Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs by retreating to Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. The family-owned-and-operated farm sits on 120 acres just 45 miles northeast of Detroit, making it a great day trip for families looking to unwind and enjoy fun farm activities.
Home to Blake’s Funland, Blake’s Tasting Room, u-pick produce and a farm store and bakery, there are so many ways to play at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in every season.
Quick details about Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
- Address: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free admission. Funland, U-Pick and other activities require separate admission fees.
- Parking: Free parking on-site.
Summer kicks off the festival season at Blake’s, with annual events like the Lavender Festival, Strawberry Festival and Sunflower Festival. You’ll find crisp autumn colors and yummy seasonal treats in the fall, and families can take a snowy wagon ride to cut down their own Christmas tree in the winter. Once the ground thaws and temps begin to rise, spend a day on the Tasting Room patio and pick your own fruits and veggies to welcome spring.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is one of four Blake Farms locations. Visit the Big Apple (also located in Armada) for seasonal fun and spooky fall attractions, or Blake’s Backyard for dining, shopping and fresh produce. Blake’s newest location, Blake’s Lyon Township, offers U-Pick, kids’ activities, donuts and cider and more farm fun.
Things to do with kids at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
- Visit Funland and enjoy more than 25 activities for kids, including a petting zoo, wagon rides, a trike track and even a John Deere speedway. Funland requires an additional $12.95 ticket; children ages 2 and under are free.
- Pick fresh produce, from apples and berries to seasonal veggies. Check their U-Pick page to see what will be in season during your visit!
- Grab a bite to eat at one of Blake’s yummy restaurants or food stands, including Blake’s Tasting Room, Orchard Cafe, Snack Shack, Graze Farm Kitchen and Blake’s Burger Tent.
- Grown-ups can sample Blake’s craft cider, beer and wine at Blake’s Tasting Room. Guests of all ages are welcome, so round up your kiddos and grab a table on the patio!
- Visit the Farm Store & Bakery to pick up some farm fresh goodies to take home. Pre-picked produce, pies, canned goods and other sundries will be available.
- Shop at Lovey’s Lavender Artisan Market, an original 1800’s farmhouse that has been repurposed into a quaint boutique specializing in lavender products from home decor to bath products.
Tips for visiting Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill with kids
- Blake’s is a real working farm, which means it can get muddy and messy depending on the weather. It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes when visiting and dress for the weather.
- Leave family pets at home. Pets are permitted at both Blake’s Backyard and Blake’s Lyon Township, but not at the Orchard & Cider Mill. Exceptions will only be made for registered service animals.
- For a special fall outing, book a semi-private campfire at Blake’s. Enjoy sweet cider, donuts and s’mores, wagon rides through the orchard, and access to Funland.
Family-friendly events at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
A trip to Blake’s is fun in all seasons! Plan your next visit around one of these exciting festivals for a memorable family outing or a special parents’ day out.
Strawberry Festival
- Typically held in late-June
Kick off strawberry season at Blake’s Strawberry Festival. In addition to its usual farm fun and yummy menu offerings, the festival includes a few sweet strawberry surprises, a fireworks show, live music and line dancing and more fun in the sun.
Lavender Festival
- Typically held in late-July
Escape to Blake’s relaxing lavender fields during this charming annual festival. Enjoy lavender-infused food and drinks, free activities for kids, live music and craft and artisan vendors.
Sunflower Festival
- Typically held in mid-August
This year’s Sunflower Festival just ended, but mark your calendars for next August when folks can come out to frolic in Blake’s sunflower fields. Enjoy cute photo ops, cut fresh blooms, browse crafts from local artisans, participate in wellness workshops and more.
Cider Dayze Festival
- Aug. 24-25, 2024
This one’s for the grown ups! Sample Blake’s hard cider, as well as beverages from more than 50 craft breweries, while supporting great local and global organizations! Food trucks, live music, and lawn games like cornhole, giant beer pong, and giant Jenga will be on site. Tickets include nine 5-ounce pours and a commemorative glass.
Dino Dayze
- Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Sept. 7-8, 2024
Stomp around with life-size, animatronic dinosaurs! For two weekends, dinosaurs are taking over Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. Participate in dino-mite activities, snap fun dinosaur photos and enjoy dino-themed treats and drinks.
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