8 Reasons Why This is The Best Family Farm to Visit in MA This Fall

One thing we love around here is a farm day, and one of our favorite farms to visit is Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough, MA. We have visited 3 years in a row, and each time has been better than the last. This northern Massachusetts farm is extremely family-friendly and the perfect place for families with young children. See why we think you should add Parlee Farms to your list this Fall.

1. All the Pickings….

Apple picking, Pumpkin picking, and Flower picking all in one place

As moms, we love a one-stop shop, and being able to pick apples, pumpkins, and flowers in the same place is a game changer. Parlee Farms has a great assortment of apples to pick from. If you love a snappy Honeycrisp, prefer a sweet Gala, crave a sweet-and-tart McIntosh, or want to try something new like a Ginger Gold (whatever that is), you will have plenty of apple options to choose from. It’s fun for the kids to ride the hayride to the apple trees, and they even let you try the apples as much as you like. My children probably ate 5 apples each while we filled a 20 lb bag. I have no idea what we will do with all these apples, but it’s for the kids, right? The farm also has a pumpkin patch with some nice photo setups, as well as a large flower field offering an assortment of flowers, including the most gorgeous sunflowers. Apple picking requires you to pay for your group, as well as each person who rides the hay ride, while pumpkin and flower picking are paid by weight. Adults and children over 6 must also pay to enter the flower fields, even if you don't pick anything.

2. The Most Delicious Apple Cider Donuts

We not so secretly come here for the apple cider donuts. What exactly is Fall without them? Parlee Farms makes some of the best apple cider donuts in the game. We're talking cakey, cinnamon goodness topped with heavenly sprinkles of sugar, served warm and fresh daily. They serve them mini-sized, and you can watch them make them in the machine right in front of you, which is a fun activity for the kids. They also offer other treats, including warm apple crisp with ice cream and hot apple cider.

3. Play Area For Kids

There is a large sandpit area for kids to play in that is suitable for children of all ages. Shovels, buckets, and toys are scattered around the sandpit for any child to play with. I don’t know why, but children see sand and must throw themselves into it. Needless to say, it's a hit every time.

4. You Can Feed The Animals

If your child loves animals, they will love feeding the animals at Parlee Farms. Their flock includes goats, sheep, and chickens. They have areas where the animals can stick their heads out, and you can pet them and feed them pellets you purchase from a quarter vending machine. For the child who prefers not to be slobbered on, there's a machine where you can place your pellets on a conveyor belt and turn the wheel, which brings the food up to the goats so you can watch them eat. This was a favorite of my oldest daughter, who prefers not to touch the animals. Speaking of slobber, they have an outdoor washing station with real soap where you can wash your hands after. (I know you were thinking about it)

5. Market With Fresh Produce

The farm also has an on-site market offering fresh local produce, sweet treats like pies and tarts, and farm-made honeys and jams. You can also buy fresh, crisp Apple Cider.

6. Food on Site

Feed the children. It’s always top of mind when on an adventure, and thankfully you don't have to pack a lunch because on the weekends the farm offers a food truck with options for vegetarians, as well as fresh non-GMO corn on the grill, which is absolutely delicious. There are also plenty of outdoor tables and benches to dine.

7. Real Bathrooms

A toddler and a porta-potty, do not pass go, and luckily this farm has real bathrooms with changing tables and all.

8. Easy Parking

The parking is free and right on site making visiting this farm a breeze.

Parlee Farms also offers year-round fruit picking, and offerings depend on the season. While we love visiting in the Fall, it’s a great farm to visit in Spring and Summer as well. Make sure to check their website before visiting to see what fruits or vegetables are ready to pick.