Fall in Colorado is nothing short of magical. The cool breeze and golden leaves are alluring, and nothing tops off an autumnal day better than fresh apple cider. In and around Denver, you’ll find plenty of spots welcoming families to enjoy their cider and all of the fun-filled activities the season offers. We’ve rounded up our top places to get your fill of this year’s apple harvest.
Family Friendly Places to Sample Fresh Apple Cider in Denver
Anderson Farms
Location: 6728 County Road 3-¼, Erie, Colorado 80516
Known for its annual Fall Festival, Anderson Farms is packed with activities and goodies for the whole bunch. From the corn maze and pumpkin patch to the zombie paintball ride, there’s no shortage of fun here. While the kids enjoy the attractions, you can sip on some locally sourced apple cider and take in the festive atmosphere. Their cider donuts are also a huge hit with kids! Their festival dates are normally late September to early November, and reservations are required. Take home some of their amazing sparkling cider to continue the tastings at home!
Colorado Pumpkin Patch
Location: 2205 East Hwy 105, Monument, CO 80132
Voted one of the top pumpkin patches in North America, Colorado Pumpkin Patch offers more than just pumpkins – it’s a festival of fun for any and all. They have plenty of kid-friendly activities, including giant slides, hayrides and an obstacle course. Fresh apple cider is served up in abundance, and the autumn scenery makes this the perfect spot for family photos. Check their website for hours, pricing and tickets as they vary in September and October.
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Location: 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128
While known for its beautiful gardens, the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms is also a fantastic spot for families in the fall. Their annual Corn Maze Festival is full of activities, including hayrides and a smaller maze for younger children. Fresh apple cider is available, and it pairs perfectly with the natural beauty of the gardens and fields.
Four Mile Historic Park
Location: 715 S Forest St, Denver, CO 80246
For a bit of history with your apple cider, take the family to Four Mile Historic Park in Denver. This living history museum offers the perfect already picked pumpkins, local treasures, live music and apple cider donuts during their weekend Pumpkin Harvest Fest. Families can participate in build-your-own scarecrows crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt and pan for gold. Different events take place throughout the fall months, so check out their site for advance reservations and to see which event best suits your family, but each one will provide sips of that fresh cider we all love.
Miller Farms
Location: 13912 Cr 19, Platteville, Colorado 80651
Miller Farms offers an unforgettable fall experience for families, with a mix of apple cider and themed activities. In addition to fresh, non-alcoholic cider, families can take a hayride through the fields, pick their own pumpkins and explore a corn maze. This farm-to-table experience makes it easy to teach kids about where their food comes from while enjoying a day in the country. Admission to the farm is free, but there is a charge for the hayrides and any goods purchased, of course.
Rock Creek Farm
Location: 2005 South 112th Street, Broomfield, CO 80020
One of the oldest pumpkin patches in Colorado, Rock Creek Farm is a favorite destination when the air starts to get cooler. The farm offers a massive pumpkin patch, corn maze and a gaggle of farm animals. Fresh apple cider is available throughout the farm, perfect for sipping while the kids enjoy all the outdoor activities. Don’t forget to pick up a jug of cider to take home. Open everyday through Halloween, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, customers receive free admission, otherwise it is $10 per person for those four years and older.
Sunflower Farm
Location: 11150 Prospect Road, Longmont CO 80504
Sunflower Farm is all about kids enjoying a farm atmosphere and benefiting from the open terrain, interacting with animals and enjoying the bounty raised there. During their Farmfest, reservations are required for those 12 months and older. While sipping on some of their fresh apple cider, families can relax, swing from tree ropes, and explore the farm’s many play areas. The welcoming environment and the beautiful fall backdrop make it a must-visit spot for families looking to experience a down-to-earth experience.
Ya Ya Farm & Orchard
Location: 6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503
For a quintessential fall family outing, Ya Ya Farm & Orchard is a must-visit. It is part of a historic century-old farm specializing in heirloom apples. Besides the organic apples customers are allowed to pick, visitors are also able to savor their apple cider donuts, pies and cider. They do not charge an admission fee, but the U-pick does require prior reservations. It’s a popular place, so time slots can be hard to come by. Choose a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds. Note: They do ask customers to leave dogs at home out of respect for the farm animals on site, like donkeys, peacocks, draft horses, chickens and ducks.
Their annual Applefest is a huge deal every year. Tickets sell out fast, so reserve early!
Pack up the family, grab a sweater, and head out for a day of apple cider and autumn memories in Colorado! What’s your favorite spot for fall family fun? Let us know your favorite places to pick up some apple concoctions!
