Fall is arguably my favorite time of year in New England. The change of season brings with it a sense of calm, a return to routine, and an abundance of kid-friendly activities. This year, I couldn’t wait to share in all the fall fun with my 16-month-old son. At his age, he is quickly learning about the world around him, so it’s my priority to bring him to the best kid-friendly venues that help engage his mind, body, and spirit. So atop my KFV bucket list is apple-picking, a perfect family fall adventure that brings together the great outdoors, time with loved ones, and of course, delicious apples!
As the bright autumn sun came up last Sunday morning, my husband and I decided it would be a great day for apple-picking at Brackett’s Orchards in Limington, Maine. Thought to be the oldest family-owned and operated orchard in Maine, we couldn’t wait to discover all the Orchards had to offer. And, as first-timers at the venue, I can honestly say that we were blown away by the experience.
As we drove up the steep hill approaching the Orchards, we were greeted by the owners outside of their farm stand, where we stepped out of the car to stretch our legs and explore the fresh apples, cider, jam, and other produce available for purchase from the stand. We were presently surprised to also come across a pumpkin cave, which sat adjacent to the stand. My son enthusiastically climbed about the pumpkins, and we captured a photo of him in his orange fall shirt atop a pumpkin pile. A very special pumpkin made its way home with us as a souvenir of that moment. Then, we made our way up to the top of the hill and came upon the stunning orchards, which offered beautiful views of the mountains. There was so much to do, and we couldn’t wait to begin exploring!
We started with our reason for the trip, apple-picking. My son delighted in his first ride in a red rover wagon as we traveled with him in and out of rows of apples. He giggled as he jumped out of the wagon and ran from tree to tree picking apples that were just right in size for him to hold and nibble. He loved helping to fill our tote with a variety of apples from Cortlands to Honeycrisp, Macintosh to Golden Delicious. After filling our tote to the brim with more than enough apples to eat and make a pie, we decided it was time for lunch and sat together at one of the picnic tables overlooking the mountains. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment, as we watched other families enjoying the orchards and scenic views. My son must have felt this energy too, as he calmly enjoyed his peanut butter and jelly sandwich (and an apple, of course!)
After our lunch, we hopped aboard the barrel train, my son’s first official train ride! As we waited for others to join, we were serenaded by the train driver who sang and played Johnny Cash tunes on his guitar. Once the train was loaded, we enjoyed our ride through the orchards, taking in even more beautiful views of the mountains, stopping to pick some more apples, and teaching our son all about the choo-choo locomotive!
Following the train ride, we all felt blissfully tired and decided it was time to head back home. We stopped in the farm store on our way out, which was stocked with all of the apple varieties, pumpkins, squash, cider, donuts, potatoes, honey, jams, and maple syrup. We purchased some goodies to take home to loved ones, and then it was back in the car for a peaceful ride home, with my son sleeping soundly in the back.
Brackett’s Orchards is now my new favorite apple orchard, and officially part of my KFV bucket list for family fall adventures. From the exceptional views to the countless trees with many apple varieties, to the unique experiences including the train ride and a crab apple slingshot (something we have yet to try on our next adventure!), Brackett’s Orchards is a hidden gem.
The farm stand is open daily from 9-4 pm, and pick-your-own apples are available from 9-4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The family owners and staff are incredibly welcoming and kind. The bathroom in the farm store is clean and bright. The apples are fresh and delicious, and the prices are fair at $16/peck. The red rover wagons are a delightful surprise to tote around little ones, though there is also plenty of room for strollers to walk up and down the orchards as well.
Dogs are also allowed on the property, and my son was delightfully greeted by many with kisses on the nose.
In my opinion, Brackett’s Orchards is the best kid-friendly apple-picking venue in Southern Maine! To get more information on Brackett’s Orchards, please visit this website’s free KidFriendlyVenue app!

KD