Nothing says fall in New Jersey quite like a wagon ride to a pumpkin patch, a warm cider doughnut and a corn maze that has the entire family debating which way to turn.

From small pick-your-own fields to full-scale festivals with live music, farm animals and dozens of children’s activities, New Jersey offers plenty of autumn adventures for grandparents and grandkids. This regional guide highlights some of the best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in North, Central and South Jersey for fall 2026.

Because farm schedules, admission prices and activities can change with the weather and harvest, check each farm’s website before leaving home. Some attractions require advance tickets or reservations.

The best time to pick pumpkins in New Jersey is generally from mid-September through October. Availability depends on the weather, the farm and the type of pumpkin you want.

How can you tell if a pumpkin is ready to pick? Look for:

Pumpkins should be harvested before the first hard frost. If you plan to carve yours, wait until closer to Halloween so it stays fresh.

Address: 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff

Abma’s Farm combines several favorite fall traditions in one outing. Its seasonal experience typically includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin to take home and admission to the Barnyard Petting Zoo. Grandkids can meet sheep, goats, alpacas, rabbits, pigs, ponies and other farm animals.

Address: 244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale

Fall admission at Demarest Farms generally includes access to the pumpkin patch, playground and seasonal activities, with hayrides offered on select days. Advance reservations are usually required, and pets should remain at home.

Address: 945 Black Oak Ridge Road, Wayne

Continuously running hayrides carry visitors to the pumpkin patch at Farms View. The farm has traditionally welcomed visitors without reservations, making it a convenient option for families who prefer a more flexible fall outing.

Address: 85 Airmont Avenue, Mahwah

Take a hayride through rolling farmland and past a pond before arriving at Secor Farms’ pumpkin patch. A corn maze and seasonal treats add to the old-fashioned fall atmosphere.

Address: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester

Alstede Farms is one of New Jersey’s largest fall destinations. Pick-your-own admission typically includes daytime access to a themed corn maze. Evening Harvest Moon Hayrides offer another way to explore the farm after the sun goes down.

Address: 451 Route 94, Vernon

Heaven Hill Farm’s Great Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Sept. 12 through Nov. 8, 2026. Visitors can expect more than 35 attractions, seasonal food, games and family photo opportunities. Hayrides, pumpkin picking and a themed corn maze have traditionally been among the highlights.

Address: 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette

Hillview Farms, known for its summer fruit and flower crops, generally offers weekend hayrides to the pumpkin patch during October. It is a good choice for families seeking a simpler pick-your-own experience.

Address: 304 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham

Sometimes described as “Mendham’s best-kept secret,” Middle Valley Farms typically offers pumpkin picking, hayrides and a corn maze in a relaxed country setting.

Address: 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley

A tractor-pulled hayride carries visitors to the pumpkin patch at Ort Farms. Fall admission has traditionally included a five-acre corn maze, along with a variety of farm activities.

Address: 122 Oakdale Road, Chester

Best known for its old apple trees, Riamede Farm also grows pumpkins that visitors can pick from the vine. Look for carving pumpkins as well as smaller cheese and sugar varieties suited for baking.

Address: 15 North Road, Chester

Stony Hill Farms is preparing a 10-acre NJ 250-themed corn maze for fall 2026, marking the 250th anniversaries of both the United States and New Jersey. The maze includes activity stations and facts about the state. Pick-your-own pumpkins and other seasonal attractions are also planned.

Address: 19 Canfield Avenue, Randolph

Sun High Orchards has a pumpkin-growing claim to fame: The farm once produced a 1,140-pound pumpkin that held a world record in 2000. Visitors may want to bring a wagon, particularly if the grandkids choose the biggest pumpkins they can find.

Address: 565 Route 206 North, Andover

Despite its name, this family farm offers more than summer berries. During fall, visitors can head into the fields to find pumpkins suited for carving, painting or decorating.

Address: 47 Decker Pond Road, Green Township

Tranquility Farms generally lets families build their own outing with individually priced activities. Seasonal options may include pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, a cow train, farm animals and a giant hay slide. Leashed dogs have also been welcome in past seasons.

Address: 556 Buckelew Avenue, Monroe Township

This fourth-generation farm is known for its sprawling eight-acre corn maze. After finding your way out, pick a pumpkin and reward the group with fresh apple cider doughnuts.

Address: 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick

Giamarese Farm & Orchards has welcomed pick-your-own visitors since 1941. Once its summer fruit season winds down, pumpkins become the main attraction.

Address: 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township

Howell Living History Farm is home to New Jersey’s longest-running corn maze. The four-acre maze receives a new theme each year, giving families a reason to return season after season.

Address: 201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor

This seventh-generation family farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins and other crops grown in its fields and orchards. It is a quieter alternative to some of the state’s larger fall festivals.

Address: 472 County Road 513, Califon

Melick’s Town Farm offers 200 acres of countryside to explore. October activities have included pick-your-own pumpkins, a free corn maze and a tractor-tire playground. Pack a picnic and turn the visit into a full fall day.

Address: 120 South Branch Road, Hillsborough

Norz Hill Farm grows more than 60 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash in shades ranging from traditional orange to white, blue, green and pink. Its fall festival typically includes a five-acre corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin picking and a children’s play area.

Address: 91 Crabapple Hill Road, Milford

With more than 200 years of farming history, Phillips Farms offers a scenic setting for pumpkin picking. The farm also operates a second location nearby, giving visitors another chance to find the right pumpkin.

Address: 1051 County Road 523, Flemington

During daylight hours, Schaefer Farms offers family-friendly fun that may include hayrides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, farm animals and a corn cannon. At night, its Farm of Horrors attractions are designed for visitors seeking a much scarier experience.

Address: 586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset

Snyder’s Farm turns fall into a full day of activity. Its seasonal festival has featured pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, slides, climbing tunnels, rubber-duck races, a hay-bale maze and backhoe diggers.

Address: 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton

Terhune Orchards is one of Central Jersey’s most popular autumn destinations. Fall weekends generally bring pumpkin picking and painting, corn and hay-bale mazes, barnyard animals, pedal tractors, children’s activities and live music. Adults can also sample wine in the orchard.

Address: 448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill

Creamy Acres Farm’s Fall Fest has traditionally featured wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, farm animals and barnyard activities. In past seasons, visitors have been able to choose pumpkins weighing as much as 25 pounds.

Address: 111 Tuckerton Road, Medford

Indian Acres offers a giant sorghum maze rather than a traditional corn maze. The attraction is divided into a three-acre section for younger children and a four-acre challenge for older children and adults. Additional activities have included wagon rides, pumpkin picking, a barrel train, corn boats and a mud kitchen.

Address: 133 Church Road, Medford

Johnson’s Corner Farm packs plenty into its Fall Harvest celebration. Families can pick pumpkins, navigate a five-acre corn maze, listen to live music, visit barnyard animals, try gem mining and stop for festival food.

Address: 901 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill

Mood’s Farm Market offers a gentler fall outing with a not-too-scary hayride to the pumpkin patch. Admission has traditionally included a small pumpkin, apple cider and a cider doughnut—the sort of package no grandchild is likely to argue with.

Address: 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River

Argos Farm’s Fall Festival brings together pumpkin picking, a corn maze, live music, farm animals and seasonal treats. Children’s attractions have included a double hay slide, bee zip line and cow train.

Address: 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold

As New Jersey’s oldest pick-your-own orchard, Battleview has generations of fall experience. Weekend hayrides take visitors to the pumpkin patch, and the farm’s website offers recipes for turning the harvest into pies, breads and other treats.

Address: 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan Township

Happy Day Farm’s weekend Fall Festival is a strong choice for families looking for more than pumpkin picking. Admission has traditionally covered more than 35 activities, including a corn maze, tractor rides, pumpkin bowling, a wooden train, tire mountain, slides, pig races and other children’s attractions.

A little planning can make the day easier for every generation:

Whether your perfect fall day includes a challenging corn maze, a quiet wagon ride or a cider doughnut eaten before lunch, New Jersey’s farms offer plenty of ways to make autumn memories with the grandkids.