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 COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. 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-6:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm; apple picking: Sept. 18 through October
Cost: $3 ages 2 and older; at time of press, half bushel, bushel, and family bag prices were TBD; call to confirm price.
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: Through September: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-3pm. Arrive at least 1 hour before closing. Stop by the Farm Market before heading into the fields.
Cost: Call for pricing.
Apple season is approximately late August through Columbus Day. Pumpkin picking is also available in September and October, and the farm also has weekday fall educational hayrides (it includes a stop to see their farm animals, such as horses, pigs, turkeys and more) and Fall Harvest Weekends. Stop by the Farm Market to bring home its homegrown fruits and veggies, baked goods, jam, ice cream, and fall decorations and treats.
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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: April-December, daily, 9am-6pm; January-March, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm. 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.
This is the oldest U-Pick orchard in NJ! 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: $2 membership fee; $5 deposit per adult, which is applied toward your entire purchase. Prices for fruit posted in market.
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 that acts as a pass and discount card for the entire season. 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. There is a farm market, and you can purchase homegrown, oven-ready turkeys. Plus, the farm typically hosts a Fall Harvest Festival—a fun family affair during which you can enjoy a corn maze.
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5. Demarest Farms
244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale
201-666-0472
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: PYO apples begins Sept. 4; Thursday-Monday, 8am-5pm
Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes free parking and entrance to orchard; $14 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.)
This farm has it all—pick your own fruit of all 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, flowers, and fresh produce. All pick-your-own activities require advanced, online reservations this year (this allows the farm to manage proper social distancing and COVID-19 regulations). Visits will be limited to your reservation time frame, so arrive promptly at your scheduled time; late arrivals must still leave at the end of the reservation time frame.
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6. Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
908-879-7189
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-7pm; PYO: daily, 9am-6pm
Cost: $14.99-$59.99, depending on how much produce you want to pick. Pre-purchased tickets required. Ticket includes access to pick-your-own areas, a container, the cost of the produce to fill said container, scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, and access to the hay pyramid and mazes.
The farm has more than 50 different apple varieties, which allows apple picking season to start earlier here than most farms—you can already find some varieties available and more will be ready later in the season. 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 late summer), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail (included with cost of PYO). For an additional cost, you can also cut your own sunflowers! Kids will love the pony rides and the tractor-pulled wagon ride, and you’ll want to come back for the farm’s live music events. It also offers U-Pick for myriad other fruits and veggies, such as blackberries, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, and eggplants! And before you leave, indulge in the treats found at the Farm Store with homemade ice cream, fudge, apple cider doughnuts, and other desserts. Check out all the fun events and family activities the farm offers, including visits with its farm animals, by visiting the website. Oh, and if you’re coming from out of town, it offers a free shuttle service between the Gladstone Train Station and Alstede Farms on weekends and holidays (it requires advanced reservation).
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