Pumpkins and autumn fun: the best farms near New York to visit with the whole family

It's October, which means it's time to head out for a pumpkin again. Visit one of these pumpkin farms in and around New York City to pick the best, advises New York Family.

The best part is that it is also apple picking season. And that means you and your family will have plenty of apple cider, apple cider donuts and pastries to enjoy as you roam the pumpkin fields, petting farm animals and picking pumpkins. We've even listed the distance to the city center so you know how long the journey will be.

Less than one hour

Demarest farms

244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

201-666-0472

Pumpkin picking at Demarest Farm began on September 24th. Place an order on their website and choose the perfect pumpkin. As soon as you make an order, you will be informed of the date and time of arrival at the farm. Admission is $7, including free parking, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and hayfields available on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus $12 for the biggest pumpkin you choose. Children under the age of 2 can visit for free. The farm is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

Queens County Farm

73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004

718-347-3276

The Queens County Farm is reopening its pumpkin patch for family fun this October.
While Pumpkin Meadow is open mostly on weekends, feel free to come by during the week to purchase some pumpkins from the farm shop. It is open to the public from 1 to 29 October. 12:00 to 16:30 Monday to Friday; from 10:00 to 16:30 on Saturday and Sunday. General admission to the public is free, except for special events.

Hillview Farms

223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ

908-647-0957

Harvest Pumpkins at Hillview Farms! In October, you and your family can visit this family farm where local produce is grown. It runs every weekend in October! You can even visit their roadside market selling apples, pumpkins, vegetables, tomatoes, donuts, cider and baked goods. It is open from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm (the field closes to the public at 17:00 pm), daily.

From one hour to one and a half

Secor farms

85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430

201-529-2595

Take unforgettable pictures at the Secor Farms Pumpkin Patch. Public haymaking starts in mid-September and costs $5. Don't leave without visiting the farmers' market, where you can buy fresh-pressed apple cider and homemade donuts soaked in apple cider. The Pumpkin Patch is open daily from 9:00 am to 17:30 pm until 31 October.

Outhouse orchards

139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560

914-277-3188

This farm attracts many families year after year - you can even bring your dog with you! When celebrating the fall season, choose pumpkins and a variety of Halloween decorations. Reservations are not required on weekdays, but make a reservation if you want to come on the weekend. Weekend parking is $15 and weekday parking is free. The farm is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

Riamede Farm

122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930

908-879-7762

You may know Riamede Farms from their famous apple orchards, but they also have a pumpkin patch that you can cut yourself! Riamede Farm recommends that you bring your own cutting scissors. Don't forget to stock up on delicious apples, donuts and pastries during your visit. The farm pass costs $7 and is required for all visitors aged 6 and over. The price includes entry to the apple orchard, pumpkin field and a free weekend van ride. The farm is open from 9:00 to 16:30 daily.

Stuart's fruit farm

62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527

914-245-2784

Stuart's Fruit Farm not only has a fruit farm, but also the perfect pumpkin patch for a family getaway! Enjoy the autumn air and view of the farm while looking at the pumpkins and choosing your favorites. You can also buy pre-harvested pumpkins at the farm stand if you don't have time to head to the pumpkin patch. The garden bed is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Payment by cash or check only.

Alstede farms

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930

908-879-7189

Head here to collect the freshest pumpkins with your family! There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from in all shapes and sizes: orange and white, munchkins and assorted winter squash. Purchase the ticket of your choice on their website before visiting. The Corn Maze and the Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail are included in the entrance fee. The location is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.

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Barton Orchards

63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570

845-227-2306

From the end of September until the end of October, Barton Orchards boasts a wonderful pumpkin patch suitable for families. Barton Gardens began as an apple farm. But they have since expanded to include tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, zucchini and, of course, pumpkins!
During your visit, you will find many other interesting activities and delicious dishes. Online ticket booking is required, with tickets available one weekend at a time. Open here on Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 to 18:00. A minimum purchase of $10 is required.

Fishkill Farms

9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

845-897-4377

The Pumpkin Patch has both edible and ornamental pumpkins to choose from. There are also zucchini, corn stalks, straw bales for autumn decor! Be sure to book a table for the whole family to go pumpkin picking at Fishkill Farms. And don't leave without trying their freshly made donuts at the farm shop!
Pumpkin season here begins in mid-September. The store offers contactless pickup and local delivery. The garden bed is open from 9:00 am to 16:45 pm (field closes at 17:45 pm), Tuesday through Sunday.