Here at Detroit Mom, one of our favorite places to go with our families all year round is Blake Farms. Located in Armada, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill continues to add to their already amazing lineup of family-friendly activities which keeps us coming back year after year. For many of us in the Detroit area, Armada can be a bit of a drive and, as moms, we know how important it is to be prepared when taking your family out for an activity. No need to stress because we have all the details you need to plan a fun and relaxing adventure to Blake Farms. Read on for our best tips and tricks for families visiting any time of year!
Locations
Blake Farms actually has three separate locations with unique offerings at each one. Blakes Orchard and Cider Mill is a 120-acre farm that is the original location for Blake’s. They are open year-round, seven days a week, and expand their hours during the fall so every visitor has the chance to enjoy beautiful Michigan fall activities.
You can view the map before you go to get a sense of where things are located. Maps are also available on the property at any of the checkout locations.
U-Pick on the Farm
No trip to Blake’s would be complete without heading to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. Since the property is large, you’ll drive your car around the farm to various areas where the produce is ready to pick. There is a $20 minimum spend for each car at u-pick and they take any form of payment including cash and credit card. There are other produce items ready for harvesting this time of year, too. Produce is also available in the Cider Mill if you don’t want to drive out to the u-pick fields.
Bring rain jackets, boots, etc. since the fields can get muddy! Wagons are also welcomed. For more information and a full list of ready-to-pick produce, check out their harvest schedule here.
Things to Do
As moms, we know it takes a lot of different activities to keep everyone in your family entertained all day long. Blake’s has a ton of things to do aside from picking produce to keep everyone happy.
- Lovey’s Lavender Farmhouse and Market is Blake’s on-site shopping destination nestled inside the original 1800s farmhouse. Grab a cider and shop home décor, kitchen/bath items, essential oils, CBD products, and more!
- When September hits, The Apple Barn transforms into a fall market.
- The open-air apple press in the Cider Mill is a must-see.
- Funland is home to the petting farm, jumping pillows, and tons of other farm-fun activities. Day or season passes (which includes the skating rink in the winter) can be purchased online.
- Pony rides are new this year! Tickets can be purchased at Funland.
- Take a wagon or train ride through the orchard. Tickets can be purchased at Funland.
What to Eat
Blake’s is well-known for their apple cider and cider donuts and you can’t leave without either one. But did you know there are a lot of other options when it comes to tasty things to eat?
- Blake’s Tasting Room offers a wonderful casual menu and a variety of craft hard ciders.
- If you’re hoping for something faster, you can find great food at Graze Kitchen, Orchard Café, Snack Shack, or the BBQ tent. All of these are walk-up options.
Other Hot Tips
- Don’t be afraid to bring your little ones in strollers. The property is very stroller-friendly and easy to get around.
- There is plenty of grassy space for kids to run around and play while the grown-ups sit and enjoy a cider.
- There are restrooms located in the Tasting Room, the Cider Mill, and the Tasting Cafe.
- Bees are friendly (and plentiful) so have EpiPens on hand if allergic!
- A selection of gluten-free items is offered in the Tasting Room.
- Guests can bring their own reusable water bottle.
- Peak hours are from 12:00 – 4:00, so come earlier for shorter lines and better parking. (Handicap parking is also available on site.)
- Be sure to download the app before you visit to earn points for every dollar you spend.
- If you’re looking for the same experience with less crowds, visit Blake’s second location, Blake’s Backyard in Almont (also their pet-friendly location!).
