If there’s one thing we love about the fall, it’s pumpkin everything—including pumpkin picking in Staten Island and in nearby New Jersey. Your family can spend a day at Decker Farm’s Staten Island Pumpkin Patch—or take a day trip out to Alstede Farms, Happy Day Farm, or Von Thun’s Country Farm Market—to pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy various fall activities. (Speaking of fall activities, the famous Fright Fest at Six Flags opens next month!)
Plus, Halloween is right around the corner, so you’ll need to pick pumpkins soon to carve jack-o’-lanterns! Here’s a list of our favorite pumpkin patches and farms for pumpkin picking in Staten Island, as well as locations for pumpkin picking in NJ. Just be sure to call or visit the farms’ websites before heading out to confirm pumpkin availability.
Pumpkin Picking In Staten Island
1. Decker Farm
435 Richmond Hill Road
718-351-1611
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Hours: Sept. 30-Oct. 29 and Monday, Oct. 9, Saturdays and Sundays, 12-5pm
Admission: Check the website for information.
Walk through the patch to find your perfect pumpkin and learn about 19th century farm life, all without leaving Staten Island!
Why we love it: There are lots of delicious fall food favorites to enjoy!
Pumpkin Picking In NJ
1. Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester Township
908-879-7189
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm (last admission to pick-your-own is 4:30pm). Pumpkins anticipated to be available in October. Check the website for updates.
Admission: Check the website for information and updates.
Alstede Farms offers orange and white pumpkins, munchkins, gourds, and assorted winter squash—all available in u-pick! Hayrides are accessible for all. A handicapped accessible hay wagon ride accommodates two wheelchairs with additional seating for family and friends. Plus, you can visit with and feed some of the farm’s animals.
Why we love it: Hayrides are included with each pick-your-own ticket.
2. Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Road, Freehold
732-462-0756
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Picking hours vary with the season and availability. Call or check the Facebook page for updates.
Admission: No entrance fee. Cash only for purchasing pick-your-own produce. Senior citizens receive a 10 percent discount on Mondays and Thursdays.
Battleview Orchards offers a variety of pick-your-own fall favorites, including pumpkins and apples.
Why we love it: Hayrides are available in the fall, weekends only, starting Sept. 23.
3. Giamarese Farm
155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick
732-821-9494
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Pumpkins are expected to be available in September and October. Check the website or call for updates.
Admission: Call for information.
Go on a hayride tour, pick pumpkins and browse the farm market for produce, baked goods, decorations and more. Pony rides available for an extra fee on fall harvest weekends.
Why we love it: There are other crops to pick throughout the year, including apples, which are available through early October.
4. Happy Day Farm
135 Iron Ore Rd., Manalapan
732-977-3607
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Sept. 9-Oct. 29; 10am-5pm. Select dates. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1.
Admission: $21, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; $27, Friday-Sunday.
This farm is packed with fall fun. Explore a corn maze, see pumpkin houses and enjoy so many more activities that are perfect for the season.
Why we love it: The corn maze is impressive. Each year, over 10 acres of the farm is transformed into a maze with three miles of pathways and a lookout bridge.
5. Norz Hill Farm & Market
120 S. Branch Road, Hillsborough
908-371-2697
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: TBA
More information to be announced.
6. Ort Farms
25 Bartley Rd. Long Valley
908-876-3351
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Pumpkins available late September to late October. Call for hours.
Admission: A season pass is $32.95; Call or check the website for more pricing information.
Choose from a variety of pumpkins. A five-acre corn maze is included with fall admission. Other fall activities available during pumpkin season include monster truck rides and pony rides.
Why we love it: The farm store offers a variety of products including eggs, local milk, ice cream, seasonal produce and baked goods including apple cider donuts—you can’t leave without getting one!
7. Stony Hill Farm Market
15 North Rd., Chester
908-879-2908
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm. Pumpkins anticipated to be available late September to October.
Admission: $7.99 online; $10.99 in person. Price does not include pumpkins.
Pumpkins available in all sizes. Other activities to enjoy include hayrides on weekends and more.
Why we love it: The Maze Fun Park, which re-opens on Sept. 2, features a giant corn maze, rides, games, a play area and more.
8. Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
609-924-2310
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm; Friday open until 7pm. Pumpkins will be available September-October.
Admission: Call for information.
Enjoy so many fun activities here. Meet barnyard animals and walk the farm trail, and kids can take a ride on the track with pedal tractors (for ages 6 and younger).
Why we love it: The farm store has fresh baked goods, fresh-pressed apple cider and locally sourced specialty foods, including honey, apple butter, jams and more…yum!
9. Von Thun’s Country Farm Market
438 Route 57 West, Washington
519 Ridge Rd., Monmouth Junction, NJ
732-329-8656
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Call for information.
Admission: Call for information.
Enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides and more than 20 other family activities.
Why we love it: Check out this year’s corn maze, which is a tribute to country music singer, Reba McEntire!
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