Fall Family Traditions in Freehold NJ – Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, and Hayrides, Oh My!
As the crisp fall air arrives, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about visiting apple orchards and scouring pumpkin patches to pluck future jack-o’-lanterns right off the vine. We found a variety of orchards and farms throughout central New Jersey where you can take hayrides, pick your own fall produce, visit petting zoos, and explore corn mazes.
Visiting a farm is a perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends in the weeks leading up to Halloween. The residents at Applewood’s Continuing Care Retirement Community are just a short ride to some of the best local farms offering fall foliage and treasured autumn memories. Here’s our list of the 9 Best Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches in Freehold NJ.
Eastmont Orchards
If you want an insight into the finer points of apple picking, you can get it at Eastmont Orchards. The orchard has a helpful video on how to pluck an apple from the rows and rows of trees on their property. You’ll find Crispin, Red Delicious, Empire, and many other varieties of apples dangling from the trees from mid-September to mid-October. Later in the season, there are Granny Smith apples, Fujis, Yellow Newtown Pippens, and more. Here’s an additional piece of good news: sampling some of the fruit is permitted as you look for just the right apples.
Bullock Farms
You can board a wagon for a hay ride right behind this farm’s pumpkin market before winding your way along farm roads, past scarecrows, and around the pond. You’ll stop at the field to pick ornamental gourds, squashes, and pumpkins. The wagon makes multiple journeys to and from the field, which allows you to take as much time as you need to “find your perfect harvest.”
Happy Day Farm
Get the full fall festival experience at Happy Day Farm, where you can visit Pumpkinville, see pig races, and enjoy tractor rides. You can take part in more than 35 fall activities during your visit.
Etsch Farms
If you’ve ever wanted to visit an 8-acre corn maze, here’s your chance. Etsch Farms says it also offers apple cider donuts (and slushies) and the chance to meet farm animals while finding just the right pumpkin for the fall season.
Battleview Orchards
Battleview Orchards Country Market and Bakery offers weekend hayrides, apple and pumpkin picking, and plenty of freshly baked pies (including seasonal Caramel Apple Walnut pies, Sweet Potato pies, Pecan, Pumpkin, and other fall-themed pies). If you want some tips on how to craft your own pumpkin-based dishes, check out these recipes on the orchard’s website.
Atlantic Farm Market
The Atlantic Farm Market invites you to stop by this family-friendly pumpkin patch to take hayrides, pick pumpkins, and watch your grandchildren frolic in the bounce house. You can also stop by the petting zoo to pet, feed, and take photos with the farm critters.
Lee Turkey Farm
Walk among apple trees and pumpkin patches during one of the harvest tours at Lee Turkey Farm, a 54-acre farm that’s been worked by the same family for seven generations.
Westhaven Farms
This farm comes alive with Halloween excitement as fall approaches. There are kid-friendly hayrides and cold cider awaiting those who take part in the nighttime flashlight corn maze.
Oasis Family Farms
Rounding out our list is Oasis Family Farms, located just off the New Jersey Turnpike, where you can take part in fall-time sunflower cutting and pumpkin picking. There’s also the Little Monster trail for kids.
We are pleased to bring you this list of fun things for families to do near Freehold, NJ. Consider charming and elegant Applewood for your retirement living. Also, don’t forget to check out our previous blog Apple Picking in New Jersey.
Are you ready to take advantage of all that Freehold, N.J. has to offer? Get in touch with us today. Call the Applewood team at 732-303-7416 to learn more and schedule a tour.
