The best pumpkin patches in NJ for 2026 include Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Farms in Chester, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, Schaefer Farms in Flemington, Terhune Orchards in Princeton, Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford and Argos Farm in Forked River. Pumpkin season typically runs from late September through Halloween, and many farms add hayrides, corn mazes and weekend festivals.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin picking in New Jersey peaks in October, with many farms opening their patches in late September.
- Pumpkins are a strong fall option in 2026, since April’s freeze hit tree fruit such as apples far harder.
- Many farms charge admission that includes hayrides and mazes, while pumpkins are usually priced separately.
- Weekends get very busy, so book timed tickets where farms offer them.
- Some farms add evening haunted attractions, including Schaefer Farms and Norz Hill Farm.
Farm details come from 2026 farm listings reviewed in September 2026. Hours, prices and crop availability change during the season, so check each farm’s latest update before visiting.
Pumpkin Patches in NJ by Region
New Jersey has pumpkin farms in nearly every county. To make planning easier, the table below groups a selection of well-known farms by region.
| Farm | Town | County | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heaven Hill Farm | Vernon | Sussex | Great Pumpkin Festival with 35+ attractions and a hayride to the patch |
| Demarest Farms | Hillsdale | Bergen | Pumpkins and apples, petting zoo, hayrides; admission required |
| Secor Farms | Mahwah | Bergen | Hayride to the patch and two corn mazes |
| Alstede Farms | Chester | Morris | Corn maze, hayrides and evening fall events |
| Stony Hill Farms | Chester | Morris | Giant pumpkin patch and giant corn maze |
| Ort Farms | Long Valley | Morris | Hayride to the patch; five-acre corn maze included |
| Fairfield Farms and Greenhouses | Fairfield | Essex | Pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn and rope mazes |
| Schaefer Farms | Flemington | Hunterdon | Daytime pumpkin picking plus nighttime haunted events |
| Everitt Farms (Pumpkin Junction) | Ringoes | Hunterdon | Six-acre patch, corn maze and train ride option |
| Norz Hill Farm | Hillsborough | Somerset | Hay wagon tour, two-mile corn maze, October Scare Farm |
| Terhune Orchards | Princeton | Mercer | Fall Family Fun Weekends with music and mazes |
| VonThun Farms | Monmouth Junction | Middlesex | Fall festival weekends with unlimited hayrides |
| Happy Day Farm | Manalapan | Monmouth | More than 30 activities included in admission |
| Argos Farm | Forked River | Ocean | Pumpkin picking, corn maze and a glowing pumpkin trail |
| Johnson’s Corner Farm | Medford | Burlington | Large pick-your-own pumpkin field and corn maze |
| Springdale Farms | Cherry Hill | Camden | Pumpkin-picking hayrides and evening campfire hayrides |
| Mood’s Farm Market | Mullica Hill | Gloucester | October pumpkin hayrides with cider and a doughnut |
| R and J Farm | Galloway | Atlantic | Pumpkin picking, hayrides and a corn maze |
North Jersey pumpkin patches
North Jersey has some of the state’s biggest fall festivals. Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon turns its Great Pumpkin Festival into a full day out, although some attractions carry extra fees. Meanwhile, Morris County’s farm belt around Chester and Long Valley offers several patches within a short drive of each other. For families near New York City, Demarest Farms and Secor Farms in Bergen County are the most convenient.
Central Jersey pumpkin patches
Central Jersey mixes classic farms with large festival-style attractions. Terhune Orchards pairs well with a day in Princeton, while Monmouth County farms such as Happy Day Farm bundle dozens of activities into one admission. In Hunterdon County, Everitt Farms offers a scenic train ride option to its Pumpkin Junction patch.
South Jersey pumpkin patches
South Jersey farms tend to feel less crowded than northern festivals. Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford has a large pick-your-own field, and Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill runs popular evening campfire hayrides. Further south, R and J Farm in Galloway is a handy stop for Atlantic County families.
When Is Pumpkin Season in New Jersey?
Most pumpkin patches in NJ open in late September and run through Halloween. The busiest period is the first three weekends of October. However, some farms keep pumpkins available into early November until the fields are picked clean.
| Timing | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late September | Patches start opening; best selection and smaller crowds |
| Early to mid-October | Peak season with festivals, mazes and busy weekends |
| Late October | Halloween events and haunted hayrides; thinner selection |
| Early November | Some farms still sell remaining pumpkins and gourds |
Why Pumpkins Are Your Best Farm Bet in 2026
An early-April freeze in 2026 damaged many New Jersey fruit crops, and several orchards canceled apple picking. Pumpkins are planted later in spring, well after that freeze, so pumpkin patches were far less affected. As a result, a pumpkin farm is one of the most reliable fall outings this year. For the full apple update, see our guide to apple picking in NJ.
How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
- Check the stem. A firm, green-brown stem usually means a fresher pumpkin.
- Tap it. A hollow sound suggests a ripe pumpkin.
- Look for soft spots. Avoid pumpkins with bruises, cuts or mold.
- Carry it from the bottom. Lifting by the stem can snap it off and shorten shelf life.
- Choose flat bottoms for carving. A stable base makes carving and display easier.
Carving vs. cooking pumpkins
Large carving pumpkins have thin walls and stringy flesh. Consequently, they are great for jack-o’-lanterns but poor for pies. For baking, look for smaller “sugar” or “pie” pumpkins, which many farm markets sell alongside the patch.
Best Pumpkin Patches in NJ by Type of Visit
| Best for | Farm ideas | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers and young kids | Demarest Farms, Terhune Orchards | Petting zoos, small mazes and gentle activities |
| A full festival day | Heaven Hill Farm, Happy Day Farm | Dozens of activities in one visit |
| Teens and adults | Schaefer Farms, Norz Hill Farm | Evening haunted attractions in October |
| A classic hayride to the patch | Secor Farms, Ort Farms, Mood’s Farm Market | Traditional pick-from-the-field experience |
| Near the Shore | Argos Farm, Robbie’s Atlantic Farms | Easy trips for Ocean and Monmouth county families |
Farm styles vary a lot. Some pumpkin patches in NJ feel like small family farms, while others run like fall theme parks. Therefore, decide whether you want a quiet walk through the field or a packed festival before you choose.
How to Budget for a Pumpkin Patch Trip
Costs at New Jersey farms usually come from three places: admission, pumpkins and extras. Admission often covers hayrides and mazes, while pumpkins are typically priced by size or weight. Extras such as pony rides, food, cider doughnuts and games add up quickly. As a result, check each farm’s website for its current pricing and plan a set budget before you arrive.
Making Your Pumpkins Last
- Keep uncarved pumpkins cool and dry. Store them out of direct sun and off damp ground.
- Carve closer to Halloween. Carved pumpkins break down much faster than whole ones.
- Wipe the outside clean before displaying to slow mold.
- Compost when finished. Pumpkins make excellent compost once the season ends.
Tips for Visiting Pumpkin Patches in NJ
- Buy tickets online where farms offer timed entry.
- Go on a weekday or early on weekends to avoid long lines.
- Wear boots. Fields can be muddy after rain.
- Bring a wagon if the farm allows it, especially with young kids.
- Check add-on fees. Some rides and games cost extra beyond admission.
- Leave pets at home unless the farm says dogs are welcome.
Pair Your Pumpkin Trip With More Fall Fun
Several farms run haunted hayrides after dark. Our guide to haunted places in NJ lists farm scare attractions and folklore sites. For a bigger day out, browse the best things to do in NJ. You will find more farm and food guides in our Food & Drink section and on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Patches in NJ
When do pumpkin patches open in NJ?
Most New Jersey pumpkin patches open in late September and run through Halloween, with the busiest weekends in early to mid-October.
Were NJ pumpkins affected by the 2026 spring freeze?
Pumpkins were far less affected than apples, because they are planted later in spring, well after the early-April 2026 freeze.
What is the biggest pumpkin festival in North Jersey?
Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon runs a Great Pumpkin Festival with more than 35 fall attractions, although some activities carry extra fees.
Do NJ pumpkin farms charge admission?
Many do. Admission often covers hayrides, mazes and activities, while pumpkins are usually priced separately. Check each farm’s website before you go.
Which NJ pumpkin patches are good near Philadelphia?
South Jersey options include Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill and Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill.
How do I choose a good pumpkin?
Look for a firm stem, no soft spots and a flat base for carving. Carry it from the bottom, not by the stem.
Plan Your Pumpkin Patch Day
Pumpkin patches in NJ are the most dependable fall farm outing in 2026. Choose a farm near you, go early in the season for the best selection and book tickets for popular weekends. Then add a corn maze, a hayride or an evening haunted attraction to make it a full autumn day.