Fall is here, and there’s nothing better than heading out of the city for a day of pumpkin picking! Luckily, there are several amazing pumpkin patches within an hour’s drive of New York City. Here’s a list of the top spots you can visit this season, complete with hours, prices, and links to plan your perfect autumn adventure.
1. Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)
Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
Hours: September 9 – October 31, 2024
• Pumpkin picking: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Light Show: Weekends, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Prices:
• General Admission: $7 per person (weekdays), $10 per person (weekends)
• Pumpkin: Priced by size
Details: This family-friendly farm offers hayrides, a 32-acre Halloween light show, and an extensive farmer’s market. It’s one of the closest options, making it ideal for a quick fall getaway from NYC.
2. Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY)
Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
Hours: September 9 – October 29, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Prices:
• Admission: $10 per person (weekday), $15 (weekends)
• Pumpkin picking is included in admission (priced by size).
Details: Fishkill Farms is a sustainable farm that grows pumpkins and apples. The farm hosts fall festivals on weekends, featuring live music, wagon rides, and hard cider tastings.
3. Outhouse Orchards (North Salem, NY)
Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
Hours: September – October, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Prices:
• $15 for a hayride and corn maze combo
• Pumpkins priced by size
Details: In addition to pumpkin picking, Outhouse Orchards offers a scenic tractor ride and a corn maze that kids will love. Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand for apple cider donuts!
4. Elwood Pumpkin Farm (Huntington, NY)
Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
Hours: September 22 – October 31, 2024
• Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Weekends: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Prices:
• Admission: Free (pumpkins priced by size)
• Hayrides: $5 per person
Details: Elwood Pumpkin Farm offers an authentic pumpkin-picking experience where you can pick straight from the vine. There’s also a kid-friendly corn maze and hayrides.
5. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
Hours: September 28 – October 31, 2024
• 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily (Closed on Tuesdays)
Prices:
• Admission: Free (pumpkins and apples priced by size)
Details: Wilkens Farm offers a picturesque pumpkin patch, apple picking, and a farm market. It’s a great spot for a relaxed day in the countryside.
These pumpkin patches are perfect for a fall day trip, each offering a unique mix of activities and fresh pumpkins for carving, baking, or decorating. Make sure to check their websites for the latest updates on hours and ticket availability, and enjoy your fall adventure!