I have not been apple picking since I was a kid, so I was super excited to introduce this perfect fall activity to my own children. We got up early Saturday morning and headed up to Oak Glen to check out all this area has to offer. I had my check list of all the things we had to do and these lovely family farms far exceeded my and my kids expectations.
There are many different farms to choose from and all have a variety of different activities and offerings. So far we have checked out Los Rios Rancho Farm, Riley’s Farm, Willowbrook Farm and Snowline Orchard Farm. All are very close to one another and all the farms were directly off of Oak Glen road. We intentionally arrived at 8:45am, knowing Los Rios Rancho farm opened at 9am. The weather was lovely and cool and not another person in site. I highly suggest the whole family wear closed toed shoes and pants if you plan to pick strawberries as well. Bring your sun screen, it warmed up quickly as we enjoyed our U-Pick day in Oak Glen.
Los Rios Rancho Farm
We went to Los Rios Rancho Farm first to pick some gala apples right at 9am. When you arrive, you start by heading to the check in tent. There you can choose between a small bag or large bag for apple picking and a small or medium size container for the strawberry and raspberry picking. You can also purchase tickets for other family friendly activities like a hay ride, toy making, candle making, u-press cider, corn maze, packing house tours and petting zoo visits. We choose to take the hay ride out to the apple orchards, but you and your family can easily walk the distance as well. There wasn’t another person in the fields with us for a good 15 to 20 minutes. But after that point the fields started filling up quickly. I highly suggest getting their first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.
From there we walked from the apple orchards to the area to pick strawberries and raspberries. We filled up two large containers of strawberries and 1 small container of raspberries. The raspberries were smaller than you would envision and it took us some time to fill up a small container. There were also some tiny little thorns on the raspberry vines, so this wasn’t my kids favorite fruit to pick. By the time we finished filling up our containers, the fields were filled with people. So let me remind you all again, get there early in the day!
After we finished U-picking we drove to the South side of the farm to the Market Barn. There we got to try our hand at the U-Press Cider. My kids weren’t too sure about this activity and then they quickly got into it once they saw all that goes into the process. The cost to do the U-Press Cider was $25 or $30 if you want to take your cider home in a glass jug. First you clean all of your apples(which are a variety of apples grown on the farm). Next you start to chop up your apples into tiny little pieces. Then you press all of apple pieces down to squeeze out all of the juice. Lastly, you pour all of the apple juice goodness into your plastic or glass jar. Honestly, my kids really loved this experience and I wouldn’t miss this activity when you visit! Lost Rios Ranchos can be found at 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA, 92399. They are open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Snowline Orchard Farm
There was one reason and one reason only that we were coming to this stop orchard. Snowline does have u-pick raspberries as well. But that was not the reason for this important stop. We came here for the mini cider donuts. I heard that they were good, but to say they were good is an understatement. While you wait in line to purchase your fresh hot donuts you actually get to watch them being made from behind glass. And trust me there was a line the entire time we were there. We purchased a dozen mini donuts and also tried the cider Slurpee. Honestly, they were both magical and delicious. So much so, that we stood in line again to get another dozen donuts and another cider Slurpee’s.
My husband and I also enjoyed a Cider Spark. Which is basically like a mimosa but with apple cider instead of orange juice. It was so refreshing and went down quickly!! The Cider Sparks can be found at the back of the main store, as the alcohol is sold in a different location than the donuts.
This lovely orchard has plenty of shaded tables outside, under huge trees. So grab your tasty donuts and sit outside with your family. There are also clean restrooms too, if your little one needs to make a stop. This is a must stop while you are in the area and can’t be missed! And don’t forget to snap your photo in front of this iconic white door backdrop. You can find Snowline Orchard at 39400 Oak Glen Road Oak Glen, CA 92399. They are open Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
Riley’s Farm
This farm is very large and has lots to do for the whole family. We really just went here for the u-pick apples and pears, but there really is a ton to do on this farm. The barbeque smelled delicious and was tough to turn down. There are two major parking lots, one close to the entrance near Colonial Village and another one near Heritage Homestead. Both parking locations have U-pick options available near by. We choose to park next to Heritage Homestead since we were only going to u-pick during this visit.
Currently they have 2 different types of apples you can pick, along with pears, flowers, raspberries and strawberries. We choose to pick apples and pears during our visit. The trees are stocked full of of fruit and ready for your visit. They will provide you with plastic bags for you to fill with each type of varietal. Pears are $3 a pound and the apples are $3.50 a pound.
Additionally you and your family can enjoy the following activities within Colonial Village Tomahawk throwing, Archery Candle, Dipping Doll, Butter-making, Weaving and Quill & Ink. There is a fee to get into Colonial Village as well as a fee to par-take in the individual activities. Riley’s Farm can be found at 12261 S. Oak Glen Road Oak Glen, California 92399. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Willowbrook Farm
Willowbrook farm is smaller than some of the bigger farms, but still filled with lots of charm. When you walk up to this adorable spot you will first be greeted with one seriously tasty option, sliced apples with caramel de leche drizzle. And WOW was this treat good! Don’t turn them down, this treat is not to be missed. NOTE, the 2022 season will note open until October 1st. Be sure to check their website regularly before heading to this farm.
Next up you will find the u-press cider activity. This is one of my kids favorite things to do when we visit Oak Glen. It requires team work, a little muscle and a whole lot of fun. My three kids grinded, pressed and loved making their apple cider to take home with us.
After the U-press cider we walked around the farm and met their sweet animals. There is a pig, a miniature horse and a miniature donkey; named Start and Comet. Ask for assistance and they will let you feed the horse and donkey some hay. My kids loved meeting the sweet farm animals during our visit.
Willowbrook farm is currently offering a lovely family friendly event every Saturday and Sunday in the month of September and October. From 4pm to 6pm you can enjoy smore around the campfire and the parents can indulge in a wine tasting flight. There is an additional ticket cost for this event. It is $25 per adult that would like to enjoy the wine tasting and $5 per smores kit. You can also splurge and buy a charcuterie box or a desert box during the event. All of which need to be purchased prior to the event. Come make memories with your family and check out Willbrook Farm at 12099 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399. They are currently open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
