Visit These Marlboro-Area Pumpkin Patches Before It's Too Late

MARLBORO, NJ – With autumn quickly approaching, it's almost time for apple and pumpkin picking season. New Jersey is known for its expansive orchards and farms, and there's plenty of pumpkin patches to choose from.

We've compiled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms in the Monmouth County area for the fall of 2020; most offer other activities for families to enjoy, like haunted attractions, hay rides, corn mazes and seasonal cider donuts. Which spot is your favorite?

A. Casola Farms (178 Route 34 and Schanck Road, Holmdel)
Pick pumpkins, watch a wild west show, enjoy a corn maze or partake in a wine tasting sponsored by Fox Hollow Vineyards at A. Casola Farms in Holmdel. Don’t forget about homemade fall favorites and fresh baked goods. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until Oct. 31. For more information, visit acasolafarms.com.

Atlantic Farms (1506 Atlantic Avenue, Wall)
Whether you want to pick your own pumpkins, view tractor and truck displays, enjoy a hay ride or get lost in the hay bale maze, there’s something for everyone at Atlantic Farms. A petting farm with rescued farm animals will also be open through the fall season (fees included). Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For more information, visit atlanticfarmsinc.com.

Battleview Orchards (91 Wemrock Road, Freehold)
Pumpkin-picking will be available through October, as well as late-season peaches and an assortment of apple varieties. Other offerings include a general store, cider donuts and weekend hayrides. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Senior discounts offered on Mondays and Thursdays. Find the pick-your-own calendar here. For more information, visit battlevieworchards.com.

Bullock Farms (83 Emleys Hill Road, Cream Ridge)
At Bullock Farms, attendees can enjoy a 25-minute hayride amid 170 acres of pumpkins, Christmas trees and friendly ghouls. Guests may pick their own pumpkins, gourds and squash from the field. Bullock Barnyard includes several activities for families to enjoy, including the Corn Crib, a Straw Mountain, a full-size corn maze and a Kids’ Maze. Donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits and more will be available to pet. The farm is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Screamin’ Hill Brewery is open Friday and Saturday with limited hours. Masks required. Click here for more information.

C. Casola Farms (131 S Main Street, Marlboro)
Get spooked on the Haunted Hayride of Terror, visit the 3D Haunted Barn and try to beat the Marlboro Zombie Breakout in a game of Zombie Paintball. For lighter fare, attendees can enjoy The Witch’s Brew refreshment stand with fresh baked cookies, candie, hot dogs and more, as well as a seasonal Halloween boutique. Tickets and pricing available here. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Cheesequake Farms (Route 34 and Cottrell Road, Matawan)
Located near the Middlesex and Monmouth border, Cheesequake Farms offers guests the ability to pick a pumpkin right off the vine, ride through the farm via hayride or wander around the corn maze. For thrill-seekers, a Zombie Zone paintball hayride will be offered. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit cheesequakefarms.com.

Eastmont Orchards (169 County Rd E., Colts Neck)
Pick your own apples, pumpkins and late-season peaches at this Colts Neck favorite. Apple varieties include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cameo, Cortland, Crispin, Empire, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonathan, McCoun, Red Delicious, Spartan, Fuji, Granny Smith and Red Rome. Open from the end of July through October, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://eastmontorchards.com.

Happy Day Farm (106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan)
In addition to pumpkin picking, attendees can enjoy a slew of events at the beloved Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, including: a petting zoo, bee barn, corn maze, fun slide, pig race, pirate ship, pedal carts, pumpkin bowling, rainbow tires, ring toss, spider web, sunflower maze, tractor pull, tire mountain and tractor rides. The fan-favorite corn maze kiddie (mini) corn maze and corn cannon are also returning. For more information, visit https://www.happydayfarmnj.com.

Maple Leaf Farms (525 U.S. 9, Manalapan)
Maple Leaf Farms' Fall Funfest will run from September 19 - October 25. Festivities include Hayrides, a kids’ train ride, animal barnyard, corn maze, pig races, goat races, a tire mountain, jumping pony pen, pumpkin bowling and pumpkin picking. There’s also live country music and a live rodeo show at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The farm is open daily 10 a.m. 'till 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://mapleleaffarmnj.com.

Red Wagon Farm Market (437 Route 33, Manalapan)
For the farmers’ market crowd, look no further than Red Wagon Farm Market’s local produce market, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Weekenders will be able to enjoy hayrides (beginning Sept. 19) and pony rides (beginning Sept. 26) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Of course, attendees will be able to pick pumpkins, wander around the corn maze and enjoy a family picnic area. Masks required. For more information, visit https://redwagonfarmnj.com/fall-fun.