Nothing says fall is on its way like taking the kids to a farm to pick their own fresh apples. Visiting an orchard is also a perfect way to teach the kids about supporting area farmers and eating locally-grown produce. Go during a harvest festival for more things to do on the farm. Call before you go to make sure you can pick your own apples that day (weather permitting) and find out which variety is best. Most farms will begin apple-picking season at the end of Augst and early September. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh apple cider donuts, when available.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Ln., Chester
908-258-6245
PYO is open through mid-November. Check here to see what’s open for picking. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold
732-462-0756
PYO starts around Aug. 28. Follow on Facebook for updates.
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
201-666-0472
PYO will be available beginning Sept. 1. Advance reservations are required.
Donaldson Farms
358 Allen Rd., Hackettstown
908-852-9122
PYO opens September 1 and includes apples plus raspberries.
Duffield’s Farm Market
280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell
856-589-7090
PYO apples and pumpkins extend into late September/early October. Reserve tickets for picking or the hayride in advance.
Eastmont Orchards
181 Route 537, Colts Neck
732-542-5404
PYO is open from early September through October.
Giamarese Farm
155 Fresh Ponds Rd., East Brunswick
732-821-9494
PYO is open from late August through Columbus Day.
Hill Creek Farms
1631 Rte. 45, Mullica Hill
856-223-0028
Fridays – Sundays, September 15 – November 5
U-pick apples, Asian pears, sunflowers and vegetables are available at different times throughout the season.
HillView Farms
223 Meyersville Rd., Gillette
PYO is in September and October.
Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Rd, Medford
609-654-8643
The fall harvest is open from September 9 through October 31, including Columbus Day.
Johnsons Locust Hall Farm
2691 Monmouth Rd., Jobstown
609-353-9000
September 7 to October 27
The pick-your-own season includes apples, pumpkins and sunflowers. The Park & Pick option allows you to visit every stop along the farm drive at your own pace.
Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Rd., East Windsor
609-448-0629
PYO is open in September and October. Make sure you read the farm rules in advance of your visit.
Longmeadow Farm
561 Hope Blairstown Rd., Blairstown
908-459-5351
PYO is open Labor Day weekend through mid-October.
Mackey’s Orchard
284 County Rd. 519, Belvidere
908-475-1507
Picking starts September 2 and 3, but check back for weather updates.
Melick’s Town Farm
472 County Rd. 513, Califon
908-439-2318
PYO is open from August through the second week of November.
Mood’s Farm Market
901 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill
856-478-2500
Picking is from mid-August through Thanksgiving. Apple-picking hayrides are on weekends in September.
Och’s Orchard
4 Ochs Ln., Warwick, NY
845-986-1591
PYO is open from late August through late November.
Phillip Farms
564 Milford-Warren Glen Rd., Milford
908-995-0022
PYO is open in September and October; the farm is closed on Tuesdays.
Pochuck Valley Farms
962 Route 517 (McAfee-Glenwood Rd.), Glenwood
973-764-4732
PYO is open from August 15 to November 10.
Race Farm
87 Belcher Rd., Blairstown
908-362-8151
PYO is open through July and August on Saturdays and Sundays.
Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Rd., Chester
908-879-7762
PYO opens on August 1. Follow on Facebook for updates.
Ripple Hill Farm
181 Mountain Rd., Basking Ridge
PYO is from September 8 to October 20.
Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm
529 Medford Lakes Rd., Tabernacle
609-268-0239
Pick apples and pumpkins Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 15 to October 29.
Stiles Farm and Nursery
172 S. Delsea Dr., Cape May Court House
609-600-7939
The fall picking season includes apples, pears and Asian pears.
Stony Hill Farms
15 North Rd., Chester
908-879-2908
PYO is open in early September through mid-October. Online reservations are available.
Strawberry Hill Farm
3 Waln Rd., Chesterfield
609-298-0823
Pick apples, pears and peaches from mid-July through November.
Sun High Orchards
19 Canfield Ave., Randolph
973-584-4734
Only open for PYO on weekdays.
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
609-924-2310
PYO is open from September through October.
Von Thun’s Country Farm Market
438 Route 57 West  Monmouth Junction
732-689-3761
PYO is open from mid-September through October.
Wightman’s Farm
1111 Mt. Kemble Ave., Morristown
973-425-9819
PYO is only available on weekends.
Windy Brow FarmsÂ
359 Ridge Rd., Newton
973-579-9657
Windy Brow has been farming for more than 75 years. It’s named for its windy location on the brow of a ridge, and was originally operated as a dairy farm in the late 1800s. The first fruit trees were planted by the Inslee family in 1920. They grow over 50 varieties of apples, 15 varieties of peaches, sweet and tart cherries and different vegetables.
Read More:
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