a bonus, rate them on a 1-10 point scale and graph the results!
Apple picking is more than a seasonal outing. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and make memories with family and friends. Whether you stick close to Charlotte or take a longer drive, you’re guaranteed fresh air, tasty treats, and plenty of teachable moments.
