Best Places to Go Pumpkin Picking in New Jersey

The highly anticipated popular fall activity is finally here. Yes, I’m talking about pumpkin picking — no it is not just for young kids. Would it really be fall if you didn’t choose your own pumpkin and take photos of you trying to lift it?

Nothing says fall like pumpkins appearing on front steps and in windows of homes. Sure you can head to the food store or the local garden center and grab one there, but that’s not as fun. Head to one of New Jersey’s many pumpkin patches where you will find all of the fall excitement from corn mazes, hay rides, barnyard animals and lots of desserts made from pumpkins and apples — maybe you will find an apple pumpkin donut, who knows. Here are some of our favorite fall daytrip farms around the Garden State.

Sussex County Strawberry Farm – Newton

The name is misleading but rest assured, this farm is not only a place to pick ripe fruit, but also pumpkins. The first week in October, enjoy sorting through a variety of pumpkins, weekend hayrides and horse-drawn carriages and cider and apples.

Terhune Orchards – Princeton

Enjoy the fun at this family-friendly place. From mid-September through October, weekends are filled with music, food, pony rides and the adventure barn. Pick your own pumpkins and gourds and bring home some apple cider donuts for later.

Riamede Farm – Chester

Cut the pumpkin right off the vine yourself at Riamede Farm. Hop on the hayride to the pumpkin patch at this quiet, laid-back farm.

Williams Nursey – Westfield

This perfect starter pumpkin patch is great for the little ones with a small homemade pumpkin patch. Here you’ll find wagons to pull, hayrides, pony ride,s a maze and delicious sweet treats.