Fun Fall Activities: Exploring Pumpkin Patches in New Jersey

Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ

Located near historic Princeton, Terhune Orchards has pick-your-own pumpkin patches and other options beyond just pumpkin picking. This includes a winery and group tours along with farm festivals to celebrate the season.

Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough, NJ

This Somerset county location offers a farmers market and tours to visit the animals. School trips can also be arranged. More importantly, they have pumpkins.

Ort Farms, Long Valley, NJ

Ort Farms has fall festivities up to your ears! Open nearly every day, they offer everything from pick-your-own pumpkins and corn mazes to monster truck rides, pony rides, petting zoo and more.

Riamede Farm, Chester, NJ

Although better known for apples, Riamede provides a cut-your-own pumpkin off the vine patch. They have daily hours on this farm in small town Chester with free hayrides offered on the weekends.

Wightman Farms, Morristown, NJ

Near trendy Morristown, Wightman’s Farms offers activities on the weekends including hayrides, pumpkin picking, and cider doughnuts. During the week, their store is open selling fresh produce and goods from their farm.

Melick’s Town Farm, Califon and Oldwick, NJ

Melick’s offers two locations in Califon and Oldwick. At their Califon location, they have grass maze, giant hay bales, petting zoo and horse drawn wagon rides take pickers out into the pumpkin patch on weekends. The Oldwick location features a cider mill and hay rides.

Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ

Heaven Hill offers a garden center, farm market, and outdoor furniture center aside from pumpkin picking. They provide a Great Pumpkin Festival with a bunch of fun activities such as a Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze, gem mining, pig and duck racing, tether ball, giant sand box, carnival rides, obstacle course, pony rides and more. 

Red Wagon Farm Market, Manalapan, NJ

In Monmouth County, this local favorite offers giant pumpkins and a selection of gourd varieties. Included in their fall fun options are a corn maze, pony rides, and hayride.

Duffield’s Farm and Market, Sewell, NJ

This small farm offers a homey feel with a hayride to the pumpkin field and to check out other produce. On site is a small deli and bakery freshly made baked goods and food to refuel after pumpkin picking.

Schaefer Farms, Flemington, NJ

Schaefer provides a hayride through their 40 acres of pumpkins and sells their own dairy products and eggs. They host a Farm of Horrors throughout weekends in October meant to scare and spook attendees.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Pumpkin patches are a fun way to enjoy fall festivities with the family
• Pumpkins can be used for decorations and delicious food like pie, muffins, and bread
• Terhune Orchards in Princeton offers pick-your-own pumpkins and other activities
• Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough has a farmers market and animal tours
• Ort Farms in Long Valley offers a variety of fall activities including pumpkin picking and corn mazes
• Riamede Farm in Chester allows visitors to cut their own pumpkins off the vine
• Wightman's Farms in Morristown offers hayrides, pumpkin picking, and cider doughnuts
• Melick's Town Farm has locations in Califon and Oldwick with various fall activities
• Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon hosts a Great Pumpkin Festival with a range of fun activities
• Red Wagon Farm Market in Manalapan offers giant pumpkins and a variety of gourd types
• Duffield's Farm and Market in Sewell provides a homey feel with hayrides and baked goods
• Schaefer Farms in Flemington offers a hayride through their pumpkin patch and hosts a Farm of Horrors event in October