Family Friendly Harvest Activites in the Yakima Valley. 

Fall in the Yakima Valley means harvest time!  When other areas of the state may be turning rainy and cold, the Yakima Valley is still pleasantly warm during the day, with clear, bright blue skies.  Evenings are crisp and cool, and tinted with the aroma of wood smoke.    

The king of Yakima’s agricultural bounty, the apple, rules the fall harvest season.  Different varieties are ripening throughout the season, which means that you can find fresh-off-the-tree apples from September through November.  Check out our apple guide for more information about which apples are best for baking, eating, or pressing, and when they are available.

There are many fun fall activities to take part in in the Yakima Valley. 

Corn Maze – There are two corn mazes in the Yakima Valley.  They are different every year, so you never know what to expect.  Getting lost has never been so much fun!  If you go after dark, don’t forget a flashlight. Click here for more information about the corn mazes. 

U-pick Apples – At many local orchards, you can pick your own apples.  Grab a bucket or a bag and get to work!  The smells and sounds of the orchards are a unique experience.   

Cider Pressing – If you’ve never tasted fresh pressed cider, you’re missing out on one of the greatest pleasures in life!  The best way to do it is to follow the whole process from start to finish, beginning with picking your apples.  Next you wash, mash, press, and catch the pure juice.  You may get a little dirty and sticky, but this is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Pumpkin Patch – choose your own pumpkin at a pumpkin patch, then have a carving contest at home!  Some farms also offer hay rides, hay mazes, pony rides, carving contests, cider pressing, and other fun activities.

These activities are fun for the whole family and are virtually guaranteed to become treasured family traditions.