When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, apple orchards across the Kansas City metro open their gates. Families come for wagon rides, cider slushes, and the simple joy of picking apples right off the tree.
Apple orchards are more than weekend entertainment — they’re part of the Midwest’s agricultural backbone. Visiting in the fall connects families to farming traditions, local food, and a taste of seasonal abundance.
Looking for where to go this year? Here’s a quick guide to the region’s most popular orchards, followed by tips on when to visit and what to expect.
📋 Quick List of Kansas City Apple Orchards
| OrchardLocationWhat They’re Known ForSeason | |||
| Weston Orchard & Vineyard | Weston, MO | U-pick apples, cider, and seasonal events | Sept–Oct |
| Cider Hill Family Orchard | Kansas City, KS | Apples + pumpkins + famous cider slushes | Sept–Oct |
| Louisburg Cider Mill | Louisburg, KS | Legendary cider + donuts, festival atmosphere | Sept–Oct |
| Sibley Orchards & Cider Mill | Sibley, MO | Historic family-run orchard with cider | Sept–Oct |
| Schweizer Orchards | St. Joseph, MO | Wide variety of apples + peaches in summer | Sept–Oct |
📅 When to Visit Kansas City Orchards
- Mid-September to mid-October is peak apple season.
- Each variety ripens at different times: Honeycrisp (early), Jonathan (mid-season), Fuji (late).
- Weekend crowds are common; weekday visits are calmer.
- Bring mud-friendly shoes and your own bags if allowed.
🌻 Missouri Orchards
Weston Orchard & Vineyard (Weston, MO)
A family favorite with apple picking, cider, and festivals. Known for its sprawling U-pick fields and events that combine fall fun with scenic vineyard views.
Sibley Orchards & Cider Mill (Sibley, MO)
A historic orchard run by generations of the same family. Visitors love its apple cider and classic Midwest orchard atmosphere.
Schweizer Orchards (St. Joseph, MO)
A bit north of KC, but worth the drive. Offers apples in fall, peaches in summer, and other produce.
🍏 Kansas Orchards
Cider Hill Family Orchard (Kansas City, KS)
One of the metro’s best-known orchards, with U-pick apples, pumpkins, hayrides, and its signature cider slushes. It’s a great fall pairing with local pumpkin patches — see our guide to KC pumpkin patches for more fall fun.
Louisburg Cider Mill (Louisburg, KS)
An institution in Kansas. Famous for fresh-pressed cider and cider donuts. The fall festival atmosphere includes pumpkins, hayrides, and live music.
👀 Want More KC Farm Fun?
Apple season is just one way Kansas City families connect with local farms.
🍎 Be the first to know when Delve launches farm tours and field trips near KC.
👉 Join our Kansas City Interest List
🧑🌾 Learning at the Orchard
Apple orchards are outdoor classrooms:
- Biology → Did you know most orchard apples are grafted, not grown from seed? It’s how farmers ensure consistency in taste and quality.
- Pollinators → Bees are essential for blossoms to set fruit.
- Seasonality → Different apples ripen across the fall, showing food cycles in action.
For homeschoolers or families looking to sneak in learning, an orchard trip checks all the boxes.
💡 Tips for Families Visiting KC Orchards
- Arrive early for the best picking.
- Bring wagons or strollers for kids.
- Pack water — picking can take longer than expected.
- Call ahead: orchards post weekly variety updates.
- Bring cash — not all orchards take cards.
- Looking for another seasonal outing? Our guide to KC pumpkin patches covers more fall fun.
❓ FAQs About Apple Orchards in Kansas City
When do apple orchards open in KC?
Most open in early September and run through late October, depending on weather.
Can you pick your own apples?
Yes, many orchards offer U-pick by the pound or bag. Always check before going.
Are pets allowed?
Policies vary — some allow leashed dogs, others don’t.
How much does it cost?
Expect to pay by the pound, often $2–$4 per pound. Some orchards charge a small admission fee.
🌱 Why Orchards Support Local Farms
Visiting an orchard is more than a photo op — it’s an act of farm support. U-pick sales and agritourism dollars help orchards maintain trees, staff events, and invest in sustainability. Many sell more than apples: jams, jellies, baked goods, and cider are all part of the local farm economy.
And orchards are just one piece of the bigger food system. The same farms and fields that grow apples, corn, and beans also feed into Kansas City’s most iconic cuisine. If you’ve ever wondered how barbecue connects back to agriculture, don’t miss our post on the farm origins of Kansas City barbecue.
🍎 From Tree to Table
Apple orchards are a reminder that local food doesn’t come from the store — it comes from the land and the farmers who care for it. Picking an apple off the tree is as close to the source as you can get.
Apple orchards are just one part of KC’s growing agritourism story. Delve Experiences will be adding orchards, pumpkin patches, and farm tours as we expand into Kansas City.
👉 Sign up here to be the first to know when Kansas City farm experiences launch.
