There is fun and the farm and so much more with a visit to Bishop's Orchar

Why Bishop’s Orchards Is a Family Destination

Bishop's Orchards is one of my favorite places. Growing up, it was my family’s yearly fall tradition to visit. I would spend the day picking apples and pumpkins, then head home with a loaf of the famous salt bread from the farm market. Now, years later, I get to share that same joy with my own kids, and they love it just as much as I did.

What makes Bishop’s so unique is that no visit ever has to be the same. There’s truly something new to enjoy each time. You can easily spend an entire day here with your family and still wish you had more time. Spend the afternoon picking your own fruit or letting the kids explore the activity zone. Or come in the evening for live music at the cozy Little Red Barn. It’s a place that blends tradition, community, and fun in a way that keeps you coming back season after season. And the staffing couldn't be any nicer. Seriously, every member of the Bishop’s team is warm and welcoming, which makes a huge difference in setting the friendly atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

 
Ride the Apple Train in the Kid Zone at Bishop's Orchards in Guilford.

Must See Things at the Bishop’s Orchards

This place is massive! Spanning over 52 acres of farmland so there’s no shortage of things to do and even two separate locations to explore. Honestly, you can’t go wrong no matter how you spend your time at Bishop’s Orchards. My perfect day here starts right at opening with a pick-your-own session (apples are my personal favorite), followed by letting the kids burn off energy at the activity area. Then, we head over to the farm market to stock up on delicious goodies and end the day with a scoop of the homemade ice cream.

Kid Activity Area and Corn Maze

The kid’s activity area at Bishop’s Orchards is truly a hidden gem: part farm, part festival, and entirely fun. My kids, who are all different ages, can spend hours here without getting bored. For toddlers, the corn crib and bounce pad are clear favorites. Meanwhile, my 5- and 8-year-olds race straight to the mega slide, pedal karts, and apple train before looping back to enjoy every station all over again. The corn maze, which opens Labor Day weekend, is a separate ticketed activity and always a must. This year’s theme? Pizza; celebrating Connecticut’s pride as the pizza capital of the U.S.! The corn maze is serious though and can take a while to complete. So be mindful of time if you get the combo ticket.

Right near the ticket booth, you’ll find a barn stocked with snacks, candy, and beverages. Pro tip: the apple cider donuts are an absolute must-try. On weekends, even more food and drink options pop up, making it easy to refuel without leaving the fun. Pro tip - bring a lunch  if coming during on a weekday.  The area is thoughtfully maintained with portable restrooms and plenty of trash cans to keep everything clean. You’ll find the kid’s activity area and corn maze located at 480 New England Road.

Pick-Your-Own Fruit, Pumpkins, and Flowers

Pick-your-own is a signature experience at Bishop’s Orchards. Apples are the star of the show with more than 20 different varieties to choose from! The orchard is so expansive that you can stroll through on foot or hop on a tractor ride to explore. Throughout the seasons, you’ll also find other delicious options like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, and pears. Be sure to check the website or call before heading out to confirm what’s in season and ready for picking.

From mid-September through Halloween, pumpkin picking takes center stage. It's perfect for a quintessential fall family outing. And new this year is pick-your-own flowers, located right next to the kids’ activity area. It’s absolutely charming with a vibrant field of blooms where you can create your own bouquet to take home. You don't need a green thumb to enjoy it. 

Enjoy something sweet on a visit to Bishop's Orchards with kids!

Farm Market

Bishop’s takes pride in offering the freshest, highest-quality items for you to take home. It’s more than a grocery store, it’s a true farm market. Whether you’ve been out picking your own or just happen to be nearby, it’s always worth stopping in. You’ll find all the seasonal fruits from their PYO fields, plus the famous apple cider (trust me, grab an extra jug). And the smell? Heavenly. Fresh pies, warm donuts, crusty bread. The salt bread is my personal favorite. They also have tons of ready-to-eat meals, which are a total lifesaver on busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking. And the best part for the kids? The little train that chugs around the store. It buys you a few extra minutes to shop in peace.

Creamery 

Little Red Bar[n] Live Music 

If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-friendly night out with great food and live music, the Little Red Bar[n] Live Music Series is the perfect choice. Admission is free, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and music starting at 6:30 p.m. Grab a bite to eat, sip on Bishop’s wine or hard cider, and settle in at a picnic table or around a cozy fire pit. It’s such an easy, fun night that you’ll want to come back again and again. it’s conveniently right next to the creamery, so you can end the evening with a sweet treat.

Thursday Night Trivia at Little Red Bar[n] 

Holidays at the Big Red Bar[n] 

Enjoy a holiday event at Bishops! This is a ticketed event during the month of December filled with all the holiday cheer. Meet Santa, decorate cookies, take part in fun kid crafts, and ride the seasonal wagon around the orchard. This event is outside, so dress accordingly. 

Restaurants Near Bishop’s Orchards 

Details For Visiting Bishop’s Orchards

Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, Winery, Creamery, and PYO Pumpkins : 1355 Boston Post Road (Guilford).

Bishop's Little Red Barn, Kid's Activity Area, and PYO (apples, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and pears): 480 New England Road (Guilford)

Bishop’s PYO Raspberries: 280 Dunk Rock Road (Guilford)

Free parking 

Know Before You Go - Bishop’s Orchards

• Wear proper footwear for your experience. Sneakers or closed sandals are best.
• Check the address to know where to go. Both are less than 5 minutes apart. 
• If you are doing pyo, call to check for availability 
• Portable bathrooms are spread through.
• Bring water, hats, and  sunscreen (if needed),