Where to Go Pumpkin Picking in New Jersey This Fall

A New Jersey pumpkin patch, one of many farms open for fall pumpkin picking

Where to Go Pumpkin Picking in New Jersey This Fall

A New Jersey pumpkin patch, one of many farms open for fall pumpkin picking

Staff

Pumpkin season is here, and New Jersey farms are bringing a lot to the table this fall season. 

Most New Jersey pumpkin farms open for picking in mid- to late September and run through October, with a few farms stretching into early November if the fields hold up. And it’s never just pumpkins, obviously. This is Jersey—we’ve got hayrides, corn mazes, small-town festivals, cider, and cider doughnuts. Every fall bucket list item you can think of. 

Here are New Jersey pumpkin farms worth a visit this weekend. 

When Is Pumpkin Picking in NJ?

Mid-September to late October. October, especially leading up to Halloween, is usually peak. Many farms open right around the first day of fall, some open a touch earlier if the crop ripens fast, and a handful stay open into early November when supply allows.

Tips Before You Go

Double-check hours: Weekday schedules and special events can change normal patch times.

Reserve early: Popular spots often require tickets. Weekends can sell out.

Bring cash: Some stands, hayrides, or snack shacks are cash-only. It’s best to be prepared with some cash on hand.

Go early: Mornings bring lighter crowds and better pumpkin picks. Shh… don’t tell anyone.

Dress for the fields: Boots or sneakers and layers of clothes are recommended. While you don’t need to traverse any serious terrain, paths can sometimes be muddy or uneven. Avoid open-toe shoes.

Abma’s Farm – Wyckoff

700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

Abma’s Farm hosts pumpkin picking, hayrides, and family events. Guests can take a scenic hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick their own pumpkin, and enjoy barnyard adventures at the petting zoo.

Alstede Farms – Chester

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930

Alstede is one of the state’s classic fall stops, with pumpkins of every size, and plenty of extras to keep the whole family entertained. Online reservations are required—you’ll get access to hayrides, corn mazes, and special seasonal activities. Don’t miss Harvest Moon Nights on Fridays and Saturdays, which turn into an evening event with a flashlight maze, live music, and a big bonfire.

pumpkin picking nj
Pick your own organic farm, Alstede Farm, in Chester, NJ

Argos Farm – Forked River

1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731

Want a seamless pumpkin-picking experience? You can pull right up to Argos farm, grab some pumpkins from the patch, and simply pay for what you’ve got. However, purchasing a ticket brings a lot of added fun. Admission gets you entry into the farm, corn maze, wagon rides, other fun attractions, and full access to on-site eateries and the brewery—including pasture-raised beef burgers, street corn, specialty iced coffee and more. 

Dalton Farms – Swedesboro

660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085

Pumpkin Fest features a pumpkin patch, pumpkin town, tractor rides, and live music. Small pumpkins are $5, and large pumpkins run $12. Come on a weekend, and enjoy a farmers market, pedal boat rides, a beer garden, and more. View general admission ticket information, here. 

Demarest Farms – Hillsdale

244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Open daily, Demarest offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a farm market. Reservations are required to access the patch. General admission is $9.70, with pumpkins sold separately. In the spooky spirit? Families are also invited to attend the Halloween Light Show.

Farms View Roadstand – Wayne

945 Black Oak Ridge Road, Wayne, NJ 07470

In October, hayrides head out to the fields every day. Tickets cost $13 during the week and $15 on weekends, and each ride comes with a pumpkin and an apple to take home. Pumpkins are also available to purchase in the farm market. Reservations are recommended on weekends. 

Happy Day Farm – Manalapan

106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Guests can pick pumpkins and explore Pumpkinville, sunflower fields, and a corn maze. Other attractions include pig races and tractor rides. Online reservations are required on weekends, with weekday cash entry. View more info, here. 

Heaven Hill Farm – Vernon

451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462

At the Great Pumpkin Fest, a hayride takes you straight out to the fields where pumpkins, gourds, and mums are waiting to be picked—all sold by weight. Once you’re back from the patch, get lost in the corn maze, stop by the farm animals, cheer on a pig race, or let kids burn energy on the pedal cars. For those who want to add even more to the day, the farm also offers carnival rides, gem mining, paintball, and the fall favorite everyone looks for: fresh cider donuts.

Maple Leaf Farms – Manalapan

525 Route 9, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Fall Fun Fest includes hayrides to the pumpkin patch, with pumpkins sold by weight. Families can also enjoy a corn maze, animal barnyard, pig races, bull riding, pedal karts, and over 30 seasonal activities. And that’s just the start—view the whole fall lineup, here.

Melick’s Town Farm – Califon

472 County Road 513, Califon, NJ 07830

Pumpkins are available from the vine starting in early October. Horse-drawn wagon rides, baked goods, gourds, and decorative corn round out the seasonal offerings at this New Jersey fall classic. Don’t forget hard cider and donuts. More info, here. 

Norz Hill Farm – Hillsborough

116 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Fall Harvest Days feature hayrides to the pumpkin patch, with more than 60 pumpkin, gourd, and squash varieties in a range of colors. Pumpkins are priced per pound—you can purchase tickets here. If you’re after something in the Halloween spirit, this is the last season to experience the Norz Hill Farm “Scare Farm” after 20 years of spooky fun. 

Riamede Farm – Chester

122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930

Visitors can cut pumpkins straight from the vine or choose from pre-picked selections. Pumpkin Days include wagon rides, field access, live music, and more. Don’t miss out on one of New Jersey’s most popular fall destinations—tickets here. 

Secor Farms – Mahwah

85 Airmont Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430

A ticket is all you need to access pumpkin picking, petting zoo, hayrides, and a corn maze, running through October. Public hayrides are $8.50 per person. The farm market also sells gourds, corn stalks, and fall treats.

Snyder’s Farm – Somerset

586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873

Fall Festival weekends include pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, live music, and food vendors. Tickets are sold at the gate—you can find more information at their Facebook page. 

Springdale Farm Market – Cherry Hill

1638 South Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Hayrides to the pumpkin patch run every weekend in October at just $7.50 a person, while pumpkins are priced per pound. Hayrides run consistently from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Find out more and purchase tickets here. 

Stony Hill Farms – Chester

15 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930

Pumpkin picking runs through the season with admission starting at $7.99 online. Pumpkins are priced by size. Entry includes access to the orchards, hayride to the pumpkin patch (weekends only), and other activities. Find out more here. 

Terhune Orchards – Princeton

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

Spread out across 250 acres, this farm has plenty to keep families busy on fall weekends. Beyond pumpkin picking, kids can enjoy pony rides and a painting station, while adults can grab a bite to eat or check out the on-site winery. Admission also gives you access to the corn maze, adventure barn, and the farm’s scenic nature trails.

pumpkin picking farms nj
Terhune Orchards is a winery in Lawrence Township in Mercer County, NJ

Von Thun Farms – South Brunswick & Washington

519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick, NJ 08852 & 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882

At Von Thun Farms, the spotlight is on pumpkin picking. Visitors can hop on unlimited hayrides out to the patch, where pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available for purchase. Once you’ve got the perfect pumpkin, explore corn mazes, the barnyard, pedal carts, straw maze, and more. View different ticket options here. 

Wightman Farms – Morristown

1111 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960

The Fall Festival runs on weekends and packs in all the classics—hayrides, winding mazes, and plenty of pumpkin picking. A $30 Fall Festival ticket covers admission and also comes with some extras: one pumpkin to take home, a reusable tote bag, unlimited hayrides, and a handful of other seasonal activities.