Please note: This post was written in 2021, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it might also contain outdated information. Please be sure to check this destination’s Facebook page for the most current information.
Update 2024: Here are a few pics from our 2024 visit!
2021 Post:
Fall fun is back at The Old Cider Mill in Glastonbury this year! This historic spot hosts its famous apple fritter stand on fall weekends, plus an array of fall-themed goods available for purchase and even a petting zoo where kiddos can feed the animals. It’s a great place to spend one of those glorious New England fall afternoons.
Parking is easy.
On weekends, you can grab yourself a bag of delicious apple fritters.
And eat them in the little picnic area.
Many folks will tell you these are the best fritters in town. For me, I have to call a tie between these and the ones at Dondero Orchards in South Glastonbury. Although, the fritters are so different at each place, it’s almost hard to compare them. (For a great list of other local fritter faves, check out this blog post from our friend, Amy!)
The kids always adore climbing on these tractors. It makes for great pictures!
But the main attraction for us on this visit was the petting zoo, which seems to be greatly expanded from our visits in other years.
Whereas all the other times we’ve visited The Old Cider Mill over the years admission to the petting zoo has been free, it now costs $1/person. However, kids do get a free cone of animal food with admission! (Additional feed can be purchased for $1/cone).
Be sure to grab a feeding stick. There’s a bin of them at the bottom of the ramp.
This humble invention (looks like the cap from a peanut butter jar secured to a wooden stake?) is really ingenious! Makes visiting with the animals so much fun. Just pour a little feed into the plastic cap and hold it out for them to nibble.
There are a lot of different animals this year including goats, pigs (including piglets!), alpaca, ducks, turkeys, quail, rabbits and roosters.
The experience was definitely worth the price of admission and kept the kids busy for at least 20 minutes!
Afterwards, you can browse the selection of pumpkins, fall decor, pantry goods and more. Sometimes there is even a pop up shop! (Check their Facebook page for the latest info on those.)
The petting zoo and the shop are open Wednesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from noon-6:00pm and Saturday & Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm. Fritters are only available on weekends.
Hot fritters, cold cider (or hot if you prefer!) and friendly animals make for a perfect fall treat! Hope you get to hang out at The Old Cider Mill with your crew.
1287 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT
Hours (2021):
Hours are seasonal.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM shop & petting zoo (no fritters)
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM shop & petting zoo (no fritters)
Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM shop & petting zoo (no fritters)
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM shop, petting zoo & fritter stand
Sunday: 9:00 PM – 6:00 PM shop, petting zoo & fritter stand
Pricing (2021):
Petting zoo admission: $1/person; includes cone of food for each child. CASH
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: Yikes. There always has been in the past, but this COVID thing makes me question everything I ever knew! We did not double check this time– sorry!
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES
Outside Food Allowed: I’m sure no one would mind if you brought your own snack, especially on the days that fritters are not being served!
Cash Required: YES for petting zoo. Credit cards accepted at fritter stand.
Dress Code: All guests MUST wear a mask to enter the store! You do not need a mask to enter the petting zoo or walk around the property.
Age Recommendation: All ages!
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
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If you are ever in the area, you should check out R&B Sports World in Winsted, CT. It is pretty small, but it has mini golf, ice cream, an indoor playground, batting cages, go karts, bumper cars, and a small arcade. Maybe you could go to Resha Beach, also in Winsted, and R&B Sports World.