Apple season in the US is just around the corner (it’s typically from mid-August to mid-October) so we’ve been thinking of things you can do to enjoy the season – even if you’re not based in the US!  Although they aren’t native to America, apples are one of the most valuable fruit crops (oranges being right at the top of the list), and one of the most delicious of course.

If you’re based in the US, no matter if you live in a city, the suburbs or the country, there’s always an apple event nearby during the season. You may also find events dotted around in other countries as well – for example, there are often lots of things to do during apple season in the UK. Why not make the most out of this time of year and enjoy as many different type of apple as possible (there are over 20!).

Here are some ideas of things you can do to have fun this season without having to spend a lot…

Go apple picking – throughout apple season (especially later on in fall), many local farmers open their orchards for you to have a family day out apple picking. You’ll usually get to enjoy a wagon ride through the farm before you’re taken to your apple picking destination in the wonderful orchard. You’ll be taken back to the farm afterwards to carry on your perfect afternoon; many farms will offer fresh doughnuts and homemade apple cider! It’s a great way to support local farms (they’ll usually charge a very small entrance fee) as well as a fun day out.

Go to an apple festival – there’s always tons of activities to get involved in, for both adults and children, so get online and find out where your nearest apple festival is being held. Why not join in with the apple pie baking contest? Or if baking isn’t your thing, there’s always the apple pie tasting and eating contest! The festivals often have live music and entertainment as well.

Cook with apples – everyone can join in with this one! Whether it’s a pie, a crumble or a spicy apple chutney, apples are a great fruit to cook with. There are some great recipes online for a wide range of different meals and desserts so get searching. If you get your ingredients from a wholesale store they shouldn’t cost you too much, and you can always use what you already have at home to save some money too.

Create some apple games – apple bobbing is a great game to play with the kids, especially later in the season when Halloween is around the corner. It may seem like an old-fashioned thing to do, but putting some freshly cleaned apples in a bowl of water and getting the kids to try and fish them out by biting them is actually a lot of fun! Plus, it won’t cost much at all.

Try a cold hard cider – the drink of choice this season is, of course, hard cider! Cider is a great drink to enjoy with friends (if you’re of the correct age) and you’ll find it on tap, and bottled, at many local bars and restaurants. Cider itself has a wonderful flavour but you can also find added flavours such as mixed fruit, strawberry and lime, and elderflower so make sure you try them out if you get a chance this apple season.

Although the season hasn’t started just yet (there’s a couple of weeks to go), it’s great to have some ideas for things to do when it does start – and remember, the season runs from the middle of August all the way through to October, so you’ll have plenty of time to get involved!