When the fall rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not the kids going back to school…): apple picking season near Staten Island! The colder weather brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples! Plus, a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!). If you’re ready to ring in fall with apple picking near Staten Island, then check out these farms and orchards in nearby New Jersey. Your family will have a blast picking fruit and checking out the various kid-friendly activities offered at each place.
A few things to note: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).
6 Orchards for Some of the Best Apple Picking in NJ
1. Von Thun’s Farm
519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick
732-329-8656
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm; apple picking: mid September through October
Cost: $3 ages 2 and older; one-quarter peck bag, $9; half-peck bag, $15; peck bag, $25.
The farm has two apple orchards and grows eight varieties of apples, which are available at different times during the season. Call ahead if you’re looking for a specific variety. Be sure to check out the Fall Festival Weekends, which feature more than 25 fall activities including a corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, pedal karts, and mini golf! Plus, you can grab some of the farm’s all-natural pasture-raised Angus beef to bring home and grill or shop the farm market for fruits, veggies, cider doughnuts, and more.
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2. Giamarese Farm
155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick
732-821-9494
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Call for information.
Cost: Call for pricing.
There are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to pick at this New Jersey farm, including apples and pumpkins. In the fall, families enjoy Fall Harvest Weekends that offer lots of fun activities, including hayrides, corn mazes, pony rides vendors, food and more.
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3. Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Road, Freehold
732-462-0756
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Country Store: Open daily except Tuesday, 9am-6pm; Apple season begins around Aug. 28; picking hours vary according to supply, season, and weather. Call to confirm before heading out.
Cost: Check Facebook daily for updated prices on what’s in season for picking.
Always call to confirm dates, hours, and supply before you arrive. The orchards are cash-only at the picking locations. When you’re done picking, swing by the Country Store for fresh fruits and veggies, home baked pies, breads, and other pastries, and, of course, cider and cider doughnuts!
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4. Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
609-448-0629
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 2-6pm. Last entry to orchards is 5pm.
Cost: Admission is $3 per person for anyone 3 years and older. After that, you just pay for what you pick.
Before entering the fields and orchards, you must become a member of the Lee Turkey Farm Pick Your Own Club by completing a liability form stating you understand the rules of the farm and your family are entering and picking produce at your own risk. You will receive a picking card. Bring the card back any time throughout the season to show you’ve already filled out your liability form for the year. You can familiarize yourself with the rules before visiting by reading them on their website. Apple picking season starts early at this farm; apples are available mid-August through October.
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5. Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale
201-666-0472
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Apple season begins Sept. 3.Check the u-pick schedule online. Reservations required.
Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes parking and entrance to orchard; free for kids younger than 2; $15 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.).
This farm has it all—lots of pick your own fruit varieties, plus a petting zoo, drive-in movie nights, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider doughnuts, flowers and fresh produce.
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6. Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Ln., Chester
908-879-7189
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-6pm; u-pick: daily, 9am-6pm. Last admission at 4:30pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary. Call or see more information at alstedefarms.com.
The farm has over 50 different apple varieties. Call in advance or visit the “What Can I Pick Today” portion of the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are ripe for your trip. Check out the corn maze (opening Sept. 2), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail. Many animal friends live on the farm, too. Visit and say hello to horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys and bunnies!
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