Nothing defines fall in New Jersey like a trip to a pumpkin patch. From the crunchy autumn leaves to the cold crisp air, there’s something rejuvenating about the fall season in the Garden State. From hayrides to corn mazes and spooky legends, New Jersey’s pumpkin patches and farms know how to deliver an excellent family-friendly time.
Here’s a list of some of the best pumpkin patches to visit while you’re in New Jersey this autumn.
Autumn Fun at Abma’s Farm
Located in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Abma’s Farm is the place to be for fall festivities. In fact, it’s so popular during the autumn months advanced tickets are required! Home to a farmers market, petting zoo and, of course, pumpkins, the farm draws in crowds of visitors and locals year after year. Originally the home of farmers Barney and Anna Abma, the farm once housed 25,000 chickens and wholesale egg business. Today, it’s a thriving destination where families can pick pumpkins, ride ponies and shop for fresh produce.
During the fall, visitors can enjoy a hayride on the grounds, pick a pumpkin and visit the Barnyard Zoo. There’s also scarecrow-making for the kids.
Pumpkins and Sunflowers at Johnson’s Corner Farm
Fall fun continues at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, New Jersey, just south of Hartford. Known for its Fall Harvest celebration, which runs every weekend through October 31st, the farm delights guests with live music, delicious food, duck races and even gem mining.
Kick off the day with a hayride to the pumpkin patch, where you can hunt for the perfect pumpkin. Of course, no trip to the farm is complete without a stroll through the corn maze before you head by the festival’s food tent for flavorful dips, salads and bistro sandwiches. In addition to pumpkins and fall festivities, the farm is also home to sunflower fields. After you’ve picked a pumpkin, take a wagon ride through the sunflower maze and go sunflower picking! Tickets for these activities tend to sell out fast, so purchase in advance, so you don’t miss out.
A Bone-Chilling Good Time at Fairfield Farms
A haven for autumn activities, Fairfield Farms, is a popular fall destination in Fairfield, New Jersey. There are so many activities; you might have to visit twice to experience them. From hayrides to pumpkin picking, corn and rope mazes, and farm animals, this is the place for the spooky season!
Check out the towering Big Bale Mountain, sip on hot mulled cider and try your luck at the Pumpkin Slingshot, where if you hit the target, you win a pumpkin! A new addition to the farm this year is the chilling Spooky Trail. This hayride takes guests through spine-tingling haunted woods along the farm’s woodland perimeter. Look out for goblins, ghouls and ghosts – you never know what might jump out at you!
Visitors will also find a market selling fall décor, fresh flower arrangements and handpicked produce.
Family Fun Weekends at Terhune Orchards
Terhune Orchards is a magical place to visit during the fall season, from the fields of sunflowers to expansive apple orchards. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, this farm and orchard offers Fall Family Fun Weekends until the end of October.
Visit the barnyard and hang out with the farm animals, groove to live music from local bands, pick the perfect pumpkin, stroll through the corn maze or explore the farm on the walking trail. Exciting activities for kids include the hay bale maze, duck races and pumpkin painting. For the adults? Check out the winery and farm store for wine tastings of the orchard’s staples, from apple and peach wine to dry reds such as Chambourcin.
While visiting, stop by the farm store for some hot apple cider and a fresh apple cider donut. You’ll also find a selection of locally sourced gourmet foods such as artisanal pasta, honey from the farm’s beekeeper and pot pies.
Visit Alstede Farms in Autumn
Round out the fall season at Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey. From the hayrides to the nighttime corn maze, sunflower maze, and pumpkin picking in the crisp autumn air, weekends at the farm are cozy, autumn goodness. The farm is home to the flagship Pick-Your-Own program, where visitors can choose from a selection of crops such as pumpkins, apples, corn, potatoes and sunflowers and harvest them directly from the source.
Don’t miss a chance to attend the farm’s pumpkin pancake breakfast. You’ll dine on stacks of fluffy homemade pumpkin pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes. Your ticket includes a morning wagon ride around the scenic farm, a voucher to pick a pumpkin and access to tractor rides and the hay pyramid.
