Pumpkin-picking season has arrived in South Jersey, bringing hayrides, corn mazes and other fall activities to area farms.
Whether you’d like to carve a jack-o’-lantern, decorate a front porch or select a pumpkin for a favorite fall recipe, several area farms allow visitors to head into the field and choose their own.
Here are five destinations offering pumpkin picking and other seasonal attractions:
R and J Farm Corn Maze and Hayride
R and J Farm, located at 723 W. Herschel St. in Galloway Township, offers hayrides to its pumpkin patch, where visitors can select a pumpkin from the field.
The farm’s fall attractions also include a themed corn maze and jumping pad. A farm stand offers additional seasonal items. Admission options and operating hours vary, so advance reservations and a review of the farm’s latest schedule are recommended. Visit rjfarm.com for more information.
Sahl’s Father Son Farm
Located at 420 W. Pestalozzi St. in Galloway Township, Sahl’s Father Son Farm combines pumpkin picking with a full lineup of family-oriented attractions.
Visitors can take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and explore a large corn maze with different routes and difficulty levels. Other activities have included pig races, farm animals, a children’s play area, toy duck races, outdoor games and food.
Some attractions may be included with admission, while others may carry an additional charge. Visitors should check the farm’s social media pages for current dates, hours and ticket information.
The Red Barn Farm
Located at 391 Route 206 in Hammonton, The Red Barn Farm is holding its fall festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1.
Pick-your-own pumpkin activities begin in early October. Visitors take a hayride to the pumpkin field, with one pumpkin included with festival admission.
The farm also features a large corn maze, jumping pillow, miniature goats, free-range chickens, outdoor games and seasonal photo opportunities. Food, locally made pies and adult beverages from regional producers are available on selected days.
Visit redbarnfarmnj.com for admission details and the latest schedule.
Rea’s Farm
Located at 400 Stevens St. in West Cape May, Rea’s Farm offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze and farm animals. Special events are scheduled throughout the season, including Friday gatherings with live music, food and vendors. The farm also hosts its Hot Rods and Hayrides event on selected dates.
Rea’s grows a variety of seasonal crops and offers other pick-your-own opportunities during the year. Details about pumpkin availability, admission and special events are posted at reasfarm.com.
Salt & Clover Sheep Farm
Formerly known as Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, Salt & Clover Sheep Farm,
is located at 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road in Petersburg.
Its fall activities include hayrides and pumpkin picking, along with pony rides, face painting, crafts, vendors, food and live music.
The farm is also home to sheep and produces artisan sheep-milk products. Fall activities are generally offered on weekends, with reservations or advance tickets required for some events.
Visit saltandcloversheepfarm.com for more information.
Visitors should wear shoes suitable for uneven or muddy fields and review each farm’s policies on tickets, pets, outside food and weather-related closings. With pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, animals and seasonal food, South Jersey’s farms offer plenty of ways to turn your search for the great pumpkin into a full fall outing.
