While there are a lot of great ways to get into the fall spirit, few things beat apple picking. This is your chance to get outside and enjoy the cooling weather while making memories with the people you love the most. Bonus? You get some pretty sweet treats out of it! As a Des Moines family photographer, I love working with parents to find the best destinations to explore. If you are planning some apple picking in Des Moines, here are the orchards to check out!
32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge, Iowa 50046
You could spend all day at Center Grove Orchard and still find new ways to have a great time! This family farm has tons of activities, including hay rides, jumping pillows, corn crib barns, adorable farm animals, and a playground. Their apple orchard is seriously huge, with over 20 acres to explore. You will be able to choose between 34 varieties and pay by weight. They keep their website constantly updated, so you’ll know what’s available before you come out. Then, once you are all tuckered out, you can head to their cafe, where they have some of the best seasonal treats!

13140 NW 102nd Avenue, Granger, Iowa 50109
Iowa Orchard has become one of the most beloved destinations for people all across the Des Moines area. They have two locations where you can pick your own adventure. Over at their Urbandale location, you can find their pie bakery and market as well as their family fun zone. You can come out here, test out their inflatables, and bring home a pie made with their own apples! Their Granger location is where you’ll find their u-pick apple orchard. They have a wide variety, including Honeycrisp, Cortland, Empire, Crimson Crisp, and more. By the way, the location is pet-friendly, so no one in your household has to miss out!

33130 Panther Creek Rd, Adel, Iowa 50003
For over 30 years, Wills Family Orchard has been the spot where Iowans get their apples! This location is committed to sustainable farming practice that gives you higher-quality products as well as generations of family memories! They offer apple picking during their Festival Weekend hours as long as the trees are full! You can swing by their location and let their cashier know you’d like to pick apples. You will prepay and then get a bag to fill up. The farm grows over 20 varieties and tapes off each section so you can always know what is in season.
If you are looking for the best way to welcome in autumn, I think you are going to adore these orchards with apple picking in Des Moines! Be sure to plan your visit soon so you don’t have to miss out!
Are you looking for the best way to make this season last forever? I can help! As a Des Moines family photographer, I love working with parents to plan sessions so they don’t have to forget a single second. If you would like to see if I’m the photographer for you, I would love to chat! Send me a message today to get the conversation started!