As the new school year and football season kick off in the Northeast, itโs the perfect time to start planning your trip to the apple orchard!
One of the best parts of the season is apple picking with kids, and this guide is your ticket to the Top Places to go Apple Picking in NJ.
These orchards are more than just apple-picking spots; they are factories of fun!
With hayrides, giant corn mazes, fun and games and great food, what more could you want on a weekend in the fall?
This guide is organized by North, Central, and South Jersey orchards to help you plan your perfect apple-picking day.
Enjoy a day in the orchards with family!
North Jersey Apple Orchards
Pochuck Valley Farm
Apple picking in New Jersey is a favorite fall activity.ย
Pochuck Valley Farms features over 2,000 fruit trees, including apples, peaches, pears, and plums. Enjoy apple picking season from late August until mid-November (weather dependent).
Stop by Pochunk Valley Farmsโ year-round deli for delicious sandwiches, and donโt leave without trying their fresh pies, cakes, breads, and famous apple cider donuts.
And if you’re visiting in the fall, the pumpkin patch is a must for the perfect pick.
- Pick your own season is from August until the end of November
- Year-round deli in the farm store with great sandwiches
- Fresh pies, cakes, and breads
- Fresh apple cider donuts
- Pumpkin patch
Visit the Pochuck Valley Farm’s Website for all the information you need.
If you’re planning a fall getaway in New Jersey, why stop at apple picking?
Keep the fun going with a stay at one of the best New Jersey hotels with indoor water parksโbecause crisp autumn days pair perfectly with waterslides and lazy rivers.
Demarest Farms
Plenty of pumpkins to choose from this season
Established in 1886, Demarest Farms is a cornerstone of the Bergen County community. This fun farm offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits, such as peaches, apples, and pumpkins.
The farm market, petting zoo,ย and tractor hayrides can be added to your apple-picking experience.ย
- Pick your own apples with many varieties
- Advance online reservations are required for weekend picking
- Pumpkin patch
- Play area
- Tractor hay rides
- Petting zoo with farm animals
- Halloween Family Event with a 32-acre Halloween drive-through light display (Demarest Farms Halloween Event)
Visit the Demarest Farms’ Website for all the information you need.
Windy Brow Farms
Try Windy Brow Farm’s homemade ice cream.
Windy Brow Farms, with roots dating back to the 1800s, boasts a rich history and an impressive selection of over 50 apple varieties.
You can enjoy fun-filled apple picking, scenic tractor wagon rides, and delicious homemade treats like fresh cider donuts and seasonal ice cream.
Best of all, there are no admission or parking fees, making it a perfect, budget-friendly family outing.
- Simple, old-school, Pick your own apples
- Tractor wagon rides through the orchard
- Scratch-made bread, pastries, and fresh cider donuts in the farm market
- Rotating seasonal fresh ice cream
- Wood fire pizza oven
Visit Windy Brow Farm’s Website for all the information you need to celebrate the apple picking season.
While you’re at Windy Brow Farms, take a short trip to explore the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, a fascinating geological wonder just around the corner.
For more one-of-a-kind experiences, check out our Guide to Unique Things to Do in New Jersey.
Longmeadow Farm
Grab a wagon and pick your own apples.
Longmeadow Farm, with its 15 varieties of apples and array of pumpkins, is a must-visit each fall.
The farm brims with fresh produce and homemade goods like jams, jellies, and farm-harvested honey.
On peak weekends, hop on a tractor hayride and don’t forget to take home a beautiful selection of fresh cut flowers.
- Pick your own apples
- Pick your own pumpkins
- Pick your own berries
- Fresh cut flowers, squashes, gourds, jams, jellies, and honey
- Tractor hay rides during peak weekends
Visit the Longmeadow Farm Website for all the information you need.
Sun High Orchards
Farm animals to interact with at Sun High Orchards.
Since 1945, Sun High Orchards has been delighting visitors with high-quality peaches and apples.
The farm is a hub of family activities, featuring adorable farm animals, a vibrant pumpkin patch, and fun tractor wagon rides.
Treat yourself to their homemade ice cream and a range of delicious baked goods and soups.
- Farm animals
- Pick your own apples
- Farm Market with produce, ice cream, baked goods, soups, cookies, and pastries
- Pumpkin patch
- Tractor wagon rides
- Family board games to play inside the farm market
- Homemade ice cream
Visit Sun High Orchard’s Website for all the information you need.
Mackeyโs Orchard
At Mackeyโs Orchard, you can pick from a variety of delicious apples and enjoy a range of fall activities.
This 96-acre farm offers fresh ice cream, mouthwatering apple cider donuts, a lively pumpkin patch, and fun tractor hayrides, making it the perfect fall destination for the whole family.
- Pick your own apples
- Cider donuts and fresh pressed apple cider
- Pumpkin patch
- Berry picking
- Tractor hay rides
- Farmstand with lots of fresh produce
- Homemade ice cream
Visit Mackey’s Orchard Website for all the information you need.
Stony Hill Farm
Plenty of photo ops at Stony Hill Farm.
Stony Hill Farm offers a full slate of fall activities included with your general admission ticket.
Enjoy unlimited hayrides, explore a 10-acre corn maze, and check out various other fun farm attractions. Just keep in mind that hayrides are available only on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly!
- Pick your own apples
- Unlimited hayrides (weekends only)
- Picnic area
- Barnyard board game, Noah's Ark playground, trike races
- 10-acre Corn Maze, mini hay bale maze, rope maze
- Apple cannons, gemstone mining, duck races
- Concessions with pulled pork, chicken tenders, hot dogs, roasted corn, soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, cider donuts, hot chocolate, cider, and hot cider
Visit Stony Hill Farm Website for all the information you need.
Riamede Farm
Riamede Farm is an old-fashioned apple farm dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage and the local community.
Spread across 68 acres of well-tended fruit orchards, it draws families from across the Northeast each year for a fun day on the farm.
- Pick your own apples since 1974
- Cut your own pumpkins early in the season
- Live music events on seasonal weekend
- Farm stand with fresh produce and local goods
- Apple cider donuts and apple cider
- Concessions with pulled pork, chicken tenders, hot dogs, roasted corn, soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, cider donuts, hot chocolate, cider, and hot cider
Visit Riamede Farm’s Website for all the information you need.
Alstede Farms
Photo of activities, thanks to Alstede Farms
Alstede Farms provides a fantastic family farm experience with pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, pony rides, and a giant hay pyramid.
Enjoy on-site apple cider pressing, stroll along the unique โSunflower Trail,โ and navigate the fun โEvergreen Adventure Maze.โ
Tickets are cheaper online and include access to several attractions, so be sure to grab them ahead of time!
- Pick your own apples
- On-site apple cider pressing and bottling
- Courtesy shuttle to Alstede Farms from the NJ Transit Gladstone Station
- Sunflower trail and unique evergreen maze
- Giant corn maze
- Childrenโs activities: pony rides, bouncy house, wagon train rides, giant hay bale pyramid, toy duck races, barnyard lasso, feeding farm animals and more
- Ice cream stand
- Concessions for lunch
- Roasted corn on the cob (weekends only)
Visit the Alstede Farms’ Website for all the information you need.
Melickโs Town Farm
As New Jerseyโs largest apple grower, Melickโs Town Farm invites you to pick your own apples through mid-November.
Enjoy the choice of tractor wagon rides or horse-drawn wagon rides, and donโt miss the bakery for fresh apple cider donuts.
- Pick your own apples from August through mid-November
- Free tractor-wagon rides and horse-drawn wagon rides
- Pick your own pumpkins and fresh apple cider donuts
- Farmstand and bakery with fresh produce
Visit the Califon Orchards’ Website for all the information you need.
Wightman Farms
Family-owned for over 100 years, Wightman Farms offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits along with a charming farm market.
Enjoy seasonal hayrides, navigate the corn maze, and have a picnic with gourmet prepared foods from the market.
- Seasonal weekend hayrides, pumpkins, and corn maze
- Farm market with fresh produce, baked goods, cider, and ice cream
- Picnic area
Visit Wightman Farms’ Website for more information about seasonal weekends.
Von Thun Farms (Washington Location)
Photo Credit: VonThun Farms
Von Thun Farms in Washington, NJ, is a hub of fall excitement with apple and pumpkin picking and a family-friendly Fall Festival.
General admission gets you access to a 6+ acre corn maze, unlimited hayrides, and over 20 different activities and attractions. For an extra special visit, choose the Ultimate Pass, which adds even more perks to your day of fun.
- Pick your own apples
- Admission includes over 20 activities plus access to apple orchard and pumpkin fields
- Enjoy a 6+ acre corn maze and unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch
- Upgrade to the Ultimate Pass for extra activities like corn cannon and apple blaster shots
- Weekday Specials: Corn Maze is available on weekdays with a relaxed, less crowded atmosphere
Visit the Von Thun Farms Washington Location Website for more details on fall festivities.
Von Thun Farms (South Brunswick Location)
Plenty of apples to be picked at Von Thun Farms
This Von Thun Farms location offers an equally enriching Fall Festival experience with over 20 activities, including a vast corn maze and unlimited hayrides.
Family favorites like the Singing Chicken Show and the Kiddie Coral ensure a memorable visit for all ages. The farm market offers fresh apple cider, donuts, pies, and a variety of fresh produce.
- General Admission covers 20+ activities, including a corn maze and hayrides
- Child-Friendly Attractions: Features the Singing Chicken Show, Kiddie Coral, and Junior Pedal Karts
- Farm market offers salads, sandwiches, fresh produce, and homemade apple cider donuts
- Moonlight Maze: Special evening maze events with cozy outdoor fires, sโmores, and hot apple cider
- Extra fee attractions include corn cannon, apple blaster, and pony rides
Visit the Von Thun Farms South Brunswick Website for ticket pricing.
Central Jersey
Apple Orchards
Philips Farm
Spend the day finding the perfect apple
Philips Farm offers a more traditional orchard experience, where you can pick a variety of fruits and seasonal vegetables without the fanfare of larger festivals.
With no entry fee and produce sold by the pound, the farm focuses on high-quality, local products. Enjoy the simple pleasures of farm-fresh goodness!
- No entry fee, free parking
- Farm market with local products
- A basic, old-school orchard without the fuss of fall farm festivities
Visit Philips Farm Website for more information.
Giamarese Farm and Orchard
Giamarese Farm and Orchard, open from May through December, offers a tranquil farm experience with a variety of fresh produce, apple cider, and donuts.
On fall festival weekends, enjoy corn mazes, sunflower fields, and hayrides at this charming, family-run farm.
- Farm market with fresh produce, apple cider, and donuts
- Fall festival weekends with pick-your-own apples, corn maze, sunflower field, wagon hay rides, pony rides, and pumpkin patch
Visit Giamarese Farm and Orchard Website for fall festival weekends.
Terhune Orchards
Terhune Orchards is a sprawling, family-owned farm with a farm store, winery, and a plethora of pick-your-own options.
Famous for its cider donuts and Jersey fresh produce, your family can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, live music, and wine tastings throughout the fall.
- Pick your own apples, strawberries, blueberries, and pumpkins
- Childrenโs play area and nature trail
- Live music and fall festival events
Visit Terhune Orchards’ Website for apple picking information.
Eastmont Orchards
Fall decor in addition to apple picking and hayrides
Previously known as Delicious Orchards, Eastmont Orchards offers a simple, classic apple-picking experience.
With 21 different apple types and no admission or parking fees, itโs a go-to spot for pure fall fun. Enjoy seasonal hayrides to make your visit even more special.
- Simple orchard with no admission fee, free parking, and pay for what you pick
- Seasonal hayrides
- Sunflower fields
Visit Eastmont Orchards’ Website for more information.
Lee Turkey Farm
Lee Turkey Farm, operating since the 1800s, offers a wholesome family experience with a small entrance fee.
You can pick your own apples, let the kids play on the playground, and buy fresh produce by the pound. It’s a perfect spot for some good old-fashioned fall fun.
- Pick your own apples with a playground for kids
- Farm market with fresh produce
Visit the Lee Turkey Farm Website for all the information you need.
Battleview Orchards
Battleview Orchards invites you to pick your own apples and pumpkins at New Jerseyโs oldest Pick Your Own orchard.
In October, hop on a hayride and embrace the festive spirit. Don’t forget to visit the country store year-round for freshly baked pies, mouthwatering cider donuts, and refreshing apple cider. It’s a fall tradition you won’t want to miss!
- Pick your own apples and pumpkins
- Seasonal hayrides
- Country store with fresh baked pies, cider donuts, apple cider, and gift baskets
Visit Battleview Orchards’ Website for more information.
South Jersey
Apple Orchards
Strawberry Hill Farm
Variety of apples at Strawberry Hill Farm.
This quaint orchard offers a straightforward pick-your-own experience with apples, peaches, and nectarines.
Strawberry Hill Farm operates on a cash-only basis and provides wagons for kids, creating a family-friendly atmosphere without the distractions of larger farm festivities. It’s the perfect spot for some simple, wholesome fun.
- Pick your own apples, peaches, and nectarines
- No cost of admission
Visit the Strawberry Hill Farm Website for more information.ย
Johnsons Locust Hall Farm
Starting its fall season in September, Johnsons Locust Hall Farm offers a variety of apples and a comprehensive Park & Pick Experience.
Enjoy a corn maze, sunflower fields, hayrides, and a farm store stocked with freshly baked fall treats. It’s the perfect destination for autumn adventures with the family!
- Pick your own apples, peaches and sunflowers
- Corn maze, hayrides, and farm store with fresh baked treats
Visit the Johnsons Locust Hall Farm Website for all the information you need.
Johnsons Corner Farm
Wagon ride at Johnsons Corner Farm
Open for the Fall Harvest, Johnsons Corner Farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, live music, and a festival food tent.
The Harvest Festival runs every weekend through October, featuring a corn maze and extra activities at discounted prices during the weekdays. It’s the ideal spot for festive fall fun with the family!
- Farm store and fall festival weekends
- Hayrides, pumpkin picking, apple picking, live music, and more
- Corn maze and animal farm
Visit Johnsons’ Corner Farm Website for a list of on-site activities.
Hill Creek Farms
Hill Creek Farms offers educational apple-picking experiences and free hayrides on weekends.
Choose from three different orchards and enjoy extra activities like Barrel Train Rides and a Moon Bounce during the apple season. It’s the perfect spot for family fun and learning!
- Educational Experience: Watch a film on proper apple-picking techniques before hitting the orchards.
- Free hayrides available on weekends
- Free admission and pay by the pound on Fridays
- Weekend attractions include Barrel Train Rides, a Playground, and a Moon Bounce.
- Additional Activities: Gem mining and face painting are available for a fee, along with live music on special event days.
Visit Hill Creek Farms’ Website for apple picking and seasonal attractions.
Moods Farm Market
Spend a fall day at Moods Farm Market in New Jersey
Moods Farm Market is your go-to spot for fall festivals, where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins.
Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting, and a corn maze that has a new community-voted theme each year. Itโs the perfect place for apple picking in South Jersey.
- Hosts various fall festivals such as the Apple Festival, Scarecrow Making, and Pumpkin Obstacle Course Day
- Apple Picking Hayrides: Offered on Saturdays in September, including a ride, apple bag, fresh cider, and a cider donut
- Pumpkin Hayrides: Available in October, providing a ride to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin, cider, and a donut
- A new community-voted themed corn maze each year
- 11 different varieties of apples for picking
- Free admission and no parking fee
Visit Moods Farm Market Website for apple picking packages.
Inspired by these Places to go Apple Picking in NJ?
As the kids head back to school and our Northeast football rivals take their positions on the fields,ย itโs the perfect cue for us to head out and enjoy New Jerseyโs apple-picking gems.
Each farm weโve explored is not just a place to pick apples; itโs a full-on autumn festival where you and your family can make memories to last a lifetime. From the hands-on apple picking at Hill Creek Farms to the joyful seasonal events at Moods Farm Market, every spot offers its own slice of fall fun.
Whether itโs getting lost in a corn maze, bouncing along on a hayride, or biting into a warm apple cider donut, these farms are the ideal setting for a quintessential Northeast autumn adventure.
So, pack up your family, grab a sweater, and dive into the heart of New Jerseyโs fall harvest.
